Is the Toyota HiAce THE van to buy? | ReDriven used car review

[@Augustusgloop1994]

In South Africa, these are the standard issue for the taxi industry. If it's tough enough for our taxi drivers, it's tough enough for anyone.

[@themanfromnam8446]

The ultimate understatement 🤣

[@paulyg37]

I remember this from the early 90s as a kid! 🤣

[@dadikkedude]

Same in south east Asia

[@UmeshKumar-um7ze]

Ok buddy

[@atomos3639]

Also in Mexico, taxi drivers use Hiace or Urvan. They are very tough vehicles.

[@DarrenSmith-x6h]

Bomb proof ,13 years never had a problem 2.5 turbo diesel engine still healthy as after 360000 really can't see it stopping for a while yet

[@c2h6-e]

My dad has had 3 different HiAces since he moved to Australia and it's been the most reliable work van with plenty of space. I actually learnt manual in one of them and seeing as it's still running, i think it survived at least a million stalls and missed gears

[@lundsweden]

I drove Hiaces for work for many years, yes they can be scary in the wet, the back end is very lively! You feel every bump as you're right on top of the wheels, the van understeers terribly in corners. But we had ours over 600,000kms when we sold it, just regular oil changes and few issues.

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

The older ones became fun when brakes would lock up. Especially with passengers sitting on milk crates in the back.

[@hellohello8556]

​@@lobsterwhisperer7932Lol. My dad used to put 12 of us in the back of the hiace under blankets when entering the footy carpark. These things were normal back then now you'd be called a bad guy for doing that, but I don't care what anyone says shouting 12 kids (me and my mates) to the footy food drinks everything for every game of the season is just one of the reasons my dad is regarded as being the best dad by all my mates including myself.

[@aloysvermaak2541]

Owned two Hi Ace First one 550 000km - no problem s Second one 585 000km - used oil both petrol No mechanical problems Highly recommend

[@harrier1830]

500k km? Jeez man

[@HDXFH]

Those VVTI 2TRs love using oil

[@hellohello8556]

Had a few hiaces 94 did over 450,000ks before we sold it got a 99 did about the same until we sold it. Got a 2006 but sold it before ks got high. All petrol and all had very little issues. They are seriously tough commercial vehicles. We drove them on beaches, burnouts, towing while full loaded everything. Nowadays my driving behaviours have changed but I definately put them to the test and they never gave in. I think the size of the hiace in today's market is the main reason people buy crafters sprinters etc especially for campervans.

[@allegrosotto2126]

My 1999 Hiace commuter has been my fulltime camper for five years and I've been really happy with it's reliability!

[@nothinmuch2125]

I drove one from Perth to the Gold Coast over a 2 month period and I never had a problem. The comfort didn’t worry me either, and we did a couple of 10+ hour driving days.

[@JimJamJaboo]

The banana test should be a standard to assess interior space practicality.

[@dominickypon9957]

Watching this in a 2018 hiace commuter waiting for the misus. I have 3 kids and its the perfect family car. Family outing, each kid takes a seat in the back as a bed.

[@michaelrutland6634]

The smoking running joke has got to be one of the best things about this channel. I’ve heard in damn near every video and I still chuckle.

[@thailanddiscovery6832]

It's the best/most reliable car I've ever owned. I love the thing. I just hope it can hold on a few more years until i can replace with... that's right, another Toyota Hiace! :) Great video, I really enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Make sure you buy the new hiace (the one with the long nose in front). The flat nose is reliable but very dangerous if you get into an accident.

[@joshblackmore1206]

I love in Jim’s review of it mechanically he gave an idea of how many kms it could last for. It would be awesome if you could do the same for other vehicles you review

[@garydurandt4260]

I purchased a Hi-ace 14 seat commuter bus which has now been converted into a campervam, which I enjoy very much. The reason I bought it was 1. TOYOTA, 2. DIESEL and 3. AUTOMATIC. average fuel consumption on trips, even in windy days is around 8.5l/100Km. Yes the european vans may look better but no way in hell are they more reliable than a TOYOTA. I would rather be driving through the outback in a Hi-Ace than standing on the side of the road in the outback next to a very good looking european van

[@snith]

How do you get insurance? I've got a commuter and pay through the nose haha

[@allegrosotto2126]

Most areas of out back and rural Australia mechanics understand how to work on them, unlike European makes.

[@rogerhoughton5809]

He's talking about European versions of the Toyota Hi-Ace.

