In South Africa, these are the standard issue for the taxi industry. If it's tough enough for our taxi drivers, it's tough enough for anyone.

Bomb proof ,13 years never had a problem 2.5 turbo diesel engine still healthy as after 360000 really can't see it stopping for a while yet

My dad has had 3 different HiAces since he moved to Australia and it's been the most reliable work van with plenty of space. I actually learnt manual in one of them and seeing as it's still running, i think it survived at least a million stalls and missed gears

Watching this in a 2018 hiace commuter waiting for the misus. I have 3 kids and its the perfect family car. Family outing, each kid takes a seat in the back as a bed.

I drove Hiaces for work for many years, yes they can be scary in the wet, the back end is very lively! You feel every bump as you're right on top of the wheels, the van understeers terribly in corners. But we had ours over 600,000kms when we sold it, just regular oil changes and few issues.

My 1999 Hiace commuter has been my fulltime camper for five years and I've been really happy with it's reliability!

I drove one from Perth to the Gold Coast over a 2 month period and I never had a problem. The comfort didn’t worry me either, and we did a couple of 10+ hour driving days.

Owned two Hi Ace First one 550 000km - no problem s Second one 585 000km - used oil both petrol No mechanical problems Highly recommend

I love in Jim’s review of it mechanically he gave an idea of how many kms it could last for. It would be awesome if you could do the same for other vehicles you review

The banana test should be a standard to assess interior space practicality.

It's the best/most reliable car I've ever owned. I love the thing. I just hope it can hold on a few more years until i can replace with... that's right, another Toyota Hiace! :) Great video, I really enjoyed it. Thanks.

It's great for a Toyota van/minibus/ Hummer bus as we call it in Nigeria. But it's prone to rollovers, especially the one showed in this video, because of its width. The 2.7 petrol is the only engine you can get here, and automatic transmissions (from the factory) are rare. Some people swapped the five speed manual for the automatic. The LWB with the high roof is your best option for a people carrier, it's spacious and isn't as prone to rollover as the short wheelbase models with the low roof.

The smoking running joke has got to be one of the best things about this channel. I’ve heard in damn near every video and I still chuckle.

I purchased a Hi-ace 14 seat commuter bus which has now been converted into a campervam, which I enjoy very much. The reason I bought it was 1. TOYOTA, 2. DIESEL and 3. AUTOMATIC. average fuel consumption on trips, even in windy days is around 8.5l/100Km. Yes the european vans may look better but no way in hell are they more reliable than a TOYOTA. I would rather be driving through the outback in a Hi-Ace than standing on the side of the road in the outback next to a very good looking european van

I owned a turbo diesel toyota hiace for five years and never had any major issues. I only changed fluids and fillters and breaks I can honestly say it's a great van and its also very reliable.

I have one of these and i love it. Nothing has ever gone wrong with my petrol version. It looks plain and boring but it is a lot of fun to drive

Ive never watched a car or van review before but gees this one cracked me up while keeping me informed. Loved it n laughed out loud probably loud enough for my neighbours to hear. Awesome video!

I'm from the electrical transmission trade. We certainly use vans for security,weather proofing and actually carry more equipments than a ute could ever dream of. If we need to attend work out in super rough terrain we have Hino 4x4 light trucks. Useful tools for the job. Dual cabs are just too compromised.

You should have spoken to panel beaters or even tow truck drivers about the accident vulnerability. These Hiaces actually have VERY strong front ends. The triple layer, high strength sheet steel structure and chassis bracing means it's very rare to get intrusion into the driver. At speeds that you would get that, you'll also get it in ANY vehicle. Because of the high strength steel in the panel structure, especially the roof and pillars panel beater told me it's much harder to repair when there is deformation.

Never forget my hiace which was my first car. Somehow so far it’s been the most fun to drive.

Just bought myself a 2011 LWB. Love it. Wish I'd viewed this video as a summary, but genuinely, all of what you've mentioned I was pretty much aware of. The lack of bonnet is certainly the scariest part of driving, but the ability to see further than an SUV (Ford Territory is my other ride), gives me a little comfort to be able to foresee and prepare for most situations. The versatility and blank canvas is brilliant and I can't see me getting rid of my "Silvie" any time soon. Thanks for your honest and entertaining video. And yes, the Hiace groups do exist (and are every bit entertaining as you might expect!)

