Minibuses today are not only a method of earning money for thousands of Russians, but also as transport for traveling around our country with the whole family and friends. These are the cars that allow you to travel intercity with the comfort that is only found in large buses. In 2020, it is difficult to choose a truly reliable minibus that will satisfy you in every way. However, we will try to tell you something that will help you make the right choice. We present to your attention the rating of the best minibuses in 2019-2020 for traveling with a family or by train over long distances. Our TOP includes only the best representatives of their class, so let’s move on to the list of our models.
Peugeot Boxer
This is, at its core, a cool minivan. For the first time, the manufacturer positioned the engine transversely. Front-wheel drive was also an innovation in its time. This minibus is perfect for organizing a minibus or traveling with the whole family. Today, it is for these purposes that buyers mainly use it, and the manufacturer uses diesel engines. Today, two of its modifications with a power of 120 and 140 hp are the most widely used. As for the interior of this work of art, it is top notch. Everything here is done with French care and taste.
Dodge Caravan
Many will say that the Dodge Caravan is a rather strange choice for ranking the best minivans for families. Indeed, the model was produced quite a long time ago - in the second half of the 80s, but even to this day, Dodge Caravan users note and praise its reliability, as well as its unique design. The car body is made of wooden panels - stylish and original, because such beauty cannot be found on the roads these days. Practicality is another good feature of the Dodge Caravan. The car can accommodate good luggage and can easily take six people on board.
Volkswagen Crafter
We will start with this model, which has been on the market for about 10 years. This car has proven itself well on the market thanks to its German quality and excellent driving characteristics. It looks very good from the outside, but the manufacturer still placed the main emphasis on the filling of this work of art, which today travels along the roads of many cities in our country. The model is also well suited for intercity travel, since the manufacturer’s arsenal includes very interesting and powerful engines that will also suit ordinary users for trips out of town with family or friends.
The main differences between minivans and competitors
When choosing a minivan for a family, the buyer needs to know why preference should be given to this type of car rather than, say, a station wagon or crossover. Let's try to identify the main differences between these classes of vehicles.
Minivan and station wagon
The dimensions of these vehicles are approximately the same, at least length and width. The van is a little taller, and the presence of three rows of seats instead of two, combined with a higher ceiling, makes it noticeably more spacious. That is why in recent years, automakers have been gradually shifting their emphasis from station wagons towards minivans - the line of most global brands includes minivans that have the ability to transform the interior and a huge trunk - sufficient to transport any large household appliances inside the car, including washing machines and refrigerators. Universals do not have this ability.
It is clear that the station wagon also falls short in terms of passenger capacity - it is capable of carrying only four passengers, while a minivan can carry 6 or 8. Visually, it is not difficult to distinguish them - the station wagon has the front of a sedan, the interior of which is extended just the length of the trunk, while the rear part is like would be cut off. In a minivan, the hood is not a separate-looking part - it more or less smoothly merges into the windshield.
As for the cost, the advantage here is on the side of station wagons - they are much cheaper.
Minivan and minibus
It is believed that the minibus is also among the direct competitors of minivans, and the external differences in this case are minimal. The main advantage of a minibus is the number of seats, which can reach 16, that is, almost twice as much. Of course, the dimensions of a minibus are larger, so if you have a garage designed to park a passenger car, it may not be spacious enough to store a minibus.
Finally, to drive a minivan, it is enough to have a license that allows you to drive a regular passenger car. In the case of a minibus, you will have to open an additional category.
So a minibus can hardly be classified as a family vehicle - it is purchased for the purpose of commercial transportation of passengers or cargo.
Minivan and crossover
Crossovers are also similar to minivans in many respects - high ground clearance, a large number of seats, excellent interior ergonomics with the possibility of its transformation.
The main advantage of the crossover is its excellent off-road performance. Here they are unrivaled, as well as in terms of the comfort of staying inside the cabin. But in terms of its spaciousness and luggage compartment volume, a compact van is still better.
Minivan and van
Externally, the differences are not so obvious: both body types are single-volume. The differences lie in the glazing - most vans have no glass in the back, intended for cargo transportation. At the constructive level, the differences are more significant. There is an opinion that minivans are an evolutionary form of cargo-passenger vans, but this is not so: the latter are characterized by a frame platform and a more powerful spring suspension, so they are more related to trucks than to passenger cars.
