I had a chance to look at a mid 90's toyota coaster the other day at

our local avan, I can se the appeal why they are used alot by grey nomads and travelers alike,  this one is $27ooo, wasnt sure on the k's but had deisel engine, it would be a good size for me if i could ever aford something like that one day, rather than having the big motor home of ours, if i ever did my own travelling, and i wonder if you could tow a small car behind it..

this one had a small shower, toilet in it ,

after looking at that the typical camper van looks abit small..

but depends what i can do, one day.. just dreaming but thought id share these pics

hope there ok and just gives some one something to dream about, oh do these ever come in auto or are they pretty rare and i wonder how the deisel is with fuel prices ...

any ways feel free to dream on

 

 

I hate tp pick you up Milo but that is a Mazda (I think T35), nice unit but in my opinion a Coaster Short or long wheel Base would be better.

I still love my Avan. I noticed one in the background.

The Toyota Commuter is a very nice unit as well Beth and very reliable. I had 8 commuter buses an 3 Coasters under my control for 17 years and not one had any problems, mind you they got changed over every 40,000 Km, which was company policy. I actually know where 4 ended up and the people still have them and are still problem free, just showing a bit of age on the outside.

I've only got Tooheys and Guinness coasters...

Hi Guys & Gals,

We're glad there are some other folks around who like the Coasters.

We have a rather old 77 model ( OL BLUE ) but, after spending a heap of $$$ on her over the last couple of years, we are now ready to head East from Perth to SA & Vic in a few weeks time.

We have fitted just about everything that is required for a long stop in bush camps as much as possible, there is a shower cubical, separate toilet, a new hot water system, new Micro wave, Rear air-con, two long running single beds, "Oh" and also the washing machine.

We will be carrying 125lt of drinking water, 70lt of petrol and 80lt of LPG.

I have removed the rear boot lid and extended the boot to carry a 4.4 kva Genny plus an extra gas bottle.

The Coaster has a 4 cylinder petrol motor and runs on LPG as well, with two tanks full of fuel we get well over 800 km.

This trip I will be towing a small trailer which carries an extra 100 lt of fuel, plus spares, tires and the usual, extra cloths, BBQ, and awnings.

here are a few pic's on our "Castle on the road"

  

 

See you all on the road, some-where, some-time.

kiwijims 

 

Howdy Milo,
We have done further changes to the Coaster since those photos were taken,
Mainly, given it a good clean up and added a H.D. T.V. which sits on a swivel arm beside the oven,

plus a reversing camera, very handy in a bus this size.

The Coaster isn't new by any means, but we like it as its functional and has all we want to be comfortable in, for a long road trip.

kiwijims

Hi the bus is in fact a MAZDA T3500. 3500 is the cc of the motor and is a normal aspirated diesel engine. I have just sold mine very cheap to move up to my new bus a Hino Rainbow.

Was not able to advertise her here so sorry I could not let you all know it was on the market but I sold for just over 1/3 of the price stated for this one. Mine was fully set up for full time camping with batteries and solar and mine pulled a 7 x 4 trailer weighing nearly 1.4 tonnes (my shed)

Would recommend for anyone who is happy with the size of the Mazda and Coasters to give them serious consideration.

I changed as I wanted a bit more power for the trailer and I also wanted to change some of the ways I traveled and also I was about to get involved in a experiment and I felt it would fit both needs. I am really happy with my new bus and what I can now do that I was restricted in the Mazda. Nothing to do with the bus but the desire for more driving power, more available battery power and the method to charge it, more fridge space and the ability to do many of the things we all wish such as to be able to make a good coffee and run a few things that the experts said I could not.

Keep looking Milo something will come up and you will not be able to let it go.

Regards
Brian

Kiwijims,
I love your pics and your coaster, looks great for travelling.

I was wondering what the Mazdas were like in comparisons to the Coasters?

Kiwijims:
Love your Coaster!!
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Beth:
A Commuter with a 3 Ltr diesel motor...how good is that!!
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Cropper:
I have no trouble standing up in my Commuter...I am 165 cms. (just under 5 feet 5 inches). It probably wouldn't suit anyone too tall though.
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Travel Bug wrote:

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Cropper:
I have no trouble standing up in my Commuter...I am 165 cms. (just under 5 feet 5 inches). It probably wouldn't suit anyone too tall though.
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 Sounds just right for you Pam, I know the one I looked at was just a bit too low for me, but I have seen one with a pop top so for tall people that may be the solution....

Hi Beth and Marj,

It is a Hi Ace Commuter. The reason it has a higher roof is because they were built as a 12 seater bus. The roof isn't as high as a HiTop.

Because of being a bus, they also have a SLWB (super long wheel base).

I can stand up in mine...but as I said in a previous post...that wouldn't be the case for anyone who is very tall. I am 165 cms...just under 5 feet 5 inches in the old money.

Cheers.

 

-- Edited by Travel Bug on Tuesday 19th of June 2012 08:15:31 PM

Cropper wrote:

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Sounds great.....hope I will be doing the same in the not too distant future.

Someone mentioned High Ace commuters, here is another one for sale on Trading post;

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Caravans/AdNumber=TP005270220 

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 I thought the HiAce and Commuter were two different vehicles, the HiAce being the smaller one like Marj's. Or do they mean Hi-top Commuter?

The Hi-Ace Commuters are popular with government vehicles. I've seen a few at the SA auction yards where they sell of ex govvy vehicles.
They are used as buses on mine sites and patient transport, people moving taxis, and mobile homes. Bigger than the standard Hi-Ace, smaller than the Coaster, but still a Toyota.
It's always a personal choice. Happy choosing.

Wow! I didn't realise there were so many varieties.

Thanks for the clarifications boys & girls.