Hello - Does anyone have experience with a HiAce Diesel Van in Canada? We are thinking about importing one - a camper - and want to know about parts availability and such. We have experience importing, so that is no trouble.

Also - what comes with a camper? Fridge, stove, beds?

If you have any expereince to share, I thank you in advance.

Peace - Peter

I think it depends...are you buying used? You can probably find one with different types of necessities if it is used...depending what the previous owner put into the camper...

I have a Hiace in Victoria BC. As far as parts go it's easy if you know the part #. Goto a toyota dealer and they will get you the part as long as you give them a # and not tell them what it's for. Over the the phone I asked for a XXX for a HiAce and they basically hung up on me. I phoned again an hour later aking for part # XXX and it was not a problem.

Be careful which engine you get. Some have issues w/ the head. I have a 3L engine and it's solid.

As far as what's standard for the camper... I don;t think there is a standard. Inquire before you buy.

Where in AB are you?

I have had the same runaround from Toyota.I guess they don't like us to get "our way" buying vehicles they don't want us to have in Canada. Have you done your headlights yet? see my post.
So far as the engine goes (mine has the 2,4) I believe my van has the same problem VW always had, not enough power. The thing we have to remember is not to drive it like its a big V8 and the engine will last.

I recently bought a 91 hiace super custom with 2,4 diesel automatic. as I write this I am sitting in Southern California sipping a latte.(just joined this forum and got a little mixed up with my replies)
The vehicle performed flawless. Lots of freeway driving as well as mountain roads. I kept the speed at 100k/h My understanding is that the camper has the 2,8l turbo engine which should be better.
Parts questions have been answered. The biggest issue I have is with the headlights. So far I have not found a source and it may become a costly issue.
For what it is worth Mitsubishi delica has the conversion lights available so there is hope for us yet
Good luck in your hunt

No I have not changed my headlights. I was not required for the import and I don;t think it's something worth freting over... Find yourself a different mechanic if that's where your greif is coming from.

That said, there are L hand drive Hiace's in Europe and S America so I'm sure a proper lense can be found. Email a toyota dealer in Norway and see what part # you get. Also the Privia here in NA seems to have the exact same shaped lense...

Good luck and enjoy Cali.

Hi,

I've ordered some Hiace parts from: http://www.4wheelauto.com/ They are based out of Edmonton.

I have the 3L engine - seems great. Supposed to be a bit less prone to head warping than the 2.4.

If anyone has a good parts equivalency list started, it would be great if you could share it, and the rest of us could start to add to it as we go along. I've got oil filter # so far, and that's about it!!

Finally, for anyone wondering about tires. I just put some 215/75R15 BF Goodrich All Terrains on my van, and they fit just fine. They are a bit over-sized, so I was worried they'd rub somewhere. I got them for 2 reasons - 1. to increase fuel economy (yes, at the cost of power - unnoticeable), and 2. it's the smallest bf AT size made, and I really like that tire.

WRT headlights: I do know that you can get conversion kits for up to $600, that let you then put normal North American standard bulbs in. Don't know if you can find them anywhere cheaper.... I just got the quote, but didn't pursue (for obvious reasons!!). I suppose it might be economical if you plan to keep the van forever, and no NA equivalency can be found. I imagine those bulbs are $$$ from Japan.

No idea about camper details.

Cheers,
Pete

Good to know about the tires fitting. Pete....Do you think you could go any larger? If so about how much?

RE: part equivalents: Great idea! I will start another thread w/ what I have so far.