Nissan Quest
Ford Transit
This very popular German model is produced in Germany. The excellent price-quality ratio sets it apart from its many competitors. It can perfectly accommodate from 7 to 16 people; there are many variants of this minibus, of course it comes with several engine modifications. The most popular are models with a volume of 125 and 155 liters. With. both units have proven themselves very well. You can easily set up your business related to the transportation of passengers, not only in the city, but also on the countryside. Excellent consumption, which is equal to only 12 liters per 100 km, will allow you to significantly save on fuel.
Japanese in the service of the Russians
The Toyota Alphard can be considered a relatively young model that has become widespread in Russia.
This all-wheel drive minivan was created taking into account the mistakes of previous designs. And therefore it can be called especially successful. For example, the manufacturer decided to give it the features of a real SUV. It has excellent cross-country ability, so you can hit the road on any road and even cover kilometers off-road. The basic option is all-wheel drive. The effect is complemented by high ground clearance and very impressive wheels.
This minivan is available with several engines. These can be power units with a volume of 2.4 to 3 liters. Automation is traditionally offered with them. Since 2011, the Japanese have started supplying the model to the Russian market. They decided to offer the local consumer a version with a 3.5 liter engine.
Volkswagen Multivan
This minibus, or as we say “busik,” belongs to the more modern developments of German engineers and it has become very popular in 2020. It was first published approximately 5 years ago. Today it has no equal in terms of sales in some regions of our country, especially on the used market. This is a very economical minibus that has good spaciousness and many interior trim options. The five-door model has become the company's true flagship. Its technical characteristics are excellent. For example, a 2-liter engine is capable of developing a power of 204 hp. s, and consumption is no more than 10 liters per 100 km. As for the exterior and interior of this model, everything here is presented at the highest level.
We also recommend that you look at the article - the best minivans of 2020.
Selection criteria and best car models
When choosing a car for travel, you will have to take into account several important criteria. In order for the trip to be remembered only by positive impressions and to be successful, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to choosing a vehicle.
The ideal solution for avid travelers is a campervan. A real mobile home is equipped with sleeping places, a kitchen and a bathroom. This saves a lot of time, as you can avoid spending on hotels, hostels or hotels on the road. In addition, in a campervan you can cook your own food, saving on cafes and bistros. But the cost of campers is very impressive, and entry into the center of many cities is limited. Therefore, a regular car is often preferred to a motorhome: a sedan, crossover, minivan or SUV. But how to choose a car for a comfortable trip?
Since traveling lightly is almost impossible, when choosing the optimal vehicle you need to pay attention to the parameters of the luggage compartment. It should be roomy, especially if a whole family with children and pets goes on the road.
In terms of trunk space, among dozens of travel cars, the real leaders are:
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (668 l);
- Chevrolet Tahoe (755 l);
- Cadillac Escalade (696 l);
- UAZ Patriot (704 l);
- Land Rover Defender 110 (612 l).
Honda Pilot (568 l), Mitsubishi Pajero (600 l), Hyundai ix55 (608 l), Mazda CX-9 (586 l) and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (592 l) also allow you to take a lot of things on the road.
All of these models will cost approximately from 800 thousand to 1 million rubles. The exception is versions from premium brands, like the British Land Rover Range Rover, which is extremely popular in our country.
When choosing a car, it is worth remembering that sedans have less spacious luggage compartment. But they may be suitable for those who are used to traveling with little luggage. For families or a solo trip, the Chery Bonus (508 l), Datsun On-Do (530 l) and Renault Logan (510 l) sedans are well suited. You can also choose domestic cars Lada Vesta and Lada Granta (480 l). A spacious trunk of 500 liters for Kia Rio and Nissan Almera. You can also consider the Hyundai Solaris (470 l), Volkswagen Polo (480 l) and the American Ford Fiesta (455 l).
Another important criterion when choosing a car for road trips is a comfortable interior. The car should be spacious, so it is best to choose models with folding seats. This will allow passengers to comfortably settle down for a night's rest. The most comfortable in this regard are SUVs and minivans. If you choose among passenger cars, the most spacious interiors will be found in models of the following brands:
- Ford Explorer;
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Honda Pilot.