[@skippmclovan1135]

A VW van would be the exact opposite of a super reliable Hiace. The Euro vans are expensive nightmares to own and maintain and keep going. The Hiace is not perfect, but it IS very tough and keeps going and going and going. You still have to replace consummable items such as glow plugs from time to time however, and the suspension is like riding on a solid frame vintage motorbike. The lower back suffers bigtime. But overall it is a darned good vehicle-workhorse, AND it retains it's resale value remarkably well if looked after well.

[@damilolaakanni]

It's great for a Toyota van/minibus/ Hummer bus as we call it in Nigeria. But it's prone to rollovers, especially the one showed in this video, because of its width. The 2.7 petrol is the only engine you can get here, and automatic transmissions (from the factory) are rare. Some people swapped the five speed manual for the automatic. The LWB with the high roof is your best option for a people carrier, it's spacious and isn't as prone to rollover as the short wheelbase models with the low roof.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

In South Africa they lower the suspension and install wider wheels to prevent roll overs. Changing the bumper to a lower and more aggressive one also helps with balance but ruins the fuel economy. But They have mostly stopped using them in South Africa and only the taxi industry still has them. Other industries such as ambulances, police, etc have upgraded to the new ones that have a long nose in front. They are much more luxurious and they are hard to roll over (I've yet to see one roll ever and it has now been 2 years since they became available in South Africa).

[@itsjustweard2328]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior wow didn't no that thanks for the info

[@bluewanderer9903]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior no need for installing anything, just learn to drive properly. And front lower bumper prevents roll overs? Just wow, lol...

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

@@bluewanderer9903 First of all I have 10 years of professional driving experience with a perfect unblemished driving record. I have driven everything from busses, trucks, vans, cars, sports cars, etc. I have driven everything from the most immaculate and well taken care of company vehicles, to illegal unroadworthy vehicles where I had to "accelerate" by using my hand to pull a string that was hooked up to the throttle because the pedal was broken.... You are literally the last person to tell me to "learn how to drive". And no, you don't prevent roll overs by having a lower bumper...... Use some common sense when making a comment. What you lower is not the bumper, its the suspension. You lower the suspension in the front to create a lower center of gravity which helps to resist against bodyroll when cornering. The rear is usually not lowered because it will naturally become low when fully loaded. So, do you have any other smart ass remarks you'd like to make?

[@Sheepleton]

The 2.7 petrol engine (2TR-FE) is legendary here in the states. I've owned 3 of them in Tacomas (Hilux) and they're fantastic for reliability. I beat the hell out of them routinely and I've never had an issue. Scheduled maintenance is all she needs.

[@boxoffisa]

I drive 3RZ which is a 2TR but 2TR is improved. I see guys with 2TR here in Uganda and are super reliable engines. Been looking at Land Cruiser prado with 2TR.

[@somerandomgoogleuser3374]

As an owner of one of these, a 3.0l diesel manual, I've achieved 7.8 l/100kms, with very constant hiway travel. They are exceptionally fuel efficient - your right foot determines massively your fuel economy/useage .... It's a van/box on wheels for Gods sake .... I'm 186c.m./6'2" & it's a bit cramped for room, especially the gear shift location intrudes in to your left knee space.... but there is more that enough seat travel for me even. Suffice head room for me too.... 2015 onwards passenger seat could be adjusted backwards & forwards too ( like a normal car seat) this was also standard in the GL & Super GL model ex Japan models.... On long open road sections/traveling i shift the seat back another notch or two from my daily commute position.... Steering is acurate as & really well weighted very nicely. They do chew out the insides & outsides of the front tyres, even at the recommended 52 p.s.i. as there's alot of weight on the front wheels, the whole motor & of course the diesel donk is heavier built.... The direct injection diesel ain't exactly quiet either ...... but the 2.7l petrol motor is quiet but a bit of a gas guzzler & not many of em were sold from new, especially here in N.Z. .... I'd buy an automatic diesel if ya looking to buy one, the auto's use jack shite more fuel over the manual transmission & the turbo boosts very quickly, from 1200 r.p.m they're on full torque in the 3.0l diesel. The manual transmission is also a slooooow as shite box to shift gears in & they can be ( have asked other fellow tradie mates with manual boxes) an absolute pig to get in to first gear if not completely stopped/stationery..... if it wont go in, i just nungga nungga off in 2nd gear😂 easily handles/absorbs it.... I've loaded the shit outta mine (van) at times & it doesn't affect performance much either in acceleration or stopping - they have very powerful good brakes but do warp the disc rotors eventually. But, yea, dont crash it frontal wise if you wanna keep ya legs.... An easy to own dead reliable work horse year in year out but pretty boring & uninspiring none the less BUT it was never meant to be anything more in reality..... Way better than Mitsubishi..... Respect it & it'll repect you with bulk years of service ..... My mobile tool box for me.... 😊