Outstanding review and research. No one else comes close to your level of detail and thoroughness. Thank you. 😎👍

The 2.7 petrol engine (2TR-FE) is legendary here in the states. I've owned 3 of them in Tacomas (Hilux) and they're fantastic for reliability. I beat the hell out of them routinely and I've never had an issue. Scheduled maintenance is all she needs.

I’ve watched this video to figure out should I get new hiace for my business. I’m kinda familiar with older gen hiaces and know folks who still enjoy their gen2 and even gen1’s. My employees had a mixed feeling about them because of reliability issues rumors. You clearly fixed that impression, I’ll be looking to buy hisces some time soon.

Editor: "How many times do you want to say banana?" Adam: "Yes" Great informative video guys, can't wait for more!

these vans are much loved for so long in southeast asia i see them all the time there!

Probably the most solid, unpretentious van you could buy (and thats why I drive a VW Transporter). In japan we used the 4wd diesel models for non stop snowboard adventures - it was a tank.

Such good and detail reveal, mate thanks a lot

The Japanese import 4X4 models are super cool, plan on building one soon.

3 videos this week! I feel blessed!

Channel so good, it's got me watching van reviews

I ve driven both gas and diesel engine, both with good power and easy to lose traction on take off in the wet. Kinda fun going down m1 at 150kmh in the rain

My 86 Auto is still rocking! Although the third gen is hard to get parts for, as it was only a short run of 6 years. I've had mine for 19 years. Will be looking a gen four next year.

Hi-ace is only for people really need a work horse. I'm only watching this because your channel is great!

This vehicle is legendary...its truly a mover...if you need a mover,this is the vehicle you want

My 2015 just reached 260k , zero faults, 2.7 petrol is excellent. My first was a 3.0 diesel, did 175k ,no problem.

Great review. I have 4 of them - fantastic vehicles.

my father used quantums as ambulances for his private ambulance service (as does every other ambulance service else in southern africa) the 3.0d4d is great, turbos become a pretty common service items the 2.7s got general services as per book until 400k kms, at 400k they got a new rear diff and rear drums and shoes and then stick to what the service intervals say until 800k where they were sent out to pasture, they also exist as mini bus taxis and they seem to be the fastest car in south africa some of the time, so they really are a performance car.

I got slwb 2.7 hiace and it is awesome. Toyota reliability all the way . The motor is so quiet I often think it's not running at the lights .

Another great review, Turned up the humor on this one! Never thought I needed a space for a loli banana.

Favorite vehicle I've ever owned - pure utility. Carry anything, camp in it, tow trailers, or just cruise around town. And yes, I bought mine with high km's and just in time to give it some love and it looks like it will do 1M km (touch wood). Toyota have engineered this for simlicity and reliability, and it shows.

Love it dude!! Best vehicle reviewer on the interweb… Would love to see a review of the generation before these(93-04)

Great review. Love all the banana compartments. Actually changed my mind about buying one.

I've had a new model of this van every 3 years for the last 25 years or so doing 65,000 klm a year, yes they are reliable. Easy to drive, but with klm I was doing very uncomfortable. Shorter trips are fine, the latest model is very comfortable but very expensive. Accurate review 👍

they are the best for durabilaty our work fleet all had over 400K and never a single thing happened

