ah you are looking at a classic there, I would think you could expect roughly between 8 - 11 ltrs per 100 at say 90 - 100 kph fully loaded I have yet to see one of these vehicles in a bad condition they are all loved simply because they are so good and reliable, they basically go forever

Thanks for that Dave. Makes me feel yet more confident in final decision for this vehicle. Hope the RAC inspection does not find anything major amiss. Thinking of pulling a trailer, set up like your Rig for longer trips. So the 2.8 grunt will be just about right. I'll let you know how I get on. Regards Mike

Whilst I have no connection with the publishers other than the copy I bought at the newsagents, may I sincerely suggest that anyone contemplating purchasing a motor vehicle should thoroughly peruse the current edition of the "Dog & Lemon Guide": It's hilarious and guaranteed to provide you with a thoroughly skeptical view on the whole of the motor industry.
The trouble is that it is pretty accurate in its cynicism.

Ell, we pull a 5 x 3 supply trailer that we named "squeeky" whenever we head far north, I will place a picture for you and all the others that have asked as soon as I get some time, our vehicle only has the small 2 ltr petrol engine which is grossly underpowered but very economical, all I say is thank god for the five speed gearbox, it gets a workout I would suggest that you not go much larger than a 5 x 3 trailer these vehicles with all there goods and chattles weigh in around the 2 tonne mark, sometimes over thats a lot to ask of a baby 4 cyl, although they do a fantastic job I would dearly love the 2.8 diesel in ours but we have circled aust. as she is with hardly a moments problem, seen one in melbourne with a v6 in the thing, I thought that would be handy in tasmania if you have half as good a run out of yours (and you will) as we have had out of ours then you will be as happy as the proverbial I would go as far as saying the rac will not be able to fault it and I dont think you will either I have that much faith in these models, I would take ours around aust again without a second thought and know she would do us proud

Mike & Ellie My lady has one of these, a later model, but petrol engine. Hers is a hard top (not pop top). I had to check her Lt/100km, as she complained that she thought she was loosing fuel. It came out at 11.4lts/100km, with full load and A/C on. As it turned out, she admitted to going over 100km per hour for an extended period, when she noticed the drop in fuel. So if you stick to 95-100 km/hr, then this is the sort of economy you should expect, and without the A/C, much better. I realise that it is difficult to relate petrol to diesel, but in this case, I would expect the diesel to do slightly better, as the petrol works harder.

Thanks Guys for the very much appreciated info. Rolly, "The Dog and Lemon Guide" is on our reading list already. Friends have it currently. Were next. Just bought the Hiace today and we are both happy with the purchase. The RAC man gave a good report after doing the "Master RAC Check" Few minor things like Tyres near their legal limit, Fire extinguisher out of date, Spot of rust (minor) at back window. Middle (fold down) seat belt removed. Engine and Transmission etc. all got ticks as OK. Dave you were right about the RAC man not finding much wrong. Well thanks again guys. I will report back on the Fuel consumption after I do a trip South in the next few weeks. Regards Mike and Ellie

Mike and Ellie,
I have had a 97 2.8 for a few years now, a standard van. I get between 610 to 650 K to the tank so about 30mpg or 10L/100km. Doesn't seem to matter whether its 90 or 110 k an hour, full or empty. I use it for attending trade shows and is loaded up pretty well. Would like to fit it out as a camper in the near future, I have cpmplete faith in it.
Regards
Rob

Thanks for the info Bosun.
Have not done a long run in the van as yet. Just all short trips to and from work and around town. No chance to even get away for a night to check out the sleeping comfort.

 But tomorrow I am about to fill it up with diesel. Be able to get back to you all with my L: 100ks around town so far.

Well it may be sometime later!!!  Off to the UK for a family reunion tomorrow afternoon as well.
Be back in for June 1st. Than we are off on a trip up Carnaervon way for about six weeks with friends.
That will give us a good indication of what it is capable of.
Regards
Mike and Ellie

Well Just filled up with Diesel. Topped up to where I could see the level in the filling spout. Same level as the last fill. Litres Per 100 Ks worked out at 9.7/100Ks Say 10L. I am happy with that. As it was all very short stop start journeys mostly. I will be back on deck here in Perth in June Regards Mike and Ellie

very good mileage, especially around town, you should be pleased with that!!!

I did a 3,422 K trip in 5 and a half days a couple of weeks ago, with no problems at all. Mine's a '98 Hi-Ace Pop-top that had been well looked after too. My only complaint is that I have to keep saving for every trip. Cheers, xina.

well Mike and ellie, I'll bet your pleased you bought the little feller, we wouldnt sell ours, it would be like selling the kids, we are nicking off for a short one soon just up above wilpena for some r&r taking squeeky of course, we will be staying in a few gorges, we sit between 90 -100 kph any more than that and I can watch the fuel guage drop

Yep so far Dave it's been a great buy.   
Got a few additions and alterations to make inside. Minor stuff really.
Plus I think fitting a Water Tank under the floor.  At present it is under the bed at the rear.
Also a reserve fuel tank under the floor.
Actually I need to do a search for info on fitting tanks  (or start a new thread in Techies Corner)

Even the bed turned out to be more comfortable than I ever expected.

 Hired a few different types of vehicles before finally homing in on the Hiace and this layout.
I was surprised at how uncomfortable some of the beds in  Hired units have been.

And like you Xina we are saving up for the next trip.   
Regards

Mike and Ellie

yeah a larger tank would be great if travelling into the sticks for any length of time, we find our little onboard tank is fine for about 4 days including showers we take squeeky if we are going into an area that has no water and fuel, what a lot of people do with these vehicles is to take the spare tyre away from the rear and mount it on the bullbar this then opens up an area large enough to place a fairly large plastic tank under there, in the cavity left by the spare tyre, it also places the weight of the water behind the rear wheels and balances the engine/gearbox weight out a bit we have placed extra batterys onboard, easy task, as the battery bay is long (as you are aware) it easily holds two 100 amp hour marine grade batterys and at the front (engine side) we mounted our auto charger and battery isolater the fuel tank you may have to get custom made in order to keep your clearances, I just carry a couple of jerrys in squeeky a great setup and so user freindly, we have been "fiddling" with ours since we bought her, we absolutely love "little blue"