Five best second-hand Japanese vans: From the Mitsubishi Delica to the Nissan Elgrand

Here is our pick of the best

Whether they’re mainstream or a little more novel, Japanese vans make practical and spacious buys – and they can be as versatile for carrying people as they are for lugging loads. Starting at a mere £1000, here are our five favourite used examples from a long list of home market-only models that have made their way to the UK via personal import.

1. Mitsubishi Delicia (2007-present)

Combine a boxy body with a Mitsubishi Shogun platform and you get the Delicia, a van whose rugged, off-road abilities can take you into the rough and double-up as a camper at the same time. Remove the numerous seats – its high-roofed cabin can carry up to eight people – and you’ll fit an inflatable mattress inside no sweat. The van’s tall stance doesn’t make for great handling, but a variety of engines including 2.5 and 2.8-litre diesels and a 3.0 V6 petrol ensure solid performance. If you have £2000 or more to spend, do some research on a specialist owners’ forum and then get stuck in. The same caveat about forward planning goes for all the models in our list – speak with those in the know before splashing out.

2. Mazda Bongo (1999-2013)

Crazy name, crazy van, but there is some sanity behind the madness. Mazda’s versatile Bongo can again seat up to eight (or possibly a drum kit should you wish to pursue the theme), but you won’t need to carry a separate spare mattress here because the seats fold down into a cosy double bed. The quality of full-on camper conversion work varies wildly, though, so check any modifications carefully. The mid-spec 2.5-litre V6 diesel is the sweet spot between the sluggish 2.0 16-valver and thirsty 2.5 petrol V6, and you’ll be looking at between £1600 and £16,000.

3. Toyota Alphard (2008-2015)

A great reputation for practicality and reliability, along with a broad spec line-up, have helped make the Alphard Japan’s best-selling MPV. Another bonus is that the Toyota is available with a hybrid drivetrain – which is just as well, as there’s no diesel alternative and the 2.4-litre and 3.0 V6 engines are pretty thirsty. Prices range from £6500 to £22,500 – used examples are relatively plentiful, so bag a bargain by avoiding any that show signs of neglect.

4. Nissan Elgrand (1997-present)

Living up to its name, this van is grandly kitted out with impressive standard equipment levels. Ownership should be a breeze, too, thanks to typical Nissan reliability and relatively easy parts supply. The Elgrand is available in two- or four-wheel drive, and the engine range incorporates 2.5-litre and 3.5 V6 diesels alongside a 3.2 petrol V6. Wise buyers will take a test drive, obtain a warranty and check over the 4x4 set-up for noises and leaks. Between £3000 and £14,000 should get you into the driver’s seat.

5. Honda Stepwagon (1996-present)

Sharing its DNA with the Honda CR-V means the Stepwagon should exhibit the same reliability and ease of ownership as its SUV stablemate. As a van it’s very versatile, with a multitude of interior layout configurations and either seven or eight seats depending on spec. You can choose from 2.0 or 2.4-litre engines, and while equipment levels aren’t lavish, this does help keep the prices down, with values of older examples starting at a mere £1000.