It has been a long while since I last posted mainly because the wife and I no longer are caravanning.
At present I am considering buying a Toyota Hiace van. I am looking at ex hire vehicle and would like some opinions from fellow nomads as to whether it is a good idea.
If you intend to either get one already set up, then they are very capable vehicles if you can find a good one in good mechanical condition. If you want to turn one into a camper, I have a suggestion for you, to look up a forum known as Reddit, specifically r/vandwellers, once you look up reddit and get to the appropriate page, write in exactly r/vandwellers, their is a trove of information about getting vans and how to turn them into a campers, including all the different types of insulation you can use, all the materials all the electronics, it maybe an American site, but their 12 volt, is exactly the same as our 12 volt, anyone can post a comment there from anywhere in the world, just have to become a member, which is easy and free. Just a thought.
I have a 1998 Hi-Ace, which started life as a Sydney Waterboard unit. I bought it from a couple in Caloundra around 10 [or more] years ago who had converted it to a Campervan, and were upgrading. I've had no problems with it, 'till 8 months ago, when a Cow ran into me and damaged the wiring . Saving to get it fixed, as I won't part with it.
It's an Auto. Diesel, with Solar on the roof. I still plan on using it 'till I can no longer drive. They have, as far as I'm concerned, an excellent reputation for reliability.
There is a Magazine in the newsagents now,[My friend got one 2 days ago,] which has 2 Hi-tops on the front Cover. Inside, some-one is selling used hire Hi-Aces, for $9 -$15.000 . Bargains I reckon.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 12th of May 2020 09:42:46 PM
I notice that some of the ex rental hi aces have very high mileage. I wonder how that affects reliability.
-- Edited by Bryan on Wednesday 13th of May 2020 07:13:20 PM
I wouldn't worry too much about high mileage. I would be very, very concerned about non existant or patchy service records though.
The mileage of some hi aces is almost the stuff of legend. Especially diesel auto's. We've seen a few on our travels and the owners only ever sing their praises and vow to never to get rid of it.
It has been a long while since I last posted mainly because the wife and I no longer are caravanning.
At present I am considering buying a Toyota Hiace van. I am looking at ex hire vehicle and would like some opinions from fellow nomads as to whether it is a good idea.
Regards Rastas
Hi rastas
My opinion ! I have owned quite a few campers over the years, several Toyota Hi Aces, several VW T4, several VWT3, currently a SLWB Mercedes Sprinter, and some others. I think the Toyotas are good but the seating position over the front wheels compromises them a bit in a couple of ways. If you are happy with that then OK. I like a bit more space now than in the good 'ol days so they are too small for us now, and the layouts can be crap IMHO, but again if the size and layout suit you then OK. I think a Commuter would be my minimum size now done as a 2 person layout, but not many in the hire fleets.
As for the perceived toughness and unbreakability of Toyotas, do not believe all you read or see on the telly. I think they are quality built commercial vehicles and should last well in modest use like a camper. BUT you pay a premium for that reputation and you had better check any hire van out well to see you are getting what you think you are getting. There are lots of dodgey ones out there tarted up to look like a pristine low Kms rust free vehicle. Like any purchase of a vehicle I guess. Do not believe they go forever though.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Thursday 14th of May 2020 04:34:44 PM
We also have Sprinter a Long wheel base High Roof Campervan. I understand that the pre mid 2006 models do not have the anti pollution gear that the later models have( less issues). Ours is a manual and not the automated Manual that just about all the automatic vehicles use. To me less problems than with the automation when the vehicle gets up a few 100,000Kms.
Sprinters have a good OZ Forum, ditto the CMCA Forum and Aussie Motorhome Forum for Help and ideas.
I would not buy a 315 Model and have a 313 (4 cylinder 130 BHP) the 316 model is great, my understanding is that 308 and 311 may be slightly under powered for a Campervan at max load.
Hi Rastus ,all i can say is ALLWAYS go for a diesel . my experiance comes from having owned a diesel hiace (1992 2.8 ltr manual. ) 17+ yrs use and well over 500,000 km`s ,for my business in construction .,hauling heavy stuff around a lot of the time . NEVER let me down although regular maintanance a must . Now i`m retired ,i have a 2009 2ltr petrol ,auto, hiace ,absolutely gutless ,and the wheels spin even on a greasy rd .Auto box a disaster . Worse purchase ever .Good luck . Did i say, ALLWAYS go for a diesel .Andy .
I have owned quite a few campers over the years, several Toyota Hi Aces, several VW T4, several VWT3, currently a SLWB Mercedes Sprinter, and some others. I think the Toyotas are good but the seating position over the front wheels compromises them a bit in a couple of ways. If you are happy with that then OK. I like a bit more space now than in the good 'ol days so they are too small for us now, and the layouts can be crap IMHO, but again if the size and layout suit you then OK. I think a Commuter would be my minimum size now done as a 2 person layout, but not many in the hire fleets.
Do not believe they go forever though. 
