Looking for a car to travel the country and live out of for 12 months

minty on 02/01/2023 - 23:50

Howdy

Asking on behalf of a friend who's one of those people that's seen 75% of the world and has little money to his name, alas, can't not be envious as he's got endless life stories for years… He recently got a job that allows him to work remotely 100% starting from July 2023 and plans to take the opportunity to travel around AU for the subsequent 12 months.

His budget ceiling is $35K and wants something that's going to be fit for purpose, not doing any hardcore rock crawling/water crossing/etc, but enogh to traverse through the expected terrain and to live out of for 85% of the trip, expecting situations where he'd be out in the middle of nowhere for week(s) at a stretch.

We looked at some vans initially, some were really good candidates, even outfitted for the exact purpose but he's after something that can be a daily driver afterwards. In the passing months he's rented pretty much all the big players: Nissan Patrol/Land Rover Defender/Jeep Wrangler/Ford Ranger/Nissan Navara/Toyota Hilux. Mechanics wise he's got only basic skills: oil/fluids/brakes/that's about it.

With the price of cars as is, I don't expect anything magical to happen in the next 6 months. Anyone who's done very extended trip living out of a car, what'd be best option for the situation and budget?

Cheers

Automotive

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/01/2023 - 23:56

    Jeez living out of a Ute… can’t really recommend sleeping in the cabin. You could probably outfit a canopy so could sleep in there instead with some storage but still a bit of a tight fit.

    • minty on 02/01/2023 - 23:57

      Oh yeah I ought to mention he plans a canopy, that's on top of the $35K budget.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/01/2023 - 00:03

        Nice I can recommend the ARB ascent canopy. Very sexy, lift UP windows allow for better quick access ( I use mine to access my tools from tool blx or my lunch from esky) and remote central locking for canopy is seriously underrated imo.

        • minty on 03/01/2023 - 00:12

          We need a car first :P

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/01/2023 - 00:13

            @minty: I had a mid 2000’s Navara and cannot recommend lol

            Hilux has been good to me 2/2 times though.

  • spackbace on 03/01/2023 - 02:35
    +6

    All depends on terrain. Could easily kit out a van (Hiace etc) and would be comfy. On sealed roads will drive nicer than a 4wd ute

    • minty on 03/01/2023 - 06:35

      The quality of the road hugging the country is quite varied no? As he'll be alone when not visiting cities/towns/etc he's concerned the sparsity of passing support if a van gets stuck.

      • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 06:48
        +1

        Make smart road choices based on the vehicle. A 2wd just shouldn’t be taken on some roads, but most are OK, especially when it’s dry.

        • minty on 03/01/2023 - 06:58

          The route is very flexible, basically a rough-ish loop around the country with a few inland stops. Most blogs/site we've come across were based on a 4WD thus we thought it was the the more brainless and safer coice, at the cost of comfort/convenience.

          • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 08:29
            +1

            @minty: Maybe look for an AWD van. My brother got an AWD Estima and did the Gibb River Rd just fine. Sure it wouldn’t go rock hopping, but it was fine for all the major routes.

            • AndresF on 03/01/2023 - 11:56

              @Euphemistic: This is a good option. The 3.5 engine is bulletproof and very common (V6 camry, all klugers).

              Only downside is thigh engine bay and needs premium fuel.

              Very comfy vehicles, plenty of ideas on how to kit for camping.

              • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 12:05
                +1

                @AndresF: Also, brother sold his estima for a ‘real 4wd’ and has since gone back and bought another estima for camping.

                The only other thing was he started his big lap with a roof top tent because couldn’t sleep 3 in the van, but sold RTT half way round and bought a quick setup tent so they could set up camp and still go driving. Pulling down the RTT got a pain when they wanted to set up base camp and sight see in the area for a few days.

            • Drakesy on 03/01/2023 - 13:11

              @Euphemistic: That made it through the water crossings!?

              I'm impressed.

    • Cobber870 on 03/01/2023 - 09:59
      +3

      Agree. Get a Hiace sized Van if they are living out of it. The AWD ones can go almost anywhere. Good tyres, air compressor and recovery boards will get it almost anywhere. Likely will be more comfortable than an older model Ute (person dependent of course).

  • mskeggs on 03/01/2023 - 04:09
    +1

    I would forget trying to buy for subsequent daily driver use, who knows what he will need or what will happen in 2 years. Just get what he needs now, and sell it and buy what he needs then.
    My uncle lives out of an old 70 series Landcruiser with a canopy lots of the year, between work contracts. He rarely sees town and is happy to go fairly rough, but even his 1980s era ute is likely to be expensive.

    Personally, I’d look for an old postie van/transit that has been converted to a camper. Spend $15k, save $20k for any emergency repairs or for lifestyle and get out there. It will go anywhere the mobile network is operating for WFH, and if he wants to head bush for a week, deal with that at the time, not something that constrains him the other 51 weeks a year.

