Is the Toyota HiAce THE van to buy? | ReDriven used car review
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Check out the Toyota HiAce Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/cheat_sheet/toyo...
Looking for a used Toyota HiAce? - carsforsale.com.au/toyota/hiace
Think vans, think Toyota HiAce. The Fifth-generation Toyota HiAce dominated the Aussie van world from its release in 2005, all the way to 2019 when it was
replaced.
Whether you’re a tradie needing a reliable work van, or you’re looking to join #vanlife and hit the road in a mobile apartment, the Toyota HiAce is definitely worth a look.
What do you think of the Toyota HiAce? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with all our latest content!
00:00 - Intro
01:45 - What is it?
03:58 - How's the exterior?
06:01 - How's the interior?
07:44 - How's the tech?
08:45 - Is it practical?
10:45 - What goes wrong?
14:06 - Is it safe?
14:50 - What's it like to drive?
16:33 - How much is it?
17:27 - Fuel use, warranty & servicing
18:25 - Should you buy it?
#toyota
#hiace
#van
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
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Пікірлер: 345
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
Жыл бұрын
The ultimate understatement 🤣
@paulyg3776
Жыл бұрын
I remember this from the early 90s as a kid! 🤣
@dadikkedude
Жыл бұрын
Same in south east Asia
@UmeshKumar-um7ze
Жыл бұрын
Ok buddy
@atomos3639
Жыл бұрын
Also in Mexico, taxi drivers use Hiace or Urvan. They are very tough vehicles.
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
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
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.
My 1999 Hiace commuter has been my fulltime camper for five years and I've been really happy with it's reliability!
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
3 ай бұрын
500k km? Jeez man
@HDXFH
3 ай бұрын
Those VVTI 2TRs love using oil
@hellohello8556
9 күн бұрын
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.
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
Жыл бұрын
The older ones became fun when brakes would lock up. Especially with passengers sitting on milk crates in the back.
@hellohello8556
9 күн бұрын
@@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.
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.
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
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.
The banana test should be a standard to assess interior space practicality.
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
2 жыл бұрын
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.
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
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
2 жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior wow didn't no that thanks for the info
@bluewanderer9903
Жыл бұрын
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior no need for installing anything, just learn to drive properly. And front lower bumper prevents roll overs? Just wow, lol...
@angrysocialjusticewarrior
Жыл бұрын
@@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?
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
2 жыл бұрын
How do you get insurance? I've got a commuter and pay through the nose haha
@allegrosotto2126
Жыл бұрын
Most areas of out back and rural Australia mechanics understand how to work on them, unlike European makes.
@rogerhoughton5809
Жыл бұрын
He's talking about European versions of the Toyota Hi-Ace.
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.
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!
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.
Never forget my hiace which was my first car. Somehow so far it’s been the most fun to drive.
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.
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!)
Such good and detail reveal, mate thanks a lot
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.
Outstanding review and research. No one else comes close to your level of detail and thoroughness. Thank you. 😎👍
@ReDriven
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!!
Great review. I have 4 of them - fantastic vehicles.
The Japanese import 4X4 models are super cool, plan on building one soon.
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
8 ай бұрын
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.
3 videos this week! I feel blessed!
My 2015 just reached 260k , zero faults, 2.7 petrol is excellent. My first was a 3.0 diesel, did 175k ,no problem.
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.
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
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.
Another great review, Turned up the humor on this one! Never thought I needed a space for a loli banana.
Channel so good, it's got me watching van reviews
@ReDriven
2 жыл бұрын
Haha, fantastic!
Great review. Love all the banana compartments. Actually changed my mind about buying one.
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.
Hi-ace is only for people really need a work horse. I'm only watching this because your channel is great!
This vehicle is legendary...its truly a mover...if you need a mover,this is the vehicle you want
I love the styling of this van!
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 .
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 👍
Nice. One of my dream vehicles good for friends road trip.
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
2 жыл бұрын
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)?
Great information thanks
i have a 2012 toyota hiace gl wagon and i love it
Very useful and entertaining.
