The 12 Most Dependable Minivans

Minibuses are practical for long journeys in a large company, so that everyone is comfortable. They are used for trips with relatives or as a commercial vehicle involved in passenger transportation. Naturally, no one wants a trip to be spoiled by a car breakdown. In the case of the cab, malfunction and repair bring losses due to downtime. That is why we have selected 12 most reliable vans which are notable for their endurance and unpretentiousness.

Rating of the best vans in terms of reliability

Just to be clear, the manufacturers themselves seldom call their models minibuses. Most brands have them in their catalogs as minivans. But the first name is firmly established among users, so we’ll call them that, too. Some cars have 8-9 seats capacity, and others have 12-18 seats. For some drivers a B license category is enough, for others a D license is required.

In the selection of reliable cars, we focused on the characteristics of cars, manufacturers of key components (engine, gearbox), and operating experience (reviews of drivers, the opinion of the masters service stations). Although new vans have recently appeared from Toyota and other proven brands, we have not included them in the list, as they have not yet had time to prove themselves. The top 12 models have already been tested by users and have covered more than a hundred thousand kilometers, proving their reliability in practice.

ansporter Kombi L2H1ansitaveller

Nomination	place	product name	Starting price of the new car
Rating of the best vans according to their reliability	1	Volkswagen
2 362 700 €
2	Mercedes-Benz V-Class	4 900 000 €
3	Ford
2 538 500 €
4	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter	2 569 000 €
5	Opel Vivaro	1 719 900 €
6	Ford Tourneo Custom	2 461 000 €
7	Hyundai H-1	1 907 100 €
8	Citroen Jumper	2 213 900 €
9	eugeot Expert	1 719 900 €
10	Volkswagen Caravelle	2 671 000 €
11	Fiat Scudo	1 479 000 €
12	eugeot
1 889 000 €

Volkswagenansporter Kombi L2H1

Rating: 4.9

This is another reliable model, which Russian motorists could get acquainted with since 1996. The minibus is still in production, which shows the demand for the bus and its reliability. The car is available with a diesel engine 2.1 liter at 136-190 hp.s., as well as the gasoline 2.0 L, generating 211 L.s. Modifications are either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The latter is especially relevant for camping and tourism, as it helps to drive the van in places where not all crossovers will pass. The long body length of 5140x1928x1880 mm makes the interior comfortable for 8 people and still leaves room for luggage.

The vehicle is considered reliable because of its unpretentious diesel engine and durable turbine. Reviews show that if it is “retuned,” you can remove the reliance on urea and increase power to 210 hp.s. It saves on maintenance and improves traction.

Advantages

• On the highway “floats” like a yacht;
• an excellent body;
• Good handling;
• convertible saloon.

Disadvantages

• occasional electrical problems;
• Parts are very expensive;
• the price of the work at the service is higher than for similar services for other car brands.

Fordansit

Rating: 4.8

This reliable model can still be seen as a minibus in some small towns. The van is available in three body configurations: compact, standard and extended. German manufacturer has also developed versions with normal and high roof, if short trips around the city with standing passengers are expected. The van is designed for comfortable long trips, so the body has good aerodynamics. Carrying capacity of the vehicle is 3 or 3.5 tons. You can choose version with rear or all-wheel drive.

These vans are recognized as reliable because of their diesel engines. The service practice shows that they serve up to 450-500 thousand rubles without any problems. km. The only important thing is to change the oil on time and pour quality synthetic, otherwise the turbine can fail already after 120 thousand. km. Also the owners in their reviews recommend not to sharply stop the engine after a load, and to let it idle to allow the turbine to cool down. So the minibus will serve for a long time and will not take money from the family budget.

Advantages

• the ergonomic location of the controls in the cabin;
• Excellent noise isolation;
• Many drawers for storing small items;
• The seats are easy to detach from the floor.

Disadvantages

• Narrow aisle space;
• Rust on the hinges of the rear doors appears after 6-8 years of operation;
• with a height of 191 cm, a person rests against the ceiling in the standard version.