    • minty on 03/01/2023 - 06:41

      The van was the ideal choice initially, also when he was planning to do a 4 months trip, basically covering the right half of the country, now it's been extended to 12 months and opening up to a lot of the more remote left half of the terrain didn't know how to feel about being to get oneself out of anything that a van may not be suited for.

      Of course he's got time still to do the necessary research of route and what could be avoided and what can't. But yeah I agree with you're suggesting if the road conditions could be tailored for one who wishes to circle the border.

      • md333 on 03/01/2023 - 13:58

        I just sold my 2007 Delica D:5 AWD van to some tourists planning something similar.
        Probably not as capable off road as some of the earlier models, but good on dirt roads, rough tracks and sand.
        It is based on the outlander platform, so mechanical parts are easy to source.
        Very comfortable, and drives like a car, so a great choice as daily driver afterwards.
        Mine was $13k, but you can pay up to $30k for newer ones, particularly diesels. Also people who've done camper conversions seem to want heaps of money.

      • RockyRaccoon on 03/01/2023 - 14:22

        Does it fit with the lifestyle you are talking about. Working from home is great out ofa 4WD EXCEPT that where a 4WD comes into its own as you have been telling us, then remote access to work would be either very slow if at all. The dream doesnt match the reality.

  • Muzeeb on 03/01/2023 - 05:03
    -1

    starting from July 2023

    What sort of workplace employs someone for 6 months time?

    • Titus Canby on 03/01/2023 - 06:21

      maybe already in the job, just waiting till after summer

    • minty on 03/01/2023 - 06:31

      It's a small international company, right now it's office based, but they're offshoring set of staff which will happen June-July, he's absorbing another person's role and negotiated to work entirely remotely.

  • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 06:18
    +4

    Get a van. Living out of a roof top tent on a ute full time would suck, you need solid walls to keep dry and you want to not have to set up/pack up.

    Any vehicle that is better as a daily driver wil be too much a compromise to live out of.

  • CheapandUsed on 03/01/2023 - 06:21
    +6

    Mitsubishi Delica (or maybe a Hiace 4wd) would be my go to.

    Here is a Delica with off-road camping setup for $24.5k

    The Delica use a proper 4wd setup (Pajero based I think) and use the common diesel engine that Mitsubishi have had for years so most parts should be easy to get even in regional areas.

    • minty on 03/01/2023 - 06:48

      Looks like everyone's suggesting a van, which does open up a lot more options… Appreciate the suggestion, shall pass it on and add to the list to research. Thanks!

  • azonki on 03/01/2023 - 07:55
    +3

    Working remotely while touring Oz means he will have to limit his travels to major centres.
    There ain't much in the way of phone reception when you start drilling down into the coverage maps, so he will need to be super organised to fulfil his contract.
    If it was me as an employer, I would say no. Too unreliable.
    This is from experience. I spent almost 10 years on the road in regional East Coast and never saw much in the way of improvement.

    • pao2x on 03/01/2023 - 08:21
      +5

      Starlink internet

      • Cobber870 on 03/01/2023 - 12:40
        +1

        Exactly. Telstra 4G is available in most regional areas, however depending on the location is too slow to use for internet due to congestion. Fine for phone and basic internet use however.

      • RockyRaccoon on 03/01/2023 - 14:24

        Yea have you had real life experience with this?

        • Cobber870 on 03/01/2023 - 15:08

          A friend was in Warburton (WA) for work and took out one of the residential dishes, set it up and worked as well as in Alice Springs. There are a number of businesses in very remote areas that are now using Starlink. YMMV, depending on location, and DYOR.

          I personally do not have Starlink due to it being overkill (cost wise) for my needs. NBN at a fixed location.

      • Hansi on 03/01/2023 - 16:28

        Just important that they get Starlink RV so they are covered on the go ($174 / mo). Otherwise it is geo locked ($139 / mo).

  • pegaxs on 03/01/2023 - 08:01
    +7

    For a start you can take Land Rover and Jeep off that list, unless his trip is only a week long that is…

  • Hybroid on 03/01/2023 - 08:01

    Have you considered an FJ Cruiser? Bit dated nowadays but rock solid, plenty space and keeps its value so you don’t lose anything selling it.

    • bhubb18 on 03/01/2023 - 13:30
      +1

      They're pretty small interiorwise, and SUPER overpriced imo, especially in this market which is slowing down

      • Hybroid on 03/01/2023 - 21:59

        They’re pricey but maintain their value. You can’t get 4L 6-cylinders on a Prado chassis brand new anymore unfortunately so will keep price high.

        It’s enough space for an air mattress in the back or roof top tent easily.

  • kizzy on 03/01/2023 - 08:22

    You should be able to get a troopy for under 35k. Reliable and plenty of space. Ive done a lap and reccommend a 4wd for sure, means you can get down on some nice beaches or up on top of lookouts etc. Troopies have a good resale value too so can get that money back when it comes time to sell

    • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 08:37
      +1

      Depends on wether OP is willing to consider a 20yo one with 300000km on it. Troopies are not cheap. Great truck, but high price.

