Wondering would I be foolish to purchase a 1976 Toyota Coaster. According to the blurb: This fully refurbished Motorhome is ideal for a couple or a single person looking to travel around Australia. It is at such a low price and must sell ASAP. We bought it 18 months ago, striped the whole bus to the shell and started all over. The bus comes with: Fullying insulated walls and roof Dual battery system 2x150 watts, 2 large solar panels fixed to roof Massive fridge TV and antenna Led lights Fan above bed 3 burner stove cook top (camec) Rangehood (camec) Huge roof rack 2.5x2.5 awning and annex Head unit Solar controller 240v powerpoints x2 fold away double bed that can fold down into a table top, seat or bench very unique design to maximize space thoughout the bus Running tap water Two 60l water tanks Reverse camera CB radio new kitchen Loads and loads of storage 6 months rego 6 month old suspension and shock upgrade which cost $3500. We just had the motor fully rebuilt that cost $4000 and has only done 1000kms since. We have spent a lot of money on this bus and we are not expecting to make that money back as we need to sell it quick. We did not spare a cent when It came to decking out this motorhome. It is our pride an joy but it has come time to sell as we are in need of the money, all up we spent a little over $30000 in. Everything is brand new. The new motor rebuild is very reliable and we would be happy to give you the number of the mechanic. Can drive off normal car license. Give me a call ******** 357+ click to reveal (Daniel) no time wasters please! Is it Possible that everything is true and there is no rust. I so want to purchase it but am scared of being burned as I was last time because I trust people. How can one tell what the chassis's condition is like when it is all covered. I'm just on 70 so can't afford to make another costly mistake.
hako said
03:31 PM Jul 31, 2015
If you could arrange a full inspection by a well versed mechanical person plus check all receipts and the authenticity of the vehicle plus if the vehicle actually suits you plus you are aware that the vehicle is 40 years old and will require ongoing maintenance then you could consider making an offer. If at all unsure (and you sound as if you are) then drop it. There are plenty more on the market.
Please note this is my personal opinion.
Good Luck.
alhilda said
06:24 PM Jul 31, 2015
I am so grateful for your response. Your right I am very concerned but i was over riding good sense due to the strong wish to be on the roaD and worry later. Thanks again. I will keep looking. Alison
dogbox said
06:45 PM Jul 31, 2015
what is your concern ??
get prepurchase inspection report they are bound to find something that needs attention then work out cost to rectify
then make a decision based on that
check to see if it is encumbered thru revs (nsw)
alhilda said
07:29 PM Jul 31, 2015
Hi "dog box", I have 2 big concerns due to what I have read on GN Forums. 1. It's age in relation to rust in vital places I won't be able to see. 2. that it is petrol rather than diesel. I'm told diesel gives more mileage and longer engine life. I rang RACV to organise an inspection report but they don't do them for these vehicles. Who else can give me an objective comprehensive report on a vehicle in an area hours away from where I live?
hako said
09:52 PM Jul 31, 2015
Alison - before you look further, first find someone with experience and knowledge of these matters otherwise you will get burnt again. The person you need will be someone with common sense and first hand experience in motorhomes, buses or caravans. Preferably they will be retired so you can expect flexibility if you need to take them somewhere hours away to inspect....most mechanics would not be in that plus it would cost heaps @ $100 per hour. If you have a caravan park nearby try talking to the park owners - see if they have any residents there that they think may be able to help you. I'll bet you will find someone who would be more than happy to assist you.
I've seen people ask on this forum if someone in a certain area could help them inspect a certain vehicle/van so that could be a possibility.
Always remember there are plenty to choose from and that you are the buyer and you are in control.
Good Luck.
alhilda said
08:06 AM Aug 1, 2015
Maybe I don't need to get a better vehicle if I can find solutions for the vehicle I have. Parked out the front is my Mum's Toyota Matilda manufactured in 2002 4x4 Deisel with 114,000km. It was purchased 2yrs ago. It was full of red dust so I stripped it down and with marine cleaner brought it back to clean. The seat swabs, curtains and mattress all had to be thrown out. Mum was going to organise all the replacements and repairs and get on with her travels up the Darling river but had a massive stroke and died last December. So I have it but I am not happy with long it takes to stop. I have had the brakes inspected and all are as they should be. I'm told the problem is the weight of the van sitting on the Hilux is too much for the vehicle. Also I find it bouncy on the road which may cause the camper to sway. Are there any solutions to these problems because I just want to drive safely in all conditions. There is no joy in travelling if I'm stressed out. I did ask my mechanic about some other kinds of brakes but he said there is nothing else that can be done. So frustrating.
