Toyota Regius or Granvia

Beth54 · Guru

Toyota Regius or Granvia

Happywanderer · The Master

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 · Guru

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 · The Master

Oh that will be good Beth.

rapidroy · Member

how meany norticel miles have they don Ar they radio ativ

Beth54 · Guru

rapidroy wrote:
how meany norticel miles have they don Ar they radio ativ

Yep, that's surely something to think of too.

Sheba · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Veteran Member

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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

Vic · Guru

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 confuse

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

Happywanderer · The Master

Mines a LWB, does it look much different.

Vic · Guru

Beth54 wrote:
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.

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

Cruising Granny · Guru

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 · Guru

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
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
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 · Guru

That's a handy Link Vic, thanks. I've put it on my Favourites.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Sheba · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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

Beth54 · Guru

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?..... confuse

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 · Guru

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

Sheba · Guru

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

Vic · Guru

Thanks Sheba, I haven't measured mine yet either. You step looks like it is raised with something on the step itself?

Sheba · Guru

Vic wrote:
Thanks Sheba, I haven't measured mine yet either. You step looks like it is raised with something on the step itself?

I'll take a better shot and upload it tomorrow night Vic. Won't be 'til after 11pm.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Vic · Guru

No worries......mine is a 2007 model, same shape ranges from 2005 to 2010 I think.....or so someone told me....