www.hotcars.com 10 Affordable Vans That Are Perfect For Vanlife

The automotive community is full of various movements. While not all of them are explicitly called movements, various fans of various cars and automotive styles join forces to create these movements. They're all dedicated, loyal subsections, if you will, of being a car enthusiast. As far as movements go, there is one that just about towers above the rest. Well, aside from those that make fun of the new Toyota Supra.

The movement in question is "vanlife," which includes a hashtag in most cases (#vanlife). This movement centers around touring the globe with some type of modified van, usually a factory RV or a regular van that has been converted in to an RV or camper. Of course, even vans nowadays are embracing electrification. The idea is very tempting, and it's not that expensive to get into, as there are quite a few affordable vans out there that are ripe for a vanlife transformation.

10RAM ProMaster

Those of you from global markets might recognize this as a Citroën Jumper (Relay) / Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer. That's essentially what the RAM ProMaster is, but it has a few changes compared to its global siblings. The most notable one is that it's officially available in North America.

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The ProMaster is a very versatile van, with the 2023 model year also debuting a super high roof model. It's also packed with some surprising technology, including a 360-degree camera system. It has a good amount of power to get you going, and with that massive cargo area in the back, it looks ready to receive a nice bedd and some kitchen appliances.

9Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Sprinter is easily one of the most common vans in the #vanlife movement. While it's definitely not the cheapest cargo van, regardless of market, there are plenty of things to like about it. The Mercedes badge definitely increases its appeal, and the fact that it's available with proper 4WD and significantly raised suspension means that this is a van you can take just about anywhere.

In the case of the Sprinter, popular #vanlife modifications stretch beyond a simple living quarter, as limousine conversions are pretty popular and can get pretty expensive. Whichever route you decide to take, the Sprinter won't take you down.

8Volkswagen Eurovan

The very aptly named Eurovan is what the rest of the world might recognize as the VW California. In North America, the Eurovan was offered for most of the 90s and a bit of the early 2000s, though the ones from the 2000s are definitely the ones you should be looking at.

The VR6 engine (yes, really) is much preferred, and the 2000s were the peak of the Eurovan's styling. Just look at those five-spoke wheels and that magenta paint. If you modify it further, it can be one of the coolest VW camper vans ever. These are starting to pick up traction on the used market, especially the top-of-the-line Westfalia models, so now is the time to buy.

7Ford Transit

After decades and decades of the Econoline family, Ford finally decided to make things easier for itself and began offering the Transit as their answer to LCV buyers. The Transit is essentially the backbone of the European van market, so Ford definitely did the right thing here.

Campervan conversions for the Transit have been popular in Europe for decades now, almost as much as the Transit's use as a getaway vehicle. Americans are slowly starting to catch on, too. It's not super expensive, and the high roof, long wheelbase versions are perfect for that conversion. What's more, out of all of its competitors, the Transit is the closest to a normal car in terms of the driving experience, if that's something you prefer. What's more, there's even an electric version now.

6Mitsubishi Delica 4WD

The previous vans are all well and fine, but what if you want something a lot more left-field, even if that means importing something? Enter the Mitsubishi Delica. While, for the most part, the Delica is just your regular old van, Mitsubishi offered 4WD versions with big tires and raised suspension.

RELATED: Everything You Should Know About The Mitsubishi Delica 4x4

Each generation also had increasingly ridiculous names. The 80s model was called the Star Wagon, and the one from the 90s was known as the Space Gear. If auction sites are anything to go by, the Delica 4WD is one of the most popular Japanese imports at the moment, so it's definitely worth a look.

5Chevrolet Astro

No conversation about #vanlife is complete without the van that put the trend in high gear in the 80s and 90s. The Chevy Astro, and the related GMC Safari, are possibly the most well-known and commonly used vans in the movement, and there's a good variety of reasons why that's the case.

For one, the Astro is very durable, as it's based on a pickup truck platform. It also uses one of GM's most reliable engines, the 4.3-liter Vortec V6. With available 4WD and tons of space inside, combined with good used prices, the Astro is a no-brainer for a #vanlife conversion.

4Ford Econoline

Before the days of the Transit, Ford's van and LCV offering in North America was the good old E-Series, otherwise known as the Econoline. You can still buy the Econoline as a cutaway chassis, but the van is no longer available. Luckily, there's plenty of choice on the used market.

The coolest thing about the E-Series is the huge variety of engines that Ford offered. From a 6.0-liter turbodiesel, to a simple 4.2-liter V6, to the big daddy 6.8-liter V10, also seen on Ford's trucks. Can you imagine cruising around the world in a V10-powered campervan? If you can put up with the gas mileage, of course.

3Nissan Caravan

Once again, back to imported vans. If you don't want to go down the route of the Mitsubishi Delica, Nissan has a very similar alternative; the Caravan. In its most basic form, the Caravan was a simple cargo van, much like the Toyota Hiace and Nissan NV200. But, there was also a passenger model with available 4WD.

The Caravan also comes from the time when Nissans were actually reliable, and it's definitely a worthy choice if you're looking to import something; it's well-sized, it looks cool, it has 4WD, and it's unusual, making it a definite conversation starter.

2Hyundai Staria

Hyundai must have recognized that there's a vocal crowd who simply can't come to grips with the fact that they own a minivan or just a van in general. That shows in the Staria, as it looks like something straight out of Blade Runner or Cyberpunk.

Unfortunately, Hyundai doesn't offer the Staria in North America, but they definitely should. The Staria has all other vans, regardless of intended use, trumped on styling, and also on technology and innovations. You could argue that it's better in terms of available configurations, as the Staria seats anywhere from two to eight passengers. Can you imagine this van being transformed into a camper? Don't worry, there's plenty more to like about the Staria.

1Volkswagen California (T5)

This one also requires you to be in Europe, but good news if you're in Canada; the earlier models, up to 2007, can be imported, as they're now 15 years old. The California is essentially the only factory camper to be offered in Europe, and there's tons to like about it.

RELATED: Here’s What Makes The Volkswagen California A Great Camper Van

The powertrains are very robust and up to the task, and there are various configurations available. You can hook up a gas supply for using the stove and appliances, and you can also add a water supply for using a shower. The California is the ubiquitous European camper, and if you're in that market, it's definitely worth a look if you want to become a part of the #vanlife movement.

Marko has been part of the HotCars team since July 2020. He started out writing for various sites on a variety of topics. He prefers weird, unusual cars to luxobarges and sports cars.