Van or car for your WHV in Australia
Buying is often the cheapest option for a long stay, but it's also where the most expensive mistakes happen. How to choose, what to check before you pay, and the $1-a-day relocation deal.
Updated 25 September 2026.
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Buy or rent
Both get you on the road. They differ on upfront cost, maintenance and paperwork.
| Criteria | Buy | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront budget | High: the full vehicle price at once | Low: bond and booking |
| Cost over 6+ months | Lowest if you resell well | Highest |
| Maintenance and breakdowns | Your problem | Included |
| Paperwork | PPSR, transfer, rego, insurance | None |
| Sleep in it | Yes, with a fitted-out van | Yes, with a campervan |
| Best if | You stay 6+ months and drive a lot | You're doing a road trip of a few weeks |
If you're staying 6 months or more and driving a lot → buy, but only after the 4 checks. See the 4 checks
For a road trip of a few weeks → rent a campervan. JUCY
If your dates are flexible → do a $1-a-day relocation. Imoova
Never pay before these 4 checks
A private seller has no obligation to tell you about finance owing or a write-off history. It's on you to check, before a single dollar changes hands.
PPSR
On ppsr.gov.au with the VIN, for $2. You'll see whether there's money owing on the vehicle (it can be repossessed even after you buy it), whether it's been reported stolen, or whether it's a write-off.
Rego
Check it's valid, not suspended or expired, and when it runs out. Every state has a free online rego check.
Detailed receipt
Insist on a receipt with the VIN, number plate, engine number, price, date and both your and the seller's signatures. It's your proof of purchase for the transfer.
Ownership transfer on time
In NSW you have 14 days after buying to transfer the rego into your name, or you pay a late fee. The buyer pays the transfer fee, stamp duty and sometimes motor vehicle tax.
| PPSR search | $2 |
| Transfer deadline in NSW | 14 days |
| Transfer fee and stamp duty | Paid by the buyer |
Deadlines and fees vary by state: check the rules of the state where the vehicle is registered before you pay.
$1-a-day van relocations
One of the best genuine deals around: rental companies need to move their cars, vans and campervans between cities. You sometimes pay just $1 a day, sometimes with a fuel allowance or ferry included. In return, you stick to a set date and route.
Know before you book
- You need to be flexible on dates.
- Time is limited: a few days to do the trip.
- Kilometres are sometimes capped.
- Check the bond and insurance before booking.
- Fuel is sometimes reimbursed against receipts.
Renting a campervan
The main rental companies for a road trip. Before you book, check the excess, the included kilometres and which roads are allowed.
JUCY
From $45/day
Spaceships
Small campervans fitted with a bed and kitchen, designed for backpackers on a budget. In Australia and New Zealand.
10% off through this link, for trips in October or November 2026.
Britz / Apollo
Campervans, larger motorhomes and equipped 4WDs for road trips, with branches in major Australian cities. Pricier than backpacker vans, but more comfortable.
Imoova
Relocations: drive a campervan or car from one city to another, often for $1 a day. Route and dates are set.
Best vehicles for backpackers
The most reliable models, and the easiest to resell. Click a vehicle to see the details.
