(Home) Townace v Hiace

I am looking to buy an imported mpv I have viewed some in slough today townaces and a Hiace.Which is the superior model and why,the hiace seems to have more legroom but what is the MPG of the 2.5 turbo diesel.
I want to carry 5 adults in comfort with luggage and legroom willing to spend about 5K any advice would be appreciated - (#1732) Andy Parry, 29 Dec 01

Andy, I bought my Townace Super Extra 4x4 2.0 Turbo Diesel about 6 weeks ago, when out looking for a Townie, I too looked at the Hiace as well, of course they are both well built being Toyota, as well as being well equipped, on the equipment side they are probably very similar in spec, although the Hiace i looked at I don't recall having separate rear Air Con controls, but I may be wrong, most of the Townies seem to have rear Air Con. Yes the Hiace has more leg room, after all it's based on a bigger van, but if you want to carry 5 with luggage, either will have enough room, the Hiace will be jucier, I get around 25mpg average from the 2.0 TD Townie. The other reason I didn't go for the Hiace is because it would be even more difficult to park in Multi Stories than the Townie & the ride was even more 'van' like than the Townace, which is still not as car like as I would like, but it is very comfortable & cruises well, of the two I would still go for the Townie, but you need to drive them both & compare the ride & the pros & cons of them both. HTH, Regards Rob. - (#1734) Rob Drinkwater, 29 Dec 01