[@Sage1212]

Ive never watched a car or van review before but gees this one cracked me up while keeping me informed. Loved it n laughed out loud probably loud enough for my neighbours to hear. Awesome video!

[@waynekavanagh745]

I have one of these and i love it. Nothing has ever gone wrong with my petrol version. It looks plain and boring but it is a lot of fun to drive

[@DiscoFang]

You should have spoken to panel beaters or even tow truck drivers about the accident vulnerability. These Hiaces actually have VERY strong front ends. The triple layer, high strength sheet steel structure and chassis bracing means it's very rare to get intrusion into the driver. At speeds that you would get that, you'll also get it in ANY vehicle. Because of the high strength steel in the panel structure, especially the roof and pillars panel beater told me it's much harder to repair when there is deformation.

[@RajivSeulal]

I owned a turbo diesel toyota hiace for five years and never had any major issues. I only changed fluids and fillters and breaks I can honestly say it's a great van and its also very reliable.

[@jackiewatson5665]

I’m just about to buy one. Can I ask what sorta miles per gallon km /L you were getting?

[@hellothere4342]

I'm from the electrical transmission trade. We certainly use vans for security,weather proofing and actually carry more equipments than a ute could ever dream of. If we need to attend work out in super rough terrain we have Hino 4x4 light trucks. Useful tools for the job. Dual cabs are just too compromised.

[@mattsmotomanual9502]

Never forget my hiace which was my first car. Somehow so far it’s been the most fun to drive.

[@shimeji_e]

I prefer Hiace for campervan *because* it looks normal, "boring", inconspicuous. since you dont want people to know you're sleeping in there, other popular models just looked too obvious and attract too much attention

[@Mo_tism]

The Japanese import 4X4 models are super cool, plan on building one soon.

[@hasenpfefer7]

Editor: "How many times do you want to say banana?" Adam: "Yes" Great informative video guys, can't wait for more!

[@Ford_TImelord]

Probably the most solid, unpretentious van you could buy (and thats why I drive a VW Transporter). In japan we used the 4wd diesel models for non stop snowboard adventures - it was a tank.

[@nedyahyakcam]

my father used quantums as ambulances for his private ambulance service (as does every other ambulance service else in southern africa) the 3.0d4d is great, turbos become a pretty common service items the 2.7s got general services as per book until 400k kms, at 400k they got a new rear diff and rear drums and shoes and then stick to what the service intervals say until 800k where they were sent out to pasture, they also exist as mini bus taxis and they seem to be the fastest car in south africa some of the time, so they really are a performance car.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

I've floored the 2.7 litre version of the Quantum without any additional passengers, and yes... the thing is indeed fast. If you rev it out through the gears its definitely in part with some sports cars. Maybe a Polo GTi. Going past 100 kph feels pretty life threatening though. Have you experienced the new ones (the ones with the long nose)?

[@lincolnricardo8234]

Had 2 x 2007 hiaces, one petrol, one diesel, and they were great vans for a long time. Got a 2016 iload now, and will never look back. Came with everything, cruise, cameras, massive cab. Would love you to do a review of an iload too.

[@dreamphantltd]

Please give ur thoughts on the petrol vs the diesel one in terms of consumption, power, maintenance etc

[@lincolnricardo8234]

@@dreamphantltd to be honest they were pretty close across the board. Servicing was about the same. Fuel consumption, the petrol was slightly worse. I was only getting about 400ks for the diseil and about 350-380ks for the petrol. Both had 55ltr tanks. And it didn't really seem to make any difference on whether it was highway driving or city driving.

[@dreamphantltd]

@@lincolnricardo8234 thanks so much for ur response, the petrol version i see in my country is only 2000cc, was urs 2000cc or 2700cc?

[@lincolnricardo8234]

@@dreamphantltd mine was 2700cc, the diesel was 2000cc turbo diesel. I'm in Australia.