      • mapax on 03/01/2023 - 08:46
        +1

        300k on a troopy is equivalent to 150k on a Camry, barely even run in…

        • Euphemistic on 03/01/2023 - 11:39
          +2

          True for the drivetrain, but depending on the kms travelled the suspension and body mounts etc could be pretty much flogged out. 100,000km on corrugations isn’t much fun for any vehicle.

  • Hansi on 03/01/2023 - 08:54
    +3

    Have done the big loop incl some inland routes living out of a station wagon myself.

    The question for your friend is - comfort or off-road capability?

    In retrospect, I should have bought an off-road vehicle (cruiser, prado, patrol) for my trip, as I missed out on some backcountry roads / destinations. However, since your friend wants to work along the way, I think a kitted-out van would be a better choice. I know people who worked out of their Hiace etc campervans for months on end.

    Another thought - make it look like a tradie van if you want to camp urban. Overnights stays are not allowed in a lot of areas, and will carry some hefty fines at times. No one cares about Dr. Plumbing parked somewhere overnight however.

    Enjoy I hope they will have the time of their life!

    • minty on 03/01/2023 - 14:00

      The longest he's done prior to this was 2 months out in the bush with a Subaru Outback, so to him it's the experience of going down the paths less travelled, he's not fussed about lavishes etc although when you're looking at 12 months I'm sure there's a bigger conversation to be had.

      Appreciate your tip! This sounded easy enough on paper a few months ago but when we're digging below the surface it's bit more involved. I'm jealous nevertheless, perhaps 12 months ain't my cuppa, alas just a set of wheels and the open road sounds like a dream.

      • Hansi on 03/01/2023 - 16:31

        Just travelling around took me 3 months, but that was at high pace as I was time-poor. Still an amazing experience!

        I also forgot - if he is going by himself, it is probably not the best idea to go bush-bashing. Even more so, since you said he is not great with tools / repairing the car himself - it can be very dangerous when you don't have reception and are far away from the next busy road / settlement.

  • kennyboi on 03/01/2023 - 08:55

    How about an import like Mitsubishi Delica? Something like this: https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/items/details/2012-mi…

    • Sinnerator on 04/01/2023 - 08:20

      ARE YOU JOKING.
      $40K for a 10 year old small van.
      All the Australians still spending stupid money, on anything, deserve to go bankrupt.

      • spackbace on 04/01/2023 - 13:01

        They can be had for half that

        But the camper conversion can be pricey

      • kennyboi on 04/01/2023 - 16:20
        +1

        The standard passenger model is about half that at around 20k. Then you need to pay for camper conversion. That's the only 4wd van with decent ground clearance that I know still available on the market.

  • Tricon on 03/01/2023 - 08:58

    While a bit old why not a BF Falcon wagon?

    I'd suggest the Bush Mechanics could always help with repairs or simply consider their techniques as required.

    Good luck on the mission.

    https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_Mechanics

  • payless69 on 03/01/2023 - 09:58
    +2

    Nothing beats a 4WD van!
    Drive slowly and alert as the impact protection is compromised.
    Carry Belong internet as it is subsidized.
    3 cheap tablets to re-install Wikicamps every time they beg for money.
    Enjoy!

  • pharkurnell on 03/01/2023 - 10:25
    +1

    I'd go a car and mobile roadblock.. I mean caravan… Or even a Camper Trailer - space and staying dry..

    Working out of a car in a week of urinating down rain or a week of 40 degree temps sitting in the car/sun would have whiskers on it totally…

    You can have solar, TV, kitchen, dunny, shower etc all with you all the time

    • Flying Ace on 03/01/2023 - 15:11

      Towing something would add to the complication, maintenance and fuel costs, so I would suggest it's best to stick to some all-in-one.

      • bargaino on 03/01/2023 - 20:18
        +1

        For a shorter trip around Australai, I'd agree. But with a 12-month trip, you are only towing a very small proportion of your time. The rest, you have a proper car and don't have to lug all your worldly goods every day.

  • Worf on 03/01/2023 - 10:42

    what sort of work does he do? Sounds pretty cool to be able to work remotely full time, he's going on a working holiday for 12 months!

  • bhubb18 on 03/01/2023 - 13:31
    +1

    Falcon RTV
    Delica would be pretty cool, but they're only CVT which is questionable
    Hiace 4wds are around, pretty expensive for what they are but pretty cool

    • whomst on 04/01/2023 - 21:20
      +1

      the diesel delicas have a normal auto, although theyre harder to get parts for than the 90s models

  • branners on 03/01/2023 - 16:39

    Skoda Yeti?

  • Sinnerator on 04/01/2023 - 08:18

    Met a young backpacker couple who very recently paid $16k for a mid 80s Hiace camper, it did have a reco engine tho.
    So yes, prices are insane.

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