I came across a few at my local Auto Import Dealers. This is what I've found out about them so far:
They're imported from Japan, and although most seem to be around the 2000 model, they have very low kms as Japan has a policy of upgrading at a certain kms.
I'd be looking at the 4 cylinder 3lt turbo deisel. I like the size of it. It's a bit bigger than the HiAce and in some, the front seats swivel around to be used as a chair. Some are already decked out as a campervan and some have wheelchair fittings.
My son is researching for me, but do any of you know anything about reliability on Australian roads, spare parts availability etc.
Happywanderer said
03:04 PM Jul 28, 2011
They look very similiar to my sisters tarago. Certainly looks to be a good size, just check the height of the roof to see if you need a pushup.
Beth54 said
03:14 PM Jul 28, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
They look very similiar to my sisters tarago. Certainly looks to be a good size, just check the height of the roof to see if you need a pushup.
No, not high enough without a pushup, but some already have it done.
Happywanderer said
04:15 PM Jul 28, 2011
Oh that will be good Beth.
rapidroy said
04:16 PM Jul 28, 2011
how meany norticel miles have they don Ar they radio ativ
Beth54 said
04:53 PM Jul 28, 2011
rapidroy wrote:
how meany norticel miles have they don Ar they radio ativ
Yep, that's surely something to think of too.
Sheba said
06:25 PM Jul 28, 2011
When I was still looking, a friend who used to be a Used Car Dealer told me to stay away from Japanese Imports, as Parts were a big problem. Things may have changed since then though, but I'd still be careful.
I'd want to see it for myself also, before buying. Not a good idea to buy anything sight unseen.
When I finally saw a Mitsubishi Delica I had been considering, it was way too narrow for my liking. I like something that doesn't look as though it would be easy to tip over.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 06:38:28 PM
Beth54 said
06:42 PM Jul 28, 2011
Sheba wrote:
When I was still looking, a friend who used to be a Used Car Dealer told me to stay away from Japanese Imports, as Parts were a big problem. Things may have changed since then though, but I'd still be careful.
I'd want to see it for myself also, before buying. Not a good idea to buy anything sight unseen.
When I finally saw one of those I had been considering, it was way too narrow for my liking. I like something that doesn't look as though it would be easy to tip over.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Oh God no, Gayle, I wouldn't buy anything sight unseen. I saw inside these and thought the size was good.
But yes, the parts thing was a thought.
There's also the Toyota SBV. I just think the regular HiAce is a wee bit small for me. I'm also looking at the Hyundai iLoad or Ford Transit. I'd love to have a small motorhome, but as I'm not going fulltime, I have to think of the around town driving.
Havago said
07:08 PM Jul 28, 2011
Yes. Most certainly check out availability of parts and the cost. Do they have to be imported and, if so how long is the vehicle off the road. What about insurance? I know that some of the earlier Toyota HiLux wagons, I can't think what they were called, but were imported from Japan and parts were a problem. Havago.
Sheba said
07:52 PM Jul 28, 2011
I think you'll find the SVB is smaller than a High-ace though Beth. Looked at those once too.
Mine is a Long wheel-base. It's longer than Vics' I think. [Hope you don't mind me putting your Avatar in for comparison Vic.]
Don't know if this will give you an idea of length. See how much more 'van there is after the rear tyre, and the place the awning leg fits. Might not seem much, but makes a big difference parking etc.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 11:37:14 PM
Beth54 said
08:01 PM Jul 28, 2011
I can see I'll have to go and physically look at all the different types of Toyota vans. I didn't realise there was such a variety.
Sheba said
08:07 PM Jul 28, 2011
I liked the idea of the motor in front of me, which is why I looked at the SVB, but that means less space in the 'Van. Believe me, an extra foot or so can make a noticable difference.
