Hi there:

I am looking to import a used 1991 Toyota HiAce SuperCustom 4wd to Canada (hiace not native here) and was hoping someone with experience could advise on the pros and cons of 5 speed vs automatic. Primary use is town and longdistance highway driving, occasional offroading/camping. Does the 5 speed give much more power &/or and faster highway speed, or is it lower geared for offroad and not suitable for town/highway.

Thanks in advance!

Tim

If your primary use is offroading, then a standard transmission will give you more flexibility in tight spots. You will have more power, you will have greater control, and you can "rock" the vehicle better. The gas mileage on a standard will be better (it's lighter).

If your primary use is city driving...get an automatic.

Thanks for the advice!

I'm with Pongo - you don't want standard for city driving - way too much hassle. I love the standard, but even I wouldn't do this.

did you import your Hiace Tim?

I just imported the same year and model as you. Which engine do you have?

The question is, what is "occasional" certainly the 5 speed is better for any offroad driving. On the highway you would get better milage. My 91 hiace with the 2,4l td automatic gives around 25mpg, speed not much over 60mph.
Remember,mine is 2wd with a 2,4.
take a look at Mitsubishi Delica 4wd if I was into 4wd I would seriously consider it. also they have E code headlight replacements available. I am not aware about all provinces but in B.C. this will be a costly issue which I just found out. I'll be happy to talk to you.as I have learned a whole lot since I bought. I thought I had done my homework well...........ha

1991 Toyota Hiace Supercustom 3.0L non-turbo, automatic, 4wd.
approx. 24MPG. No acceleration, but does get to the speed limit (too bad about all the hills here in BC.) For light conversion, I hear they have these down in central america, costa rica, etc.... I'd like to investigate part sourcing from these areas, including grill and light kits for the base versions of hiace that accept the off-the-shelf square headlights. My 91 Previa seems like a rocket compared to the Hiace, but Hiace still has great functionality as a family mover. I think I would still prefer the 5spd, but am satisfied overall.

Only complaint is that today the automatic deally on the sliding door suddenly went on the blink. Normally, if it doesn't shut properly, you hear a motor of some sort pull the door shut the rest of the way; however, today, it started clicking as if it cant shut off - sounds like it tries 5 times and then stops. If you try to open the door, it does 5 more cycles and then stops. Very fiddley to get the door open. Anyone heard of this or have any ideas? I am going to try removing the sensor switches and have a look in case they are not making good contact...?? not sure what to look for.

I'm with the others on this - auto for around town, manual 5 speed for open road touring.

Bear in mind that with the 2.8L non-turbo engine, you don't have a lot of grunt to start with, and the auto will suck 10% of your power alone.

If it's a 4X4 then you have the extra added weight of the transfer case, front diff assembly etc so you need all the go power you can get.

Overall, I'd have the 5 speed manual any day.

"1991 Toyota Hiace Supercustom 3.0L non-turbo, automatic, 4wd.
approx. 24MPG. No acceleration, but does get to the speed limit"

You get 24 mpg? Is that imperial or US? at which cruising speed? I am lucky to get 20 imperial. I would say amen to everything people are saying, with the caveat that if you care about speed on the highway even a little you should go with the 5 speed. I have a 2.8L auto Super custom Limited 4WD that has recently bumped top speed up to a whopping 114km/h. That's in Alberta, so I'm sure the altitude has something to do with it. The Delica looks like a good choice in a lot of ways, but I have to say if you are any bigger than 6' the Hiace is way more comfortable. Nicer for passengers too, and bigger. More of a cruisin' vehicle.

Cheers,
Pard o' Hiace

I'm guessing the altitude is fairly high there so not much air to be had?

My van does around 140 km/hr tops and for an auto 2.8 pushing the biggest Hiace they make it's got to be good.

Fairly High: 2100 + ft. Is yours an auto? I think I have some kind of exhaust blockage.

Well, 2100ft is fairly high. Most engines have stated power ratings based on sea level. So when you gain altitude, you lose power, especially with non-turbo diesels as there is no High Altitude Compensation system. You have less oxygen available therefore the diesel doesn't burn completely and you lose power. You will find that your van blows more black smoke (soot = unburnt fuel) than it would at sea level.

This is where turbos are better as they help to push more air into the chambers and thereby increase efficiency.

Yes, my van is an auto - but we are at sea level here so it runs sweetly.

Last year I took it down to the South Island and spent 10 weeks working at the top of a mountain - high altitude. On the climb up the mountain, the higher I got the less power I had and the more black soot I was blowing.

You could try having a more free flowing exhaust system fitted. Being diesel you don't need restrictive mufflers like you do with petrol engines. A nice 3" system from front to back will help it to breathe easier, and make sure you change your air filter regularly. It's all about allowing the engine to breathe properly.