(Home) Old or new shape

I am in Dubai, returning to UK at the end of June. I plan to fly in to Manchester and buy a Townie on the way home to Dumfries. On the web I see vehicles for sale with mileages of 40 to 50K, both old and new shape. New shape is on the edge of affordability for me. Is there any reason why the new shape is better, or is the old just as good? I would value a couple of opinions...
Also, has anybody slept in their Townie?

- (#3052) Paul Sammons, 22 May 02

Go for what you can afford Paul. Let's face it, both old and new versions are pretty old vehicles so the criteria to consider are
cost, condition, mileage. You may be swayed by some more 'modern' features on the newer model.

No I haven't slept in mine yet (except whilst driving home from Cornwall - oops)but I believe there those that have.
Ian

- (#3053) Ian Dunse, 22 May 02

Yep, I've done it and will likely be doing it again at Ace Jam (bringing a little tent just in case). Best bet is to use a blow up bed on top of the flattened seats as they're a bit poky and proddy otherwise, bits of seatbelt and all that.

Maybe we should have a "How many people can sleep in a Townie" contest at the Jam? Reckon I'll walk it with 4 kids, all well used to sleeping in anyway.

- (#3056) SteveFE, 22 May 02

For me it had to be the old shape Paul. I have owned a 1990 4WD Royal Lounge (with skylites) for over 3 years and the only thing I would change it for would be a newer, better example of the same marque (especially since I have discovered great site to help me look after it). To me its the Learjet of MPVs. There is more function per sq. cm. than any other vehicle I know of. This most versatile of vehicles is just crammed with systems which fit perfectly together. The high uncluttered view from the driving position over the wheel is superb. The airiness of the cabin with skylites together with the swivel captains chairs of the middle row provide for a comfortable lounge when the need arises (its easy to put a table in - check the gallery in this site for an Irish owner who's done it). These are the main distinguishing reasons why I prefer the older shape. And it's the king of drivein viewing vehicles here in Western Australia, back end to the screen, lid open, swivel seats around and 3 kids stretched out belly down on the floor! Every so often you see an object (not just vehicles) which seems a perfectly integrated design. I think Toyota struck on it with the Townie.
It seems the main (only?) improvement with the newer design was better safety - but its hardly a work of art is it?

- (#3098) Noel Mullee, 24 May 02

We have a 1993 4WD (new shape) townace - not sure of the model as our local Toyota garage have been less than helpful when provided with the model and chassis numbers and a request for model name and part numbers and the original (Japanese) log book was retained on importation. We have all the features mentioned above as well as TEMS suspension, twin sunroofs (more useful than skylights as they can be opened on the move?), full inertia seat belts as standard at all seats (lap belts as well on the centre seats for rear facing position), Twin Air Conditioning (seperate controls in rear compartment) and Hot/Cool Box (Brilliant!), Rear Spoiler (!!). Some of the newer models also have the 2.2 litre engine (though I am not sure if there is any real "performance" difference but road tax and insurance here in Ireland are certainly much higher).

YES we have slept in the van - the electric curtains certainly create a camper feel. There is a slight drop from the rear seats to the middle seats (when reclined) so a mattress (as suggested above) would certainly improve the bed's (reasonable) comfort. Biggest problem with sleeping is where do you put all your luggage when the seats are reclined!!

I would suggest you look around garages, Auto papers etc to get a feel for prices and specifications before buying and then choose the model that suits (eg. do you need 8 seats or would the 6 Captains seats be more useful?). I think that some of the specs (eg Air Con) overlap between the old and new shape but I believe the inertia seat belts (and the spoiler!) are only on the newer shape. Check this site for hints on buying and common faults. Good Luck.

- (#3226) Neil Midgley, 1 Jun 02

"Also, has anybody slept in their Townie?"
Yes Paul, after much pleading by my Grandson, we spent a night away, last week, at a campsite in Norfolk.
Grandson could see the thrill and adventure, all I could see was discomfort and a sleepless night. BUT, rather surprisingly, it went very well and, with the seats laid out to form a double bed, together with inflatable mattresses etc, it was really comfortable.
We also took a "beach hut" type of tent to put the cooking utensils in and, by having the open side of the tent against the Masterace sliding door, our "annexe" worked well.
As there were only two of us, there was adequate space but, with a bit of planning, and everything from the boot, packed into those stackable plastic boxes, and transferred to the front seats for the night, getting organised next morning, and having breakfast, was quite easy. A set of home made curtains, "velcroed" onto the front and side windows, gave complete privacy.
I should not like to do it every week but, as a bit of an adventure it went well and, no doubt, there will be another "Masterace sleep in" quite soon.

- (#3312) John Davis, 11 Jun 02

Steady John, you'll be trading your Ace in for a camper soon!

- (#3319) Ian Dunse, 12 Jun 02

Thanks to all of you who gave advice re my post on 22nd May. I returned to the UK on 28th June, flew in to Manchester, and purchased a 1990 Royal Lounge from www.cars-from-japan.com (also known as Helmshore Motors) in Bury. I have had the car a week, fitted a table and a radio band expander, and I have to say the car is great. Kids love it - will force the family to sleep in it soon. Great idea to use a blow-up mattress on top of the seats. Cassette player is not good, so looking for a replacement, otherwise it is in great shape. Once again many thanks for your help.
Paul
Dumfries

- (#3944) Paul Sammons, 23 Jul 02