As an owner of one of these, a 3.0l diesel manual, I've achieved 7.8 l/100kms, with very constant hiway travel. They are exceptionally fuel efficient - your right foot determines massively your fuel economy/useage .... It's a van/box on wheels for Gods sake .... I'm 186c.m./6'2" & it's a bit cramped for room, especially the gear shift location intrudes in to your left knee space.... but there is more that enough seat travel for me even. Suffice head room for me too.... 2015 onwards passenger seat could be adjusted backwards & forwards too ( like a normal car seat) this was also standard in the GL & Super GL model ex Japan models.... On long open road sections/traveling i shift the seat back another notch or two from my daily commute position.... Steering is acurate as & really well weighted very nicely. They do chew out the insides & outsides of the front tyres, even at the recommended 52 p.s.i. as there's alot of weight on the front wheels, the whole motor & of course the diesel donk is heavier built.... The direct injection diesel ain't exactly quiet either ...... but the 2.7l petrol motor is quiet but a bit of a gas guzzler & not many of em were sold from new, especially here in N.Z. .... I'd buy an automatic diesel if ya looking to buy one, the auto's use jack shite more fuel over the manual transmission & the turbo boosts very quickly, from 1200 r.p.m they're on full torque in the 3.0l diesel. The manual transmission is also a slooooow as shite box to shift gears in & they can be ( have asked other fellow tradie mates with manual boxes) an absolute pig to get in to first gear if not completely stopped/stationery..... if it wont go in, i just nungga nungga off in 2nd gear😂 easily handles/absorbs it.... I've loaded the shit outta mine (van) at times & it doesn't affect performance much either in acceleration or stopping - they have very powerful good brakes but do warp the disc rotors eventually. But, yea, dont crash it frontal wise if you wanna keep ya legs.... An easy to own dead reliable work horse year in year out but pretty boring & uninspiring none the less BUT it was never meant to be anything more in reality..... Way better than Mitsubishi..... Respect it & it'll repect you with bulk years of service ..... My mobile tool box for me.... 😊

I own a 2004 hiace and the only thing to watch out for them is rust especially around the rear window and windscreen, had some reliability issues with weird starting issue however that was traced back to a faulty coolant sensor (eventually) and the alternator died but apart from them rough wood it has been solid!

I love the styling of this van!

Driving these as wheelchair and group taxi’s in regional NSW on a full time basis I can’t fault it; they start and stop; steer and do everything required without any issues; sure they aren’t the most comfortable thing for me as the driver or a passenger but when in regional areas what else do you really need. 283KM on one of them and it’s not long had it’s second timing belt done before Christmas

my mobile mechanic has this model in petrol. now has 420,000kms and still going strong

I just upgraded too a 2015 HiAce after 5 years in a old school l300 which was a great small reliable van but thehiace feels like a 5 star safety upgrade

My dad has this gen and the previous gen, older one i learnt to drive and it was a dream to drive and learn how to drive manual on . Could easily on a cruise more comfortably as well

Great video, i own toyotahiace 3.0L turbo diesel I did the service ever 7k the van very reliable had no problem at all Plus i do the transmission and Df service every 50k

i have a 2012 toyota hiace gl wagon and i love it

Nice. One of my dream vehicles good for friends road trip.

I learn driving in a hiace. My father, who is an experience school bus driver, constantly remind me that i am sitting on the front wheel, not behind it.

It's fuel efficient, durable, and works well in cold climates. It would be great if you could make a middle size camper with this!

I have had two HiAce vans, both were used as work horses and towed heavy trailers, they were a great van, generally trouble free motoring, yes I would buy another one.

I would love for the HiAce to be sold here in the US, especially in Hawaii and Southern California and Florida. Mexico has this van.

I have a Toyota Hiace still after 740k klms. Excellent apart from no way to deal with pallets efficiently especially through the side door. Just dont buy accessories through a dealer. In Australia i highly recommend investing in a Smartbar not a bullbar or nudgebar. Australia. Metro and long distance courier in NSW and Pilot vehicle in WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

I use a slwb model as a pilot car. Best van i ever had,now done 500kplus.

Is that Monaro in the background coming soon as a review? Looks awesome!

haha - I was actually considering buying a hiace at one point and making it a camper - would love a 4wd version - love the use of the banana 🍌

As a tradie, I bloody love my work van over the guys with the utes. I personally own a duel cab, but that's for weekend fun, not work.

Awesome video 👍, one of my customers has a 4wd variant used from Japan, looks the same as that one with a well appointed interior with seats

I've always thought that if a manufacturer could knock up a van that looks chunky in a military way it would sell in crazy numbers, attracting the tradie dollar.

