Van choices

Beth54 · Guru

Van choices

Sheba · Guru

Well, if you're thinking of that size of 'Van, I still think you can't beat a Hi-ace Diesel. Marj's unfortunate experience in my humble opinion, is a real rarity.

Normally, the Toyota Hi-ace is an extremely reliable vehicle. They also hold their value pretty well. I was lucky in the price I paid for mine. If you go looking at 'Vans around the same age as mine, [1998] you won't find many under $25,000.

I'm not including Back-packer 'Vans here, as they're not always well maintained.

Just my opinion. May-be I'm wrong.

[Now I've thrown the cat among the Pigeons, lol.]

Cheers,

Sheba.

Beth54 · Guru

No cats or pigeons Gayle, I asked for opinions! wink

I think I have to go with that size, otherwise I'll never be able to afford to drive it anywhere!

I'll be looking at something with under 100,000 kms on the clock. And no, I won't solely believe the odometer,,no offence to Marj.

The price range of HiAce, VW, Merc and Renault are too high for me, although I won't be looking at ex-backpacker vans either. $20,000 - $25,000 tops is my price range.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

We have the CMCA(?) magazine at the Visitors Info Centre, and I always look at the "for sale" section - looks like a few good buys in the July edition I have just read. Go to your info centre, see if they keep a copy, or ask a friend who is a member.

Travel Bug · Guru

Beth, I will take my copy on Thursday if you want. smile

Beth54 · Guru

I've found them online, thanks anyway Jules and Pam.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Ok - see you Thursday!!

Happywanderer · The Master

I don't mind you making any comparisons to my experience Beth. Would hate anyone else to make the same mistakes. So go for it.

NeilandRaine · Guru

jules47 wrote:
We have the CMCA(?) magazine at the Visitors Info Centre, and I always look at the "for sale" section - looks like a few good buys in the July edition I have just read. Go to your info centre, see if they keep a copy, or ask a friend who is a member.

Just go to the CMCA web site and look at the members market. You dont have to be a member.

Just be careful when buying on a budget, in the long run you may pay more for upkeep than if you spent a few more $'s in the beginning.

Vic · Guru

I like the look of the i Van and it was one I was thinking about too, although I didn't investigate it fully or go any further with it, for now other reason but that I saw the 2007 Hi Ace in a yard and being ex Govt with only 21,000 on the clock thought it would fill the bill for camper conversion.

Reading that link, I would be inclined to forget the barn doors and still go for the lift up hatch back, reason being it gives you some protection from the rain when getting things out or putting in etc. Also there is a rear tent available that has a flat that can go over the lift up.

I like the front bit out the front too Beth, is the motor in front of you too rather than under you in the cab? In regards to reliability I think Hydundai have proved themselves over time and are a good vehicle. My wife has one and I had one at one stage too, no complaints. But not the vans. Any brand of vehicle will not go forever and at some stage are going to need a new motor or other bits over time and Hi Ace is no exception.

If I was going to get another van I think I would be looking closely at the Hyundai iVan too.

Good luck with the search and investigation Beth, keep us posted, I for one am interested in your possible choice.

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

A friend of mine is a courier here in Perth. After years of running around in Econovans, both short and long wheelbase, it was time to replace his Eco Van, as he managed to write it off in an accident. He asked me to drive him around so he could check out the different vans available. He was leaning towards the cheap and nasty Mitsi Express, a van that has not changed since 1989. An absolute tin box on wheels, terrible ergonomics and the standard nof fitout was abysmal. I managed to get him to look at the Hyundai I Load, and although it was more than he had intended to pay, the quality and ergonomics , ease of loading and drivability, and a 5 year warranty convinced him to buy. That was 9 months and more than 50000kms ago and the smile STILL has not left his face.

-- Edited by Bent Axle Bob on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 03:14:26 PM

Vic · Guru

Hmmm......the manual I Load did not get a very good review here for the petrol manual in 2010......hope they sorted it for the 2011 model;

http://www.productreview.com.au/p/hyundai-iload-2008-present.html

On the other hand this VW van got a good review, see;

http://www.productreview.com.au/p/volkswagen-california-van.html

KEA Rentals have VW's in the flip tops both for rent and sale, see;

http://aurentals.keacampers.com/en/vehicles/2-plus-2-berth-flip-top.aspx

-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 04:21:52 PM

Vic · Guru

Specifications for the ILoad Van. I note it is longer at 5125mm than the LWB High Ace. Width is 1920. Available in Auto or Manual, see;

http://www.hyundai.com.au/Vehicles/iLoad/Specification-Range/default.aspx

I see the width is wider than the Hi Ace too, which is 1695mm compared to ILoad 1920mm.

-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 08:22:10 PM

Beth54 · Guru

Okay Marj, goodio. smile

BAB, that's interesting to hear. I hadn't spoken to anyone with any experience of the iLOAD. But having an i30 myself and having done a lot of research, I thought they were a good option. Did he get a diesel? Auto or manual?

