Do all Hiace's have the engine in front of the driver or are some mid mounted so that access between the seats to the rear of a camper or minibus is restricted. I am interested in an imported jap camper with an elevating roof.I havev seen the Devon sunrise and like it but would prefer the superior jap conversion if the access is o k. I spioke to someone from a dealers and he said all the imports have restricted access due to the engine. Is this true or is it just some models?

- (#9236) john, 19 Jun 03 10:44

Depends on the year
ie
the new hiaces on the road today have engine to front of driver
The older ones (ie
mines a 92)have the engine under the front seats with a bulge and cubby hole between
In real terms only a small child can access the rear from the front - I have done it, lying the backrest flat etc. but would'nt want to make a habit of it.
The rear door is single and opens up like a porch - so good for camping - roof gutters to the side would facilitate awnings etc.
The turning circle is very good and would put some family cars to shame
Regarding engine access - well its not brilliant but will vary according to engine type
mine is a 2779cc deisel - and I have had to invest in some tools which allow working in tight spaces - you are likely to scratch, burn or injure your thumbs, hands and arms trying to force them into narrow areas.
The passenger seat and cubby lift up as one for general access - and to get to the other side the driver seat and floor section need unbolting (can do in a couple of minutes using a drill with socket)
Yes access is tight to some areas - but basically you just adapt - at first its a pain but it just becomes par for the course soon enough
If you get a 4wd crawling underneath is possible without jacking
Also has a solenoid that pulls the side door shut 1/2 inch before closing so no slamming required.
I considered all sorts of vehicles before purchasing including campers/motorhomesand the mazda bongo.
The hiace has been a bit of a pain getting to know due to limited info available ie
no manuals etc. but I can honestly say if it was written off or required replacing I would get another - .
I have thought over elevated roofs - but in a medium size van you are not exactly going to walk around in it.
They are suprisingly comfortable and roomy in the back.
Vans with moon roofs would be good to let the cooking fumes out though, coolers and gas rings could be of portable type - the seats fold into a bigger than double bed and there is still storage space below seats and at the rear.
See if you can find any stockists of hiace supercustoms - they all vary a little but I feel are great vehicles if you get a good one
Parts can be a pain if you don't live in a flat over a toyota garage but over time start learning what can come from the local motorfactor
If you want flexiblity I think the supercustoms are the best going - this site has been of great help to me as there are many engineering similarities throughout the ace range.
If you have the budget newer imported hiaces are called granvia, grand and elgrand - an internet search should provide pics
If you get an import don't be blinded by the goodies ie
if its 10yrs old + it will require the maintainance a 10 yr old + vehicle needs to keep it fresh

Hope this helps and has'nt put you off in any way - at the end of the day 'horses for courses'
Chris
- (#9237) Chris Turner, 19 Jun 03 16:39