[@johnva7]

Very odd, I own a 2007 diesel and am getting 700km per tank with 100kg payload

[@governorairsoft4150]

Another great review, Turned up the humor on this one! Never thought I needed a space for a loli banana.

[@garrysalis4312]

I've had a new model of this van every 3 years for the last 25 years or so doing 65,000 klm a year, yes they are reliable. Easy to drive, but with klm I was doing very uncomfortable. Shorter trips are fine, the latest model is very comfortable but very expensive. Accurate review 👍

[@LindaWotton-k5u]

Just bought myself a 2011 LWB. Love it. Wish I'd viewed this video as a summary, but genuinely, all of what you've mentioned I was pretty much aware of. The lack of bonnet is certainly the scariest part of driving, but the ability to see further than an SUV (Ford Territory is my other ride), gives me a little comfort to be able to foresee and prepare for most situations. The versatility and blank canvas is brilliant and I can't see me getting rid of my "Silvie" any time soon. Thanks for your honest and entertaining video. And yes, the Hiace groups do exist (and are every bit entertaining as you might expect!)

[@Buzzhumma]

I got slwb 2.7 hiace and it is awesome. Toyota reliability all the way . The motor is so quiet I often think it's not running at the lights .

[@razvandobos9759]

I would love for the HiAce to be sold here in the US, especially in Hawaii and Southern California and Florida. Mexico has this van.

[@TimShelnut]

I know I want one so bad here in the US. It's perfect for camp / aid station setup of ultra marathons.

[@boxoffisa]

Americans won’t buy it. They like huge SUVs and crossovers. 😊

[@iquiax]

I ve driven both gas and diesel engine, both with good power and easy to lose traction on take off in the wet. Kinda fun going down m1 at 150kmh in the rain

[@dolguldur4706]

This vehicle is legendary...its truly a mover...if you need a mover,this is the vehicle you want

[@dataglasses]

My 86 Auto is still rocking! Although the third gen is hard to get parts for, as it was only a short run of 6 years. I've had mine for 19 years. Will be looking a gen four next year.

[@LifeOfTuners]

Channel so good, it's got me watching van reviews

[@ReDriven]

Haha, fantastic!

[@koiev7533]

I’ve watched this video to figure out should I get new hiace for my business. I’m kinda familiar with older gen hiaces and know folks who still enjoy their gen2 and even gen1’s. My employees had a mixed feeling about them because of reliability issues rumors. You clearly fixed that impression, I’ll be looking to buy hisces some time soon.

[@nathanhorlin-smith4856]

We also found with our patrol vans, drivers in these for long periods could develop some lower back issues. Possibly due to sitting directly above the shock tower. We introduced some extra padding to the drivers seat lower supports to help.

[@richardwhitebrook5695]

Favorite vehicle I've ever owned - pure utility. Carry anything, camp in it, tow trailers, or just cruise around town. And yes, I bought mine with high km's and just in time to give it some love and it looks like it will do 1M km (touch wood). Toyota have engineered this for simlicity and reliability, and it shows.

[@jasonlyster562]

Hi-ace is only for people really need a work horse. I'm only watching this because your channel is great!

[@snakeface5652]

My dad has one that is at almost 900,000km now. Has had the turbo replaced twice and has issues every now and then from being an older well driven vehicle, but is otherwise still surprisingly good.

[@nfi2nfi2]

Super gl AWD/4wd is the way to go

[@ravipeiris4388]

Wish Toyota would sell this model here in the States ❤

[@MikeJones-bj1cn]

What about the japanese import Hi Ace's? Super Custom!!

[@stephenbeyer4315]

As a tradie, I bloody love my work van over the guys with the utes. I personally own a duel cab, but that's for weekend fun, not work.

[@stephenbeyer4315]

Also, reckon you could do the Mitsubishi van? I used to have one for work and loved it. Rattly, minimal creature comforts, low milage, but hell it was a great little van

[@matyiii]

Great review. I have 4 of them - fantastic vehicles.

[@Hannah_Grey]

I've always thought that if a manufacturer could knock up a van that looks chunky in a military way it would sell in crazy numbers, attracting the tradie dollar.

[@dataglasses]

They need to release a local 4x4 version, imports can be hard for parts

[@Bigred10101]

I own a 2004 hiace and the only thing to watch out for them is rust especially around the rear window and windscreen, had some reliability issues with weird starting issue however that was traced back to a faulty coolant sensor (eventually) and the alternator died but apart from them rough wood it has been solid!

