Are there significant differences between the 88 and 89 townaces? I’m about to buy one of the two. The 89 looks like it underwent lots of body changes to a “rounder” look but are there any other major changes like engine, transmission, options, etc? Which should I buy and why? Would I be able to get many parts in North America for a Japanese Townace? That is, does it share many parts with the 4x4 LE Van that was sold in North America?
Thanks,
Lee
- (#9264) lee laskin, 14 Mar 04 23:55

not quite sure but i think the early 88 are more akin to the spacecruiser/us toyota van, early 80s design square dash etc.
the windscreen changed along with the rear lights, the later ones have a wide band accross the rear door. some earlier ones have a solid roof. so purely cosmetic changes. the basic running gear is the same as the us toyota van 4x4 le. the engines may differ and you won't see a diesel (2ct) van. i guess getting parts is much the the same as the uk - some cross links to other models otherwise toyota to order from japan. as to which is best - the yellow one cos i've not ever seen one in yellow - it's up to your choice, some are basic comfort others all the toys fitted and it also drives. jap ones will not have cruise control fitted.
hth

- (#9264) Clive (Bristol), 15 Mar 04 10:08

As Clive says, most differences are obvious, new front end, new rear lights & extra rear lights in the tailgate, revised interior with (slightly) less square dash & switches.

Regarding the running gear, engine remains basically the same, but some minor mods.

The biggest change for you is that the 4WD went from mechanical shift to vacuum shift in the transfer case, instead of it being engaged by a lever, there's a switch on the dash. Shifting to Lo ratio is still on a lever.

In the 'States you didn't get the 4WD van with auto transmission AND lo ratio tranfer in the case, you only had Lo on the manual gearbox models. Whereas the Hi-Lo ratio transfer case was fitted to both manual & auto Townaces. So this could make parts less interchangeable.

As Clive says, I think the earlier one would be closer in design to the US version 'Van' but the later one would be nicer to drive I suspect.

Also I'm not sure, but I think '87-'88 is about the time they went from steering box to rack & pinion steering, again a bit better for normal driving.


Hope this covers SOME of the differences.

Regards Rob.

- (#9264) Rob Drinkwater, 15 Mar 04 15:14