Opel Vivaro

Rating: 4.7

The passenger version of the Opel Vivaro van is also very popular due to its reliable German engine. It can be a diesel power unit 1.5 liters per 102 l.s. or the more powerful version 2.0 litre, generates 122 l.s. But unlike the Mercedes, it only has front-wheel drive. In winter it gives good directional stability on slippery roads, but it is better not to drive the van off the road. Interior is designed for 8 seats, which can be accessed by 4 doors. The car is appreciated by the owners for the economical fuel consumption of about 5 liters on the highway.

This car is recognized as a reliable vehicle for starting the engine in freezing temperatures up to -27 degrees. Despite the diesel, the cylinders grab the spark the first time, so you will not be late for work in all weathers. More owners in the reviews are happy with the quality of the body, coated with an additional layer of zinc. It delays corrosion formation – you can buy an Opel Vivaro with 2007 mileage and it won’t have “rust” on it.

Advantages

• ground clearance of 175 mm;
• Oil level does not drop from change to change;
• The van rides briskly at 160 km/h;
• economical fuel consumption.

Disadvantages

• front-wheel drive only;
• Weak clutch bearing – some had to replace it at 150k. km.

Ford Tourneo Custom

Rating: 4.6

The minibus is produced since 2012 and has already proven itself in operation in Russia. Reliable car is now available with only one diesel engine 2.2 liters per 125 l.s. The front-wheel drive is easy in maintenance and reduces the price of maintenance due to the lack of transfer gearbox and rear gearbox. There is room in the cabin for 8 people, so a minibus driving license of Category B is sufficient. Many owners point out in their reviews that the minibus handles like a car and confidently outruns sedans and station wagons on the highway. This is facilitated by a powerful engine, and streamlined shape of the body with sporty notes.

The engine here is not just reliable, but unpretentious to the quality of diesel. It confidently “flails” with any fuel, and if you get a bad diesel, it temporarily affects only the loss of power. The minibus is optimal for commercial use and travel over long distances, where you often have to fill up in untested places.

Advantages

• good streamlined body;
• sporty look;
• drivability is like a car;
• strong engine.

Disadvantages

• The VIN number is located near the front wheel arch – it rots in 5 years, after that it is hard to sell the car;
• Some cars have a humming of the bearing on the driveshaft.

Hyundai H-1

Rating: 4.6

The minibus is available with diesel engines 2.5L for 136 or 170L.s. Rear-wheel drive is implemented everywhere, but the transmission can be manual or automatic. The latter option is great for long trips, when the route is laid through major cities. That way you’ll be less tired and not distracted by shifting gears. The minibus cabin seats 8 people and still has enough room for luggage. The clearance of 190 mm allows to pass over the curb and stop on the rough roadside, where cars cannot. Reliability of transport due to a simple device without extra “frills,” so there is nothing to break. Because of this the comfort suffers a little, but you will have to visit the service station less often.

The minibus is recognized as reliable due to the extended manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 150,000 km of mileage. If you take the car for yourself (trips to relatives, picnics, work), then you do not have to worry about the cost of spare parts and labor, except for routine maintenance.

Advantages

• beautiful design;
• there is a complete set with automatic transmission;
• Good power reserve of the internal combustion engine;
• clearance of 190 mm.

Disadvantages

• rigid suspension;
• Not everyone likes the quality of painting.

Citroen Jumper

Rating: 4.5

French concern Citroen offers the popular Jumper minibus, which is available with diesel engines 2.2 liters for 130 or 150 liters.s. Reliable transmission and front-wheel drive, easy to maintain. Overhaul of the internal combustion engine is expensive here, because you officially need to change the short-block as a whole. But from the reviews of its owners, it is evident that they have long ago learned how to select spare parts individually. For example, the pistons fit Mes-diesel40045 connecting rods, and this makes repairs much cheaper. Also requires less oil for maintenance – only 6 liters. For the same “Sprinter” will need 10 liters – that’s another savings.

