Van with Decent Road Clearance & Comfy Seats - Budget $20,000

smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 09:22
Last edited 02/08/2024 - 15:00 by 1 other user

Hey all, sort of in the very beginning of the research process, looking for a van that's (in order of importance):

  • Has comfortable seats with good adjustment options (preferably 3, whether all front or 2 front + extra (does this sort of thing even exists?)) - for long driving 2+ hours

  • Decent road clearance (maybe even AWD/4WD). No real off road driving needed, just occasional gravel / bumpy old roads

  • Not too huge, preferably still able to get into shopping centres with their height limits (2m?)

Thanks! 🙏

Automotive Van

Comments

  • toomuchdogfur on 02/08/2024 - 09:43

    A Mitsubishi Delica, perhaps? It definitely ticks the latter two boxes, and probably the first (it's geared towards being a campervan so I'd hope they sorted the seats out too).

    Otherwise a Toyota Alphard definitely has the comfortable seats in the first two rows. But the ground clearance is similar to a regular car rather than anything approaching rougher roads.

    • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 11:58

      Thanks, but both seem to have way too many seats and small cargo space.

      • JumpingUnicorns on 02/08/2024 - 12:19
        +1

        Take the last row of seats out?

        • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 13:27

          That's what I am doing now in my SUV. No point having seats at all if not getting used.

    • HeWhoKnows on 03/08/2024 - 17:57
      -1

      OP should plug in the criteria basics into Gumtree cars and see what comes up.

      or vist a few car yards thet sell vans

      After inspecting a different few vans OP will quickly work out what they like and then narrow down the search.

      As they say…"beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

  • jv on 02/08/2024 - 10:01
    -1

    Van with Decent Road Clearance & Comfy Seats

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1954-volkswagen-kom…

    You're welcome…….

    • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 11:57

      Thanks. But that looks like a collectable and the price reflects that. Questionable aesthetics as well.

      • 87percent on 02/08/2024 - 12:30

        Questionable aesthetic?! They look cool af

        • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 13:26
          +1

          I suppose they do to some.

        • Loopholio on 03/08/2024 - 10:59

          These vans also come with lower air bags (your legs). This hardly matters because they look sweet.

  • randomusername2017 on 02/08/2024 - 10:03
    +1

    for long driving 2+ hours

    Peak hour commute 🤔

  • geekcohen on 02/08/2024 - 10:10
    +1

    Why the specific need for a Van? Why not a 7 seater 4WD or something similar?

    • spackbace on 02/08/2024 - 10:17
      +1

      This. A Kluger or Prado will have a flat loading area as the middle and rear seats fold completely flat.

      The van will need sound insulation, as well as likely not being the best all-rounder that you need

    • Joshuaaus on 02/08/2024 - 10:50

      New Defender 110 with the jumpseat in the front. Air suspension for clearance and comfort, off-road etc etc.

      Only downside is $$$ but I have one and its excellent as a daily driver.

    • Ozbar Gain on 02/08/2024 - 11:13
      +2

      Hyundai Staria is AWD with a road clearance of 184mm.
      Toyota Kluger is AWD with a road clearance of 200mm. The difference is really small

    • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 11:55

      Cargo space. Have an SUV now and most of the time using it w seats folded down. Hardly ever need to move more than 2 extra ppl.

      • geekcohen on 02/08/2024 - 12:20
        -1

        Get a Ute with a Canopy. Can you get a 2WD HiLux or something.

        • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 13:25

          Too small length-wise, I want to string up a car hammock (custom version of this https://carhammock.com/ ) there for multi-day travel

          • BigBirdy on 02/08/2024 - 15:59
            +2

            @smartialarts: You’ll have fun getting on & off that

            • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 16:45
              +1

              @BigBirdy: Tell me something I don't know.

              Honestly tho, been hammock camping since forever ago, would never go back to tent.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/08/2024 - 11:03

    not too huge

    I always thought a Japanese kei truck might be fun to either convert or upgrade to a little camper. When would I have time though.. hmm

  • Ryanek on 02/08/2024 - 11:11
    +1

    Tell us the price son.

    • smartialarts on 02/08/2024 - 11:59

      Say up to 20k. No need for anything fancy or brand new. A workhorse.

  • frondono on 02/08/2024 - 12:38
    +1

    Some of the VW & Mercedes vans are AWD. Height may be an issue.

  • Euphemistic on 02/08/2024 - 16:48
    +1

    If you limit your travel to gravel roads, any van will do. The most important thing sounds like comfy seats. Comfort is highly subjective. YOU will need to test that. Vans aren't typically built for long distance travel but they are built to drive a lot so you should be able to find one YOU are comfortable in.

    Pick a common variant in your budget. Go test drive them. Choose one YOU like.

  • sumyungguy on 02/08/2024 - 22:14

    You'll find a used Hyundai iLoad in your price range: diesel, manual with 3-seats up front

  • gorgrond on 05/08/2024 - 15:44

    Grey import Nissan Elgrand.

    You can keep the back seats lifted when not in use. Very comfortable car. You'll find several options on your price range.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join