Be a good idea to check out different lay-outs too Beth, to see what suits you. There are a few different ones.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 08:10:52 PM
Beth54 said
08:12 PM Jul 28, 2011
Sheba wrote:
I liked the idea of the motor in front of me, which is why I looked at the SVB, but that means less space in the 'Van.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Yes, I like that too.
My sister and b-i-l were driving a VW Combi once, and had an altercation with a bull. What a mess! All caved in at the front. Lucky they weren't doing a great speed.
Vic said
09:41 PM Jul 28, 2011
No that's ok Sheba, mine is a LWB (long wheel base) too, might just look shorter. The next size up is the SLWB (super long wheelbase), is also used for the high roofed Commuter busses......
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 09:46:45 PM
Scroll UPWARDS on the link for Regius and earlier models of Hi Ace etc.
(Mine comes under the 5th generation model numbers.)
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 10:24:12 PM
Cruising Granny said
10:29 PM Jul 28, 2011
One of my pilot co-workers has a Regius. It's still fitted out as in Japan, but they've moved the steering wheel to the right. It has a plush internal fit out, but hers wasn't equipped as a camper yet. It was on the plans. I wouldn't touch it based on her experiences. Go with what you know, where you can get reliable after sales service anywhere. Import vehicles are not always suited to our conditions and you may have to make expensive modifications to make sure they're road worthy in Australia.
Sheba said
11:44 PM Jul 28, 2011
Vic wrote:
Just comparing the photo's Sheba, yours looks a lot longer in the pics or is my door open wider? My awning holder is further along too
I bought it as a LWB but now you've got me wondering, supposed to be 4695mm long
The lengths for the SLWB and Commuter (same length as each other) is shown also.
Must get my tape out !!
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 10:08:40 PM
I just noticed that too Vic. Maybe mine is the SLWB. My door is fully open in the Pic. Marj's looks like a LWB I think. Have to see how they compare lengthwise when I finally get down there.
Might measure mine tomorrow if I remember. Got a few things to do first.
According to that link, a SLWB is 5380mm long. What would that be in feet ?
To answer my own Question, it's between 19 and 20 feet.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 29th of July 2011 12:45:44 AM
Sheba said
12:09 AM Jul 29, 2011
That's a handy Link Vic, thanks. I've put it on my Favourites.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Sheba said
12:12 AM Jul 29, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Mines a LWB, does it look much different.
Unless it's the angle of the Pic, Myrtle looks longer than Vics' too Marj. You'll have to measure her when she gets out of Hospital.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Vic said
12:22 AM Jul 29, 2011
It's got me stumped, I agree both yours and Marg's look about the same. I wonder if they changed the length with later models of LWB?
Sheba said
12:47 AM Jul 29, 2011
Like I said before Vic, maybe ours are SLWBs'. I know I have to be very careful parking sometimes, as there is not enough room to just swing straight in, no matter how wide I swing her.
I often have to reverse back a bit, and straighten up before going in and switching off. She's just so long.
Strangely enough, I don't have a problem reverse parking, as long as there is enough space.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 30th of July 2011 12:05:04 AM
Vic said
03:09 AM Jul 29, 2011
I think you are probably right Sheba! Understand about the parking bit, I usually go back a bit again to get it right.
I like your little jack/tool hatch on the step, mine doesn't have that, the jack sits just under the step where yours is and has an elastic arm holding the tool bag in.
What is on your step? I put this indoor/outdoor carpet bit on the step to wipe my feet and to act as a back kick board, punched a hole in the vinyl already, the vinyl wasn't put on by me. I used velcro on the carpet so I can take it off and shake it out/wash it etc.
-- Edited by Vic on Friday 29th of July 2011 03:17:13 AM
Dammit! I wrote a big waffle and when I tried to upload a picture, it just spun round and round and round for ages. So I tried again, and lost all my words! Now where was I?.....
Vic and Sheba, I was wondering if there was a difference between the Commuter and LWB.
CG, I do value your opinion and I think you may be right. Too many ifs involved, me thinks!