[@sirswish10]

3 videos this week! I feel blessed!

[@phatmeow7764]

these vans are much loved for so long in southeast asia i see them all the time there!

[@travstewart3520]

‘Slide your banana in’ - Never thought I’d hear that when watching a Hiace Review 🤣

[@dickiewongtk]

I learn driving in a hiace. My father, who is an experience school bus driver, constantly remind me that i am sitting on the front wheel, not behind it.

[@balthazarquinn]

Outstanding review and research. No one else comes close to your level of detail and thoroughness. Thank you. 😎👍

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much!!

[@richardzedman1160]

they are the best for durabilaty our work fleet all had over 400K and never a single thing happened

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

My 2015 just reached 260k , zero faults, 2.7 petrol is excellent. My first was a 3.0 diesel, did 175k ,no problem.

[@mx118racer]

Ive owned 3x 08 from brand new sold at 160xxx kms not 1 issue . Picked up a 2010 with just under 400,000 for 6k pre covid drove that across Australia, perth-tassie . Never skipped a beat . Then a 2012 post covid 22k !! Took that rig from 150xxx to 250xxx . Sold it when got company vehicle. I miss them so much im in the market to buy again . All mine have been petrols and 10.5lt - 11lt per 100 and ive never spend a cent on engine repairs . Ill happily purchase a 300plus kms rig again .

[@maxwood192]

I have had two HiAce vans, both were used as work horses and towed heavy trailers, they were a great van, generally trouble free motoring, yes I would buy another one.

[@reneeandmitchhardman6326]

Driving these as wheelchair and group taxi’s in regional NSW on a full time basis I can’t fault it; they start and stop; steer and do everything required without any issues; sure they aren’t the most comfortable thing for me as the driver or a passenger but when in regional areas what else do you really need. 283KM on one of them and it’s not long had it’s second timing belt done before Christmas

[@stephanbeyer4256]

Great review. Love all the banana compartments. Actually changed my mind about buying one.

[@danb5944]

I just upgraded too a 2015 HiAce after 5 years in a old school l300 which was a great small reliable van but thehiace feels like a 5 star safety upgrade

[@NoName-ds5uq]

Pro: the dash drink holder is straight in front of the vent so the A/C can keep your drink cold! This does not apply to the wide body. Con: get on anything resembling an uneven surface and you’ll spin a rear wheel at best. At worst you’ll be stuck.

[@theman2423]

Love it dude!! Best vehicle reviewer on the interweb… Would love to see a review of the generation before these(93-04)

[@ReDriven]

Thank you!

[@Timmythemgguy1]

i have a 2012 toyota hiace gl wagon and i love it

[@jackiewatson5665]

About to get a 2011 super gl 3.0 diesel. Can I ask what sorta mpg km/l you’re getting?

[@johnlamb3101]

The Hi Ace is a great van - only when loaded to capacity! Unloaded, the traction on the back wheels is deathly, especially in the wet! When reversing up a - slanted to one side - incline - forget about it! Wheels have no traction and just spin. Always place 8 bags of 40 kg concrete over the back wheels. Better traction. A tradie one told me - he replaced the diff with a Hi Lux diff - all good from there he said!

[@garethliamable]

I first saw these in the Caribbean where they are mostly used as taxis. Riding in them, they felt much less substantial and inferior in ride quality compared with north American minivans. That being said, I doubt anything from the big three could match a Hiace for durability and reliability.

[@lukakandi1474]

You should look at them in a Kenyan perspective it is the most reliable van we have ever used it is 90pc means.of transport in Kenya

[@sasuturunen6366]

Interesting how different the Euro model was (it was cancelled because Toyota didn't want to comply with Euro6 diesel standard which is wise because I haven't yet seen any reliable Euro6 diesel...). It has a bonnet and engine in the front. Here in Northern Europe most of them are 4wd because it was almost the same price as the rear wheel drive version so it goes nice in the snow as well. I liked driving one although it really is a lot more rugged than Transporter and Sprinter that I mostly used to drive when I was involved in the van business. Still a van is a lot more nicer thing to have on the road than in the shop... The great-to-drive-but mechanically-garbage-Sprinter engine lasted just 200k km and the Transporter seemed to have gearbox change scheduled at every other service.

