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Best vehicles for backpackers
Filter by budget, type and usage to find yours
Budget
Type
Usage
The most reliable brands
Roy Morgan 2023Most popular used SUVs & cars
CarsGuide 2023Top 5 used 4x4s
ShopForCars 2023Top 5 used vans
TradeMate 2023Toyota Hiace 2014–2018
The most popular pick among vanlifers
Ford Transit 2012–2016
Good value for money
Mercedes Sprinter 2013–2017
Premium, but pricey
Volkswagen Transporter 2013–2017
German build quality, pricey parts
Renault Trafic 2013–2017
Budget-friendly, but European parts
Brands to avoid
Marques européennes (Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, BMW, Audi, etc.)
Why : Spare parts are rare, expensive and slow to arrive. Specialist mechanics are hard to find.
Alternative : Prefer Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Honda (Asian brands)
Practical tips
- Avoid European brands (parts are expensive and hard to find)
- Avoid vehicles with excessive mileage (over 250,000 km)
- Favour vehicles with a regular, well-documented service history
- Go for Asian manufacturers (Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Honda)
- Toyota is #1 in Australia (reliable, durable, easy parts)
- Always run a PPSR check before buying
- Get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic if you can
Toyota Hiace
2014–2018 · Converted van
$10,000–$14,000
- The best-selling van and the vanlife favourite
- Ultra reliable (Toyota is #1 in Australia)
- Cheap, easy-to-find parts
- Fairly thirsty (10–12 L/100km)
Ford Transit
2012–2016 · Converted van
$8,000–$12,000
- Good value for money
- Big space, easy to fit out
- Familiar van driving feel
- Less reliable than a Toyota
Mercedes Sprinter
2013–2017 · Converted van
$15,000–$22,000
- Premium, comfortable ride
- Big space
- Reliable (Mercedes)
- Expensive (budget over $15k)
Volkswagen Transporter
2013–2017 · Converted van
$14,000–$20,000
- German build quality
- Comfortable
- Better fuel economy (9–11 L/100km)
- VW parts are expensive and rare in Australia
Renault Trafic
2013–2017 · Converted van
$9,000–$13,000
- Budget-friendly (under $10k)
- Comfortable
- Enough space
- European brand (expensive, rare parts)
Ford Ranger
2013–2018 · 4WD / Utility
$15,000–$25,000
- Tough 4WD
- Australia's best-seller (alongside the Hilux)
- Easy-to-find parts
- Expensive (budget over $15k)
Toyota Hilux
2013–2018 · 4WD / Utility
$16,000–$26,000
- Ultra reliable 4WD (Toyota is #1)
- Australia's best-seller
- Very easy-to-find parts
- Expensive (budget over $15k)
Mitsubishi Triton
2013–2018 · 4WD / Utility
$12,000–$18,000
- Reliable 4WD
- Easy-to-find parts
- Easy resale
- Fairly thirsty (10–12 L/100km)
Holden Colorado
2013–2018 · 4WD / Utility
$13,000–$20,000
- Tough 4WD
- Parts still available (Holden closed in 2020)
- Cheaper than a Hilux/Ranger
- Holden closed in 2020 (parts getting rarer)
Isuzu D-MAX
2013–2018 · 4WD / Utility
$14,000–$22,000
- Reliable 4WD (Isuzu builds trucks)
- Easy-to-find parts
- Easy resale
- Fairly thirsty (10–12 L/100km)
Holden Commodore Wagon
2010–2013 · Car / Wagon
$4,000–$6,000
- Cheap (budget under $5k)
- Very cheap, easy-to-find parts
- Roomy enough to sleep two
- Thirsty (11–14 L/100km)
Toyota Corolla
2012–2015 · Car / Hatch
$5,000–$7,000
- Ultra reliable (Toyota is #1)
- Fuel-efficient (7–8 L/100km)
- Very easy-to-find parts
- No room to sleep in
Toyota RAV4
2013–2017 · SUV
$12,000–$18,000
- Australia's best-selling SUV
- Ultra reliable (Toyota is #1)
- Fuel-efficient (8–9 L/100km)
- Expensive (budget over $10k)
Find your match in 5 questions
A quick quiz to fine-tune the recommendation to your exact usage.
Question 1/5
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Length of stay
Total mileage expected
Road type
Total budget (purchase + upkeep + resale)
Main usage
Total cost by option
Buy
You buy and resell at the end$7,695
$855/month
Pros
- Total freedom, no km limit
- You resell at the end and get some money back
- You can sleep in it (converted van)
Cons
- Risk of breakdown or bad surprises
- PPSR, transfer, paperwork to handle
- Resale price not guaranteed
Subscription
Carbar, Carly — all inclusive$10,605
$1,178/month
Pros
- Everything included (insurance, servicing, rego)
- Cancel anytime
- No big lump sum upfront
Cons
- More expensive than buying over the very long term
- Less freedom than owning
- Availability varies by region
Long-term rental
JUCY, Spaceships, Apollo…$15,106
$1,678/month
Pros
- Zero maintenance or mechanical surprises
- Insurance and roadside assistance included
- Flexible, easy to switch vehicles
Cons
- Expensive over the long term
- Km sometimes capped depending on contract
- Vehicle choice often limited
🎯 Our recommendation
Buy
Given your trip length and expected mileage, buying works out cheaper overall — even factoring in depreciation. You'll get some money back by reselling at the end of your Working Holiday.
Alternative
If you want to avoid paperwork and breakdown risk → look at a subscription, a bit pricier but hassle-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before choosing your vehicle.