The V E H I C L E - pros and cons of van and 4WD

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No one said it was going to be easy.
Choosing the vehicle is probably one of the most crucial challenges that you will have to face when planning a road trip.
The first question will obviously be: what type of car do you need for this specific road trip? And follow to that: rent or buy?
Let's have a closer look at those options and then I will tell you what we have decided for us.

V A N  /  C A M P E R  V A N

I have always dreamed of travelling around Australia in a van, watching sunsets and sunrises in a comfort of a bed with the boot opened. But since the roads in this Land Down Under seem to be quite difficult to drive unless you have a 4WD I had to make a list of what was in for us with a van and obviously the cons too.

P R O S

Despite the size, a van is really easy and comfortable to drive and park, newer models have cameras for rear view and parking sensor.

Privacy won't be a problem, a couple of curtains will make this a perfect motorhome.

Buying a van in Australia is very easy, the market is wide, any sort of price and need, so if this is the option for you, you won't spend more than a week to find your perfect new home on wheels, that is just waiting for you to name it!

C O N S

Unfortunately, vans are not, most of the time, made for the outback and dirt roads, and if they are 4WD there are really expensive, quite bulky and not easy to drive around.

Also, driving a van means that you do not have much space for many passengers, it's only you and the driver. Luckily I have a great relationship with my housemate, I know I will love the trip with her, but we're also looking to save up some money on fuel and so giving people lifts and share the cost of petrol!

4   W H E E L    D R I V E

If you grew up watching Indiana Jones you know what I am talking about, Range Rovers, Jeeps anything that has big bulky tyres, that can go on dirt roads with no problem, crossing waters or drive on the sand. A big car that makes you feel fearless and reckless in any type of environment, weather condition or road situations.

P R O

First of all, of course, the 4WD will allow you to drive in any type of roads.

There is more room for more passengers and the vehicle is definitely more spacious

Often comes with auto-braking, so you don't accidentally end up in the car in front.

C O N S

You'll soon realise that to buy a 4WD you'll need to invest a little more money, you want to make sure it has all the specific, and mostly it is safe to drive.

If you plan to sleep in the car during your trip you will probably have to set the back of the car yourself with a basic bed and few camping gears.

So after looking at all the different aspects, we have decided to go for a 4WD.

We are very determined, we are reaching the extreme points of Australia, and so we need a 4WD, the drive from Cairns to Cape York itself is over 20-hour drive on dirt roads, which we know it is going to be amazing, but we certainly don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere.

But what would be better: buying or renting? stay tuned and watch this space.


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