alhilda said
08:10 AM Aug 1, 2015
Thanks Denis some good ideas. I'll follow up on caravan parks near Mooroolbark today. Alison
dogbox said
11:24 AM Aug 1, 2015
if you like the setup in the bus maybe you could give the general location of the bus an some one on this forum can have a look to give you some idea if it is worth going further there could be a good reason someone has spent a lot of money on it then had to change their plans
dogbox said
11:27 AM Aug 1, 2015
if you like the setup in the bus maybe you could give the general location of the bus an some one on this forum can have a look to give you some idea if it is worth going further there could be a good reason someone has spent a lot of money on it then had to change their plans
dogbox said
11:28 AM Aug 1, 2015
no idea why that came up twice
hako said
12:46 PM Aug 1, 2015
alhilda wrote:
Maybe I don't need to get a better vehicle if I can find solutions for the vehicle I have. Parked out the front is my Mum's Toyota Matilda manufactured in 2002 4x4 Deisel with 114,000km. It was purchased 2yrs ago. It was full of red dust so I stripped it down and with marine cleaner brought it back to clean. The seat swabs, curtains and mattress all had to be thrown out. Mum was going to organise all the replacements and repairs and get on with her travels up the Darling river but had a massive stroke and died last December. So I have it but I am not happy with long it takes to stop. I have had the brakes inspected and all are as they should be. I'm told the problem is the weight of the van sitting on the Hilux is too much for the vehicle. Also I find it bouncy on the road which may cause the camper to sway. Are there any solutions to these problems because I just want to drive safely in all conditions. There is no joy in travelling if I'm stressed out. I did ask my mechanic about some other kinds of brakes but he said there is nothing else that can be done. So frustrating.
Check this site for upgraded suspension and brakes
Wondering would I be foolish to purchase a 1976 Toyota Coaster. According to the blurb: This fully refurbished Motorhome is ideal for a couple or a single person looking to travel around Australia. It is at such a low price and must sell ASAP. We bought it 18 months ago, striped the whole bus to the shell and started all over. The bus comes with: Fullying insulated walls and roof Dual battery system 2x150 watts, 2 large solar panels fixed to roof Massive fridge TV and antenna Led lights Fan above bed 3 burner stove cook top (camec) Rangehood (camec) Huge roof rack 2.5x2.5 awning and annex Head unit Solar controller 240v powerpoints x2 fold away double bed that can fold down into a table top, seat or bench very unique design to maximize space thoughout the bus Running tap water Two 60l water tanks Reverse camera CB radio new kitchen Loads and loads of storage 6 months rego 6 month old suspension and shock upgrade which cost $3500. We just had the motor fully rebuilt that cost $4000 and has only done 1000kms since. We have spent a lot of money on this bus and we are not expecting to make that money back as we need to sell it quick. We did not spare a cent when It came to decking out this motorhome. It is our pride an joy but it has come time to sell as we are in need of the money, all up we spent a little over $30000 in. Everything is brand new. The new motor rebuild is very reliable and we would be happy to give you the number of the mechanic. Can drive off normal car license. Give me a call ******** 357 + click to reveal (Daniel) no time wasters please! Is it Possible that everything is true and there is no rust. I so want to purchase it but am scared of being burned as I was last time because I trust people. How can one tell what the chassis's condition is like when it is all covered. I'm just on 70 so can't afford to make another costly mistake.
Please note this is my personal opinion.
Good Luck.
I am so grateful for your response. Your right I am very concerned but i was over riding good sense due to the strong wish to be on the roaD and worry later. Thanks again. I will keep looking. Alison
get prepurchase inspection report they are bound to find something that needs attention then work out cost to rectify
then make a decision based on that
check to see if it is encumbered thru revs (nsw)
Hi "dog box", I have 2 big concerns due to what I have read on GN Forums. 1. It's age in relation to rust in vital places I won't be able to see. 2. that it is petrol rather than diesel. I'm told diesel gives more mileage and longer engine life. I rang RACV to organise an inspection report but they don't do them for these vehicles. Who else can give me an objective comprehensive report on a vehicle in an area hours away from where I live?
I've seen people ask on this forum if someone in a certain area could help them inspect a certain vehicle/van so that could be a possibility.
Always remember there are plenty to choose from and that you are the buyer and you are in control.
Good Luck.
Thanks Denis some good ideas. I'll follow up on caravan parks near Mooroolbark today. Alison
Check this site for upgraded suspension and brakes
http://www.4wd1.com/Hilux-IFS.htm
Also are rear brake upgrades to disc:
http://www.designfab.com.au/images/HowTo/RearDiscBrakeConversionInstructions.pdf
https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/disc-brake-conversion-kit-rear-4459
That's from a minute or so on Google .
Good Luck.