[@demogaming8895]

I've always wondered why they cancelled the Hiace in Europe, and now it makes a bit more sense, but they could have at least tried. Toyota can make anything reliable, maybe even a euro 6 engine. Now they only sell that garbage Proace which is really just a Citroen. Hell, I wouldn't mind if they ditched the diesel engine for a petrol one, anything is better than selling a rebadged French car.

[@swblade6190]

@@demogaming8895I think another reason was that the semi bonnet doesn't comply with Euro crash collision requirements. Only way for us to obtain a semi bonnet like the one in the video is import

[@demogaming8895]

@@swblade6190 That could be, but the European version of the Hiace already had a bonnet like other Euro vans, plus the latest international version of the Hiace has a bonnet too

[@swblade6190]

@@demogaming8895 yeah, my point is somewhat redundant/irrelevant, but its interesting that they stopped making them at 2012 Euro 4 and I and others agree with your theory. Once you get to Euro 6 complexity, you get DPFs/more complex EGRs and all the other nonsense that conflicts with Toyota's outlook of reliability and simplicity

[@ShaneLawrence-m5s]

I have a SLWB van with 3litre turbo diesel and it is great. Heaps of room inside and super reliable. Yes it is no powerhouse and I have the model without anti locking brakes, which would be good to have. With no weight in back it can slide around in the back on wet roads. I have good tyres which help but with a load it sticks to the road well. I know taxi vans that have got 1 million klms out of the original diesel engine with just servicing as per the manual. So super reliable and heaps of room!!

[@bonza6451]

my mobile mechanic has this model in petrol. now has 420,000kms and still going strong

[@samartz]

My dad has this gen and the previous gen, older one i learnt to drive and it was a dream to drive and learn how to drive manual on . Could easily on a cruise more comfortably as well

[@flashnewlight1075]

It's fuel efficient, durable, and works well in cold climates. It would be great if you could make a middle size camper with this!

[@ravingmad765]

I've never got the 1.5ltr water bottle test so popular with car reviewers. I mean if you're drinking that much water on the road how many toilet stops are you making? But a banana? Now that's bloody important!

[@abogoni]

haha - I was actually considering buying a hiace at one point and making it a camper - would love a 4wd version - love the use of the banana 🍌

[@kayj3388]

Such good and detail reveal, mate thanks a lot

[@blxh1993]

Toyota Hiace Super GL is the go to Van! It has luxury features like auto sliding rear doors, rear aircon blower and tons of space in the cargo area. And its a toyota. This van is bulid to last. Reliability is not an issue. Best of all, its a Japanese vehicle, meaning there are lots of aftermarket parts to choose from. Suspension, bodystyling, engine performance n etc. And i am a hiace owner for 6 years! 👍🏻😁

[@1991jrobertson]

I think your assumptions about the people that buy these vans is wrong, they are very popular for small business and tradies. Especially in inner city areas.

[@boutroshalab2795]

Great video, i own toyotahiace 3.0L turbo diesel I did the service ever 7k the van very reliable had no problem at all Plus i do the transmission and Df service every 50k

[@S14AA]

Which transmission ? What fuel consumption? Thx

[@ashrafbanser]

Do the 4wd come from factory or are they converted.?

[@nigill7081]

I have a 2000 hiace with over 400000kms, perfect car

[@douglachman7330]

I have a Toyota Hiace still after 740k klms. Excellent apart from no way to deal with pallets efficiently especially through the side door. Just dont buy accessories through a dealer. In Australia i highly recommend investing in a Smartbar not a bullbar or nudgebar. Australia. Metro and long distance courier in NSW and Pilot vehicle in WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

[@geoffphillips8029]

I use a slwb model as a pilot car. Best van i ever had,now done 500kplus.

[@MartinJones123]

Is that Monaro in the background coming soon as a review? Looks awesome!

[@matthewgray3375]

Awesome video 👍, one of my customers has a 4wd variant used from Japan, looks the same as that one with a well appointed interior with seats

[@jasonmorris4795]

I have one of those.

[@lordmoreton1762]

@@jasonmorris4795 is there any quirks or extra issues having a jap import van? (eg Super GL)

[@sn0wchyld]

@@lordmoreton1762 got a gl4x4 myself... so far no, but not owned it long. some service centers/mechanics will cry fowl re getting parts, where a 'good' center will just order them or their equivilant. from forums sourcing parts from toyota in japan is easy, sometimes faster than getting it locally. Insurance options are limited though. Get a japan history check done if you do get one. so far loving mine. Much more comfy ride in the GL, quieter too. Mines been thirsty at about 15-16/100 (2.7 petrol)... but thats driving loaded through very hilly roads - steep enough it cant hit the speed limit :D .