If you dream of traveling with your family in your own car, then you should evaluate the car’s efficiency in advance. Fuel consumption differs depending on the type of vehicle. Minivans, SUVs, sports cars and convertibles “eat” quite a lot. The most economical car on the road is a sedan, so it is recommended to choose one.
Fiat Ducato
One of the largest minibuses from the manufacturer. It is as comfortable as possible, and the appearance of the brand is very pleasing. The excellent price-quality ratio will please every business owner, especially its maintainability. The model is aimed at the middle segment of buyers, so you shouldn’t expect a luxurious interior. Its different options from 9 to 16 seats will allow you to accommodate both friends and family for a long trip.
How to choose a minivan for a family?
If on the primary market everything is simple - your wallet determines which model you will become the owner of, then on the secondary market this rule no longer applies. The used car market is quite deceptive. You can spend a lot of money and get a completely worn-out copy, or you can grab yourself a fairly fresh car at a very reasonable price.
Because minivans are often used for commercial purposes (mainly in intercity passenger transportation); when resold, their owners try to carefully disguise the traces of active use. To avoid falling for their tricks, let’s familiarize ourselves with the basic rules for selecting cars:
- Inspect the interior for “scuffs”. A worn-out steering wheel, cracked leather upholstery, scratched interior, unreadable control console buttons... All this is the result of long-term use. And if the owner assures that the minivan’s mileage is 50-60 thousand km, and the interior has all of the above, refuse the purchase.
- Beware of the "cut". In order to reduce the cost of importing foreign cars into the country, many craftsmen deliberately cut the car into pieces, pay a small duty for them, and then weld the minivans back together. Need I mention how dangerous these machines are? In the event of an accident, they literally fly into pieces. The following factors help to recognize a cut: low cost, welding seams on the posts, off-scale thickness gauge readings in places where the cut is supposed to be made.
- Before buying a car, check with the owner whether he is ready for any inspections. If the minivan is legally clean, its owner will allow you to thoroughly examine the vehicle.
These are the rules you should remember if you are planning to purchase a new vehicle for your family.
Citroën Jumper
This model is considered no less famous than the previous one; they are built on the same platform as the Opel Vivara. It has become a real flagship of the domestic market from the first moment of its appearance. In its current form, it has appeared before us since 2006; the model has been around for quite a long time, but it remains one of the most reliable and practical even in 2020. Since 2010, it has been equipped with a 3-liter engine with a power of 177 hp. With. Excellent driving characteristics allow owners to save money on repairs. The body is made of high quality metal, which is also very pleasing. This minibus from Citroen gets a place of honor.
Feelings Like a Boss
It's no secret that what makes the V-Class a luxury shuttle is the price. If you are a family man and are looking for a comfortable and spacious minivan to take your family on vacation and to the parks, you better not know how much this beautiful and sophisticated “van” costs. You will sleep more peacefully.
However, there are options here too - among the various trim levels of the V-class, you can choose a relatively inexpensive one, around 2,960,000 rubles, which is quite acceptable for such a luxury car.
We had the V250 d Edition model with a 7-speed automatic transmission and a 190 hp diesel engine. Perhaps there are more practical models for the role of a family minivan, but when buying a Mercedes-Benz you buy status and membership in an elite club of owners of cars of this brand. It looks like a motorcycle fraternity, only the guys are more serious.
So, you open the driver's door. Once you get behind the wheel, spend a few minutes adjusting your seat: the headrest is a little lower, the seat back is a little further, the bolster under your lumbar is a little larger. Now remember all the settings so that the chair bends in the most pleasant way by pressing just one button.
Now setting up the suspension, driving mode and other joys dear to the heart. Dealing with the “tuning” of the engine and all components using a chic display and touch panel is a real pleasure.
Many options allow you to literally customize the car for yourself. The V-Class can be playful, like a sports car, or sedate, like a serious car for serious people.
Stop, sit back and just look at the greatness of technical thought embodied in the V-class dashboard. It looks like it was borrowed from a spaceship: an abundance of buttons, switches, smooth lines and dynamic soft lighting automatically add +100 to the aura of coolness and grandeur.
It's time to start this car. Press the button, just like in Formula 1 racing cars. Do you hear the engine purring under the hood? No? That's right, that's how it should be. Sound insulation is almost perfect, coupled with the absence of any vibrations. I want to get out and make sure the engine is running.
