Toyota Hiace (83-12) - Review

The short-wheelbase Hiace has a gross vehicle weight of 2800kg, while the long wheelbase model has a gross vehicle weight of 3000kg. It means both panel vans will carry at least a tonne. The SWB models will carry a single Euro-pallet while LWB models will accommodate two. Later models have a tailgate instead of double rear doors, while a sliding side door is standard. GS models add a full steel bulkhead. VDA load volume is 5.4 cubic metres for the SWB and 6.5 cubic metres for the LWB. The load length is 2535mm in the SWB and 2975mm in the LWB, while both have an interior width do 1650 and a cargo area height of 1420mm.

Later versions of the Hiace come with ABS and a driver's airbag as standard. Central locking is also standard. However, it might not be possible to find these features on earlier vans.

The Hiace undercuts most of its medium panel van rivals on list price, and should prove cheap to run. Depreciation may be a little higher than for similar sized vehicles, like the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter, but it's not so bad when you're paying less in the first place. The warranty is only three-years/60,000 miles, however, when many vans are available with a 100,000-mile limit. Major services are every 20,000 miles with an oil change at every 10,000 miles.

Toyotas have legendary reliability, and the Hiace is no exception. It should provide years of sterling service.