So,,,Transit, iload,,,,With already owning an i30, I've been very happy with Hyundai. It's a beautiful car to drive.
The iload only came out in '08 and has a good writeup. The best being the 4 star ANCAP rating. I don't think any of the others can beat that. I'm not including Mercedes, VW or Fiat in this. Way too exxy for my pocket.
I had another look at a regular HiAce Campervan today and I really think it's too squeezy for me.
The other suggestion was a liftup roof instead of poptop, if you know what I mean. Seeing how I can't upload a picture.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 30th of July 2011 09:53:02 AM
Vic said
04:14 PM Jul 29, 2011
Hi Beth,
The main difference in the Commuter and SWLB (Super Long Wheel Base) is the first is a passenger vehicle and has a higher roof, whereas the latter is a good vehicle (if converted the first has the seats removed, but still have to duck your head a bit unless short, the latter is fitted with a pop top).
Here is one crowd over your way (most states) that converts vans and also sells new and used stock, see;
Has anyone had any experience with these?
http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/toyota/Regius/main.htm
I came across a few at my local Auto Import Dealers. This is what I've found out about them so far:
They're imported from Japan, and although most seem to be around the 2000 model, they have very low kms as Japan has a policy of upgrading at a certain kms.
I'd be looking at the 4 cylinder 3lt turbo deisel. I like the size of it. It's a bit bigger than the HiAce and in some, the front seats swivel around to be used as a chair. Some are already decked out as a campervan and some have wheelchair fittings.
My son is researching for me, but do any of you know anything about reliability on Australian roads, spare parts availability etc.
No, not high enough without a pushup, but some already have it done.
Yep, that's surely something to think of too.
When I was still looking, a friend who used to be a Used Car Dealer told me to stay away from Japanese Imports, as Parts were a big problem. Things may have changed since then though, but I'd still be careful.
I'd want to see it for myself also, before buying. Not a good idea to buy anything sight unseen.
When I finally saw a Mitsubishi Delica I had been considering, it was way too narrow for my liking. I like something that doesn't look as though it would be easy to tip over.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 06:38:28 PM
Oh God no, Gayle, I wouldn't buy anything sight unseen. I saw inside these and thought the size was good.
But yes, the parts thing was a thought.
There's also the Toyota SBV. I just think the regular HiAce is a wee bit small for me. I'm also looking at the Hyundai iLoad or Ford Transit. I'd love to have a small motorhome, but as I'm not going fulltime, I have to think of the around town driving.
I think you'll find the SVB is smaller than a High-ace though Beth. Looked at those once too.
Mine is a Long wheel-base. It's longer than Vics' I think. [Hope you don't mind me putting your Avatar in for comparison Vic.]
Don't know if this will give you an idea of length. See how much more 'van there is after the rear tyre, and the place the awning leg fits. Might not seem much, but makes a big difference parking etc.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 11:37:14 PM
I can see I'll have to go and physically look at all the different types of Toyota vans. I didn't realise there was such a variety.
I liked the idea of the motor in front of me, which is why I looked at the SVB, but that means less space in the 'Van. Believe me, an extra foot or so can make a noticable difference.
Be a good idea to check out different lay-outs too Beth, to see what suits you. There are a few different ones.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of July 2011 08:10:52 PM
Yes, I like that too.
My sister and b-i-l were driving a VW Combi once, and had an altercation with a bull. What a mess! All caved in at the front. Lucky they weren't doing a great speed.
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 09:46:45 PM
Just comparing the photo's Sheba, yours looks a lot longer in the pics or is my door open wider? My awning holder is further along too
I bought it as a LWB but now you've got me wondering, supposed to be 4695mm long
see; http://www.toyota.com.au/hiace/specifications/lwb-turbo-diesel-auto
The lengths for the SLWB and Commuter (same length as each other) is shown also.
Must get my tape out !!