It's time to get moving. Despite the impressive weight of the car, the steering is responsive, the Mercedes starts moving without jerking, confidently. You adjusted the softness of the suspension through the unit control menu, right? That's it. This car drives sedately and majestically, but it can also rush into the sunset from a traffic light if you select the sport mode with a crazy hand.
Hyundai H-1
Korean developers in this market segment are trying to keep up with their German and Japanese competitors, and this model is proof of this. It is available in several modifications: regular and luxury. Minibuses for families are the most important development that is trying to conquer the market in 2019-2020. Since 2007, this model began to be produced in Korea itself, and today production has moved to conveyors in other countries of the world. The range includes models with automatic and manual gearboxes. Everything here is done by amateurs. There are two engine modifications for this work of art. The most popular is the 2.5-liter gasoline unit, which is supplied to our country in huge quantities.
Nissan Elgrand
Nissan Elgrand came to our market from distant Japan. Every year the number of such cars on domestic roads increases. True, you won’t find the latest models here - they are aimed only at the Japanese market. Luxurious interior trim and exterior design coupled with Japanese reliability make the Nissan Elgrand one of the most stylish and desirable minibuses for families.
Mercedes V-Class
We spent a long time choosing between two models of minibuses, and which one to put in first place, and which one to place in second position. We eventually placed this German minibus for the whole family in second place in our TOP of 2020. This is primarily due to the relatively high cost of the minivan. As for the technical characteristics, they are at their best: a powerful engine, a cool suspension, excellent sound insulation, all this, of course, makes the owners very happy, but its maintenance price can simply ruin you. Inside it is simply a work of art, you can order the interior to your taste, the color scheme is very diverse, and the amount of materials pleases the eye, but empties the pocket. Here all the seats are covered with genuine leather, there is a TV and a minibar. Even the top officials of the state and simply wealthy people who value comfort above all else ride in such a minibus.
Is there anyone alive? Review of minibuses under 7000 dollars
“I am considering buying a minibus worth 6-7 thousand. for family use (trips out of town, etc.). What models should I pay attention to, which of them are the most successful in terms of reliability?”
After analyzing prices and talking with specialists, we have formed five models that could be recommended for purchase, although we admit that other options may be considered, for example, less common or more “age-related”. Also, by default, we are talking only about diesel versions: gasoline engines on such equipment are not for everybody, and besides, they are approximately equally reliable and repairable. So…
Ford Transit
We talked about this model in the “Question and Answer” section quite recently, but then we were talking about a specific engine - a 2.0-liter 125-horsepower turbodiesel. The engine itself is not bad, but with age, problems with fuel equipment are possible, and in the case of Delphi, this can be difficult, and sometimes not very cheap. But the Transit was also equipped with other versions of engines, so look for an option with Bosch fuel equipment - it is preferable from the point of view of maintainability.
If we talk about the car itself, it deserves good reviews from repairmen: strong, reliable. This, for example, applies to the chassis and transmission (and we are talking about the front-wheel drive version of the V185). The only question is how the car was used and what quality parts were installed.
We also note that in terms of the cost of maintenance and repairs, Transit is among the most affordable cars of this class. We can say that this is a real workhorse, although not as unpretentious as the previous generation Transit. The only real weak point of the model is the body, which is susceptible to corrosion. When examined, he receives maximum attention.
Expert commentary
— Transit is a large, spacious, fairly comfortable car, usually with rich equipment. If you received the car in good condition and the previous owners looked after it, then there will be a minimum of questions. The main problem is the body: the paint peels off if the process is started, the metal rots, the rear side members burst. The 2.0 engines are great! Yes, the “Turks” have already encountered the fact that on the 2.2 engine the oil pump jams and the chain breaks...
Renault Trafic/Opel Vivaro/Nissan Primastar
Perhaps the Renault Trafic or any of its “twins” is the most suitable option for a “family” minibus, unless you are targeting a VW Multivan. Why? This is more of a minivan than a minibus, hence the pros and cons: in terms of handling and dynamics, it is better than many minibuses, but is inferior in cargo capacity in terms of spaciousness and ease of use. Of course, you can throw 900 kg of cargo or roll a motorcycle inside, but you will have to tinker!