I agree the Express 'bitsa s.h.i.t.t.y' as my b-i-l calls them, are not worth a look. I wouldn't go there. Although, my son reckons the Delica is good as it's a Pajero underneath. I decided against a Delica though, as I think they are a bit narrow.

Vic, you are so helpful, thank you. I've looked at those sites too.

Well today I spoke to a bloke at www.motorhomesoz.com

I learnt a lot from him. He didn't even try to sell me anything, but answered all my queries and then some. He said he wouldn't touch a Transit or any of the European vans. When a Transit comes in to have something done, they all run a mile, as they are junk. Things fall off and they're always rattly.

As for the European vans, if something goes wrong out in the woop woops, no-one knows what to do with them. He also said they are un-necessarily high,,wasted space, and fuel guzzler because of the wind drag when that high.

Sorry Jonathon, you may disagree but this is what he told me., and it made sense to me.

As for the iLOAD, he said as they're fairly new, he hadn't yet seen any conversions, but agreed that they could be a great alternative.

He also said I couldn't go wrong with any version of the HiAce, even the imported Regius/Granvia. They are just the same as the others but with more 'luxury' options...eg: USB ports..as the Japanese are way ahead of us with the techno stuff.

The popup rooves are exxy, as I expected...$5000 -$7000...because they have to be reinforced. He thought the iLOAD would be good as it's already solid, being a commercial van.

I feel like I've had a very fruitful day. biggrin

Oh, and I went to the movies with my besty and saw Bridesmaids. So so funny! I highly recommend it!

Vic · Guru

Here's one problem that apparently has been corrected in later models of iLoad...
http://www.motorsm.com/complaints/update/display.asp?aid=5825

UK iLoad Camper Conversion; http://www.worldofmotorhomes.com/dealersmanufacturers/manufacturers/pjb-motorhomes-easy-dream-hyundai

This non official Hyundai Forum may be of some help too;

http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t58472-h1-campervan-conversion.htm

Story on iLoad use as a basic camping camper....

http://www.tynan.com.au/newsletters/2010/october/#iload

iLoad Camper Conversion Kit (UK)....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hyundai-ILoad-Motorhome-Camper-Van-Conversion-KIT-/180646969254

Nice outside pic of iLoad conversion on this link, scroll down on link page;

http://www.toyota-granvia.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=878

I notice there is a Facebook user from Sydney called iRoo iWagon who has ordered an iWagon in the UK and went to collect it if you are on Facebook and want to contact them.........

Don't seem to any/many in Oz yet doing iVan conversions.......

-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 10:37:00 PM

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

Talked to my Buddy this evening and the total is now past 75,000 without any problems. His is the petrol model , as at that stage the diesel was only available with auto trans. I had an Excell twin cam in '99 for three years , did 21,000 kms and sold it back to the dealer I bought it from for $990 less than I paid brand new. Never missed a beat , was very impressed considering the price.
I would imagine the I load will prove to be every bit as durable, and would I were to require a similar vehicle I would not hesitate( subject of cause to a rigorous mechanical inspection)

hazmail · Newbie

Hi- I'm new here, very interesting and informative site, so hope I can add something.
Just reading this thread, not sure how old it is !! (no dates on posts) BUT for what it's worth I retired and bought an iMax about 12 months back (used 2010 model) with the view of converting it into a camper. Aside from 3 months O/S it has taken me until now to finish it (Pop roof was a minor 3 month complication).

I have only done about 22K in it so far (speedo now 40,000K) and no problems. So far it has been perfect for what I wanted, which was a car that could occasionally tow a boat and I could live in for maybe 4-6 weeks in the winter(originally looking for VW Transporter) - This thing is a diesel, pulls like a train so hills are not a problem, great on fuel (towing about 800kg = 9.3 OR just the van = bed fridge furnature etc - best= 7.9 worst = 8.7, depends on speed).
I bought an iMax as opposed to iLoad because it has coil rear suspension and a lot of lineing/soundproofing/ windows etc, compared to iLoad.

To me this thing van is a copy of the VW, about the same size, same horse power (diesel), slightly heavier, slightly longer warranty and slightly cheaper --I read somewhere one of the all singing/dancin engineers moved from VW to Hyundai to set these up,,,when you compare them side by side, it shows (friend has a T5 diesel)

Some recent pics taken on the Ovens R (near Bright - Vic)without side awning and rear shower awning attached.

If you are still looking Beth, I hope this helps--

Pete

Happywanderer · The Master

Welcome to the forum Pete. Love your van, very nice.
If you want to see when a post was made took under the persons avatar and name. The last post before you was Aug 2nd 2011.
You post was made at 10.33pm 2nd feb 2012.

hazmail · Newbie

Right , I'm with you now--thought that was join date - looks like I'm a bit late on that one.

Thanks Pete