Scotty, what is your opinion on 1990's-2000's Toyota Hiaces, what do you think about the turbo diesels and the 4WD transmissions they put in them? Any serious problems to look for after 100K miles besides basic repairs? Do they share transmission parts with tacomas and tundras? I know engine parts must be imported from Japan. Have you ever worked on them? Buy or avoid? Would love a response.
Thanks for all the help over the years.
the turbo diesels
The ones I'd get:
The 3.0 turbo Diesel is the one I'd get, 130-140 horsepower and decent efficiency.
The 2.8 and 3.0 non-turbo is reliable but has under 100 horsepower and has bad fuel millage, but it's sure reliable.
The ones that aren't great are:
The 2.4 turbo diesel have bad reputations for cracked heads and other issues (according to the web)
Also, apparently there's a European spec 2.5 turbo diesel, I'd avoid them - way too complex and pistons crack.
As far as I remember, all of these are interference engines with timing belts that must be replaced every 40k-60k miles, depending on the exact engine - so if you're going to buy one, please replace the timing belt.
Also note that these Toyota diesels are not the kind you'd find in a Citroen Jumpy, Renault Traffic, or Toyota's very own Toyota ProAce, just not the European smooth, mute, efficient and quick turbo diesel - They're not as nice to drive, but Toyotas sure do last a longer (on a Toyota the car around the turbo diesel doesn't fall apart).
And that's the difference, the HiAce is built to be an absolute tank! - not built to offer a nice experience, although a lot of people came to like that 90s Toyota simplicity and ruggedness.
ALSO, realize, when buying a car that's 20-30 years old, what matters most is it's current condition. I've seen 20 year old cars in great shape, and most that are in horrid shape - in the end that's what's going to determine reliability. Although if you're importing from Japan, most cars there are in pretty good shape.
4WD transmissions (...) Do they share transmission parts with tacomas and tundras
The automatics are, depending on the exact specification of the car you buy.
It can be a transmission of the same model as in a Tacoma, it can be the same as in a Supra, etc. - pretty much all Toyota 4 speed RWD/AWD automatics are great.
Realize that there are many Japanese European cars with 100 horsepower or less, and they all relay on quick shifting transmission with many close gear ratios that allow the engine to quickly get into the power band and then back to efficient cruising - Obviously these aren't quick shifting dual clutches or super efficient direct shift automatics - these are just good old bulletproof conventional automatics!
And this is why I recommend the 3.0 turbo diesel, unlike so many others, with a 4 speed, you definitely want an engine that has the ability to move the van.
Buy or avoid?
If you want a toy - sure it's a great toy.
If you want this van for work - definitely not!
Have you ever worked on them?
Chances are that if Scotty would get to work on a HiAce he would do a video review, so if you get the van feel free to make an appointment and come to Scotty if you're around Clarksville Tennessee or Rhode Island.
FAQ section on that: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/contact/
