Hiace van

mani134, Sep 6, 7:16am
Of the 90s models. Which is best for tradies. Auto or manual.
advice please. Need to buy one for work but no knowledge of vans.
thanks.

johotech, Sep 6, 7:32am
I had a '98 which had coil spring rear suspension, way better than the leaf spring models. But a lot of those '90s models have a problem with rust between the suspension mounts where they are welded onto the chassis. Moisture gets between the steel and they bubble out with rust. That is a WOF fail, and not easy to repair.

As far as auto/manual, it would come down to personal preference. Nothing wrong with either if they are maintained. Mine was a 3.0 TD Auto. The auto is a 4 speed with lock up torque converter in 3rd and 4th.

muzz67, Sep 6, 7:37am
May as well buy a super custom rip the seats out and use it. cheaper, more comfortable, quieter.

mani134, Sep 6, 7:38am
Thanks for your info. Quite the novice regarding van or cars for that matter.
interesting about the suspensions. Does it also gives a smoother ride? Does it carry more weight also? Tah

mani134, Sep 6, 7:40am
About the super custom. Is it smaller width wise?

v8_mopar, Sep 6, 7:48am
Then you have long wheel base or short. Most long don't have the wheel arch in back so you can put a pallet in but a higher ride height and higher floor. 4 or 5 door. windows or metal panels in back. 2 wheel drive or 4. etc

Never seen an auto. they were prob more suited to the family or people mover version.

As said check for rust!

Easy to wind k's back if need be -- apparently, I have heard

tweake, Sep 6, 7:49am
afaik super custom is same size. just more upmarket features and trim.
early 90's hiace will be 2.8 diesel. leaf spring only. leaf spring is preferred as it carries weight better.
short and long wheel base, long wheel base is 100mm longer.

the are also rust prone around the windows and will cause rear door to rust out. rust in the front due to windscreen leaking.

if your not used to vans try to not have ladders etc on top. vans get blown around the road a lot, especially if you add ladders etc on top.

franc123, Sep 6, 12:41pm
You need to be damn sure of what you are buying, there is a lot of high priced rubbish out there that is as far as the average buyer is concerned simply isn't worth buying. Rust in critical places and neglected cooling systems are the biggies,the latter quickly leads to cylinder head problems and you could end up replacing not only the head but the radiator too and pretty much all of the cooling system parts to get something reliable, which nowadays could cost you the purchase price over again. Check them out carefully and watch the costs, there is usually a reason they are up for sale

kazbanz, Sep 6, 7:22pm
They WERE ALL good reliable vans and depending on your specific needs High or low roof,long or short wheel base were available.
But as a minimum they are all 15 years old so corrosion is becoming an issue. The main area to look is all around the front screen and in the door pillar area. This isd a well known area for rust.
Personally I'd look at a 2007-2011 Nissan Vanette or Mazda Bongo and see if that will do the job.

mani134, Jul 23, 7:28pm
Thank you guys. So much info that is very much appreciated. Almost feel like am already an expert!hh
now am better equip to roam around knowing what to expect and what to be avoided.

cheers everyone.
thank you all.