looking at Hiace Vans for my first car. In my price range there seems to mostly be 1997-1999 models betweeen 130,000-300,000k's. Just wondering
+ main question Petrol or Diesel???
- which lasts longer, more fuel efficent, cheaper to maintain etc
and is 300,000ks too much? should i aim at 200,000....100,000?
or should i avoid Hiace's all together
thanks
Mate, I'd defo go for a van with 100000 over one with 300000, even if it is 2 years older. A 300k mileage van is likely to have been used for trade rather than personal use, and may be less loved.
Basically, you aren't buying a van for the look of it, so the most important things are the engine, drivetrain and brakes, which all come back to mileage! You might trade off more mires for a more comprehensive service history.
Features aren't going to be as much of an issue i suspect, but having it lined with ply is useful. Unless you buy a seated one in which case it will have windows and seats!
If you can get a Diesel I would, you get better mileage, (about double) although they can be a bit slower. But then again, it's a van, innit? However, the trade off is that diesel vans can be more expensive to service, and don't be putting petrol in it by mistake!
Parts availability shouldn't be a problem as they are so common as well.
If you get a high top mini bus version you could strip it out and convert it into a camper! Just get yourself a cheap folding bed, bolt it in, make yourself some cupboards and away you go! Sweet as, but not as sweet as my Volkswagen aye ;-)
How about a Mitsubishi DELICA Van? 4x4 with low range, pimping interior, seats lay down for bed, carry 7-8people, 2.8 turbo Deisel froma Pajero, running gear is Triton Ute. Body is Mitsi Express Van.
Just a thort,I'm considering one to get that little bit further.
Long wheel base VW transporter. 2.5 lt petrol or diesel
room for kites
room for a bed 
room for passengers for the downwinders.
German quality and reliability.
up for sale (without signwriting)
thanks guys.
you hear stories of peoples hiaces lasting 600,000 sometimes even 900,000k without missing a beat. you rekeon that they are talking about the diesels or would the petrol last this long aswell?
Hi Dustin as you no I'm a Toyota Cummuter Bus Tragic deffnitley go with the deisel , much better econemy mine is up to 975,000kms and still going. more headroom and duel air.
Yeh I'm still in Kohsumj at the moment not much wind here , but had some great wind in Mue Nai Veitnaim 15 to 25knots N/NE everday for 2weeks, back on Saturday.
what about a kia pregio van......ultra reliable with a bullet proof diesel and drive train...heaps cheaper to buy...a mate of mine is a courier and has done over 500,000 in one ...says its the best van he has used and he has had hiaces in the past
what about a kia pregio van......ultra reliable with a bullet proof diesel and drive train...heaps cheaper to buy...a mate of mine is a courier and has done over 500,000 in one ...says its the best van he has used and he has had hiaces in the past
I'd get a Troopy. Or should i say i have a Troopy. Awesome vehicle, go anywhere, especially handy for when you do the big trip over west. Most of the best places are only accesible by 4x4. They are unbreakable and will do 1 million K's easy.
gday,
rekon your on the right path, go with the hiace. im a mechanic and dont reccomend kia's after working for them in a dealership, very poor quality cars. and crap resale.
and the mitsi delcia you can expect some hefty maintenance bills, when compared to
a hiace. hiace are ultra reliable, built well and cheap to service and repair.
cheers
talked to my dads very trusted mechanic and he does a lot of toyotas and he says definetly go the petrol. Diesels have much better economy but he said they use heaps of oil and the servicing costs twice as much so you dont end up saving any money. what do you guys think of that
Hey Dustin, go the troopy, go anywhere carry everything,I just put mine on gas so its even economical
I had a cool hi ace decked out the back, mags etc. but after a few months i notice my lower back was ****ed due to the weird seating position. Suits little japanese men but not 6'3" aussie blokes. Ended getting an early vito. But the hi ace is still an awesome van, just uncomfortable on long trips.
Up to my Hiace #5, over the years have found nothing better, these things are made to go through the worst asian backwater unsealed roads, overloaded with whatever.
Built like a little truck. Get a later model, the one after 1989 is heaps cheaper to run, 11 liters petrol/100Ks.
Have seen some rare 4 x 4 models around
thanks heaps guys. found a really good deal for a petrol model and probobably gonna get it. any ideas on nifty storage solutions? I was thinking of a ply wood panel about 70cm from the floor. basically kite gear underneath, mattress on top and maybe surfboards on the ceiling.
maye we could turn this into a "cool van pics" thread