The tightly packed engine compartment makes it difficult to access some components when performing a number of operations; however, this problem is typical for most minibuses. But here the more pressing question is: how often will you have to open the short hood of the Frenchman? It all depends on the condition in which the car was received. After all, any of the three diesel versions - 1.9 dCi, 2.0 dCi and 2.5 dCi - can either delight you with reliability or ruin you with repairs. And this is not a matter of luck, but a consequence of previous operation and maintenance. “For yourself,” it’s better to look for the 2.5-liter version, which probably hasn’t been tortured in corporate parks. Of the two remaining engines, the 1.9-liter is considered the simpler and more reliable, although everything is relative. In any case, the key to longevity is high-quality fuels and lubricants and filters.
Expert commentary
— The body is good, resistant to corrosion. In terms of reliability, everything is not bad, but there are nuances. For example, when changing the oil in a box, you must comply with the manufacturer’s requirements for the viscosity index. By the way, topping up may be required: over time, the stem seal begins to leak - a well-known “sore” of the “French”. Another nuance concerns the powerful 2.5-liter version: the outer CV joints fail quite quickly. Non-original ones begin to crunch after 30 thousand kilometers. The original ones go much longer, but also cost more. I have questions about electrics: switches, heater control unit, dashboard lighting, contacts. If you washed the engine, be prepared for problems to start. The recirculation valve periodically “mopes”, and for some reason more often on the Opel Vivaro, although it would seem to be the same car... The flow meter is another sore spot. But overall a good option if “alive”...
Peugeot Boxer/Citroёn Jumper/Fiat Ducato
Another popular family on our market. With the announced budget, you can consider second-generation cars produced in the early 2000s. By that time, the basis of the power range was made up of engines with a common rail power system of 2.0, 2.2 and 2.8 liters. The first two are made by PSA, the last one is made by Iveco. At the same time, it is the Italian motor that is considered by many owners and craftsmen to be the best option, especially suitable for working with large loads. Although in terms of maintenance this motor turns out to be slightly more expensive than its French counterparts. If you want to take a simpler engine, you can consider buying slightly older copies - they were equipped with pre-chamber diesel engines 1.9 and 2.5, and there were versions both with and without supercharging. The only question is whether it will be possible to find an option in good technical condition.
Expert commentary
— You need to start your inspection with the body, which may have corrosion problems. The rest of the car is not bad, although there are many minor flaws. For example, the windshield wiper axles become sour, the rotary bearings of the front struts begin to jam very quickly, and there are questions about the electrical system. In my opinion, the version with the 2.8 engine is the best, although you can take it with French engines. In any case, if any questions arise, then regarding fuel equipment, newer cars will still have Common Rail, and then everything depends on the attitude of the owner and maintenance during the previous period of operation...
VW T4
Yes, yes, even now, when the market is at a standstill, and prices are below the baseboard, for 6-7 thousand. you can only count on the T4 generation, and even then the copies are not from the latest years of production! At the same time, like any car, the T4 has its weak points. Problems with the cooling system are not uncommon (coolant leaks, pump failure, faulty temperature sensors), 1.9-liter diesel engines may develop cracks in the cylinder head, and over time the 5th gear in the manual transmission fails. In the case of the all-wheel drive version of Syncro, you should check the functionality of the viscous coupling, and also pay attention to the condition of the outboard bearing. The power steering needs to be checked. The suspension is quite reliable, everything can be changed separately, and is inexpensive for a minibus. The body is strong and well protected from corrosion. And yet, nowadays a rotten T4 is no longer uncommon: the years have taken their toll.
Expert commentary
— The prices for this model are too high, so for the same money you have to consider cars that are several years older than their competitors. Plus T4 is a car from that era when cars were made to last and everything or almost everything could be repaired on the knee. But there are only a few “living” specimens left: some are rusting, others are already on their second million kilometers. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what kind of engine or gearbox it is: we just look at the condition - that’s all. Want specifics? I would take a 1.9-liter turbodiesel, manual transmission and front-wheel drive. According to the principle “simpler is cheaper”. I wouldn’t overpay for a Multivan, I would try to find a Caravelle, because they are usually in better condition than the “killed in the trash” Transporter. And just in case, I would still set aside money to repair the engine and gearbox...