The most reliable brands
Roy Morgan 2023Most popular used SUVs & cars
CarsGuide 2023Best used 4x4s
ShopForCars 2023 · carsales 2026Best used vans
TradeMate 2023 · carsales 2026Toyota Hiace 2014–2018
The most popular pick among vanlifers
Ford Transit 2012–2016
Good value for money
Hyundai iLoad 2012–2016
Reliable, often cheaper than the Hiace
Toyota Tarago 2008–2015
Low budget, sleep in the back
Brands to avoid
European brands (Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, 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
Hyundai iLoad
2012–2016 · Converted van
$12,000–$19,000
- A reliable alternative to the Hiace, often cheaper
- Enough space to fit out
- Easy-to-find parts
- Less sought-after than the Hiace at resale
Toyota Tarago
2008–2015 · People mover
$5,000–$12,000
- Toyota reliability
- Low budget for a vehicle you can sleep in
- Fold the seats: room for a mattress
- Low roof (you can't stand up)
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)
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)
Mitsubishi Pajero
2010–2015 · 4WD / SUV
$13,000–$23,000
- A real 4WD (low range) for the Outback
- Cheaper than a Prado
- Reliable and tough
- Fairly thirsty (10–12 L/100km)
Toyota Prado
2010–2014 · 4WD / SUV
$22,000–$32,000
- The go-to 4WD for the Outback
- Ultra reliable (Toyota is #1)
- Very easy resale
- Expensive (budget over $20k)
Nissan Navara
2015–2019 · 4WD / Utility
$16,000–$28,000
- A 4WD ute often cheaper than a Hilux or Ranger
- Comfortable (coil-spring rear suspension)
- Fuel-efficient for a 4WD (8–9 L/100km)
- Less reliable than a Hilux
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)
Mazda CX-5
2012–2017 · SUV
$13,000–$19,000
- One of Australia's best-selling SUVs
- Reliable (Mazda in Roy Morgan's top 10)
- Fuel-efficient (7–8 L/100km)
- Expensive (budget over $10k)
Hyundai i30
2012–2017 · Car / Hatch
$6,000–$10,000
- Budget under $10k
- Reliable (Hyundai in Roy Morgan's top 10)
- Fuel-efficient (7–8 L/100km)
- Harder to resell than a Toyota
Mazda 3
2009–2013 · Car / Hatch
$3,500–$8,000
- Low budget (often under $5k)
- Reliable (Mazda in Roy Morgan's top 10)
- Very common: parts everywhere
- No room to sleep in
Honda Jazz
2008–2012 · Car / Hatch
$4,000–$8,000
- Low budget (from ~$4k)
- Very reliable (Honda in Roy Morgan's top 3)
- Very fuel-efficient (6–7 L/100km)
- No room to sleep in
Subaru Forester
2013–2017 · SUV
$9,000–$17,000
- All-wheel drive as standard
- Comfortable on light dirt tracks
- Reliable and tough
- Not a real 4WD (no low range)
Find your match in 5 questions
A quick quiz to fine-tune the recommendation to your exact usage.
Question 1/5
You'll mostly be driving on:
Practical tips
Get a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before you pay, especially a high-kilometre van.
Never pay cash without a signed receipt.
Keep the receipt, PPSR and rego papers in 88mates.
Before reselling, get a recent service with an invoice: it reassures buyers.
Frequently asked questions
How does a $1-a-day relocation work?
A rental company needs a vehicle moved from one city to another. You book the trip, pay a token rate (often $1 a day) and deliver the vehicle by the set date. Some deals include a fuel allowance or ferry ticket, reimbursed against receipts. Always check the bond, the insurance and the kilometre allowance before booking.
Who pays stamp duty when buying a used vehicle?
The buyer, when the registration is transferred. It's calculated on the purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher. In NSW the transfer must be done within 14 days to avoid a late fee. Other states have their own deadlines.
Can I buy a van and resell it at the end?
Yes, it's actually the most common strategy among Working Holiday makers. Many vans get resold on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to other backpackers arriving. Expect around 15% depreciation in year one, then roughly 10% per year — keep the vehicle in good condition and service it to get the best resale price.
How much does insurance cost for a van?
Budget around $60 to $100 per month for basic cover (CTP + third party), depending on your age, the vehicle and its condition. Some states include CTP in the rego, others don't — check the rules for the state you're registering in.
Do I need a service before reselling?
It's not mandatory but strongly recommended. A recent service with a receipt reassures the buyer and helps you sell faster and at a better price. Budget $200–$300 for a standard service.
What's the PPSR and why does it matter?
The PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) lets you check that a vehicle isn't still under finance or reported stolen/written off before you buy it. It costs a few dollars on ppsr.gov.au and can save you from buying a vehicle you'll never be able to register in your name.
Do I need an international driving permit in Australia?
Your home country licence is valid in Australia as long as it's accompanied by an official translation or an international permit, depending on the state. Check the exact rules for the state where you plan to register or drive your vehicle.
Keep your vehicle's receipt, PPSR and papers in one place in the 88mates app.