[@herbertgumo2729]

These vans are fitted with seats and used as Public transport vehicles in Kenya😂

[@chrisdooley6468]

Lol when I lived in Pretoria they are everywhere there too. I also saw them in Mali Lebanon and Egypt. The ride-share vehicle of Africa apparently lol

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Matatu life

[@ZANICSCOUSIN]

They do that here in Australia to😊

[@MarkBlackberry]

And jamaica

[@kevinbarry71]

Interestingly, the largest market for these vans is, wait for it, the Philippines. They're all over the place around here. These things were never sold in the United States. It got a complete redesign a couple of years ago completely changed the look. Put the engine up front where it belongs

[@damilolaakanni]

Fun fact: the previous gen had two different body styles, one had a flat front end with the engine in the middle, the other had a slanted front end with the engine up front. Why Toyota did that is beyond me. Or maybe they were different generations after all.

[@kevinbarry71]

@@damilolaakanni I don't know but I've never seen that other version. But they re-designed it completely a couple of years ago and now it has a real nose with the engine upfront. Here in the Philippines they even offer a luxury touring elite model which is quite nice inside. Kind of thing you want to be driven around in

[@Mo_tism]

@@damilolaakanni that model with the engine up front is different. It’s a Townace and it’s a smaller platform and not much is shared with the Hiace at all

[@damilolaakanni]

@@Mo_tism thanks for the clarification.

[@Rally4Life1982]

My dads 1992 2.8L Diesel is still going and he treats it like garbage. Its got well over 200,000

[@mwat22]

the petrol is to be avoided if you do alot of driving or load lugging

[@marvanbee]

ROFL! I am losing my sh*t over the banana display area 😅❤ thanks for the belly laughs!!

[@PeterKnagge]

I bought a 2011 HiAce (I modified) to replace a VW T4 (don't ask). HiAce's have plenty of parts & even aftermarket modified parts available. I have different rims but I recommend Michelin AGILIS III tyres for the wet, & remember not to tailgate vehicles in front & be situationally alert/aware. Maybe get bullbars & tailgate step/towbar to protect the van in accidents. I have done major & minor performance upgrades all through the van however my only complaint is the ride is still fairly hard compared to other vehicles. Maybe it's time to get airbags?? 😄

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

I literally laughed out loud when you revealed yourself on the mattress 😂. And the bananas and cucumbers… 😂😂😂😂

[@meals24u]

Why am I in love of the design? 🤯 I just can’t get over it.. 🤦‍♀️ I guess it is because we can’t get them here in Canada..

[@daveforz]

as a hipster, I love the hiace. driving one of these will make me feel better than anyone idiot in a Volkswagen lol

[@dadikkedude]

I love the styling of this van!

[@kriskabin]

🤔💭 Toyota is missing out on the HUGE demand for reliable cargo vans in the USA. Hiaces or something similar by Toyota would sell like crazy here...The nomad/RV market & corporate/business demand is again, massive here. Come on Toyota, Honda or Mazda get it together & build a reliable cargo van for the North American market!

[@bigdifferencemusicgroup]

THANK YOU! I don't want a ford, nissan or mercedes, but I want to do van life. I feel like I'm forced to go with Ford, but it would be fun to get an imported Hiace. Then my only concern would be parts and people who know how to work on them if I get stuck somewhere. The trade off is, if it's a Toyota, would it even ever break down?

[@peacewithyou503]

In South Africa you can see some 1980’s hi aces on the road, being used as Taxis.

[@roadsofjapan6009]

😂 I’m going to add comment 370 , 2 years after this has been published , here in Japan we have one for flower 🌹 delivery and auctions, just about to hit 500,000 km and my only complaint is that the windscreen at the top has a let’s say a wind noice 😂 only issue battery needs to get changed. Dam if Toyota ever made a Van it’s this , early model obviously cause it done a trip to the moon and back a few times 😂

[@MrDamburger]

Would love to see a video on nv200, very underrated amazing little van

[@norafinley5216]

The engine is under the seats. I want to know, is it heat up when driving in a long distance?

[@PeterKnagge]

No heat, engine bay insulation mats can also be installed

[@jamaalmcalmont3282]

Hey here in Guyana 🇬🇾 we call these the Pitbull bus. use it for commercial transport around the country and many other uses