Mercedes Vito
Within this budget, you can consider the first generation Vito (W638). The main problem of this model is the heavily rusting body. You need to inspect it carefully, especially in hidden places, for example, under the internal linings. Another weak point, not only of the Vito, but of many minibuses in general, is the sliding side door. Over time, the mechanism responsible for its movement wears out, the door sags, is difficult to close, etc.
Cars of the first years of production were equipped with 2.3 prechamber engines with and without turbocharging. Not very dynamic and economical, but durable and maintainable. After modernization, the car began to be equipped with 2.2-liter CDI with a common rail power system - they are more efficient, but more complex, more demanding on the quality of fuel and lubricants and more expensive to repair.
The Vito's suspension is not considered the most durable, especially for a commercial vehicle, which also has to navigate roads of far from the best quality. We also recommend giving preference to a conventional rear suspension: the optional pneumatic one is significantly more expensive to repair.
Expert commentary
— The advantages of the Vito include a high level of comfort, driving performance, reliable engines, and the disadvantages are the low corrosion resistance of the body. The condition of the latter is the main criterion when purchasing. It is possible to find a Vito without severe rust, but you have to try hard! Motors? Of the old ones, I would recommend the one with a turbine - the naturally aspirated ones are too low-powered for a minibus and were probably “exhausted” by the previous owners. There is no need to be afraid of new engines with Common Rail, but checking the fuel equipment before purchasing is mandatory. And one more thing: do not think that the timing chain drive on CDI engines is eternal - after a mileage of 200 thousand, as a rule, it requires replacement. Some owners try to delay replacement - eventually the chain breaks...
Price Pulse
Using the ABW.BY advertisement database (please note that minibuses are posted in the commercial vehicles section), we will try to estimate pricing for the models we are considering. So, with a budget of up to $7,000, you can consider buying a Ford Transit 2003-2004, and the choice will be quite wide. As for Renault Trafic, even taking into account the “clones”, there are not so many offers for this money, and these are also cars from 2003-2004. It’s either the case with Peugeot Boxer & Co: there are many options, and the higher price level allows you to look towards the copies of the last years of production of the second generation, that is, up to 2006. But in the case of the VW T4, you can easily “stall” at the level of 2000! More recent copies are easily beyond the budget. A Mercedes Vito in more or less decent condition will also be around the same age.
Our verdict
Have you noticed in what order the models are arranged? This is the opinion of our interlocutors, who compiled a kind of rating based on the consumer and performance qualities of these cars. One can argue with the distribution, but in any case, the leaders are Ford Transit and Renault Trafic & Co. Ford takes advantage of practicality and affordable maintenance, but it has body problems that Renault lacks. However, even if not very serious, numerous questions about the reliability of individual components prevent him from becoming a winner. The VW T4 is let down by its high price and, accordingly, age, and after so many years of intensive use, the advantages of reliability and maintainability are not so obvious. The same can be said about the Mercedes Vito, but it has serious problems with anti-corrosion resistance. So if we consider a “German”, it will be with a guaranteed “living” body. Well, in the middle are representatives of the Peugeot Boxer & Co family: comfortable and roomy, but frankly average in terms of reliability and body stability.
Ivan KRISHKEVICH Photos from open sources and the ABW.BY editorial archive
You have questions? We have the answers. Topics that interest you will be expertly commented on by either specialists or our authors - you will see the results on the website abw.by. Send questions to [email protected] and follow the site
You can find and buy the necessary spare parts for your minibus by using the search aggregator site BAMPER.BY. Here are collected offers from the entire spectrum of sellers: from large companies to small showdowns. BAMPER.BY - look for spare parts correctly!
Citroën C4 Grand Picasso
First place, according to both ordinary users and leading experts, in the ranking of the best minibuses for families is occupied by Citroën C4 Grand Picasso . The design of the Citroën C4 Grand Picasso is very reminiscent of a luxury passenger car, and its performance in most respects even outperforms passenger cars. Models with five and seven crew seats are currently available. Externally, the car does not have large dimensions, but the spaciousness is at a decent level. The unique and stylish design will make everyone turn around at the sight of such a handsome man. Comfort, a rich interior and excellent driving performance are just a few of the many advantages of the Citroën C4 Grand Picasso.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoDggW4ZmOc
7 3