The reliability of the minibus is evidenced not only by reviews and technical specifications, but also by its use as an ambulance. In some countries, it is widely used as the basis for cars designed for rapid transportation of patients to hospitals and clinics. The interior is 2/3 tinted, there is a sunroof and a footstep of the sliding door and the body is designed in accordance with GOST 50574-2002. With such a variety of vans, it is unlikely that you would choose it if it was unreliable.

Dignities

• high ground clearance for excellent visibility;
• accelerates briskly;
• The back is less tired on the road;
• cheap maintenance.

Disadvantages

• squeaky interior plastic;
• The body is poorly protected against corrosion.

eugeot Expert

Rating: 4.5

French-made minibus offered with diesel power units 1.6 liters for 90 l.s. i 2.0 liters, giving you 150 liters of torque.s. Most often implemented manual transmission and front-wheel drive, but there is also an automatic transmission. In terms of configuration the minibus has 4 options, among which:

The Expert, Standart, Confort and Business models. The last two versions are the most equipped and expensive. They are perfect for long trips in comfort. There are 7 seats in the cabin, so it is roomy for everyone. Outside the city the fuel consumption with the most powerful engine is 5.7 liters, which means commercial use will also be cost-effective.

The minibus is reliable because of the unpretentious key components and multiple electronic systems, which promptly inform about possible problems. There is a quality bottom protection, so the crankcase is not threatened by damage from hitting the curb and even falling from the jack. The reviews testify about the reliable damping, which stays soft in cold weather, and the “native” struts last up to 150,000 km.

Dignities

• 3 year warranty;
• economical fuel consumption;
• excellent dynamics;
• in terms of body size, like a station wagon.

Disadvantages

• the sliding doors rattle;
• Poor noise isolation.

Volkswagen Caravelle

Rating: 4.5

It is a “relative.”

Ansporter, which is similar to it both in appearance and performance. The minibus is available with diesel engines 2.0 with 150-190 hp.s. Drive comes in front or all-wheel drive, and the transmission is manual or robotized. Available standard and extended base, which allows you to choose a car to carry more luggage. Clearance of 202 mm makes it quite passable, which can be the envy of most crossovers. The manufacturer also provides a 2-year warranty on it regardless of mileage, which is quite beneficial for a commercial vehicle.

The minibus is distinguished by a reliable suspension with reinforced silent blocks on the front levers. They perfectly tolerate low temperatures and contact with road reagents, so the steering remains clear and the wheels don’t wobble. Another model is distinguished by a reliable robotized transmission. Unlike the automatic transmission, there is no friction package, and everything is arranged as on the “mechanics”. The only difference is the clutch is depressed automatically by the actuator. Timely oil replacement in the gearbox and optional units ensures reliable performance of the transmission.

Advantages

• excellent visibility;
• high-quality assembly;
• ground clearance of 202 mm;
• warranty only by age.

Disadvantages

• Expensive parts.

Fiat Scudo

Rating: 4.4

Another reliable van is considered a Fiat Scudo, which has an engine 2.0 for 120 liters.s. The model is available in 4 configurations and can be with 8 or 9 seats. ground clearance is like at the car – 160 mm, that is why the bus is more suitable for city and highway driving. Reviews show that you have to repair the sliding door rollers, air conditioning, “Webasto”, but the engine itself and the box is quite “survivable”. Up to 400-500k. km may only need to replace glow plugs. If they are good, the van will start in any weather. Owners praise durable hub bearings – at mileage over 200,000 km, they may still be “native”.

The auto stands out for its reliable rear suspension. Instead of springs, the manufacturer used a torsion bar, which is connected to the body with springs and shock absorbers. Soft ride on silent blocks provides comfort on trips and no squeaking. Thanks to the simple design there is no need to adjust the camber (on the rear wheels), and in case of breakage will have to replace fewer elements.

Advantages

• disc brakes;
• Has lumbar support in the front seats;
• the engine is not demanding to the fuel;
• great hub bearings.

Disadvantages

• new generation is no longer in production – you can only buy used.

eugeot

aveller

Rating: 4.4