Love it dude!! Best vehicle reviewer on the interweb… Would love to see a review of the generation before these(93-04)
@ReDriven
5 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Is that Monaro in the background coming soon as a review? Looks awesome!
Thank you I love this van!
@ReDriven
2 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome!
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!
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
my mobile mechanic has this model in petrol. now has 420,000kms and still going strong
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.... 😊
Editor: "How many times do you want to say banana?" Adam: "Yes" Great informative video guys, can't wait for more!
u crack me up with all the banana holder features
they are the best for durabilaty our work fleet all had over 400K and never a single thing happened
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! 👍🏻😁
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
8 ай бұрын
Which transmission ? What fuel consumption? Thx
I realy Like your channel. Greetings from the Netherlands
‘Slide your banana in’ - Never thought I’d hear that when watching a Hiace Review 🤣
Great video cheers guys :)
@ReDriven
Жыл бұрын
Thanks James, you’re welcome!
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
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 🍌
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
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.
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
Жыл бұрын
I have one of those.
@lordmoreton1762
Жыл бұрын
@@jasonmorris4795 is there any quirks or extra issues having a jap import van? (eg Super GL)
@sn0wchyld
9 ай бұрын
@@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 .
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.
I use a slwb model as a pilot car. Best van i ever had,now done 500kplus.
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
2 жыл бұрын
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
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!
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
Жыл бұрын
I know I want one so bad here in the US. It's perfect for camp / aid station setup of ultra marathons.
@boxoffisa
8 ай бұрын
Americans won’t buy it. They like huge SUVs and crossovers. 😊
I love the hiace
Would love to see a video on nv200, very underrated amazing little van
Ang ganda naman po nyan!❤
i have a 2013 turbo diesel . best van ever!!
Hey here in Guyana 🇬🇾 we call these the Pitbull bus. use it for commercial transport around the country and many other uses
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!!
i love mine, its the most solid one
Should definitely do a video on the iload, put a diesel auto version through hell and back and never had an issue.
I have a 2000 hiace with over 400000kms, perfect car
I miss my hiace. Hopefully to get one in the next week or two.
As a Sprinter driver and definitely hipster looking for the vanlife experience I feel offended… that you are so right hahahahahaahhaha nah now for real, getting in and out of that van it’s a nightmare!
Excellent work..🤪
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
10 ай бұрын
They need to release a local 4x4 version, imports can be hard for parts
Great work 👍can you do a review of Suzuki every
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
2 жыл бұрын
Please give ur thoughts on the petrol vs the diesel one in terms of consumption, power, maintenance etc
@lincolnricardo8234
2 жыл бұрын
@@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
2 жыл бұрын
@@lincolnricardo8234 thanks so much for ur response, the petrol version i see in my country is only 2000cc, was urs 2000cc or 2700cc?
@lincolnricardo8234
2 жыл бұрын
@@dreamphantltd mine was 2700cc, the diesel was 2000cc turbo diesel. I'm in Australia.
@johnva7
2 жыл бұрын
Very odd, I own a 2007 diesel and am getting 700km per tank with 100kg payload
:) THANKS MUCH for sharing! They are not generally available in North America though :( I would like to drive a petrol version with the Manual transmission for sure. No vans left here with Manual at all :( ALL the BEST and Cheers!
First gen Hiace was introduced in 1967 with a 10 years run until 1977.
As a VW transporter owner, I wouldn't be caught dead touching a Hi Ace with a 30 foot barge pole.
Wish Toyota would sell this model here in the States ❤
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
I literally laughed out loud when you revealed yourself on the mattress 😂. And the bananas and cucumbers… 😂😂😂😂
Just bought the 2021 model, what a difference the next gen model is
Super gl AWD/4wd is the way to go
In South Africa you can see some 1980’s hi aces on the road, being used as Taxis.
Informative and funny.
@ReDriven
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
These vans are fitted with seats and used as Public transport vehicles in Kenya😂
@chrisdooley6468
2 жыл бұрын
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
2 жыл бұрын
Matatu life
@ZANICSCOUSIN
Жыл бұрын
They do that here in Australia to😊
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.
"space for a lolly banana here" killed me ahahhahaha
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..