Currently looking to buy a Second hand Hiace and notice that a budget below $10,000 gets something for around 300,000kms upwards. I am aware that the hiace has a good reputation as a work horse and that these kms are common, however is there anything I should look out for with these types of vans ? What would be sensible limit when it comes to the kms ?
Jaahn said
10:03 AM Feb 3, 2019
Hi AndersonJ
I think Toyotas are good but do not believe that advertising BS about being unbreakable. Like all vehicles condition of the particular vehicle is EVERTHING. If you cannot evaluate it yourself them find and pay someone who can.
Cars wear out and if used in easy work then more slowly and if for heavy or rough work more quickly. Just a simple fact. Speaking generally, about 200000 Kms onward some things are starting to need replacement. That speeds up as the Kms increase. If the necessary service and replacements are done it may go for a long time. They are commercial vehicles so are built to go for a long life, if serviced and maintained properly.
If I was buying one I would probably stretch my budget a bit and look for a better lower Km good unit. You spend extra at the start to save it later as you drive it. Probably all I can say.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Sunday 3rd of February 2019 10:09:24 AM
moamajohn said
04:06 PM Feb 3, 2019
Hi Josh .I have my caravan for the you beaut holidays ,but as we live minutes from the Murray last year I purchased a 1984 Nissan Urvan Campervan .It was pretty tired inside so I pulled out bits and pieces ,painted ,recarpeted ,curtained new fridge etc.put an awning on it and now we use it a lot for an overnighter etc to camp out on the Murray.It has 330 000 ks on the clock but
i was supplied with invoices for a major rebuild at 280 000 ks .When I had it roadworthied on purchase my mechanic could not fault it ! I would suggest that an RACV test or similar would be the go on anything you may consider .Mine only owes me $ 7000 all up and when the rego runs out I will go for Red plates .Cheers .
Knight said
07:05 AM Feb 4, 2019
Beware of former rental vehicles, ask to see the service book record and check carefully that every service was carried out, not just oil and filter changes.
I considered buying one last year but when asked for the service book the dealer said they only have the previous owner's service records, about 25% of the kilometres travelled, and admitted that it was originally a rental vehicle. I can't name the rental firm for obvious reasons but was told a few years ago that because their vehicles rotate between their rental branches regularly no maintenance is carried out and also because the vehicles (not campers) are traded in every couple of years.
Maybe camper vans are different because of where they are often taken and distances involved, I doubt that any firm would ignore diesel engine servicing?
Warren-Pat_01 said
11:24 PM Feb 7, 2019
Hi Josh,
Firstly welcome to a quite informative & helpful forum.
You didn't say how old the vehicle is, nor the type of engine (petrol or diesel) - I suspect it is petrol due to the price. Personally if it is petrol, I'd be hesitant but I'd have a darn good look in, over & under it myself AND get a RACV (or similar) check done on it - if this is the only one that you're looking at. It could save you $$$ in the near future. And I'd be interested in its history if that is possible.
Look for signs of body rust & any possibility of panel repairs - especially along the roof line.
If you're not in a hurry to buy, have a good look around in the newspapers, car yards or caravan parks - camper van owners (not renters) will often give you the info you're after.
My own vehicle - I was the 4th owner in 8 years & the car had 271,000kms on it. I know only basic amounts of its history. It is a big (4.2L diesel) & now has 440,000 coming up with no major troubles.
hako said
02:50 PM Feb 8, 2019
The main thing to look out for is rust - lift all the mats, get on a ladder and look all along the gutter and especially around the rear tailgate and lower mudguards. Petrol motors are good for 400,000plus and gearbox and diff go forever. Tryt and get one that has aircon fitted...a bullbar and towbar also help although sometimes a towbar can indicate it towed a lot.
Currently looking to buy a Second hand Hiace and notice that a budget below $10,000 gets something for around 300,000kms upwards. I am aware that the hiace has a good reputation as a work horse and that these kms are common, however is there anything I should look out for with these types of vans ? What would be sensible limit when it comes to the kms ?
Hi AndersonJ
I think Toyotas are good but do not believe that advertising BS about being unbreakable. Like all vehicles condition of the particular vehicle is EVERTHING. If you cannot evaluate it yourself them find and pay someone who can.
Cars wear out and if used in easy work then more slowly and if for heavy or rough work more quickly. Just a simple fact. Speaking generally, about 200000 Kms onward some things are starting to need replacement. That speeds up as the Kms increase. If the necessary service and replacements are done it may go for a long time. They are commercial vehicles so are built to go for a long life, if serviced and maintained properly.
If I was buying one I would probably stretch my budget a bit and look for a better lower Km good unit. You spend extra at the start to save it later as you drive it. Probably all I can say.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Sunday 3rd of February 2019 10:09:24 AM
i was supplied with invoices for a major rebuild at 280 000 ks .When I had it roadworthied on purchase my mechanic could not fault it ! I would suggest that an RACV test or similar would be the go on anything you may consider .Mine only owes me $ 7000 all up and when the rego runs out I will go for Red plates .Cheers .
I considered buying one last year but when asked for the service book the dealer said they only have the previous owner's service records, about 25% of the kilometres travelled, and admitted that it was originally a rental vehicle. I can't name the rental firm for obvious reasons but was told a few years ago that because their vehicles rotate between their rental branches regularly no maintenance is carried out and also because the vehicles (not campers) are traded in every couple of years.
Maybe camper vans are different because of where they are often taken and distances involved, I doubt that any firm would ignore diesel engine servicing?
Firstly welcome to a quite informative & helpful forum.
You didn't say how old the vehicle is, nor the type of engine (petrol or diesel) - I suspect it is petrol due to the price. Personally if it is petrol, I'd be hesitant but I'd have a darn good look in, over & under it myself AND get a RACV (or similar) check done on it - if this is the only one that you're looking at. It could save you $$$ in the near future. And I'd be interested in its history if that is possible.
Look for signs of body rust & any possibility of panel repairs - especially along the roof line.
If you're not in a hurry to buy, have a good look around in the newspapers, car yards or caravan parks - camper van owners (not renters) will often give you the info you're after.
My own vehicle - I was the 4th owner in 8 years & the car had 271,000kms on it. I know only basic amounts of its history. It is a big (4.2L diesel) & now has 440,000 coming up with no major troubles.
Good Luck.