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 10:08:40 PM
Just to add to the confusion, have a look at this link Beth, includes Regius;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_HiAce#Fifth_generation_.28H200.3B_2004.E2.80.93present.29
Scroll UPWARDS on the link for Regius and earlier models of Hi Ace etc.
(Mine comes under the 5th generation model numbers.)
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 28th of July 2011 10:24:12 PM
I wouldn't touch it based on her experiences.
Go with what you know, where you can get reliable after sales service anywhere. Import vehicles are not always suited to our conditions and you may have to make expensive modifications to make sure they're road worthy in Australia.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 29th of July 2011 12:45:44 AM
That's a handy Link Vic, thanks. I've put it on my Favourites.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Like I said before Vic, maybe ours are SLWBs'. I know I have to be very careful parking sometimes, as there is not enough room to just swing straight in, no matter how wide I swing her.
I often have to reverse back a bit, and straighten up before going in and switching off. She's just so long.
Strangely enough, I don't have a problem reverse parking, as long as there is enough space.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 30th of July 2011 12:05:04 AM
I think you are probably right Sheba! Understand about the parking bit, I usually go back a bit again to get it right.
I like your little jack/tool hatch on the step, mine doesn't have that, the jack sits just under the step where yours is and has an elastic arm holding the tool bag in.
What is on your step? I put this indoor/outdoor carpet bit on the step to wipe my feet and to act as a back kick board, punched a hole in the vinyl already, the vinyl wasn't put on by me. I used velcro on the carpet so I can take it off and shake it out/wash it etc.
-- Edited by Vic on Friday 29th of July 2011 03:17:13 AM
Dammit! I wrote a big waffle and when I tried to upload a picture, it just spun round and round and round for ages. So I tried again, and lost all my words! Now where was I?.....
Vic and Sheba, I was wondering if there was a difference between the Commuter and LWB.
CG, I do value your opinion and I think you may be right. Too many ifs involved, me thinks!
So,,,Transit, iload,,,,With already owning an i30, I've been very happy with Hyundai. It's a beautiful car to drive.
The iload only came out in '08 and has a good writeup. The best being the 4 star ANCAP rating. I don't think any of the others can beat that. I'm not including Mercedes, VW or Fiat in this. Way too exxy for my pocket.
I had another look at a regular HiAce Campervan today and I really think it's too squeezy for me.
The other suggestion was a liftup roof instead of poptop, if you know what I mean. Seeing how I can't upload a picture.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Saturday 30th of July 2011 09:53:02 AM
Hi Beth,
The main difference in the Commuter and SWLB (Super Long Wheel Base) is the first is a passenger vehicle and has a higher roof, whereas the latter is a good vehicle (if converted the first has the seats removed, but still have to duck your head a bit unless short, the latter is fitted with a pop top).
Here is one crowd over your way (most states) that converts vans and also sells new and used stock, see;
http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enAU425AU430&q=frontline+campervans
I like the look of the Hyundai Iload, nice and wide, not sure about the length though.
Here is a link to the Kea Flip Tops, they have lots of others too and have new and used stock, this is where Chi Chi got hers from;
http://aurentals.keacampers.com/en/vehicles/2-plus-2-berth-flip-top.aspx
-- Edited by Vic on Friday 29th of July 2011 04:14:50 PM
Didn't get home from Rocky 'til late, so forgot to measure it. Will do it tomorrow.
Beth, is a Lift-up the one where only one end is raised ?
Vic, I'm not sure , but I think its Lino. It's the same as whatever is on the floor. Will have a closer look tomorrow.
Re. the Hatch under the step, I must check that tomorrow too. I think the Fire Extinguisher is in there.
Mine's a '98 model Vic. Yours looks much later than that.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 30th of July 2011 12:11:15 AM
I'll take a better shot and upload it tomorrow night Vic. Won't be 'til after 11pm.
Cheers,
Sheba.