Had 2 x 2007 hiaces, one petrol, one diesel, and they were great vans for a long time. Got a 2016 iload now, and will never look back. Came with everything, cruise, cameras, massive cab. Would love you to do a review of an iload too.

I miss my hiace. Hopefully to get one in the next week or two.

I have a SLWB van with 3litre turbo diesel and it is great. Heaps of room inside and super reliable. Yes it is no powerhouse and I have the model without anti locking brakes, which would be good to have. With no weight in back it can slide around in the back on wet roads. I have good tyres which help but with a load it sticks to the road well. I know taxi vans that have got 1 million klms out of the original diesel engine with just servicing as per the manual. So super reliable and heaps of room!!

I have a 2000 hiace with over 400000kms, perfect car

Would love to see a video on nv200, very underrated amazing little van

Toyota Hiace Super GL is the go to Van! It has luxury features like auto sliding rear doors, rear aircon blower and tons of space in the cargo area. And its a toyota. This van is bulid to last. Reliability is not an issue. Best of all, its a Japanese vehicle, meaning there are lots of aftermarket parts to choose from. Suspension, bodystyling, engine performance n etc. And i am a hiace owner for 6 years! 👍🏻😁

Hey here in Guyana 🇬🇾 we call these the Pitbull bus. use it for commercial transport around the country and many other uses

‘Slide your banana in’ - Never thought I’d hear that when watching a Hiace Review 🤣

Just bought the 2021 model, what a difference the next gen model is

Great information thanks

u crack me up with all the banana holder features

Very useful and entertaining.

Should definitely do a video on the iload, put a diesel auto version through hell and back and never had an issue.

I realy Like your channel. Greetings from the Netherlands

:) THANKS MUCH for sharing! They are not generally available in North America though :( I would like to drive a petrol version with the Manual transmission for sure. No vans left here with Manual at all :( ALL the BEST and Cheers!

I’m definitely interested in one, mostly considering reliability etc. So what I have noticed there are a load of JDM Grey Imports, would you be concerned with whether there could be potential issues finding parts for them?

I first saw these in the Caribbean where they are mostly used as taxis. Riding in them, they felt much less substantial and inferior in ride quality compared with north American minivans. That being said, I doubt anything from the big three could match a Hiace for durability and reliability.

Do the 4wd come from factory or are they converted.?

In South Africa you can see some 1980’s hi aces on the road, being used as Taxis.

Thank you I love this van!

You should look at them in a Kenyan perspective it is the most reliable van we have ever used it is 90pc means.of transport in Kenya

i love mine, its the most solid one

As a Sprinter driver and definitely hipster looking for the vanlife experience I feel offended… that you are so right hahahahahaahhaha nah now for real, getting in and out of that van it’s a nightmare!

I bought a 2011 HiAce (I modified) to replace a VW T4 (don't ask). HiAce's have plenty of parts & even aftermarket modified parts available. I have different rims but I recommend Michelin AGILIS III tyres for the wet, & remember not to tailgate vehicles in front & be situationally alert/aware. Maybe get bullbars & tailgate step/towbar to protect the van in accidents. I have done major & minor performance upgrades all through the van however my only complaint is the ride is still fairly hard compared to other vehicles. Maybe it's time to get airbags?? 😄

Wish Toyota would sell this model here in the States ❤

Why am I in love of the design? 🤯 I just can’t get over it.. 🤦‍♀️ I guess it is because we can’t get them here in Canada..

First gen Hiace was introduced in 1967 with a 10 years run until 1977.

Super gl AWD/4wd is the way to go

I think I'm interested, but I think I read of some complaint a few years ago that they're easy to break in to. It depends on your circumstances but that might be a consideration for a few people.

These vans are fitted with seats and used as Public transport vehicles in Kenya😂

i have a 2013 turbo diesel . best van ever!!

Pro: the dash drink holder is straight in front of the vent so the A/C can keep your drink cold! This does not apply to the wide body. Con: get on anything resembling an uneven surface and you’ll spin a rear wheel at best. At worst you’ll be stuck.

Great video cheers guys :)

I love the hiace