I am considering buying a van both for everyday use (as car), for weekend and holidays trips with my wife (camping equipment, 2 bicycles, windsurfing gear, 2.2 kVA power generator, and so on...) and I would like to keep windsurfing gear inside day by day-to be ready for 2-3 hours sailing after work and...I need make it possible to sleep inside too, during trips). It should have powerful, quiet engine and I want it comfortable. Any suggestions ? Mitsu Delica ? (likely too small), Transporter ? Transit ? Budget is important for me, unfortunately.
I am considering buying a van both for everyday use (as car), for weekend and holidays trips with my wife (camping equipment, 2 bicycles, windsurfing gear, 2.2 kVA power generator, and so on...) and I would like to keep windsurfing gear inside day by day-to be ready for 2-3 hours sailing after work and...I need make it possible to sleep inside too, during trips). It should have powerful, quiet engine and I want it comfortable. Any suggestions ? Mitsu Delica ? (likely too small), Transporter ? Transit ? Budget is important for me, unfortunately.
Unfortunately, you're looking for cheap. If you can get your hands on a Toyota Hiace, it's your best option!!! Best motors, (even the 'oldies', pre '90).
I've got a '93 (had it since '96) never let me down once. Went to a Ford dealer to look at an 'Econovan', he suggested to cough up the extra few bucks and get a Toyota, so I got him to get me one.....an honest car dealer, who would've thunk it???
I think my budget will be 10-12 grand. I am afraid Toyota would be too small for me, but I will have a look. I come from Europe and Transporter have very good reputation up there.
You can't go past a Toyota Hi-Ace in any model. Sounds like you need the Diesel, Long-Wheelbase, High top version. Think about old maxi-taxi's, with the spare change you could respray it and fit out the internals. I bought a 88 diesel Hi-Ace a four years ago for $1000, cost me another $1000 to roadworthy and it is a great van, I would highly recommend Toyota's for Australian conditions.
I've owned a Bedford CF and curently have a Mercedes Vito. We used them both exactly as you describe (work/shopping/windsurfing/camping) They both do the job well.
I wouldn't recommend a European van though, as they're horribly expensive to fix if anything goes wrong... We thought about a Deli, if 4WD is important to you then they are a good vehicle (check out the Australian delica owners club for everything you need to know about them) for 12 grand you will need to shop carefully though.
Toyota are generally reliable, not too expensive in parts and plenty of workshops know how to fix them. I'd go Hiace as previously recommended.
Hiace 100%, cheap to buy, i picked up a 87 with 2 months rego. for two case's of beer, cheap parts from anywhere, and it's a Toyota, as the adds say unbreakable, i can carry up to ten sails, rigs, 3 boards and still extremely cumfy on my queen size bed in the back... wouldn't want to try and find parts for a Vito or VW in the middlle of no where if it does happen to break down.. But the Vito's do have a cool badge on the front, but the kids flog them all the time so my mates tell me.
I would totally recommend a transit mid roof short wheel base. Super comfy to drive, as well for the passenger(s). Economical. Super stable on the road. The Hiace and econovans tend to fly all over the road in cross winds. Also, you are sitting behind the engine, not on top of it. In my mind this has to be much safer.
Big mirrors. Plenty of room. And no real problems. My Dad had 3 at any one time since they were first re-introduced to Australia -- before he sold his business. The newer ones were substantially better than the older ones.
Other vans that he had include diesal econovan, L300, Kombi, some trucks and a Hiace.
My opinion is that the Transits are way better in every respect comaparing them to the Mercedes equivalent.
My second pick would be a Volkswagen transporter. Transit has tonnes more room.
If I had the cash, I would go for a Transporter. I would definitely steer clear of the Japanese vehicles if you intend to spend alot of time on the highway.
I would definitely steer clear of the Japanese vehicles if you intend to spend alot of time on the highway.
Why is that?
I'd definitely stay away from the Kombi on the highway (4 speed box, and an aircooled engine can't be good in the heat!), but the Japanese vehicles are reliable, quiet, and relatively cheap to buy and run..
I know of at least two diesel Hiaces which have gone around the clock on the original engine with just a new clutch..
Muppet bus(delica), turbo diesel, economical..runs on filtered fish and chip oil, occasionally real diesel...Masts slide straight under passenger seat, seats fold down for sails and boards..(also makes decent enough bed) and runs extremely well. Never had a diesel before, now swear by them Down side, mitsubishi electrics[}:)][}:)] and insurance (imported vehicle)...
P.C Simpson: I like how you arranged the space at back - seems to be the best way. How do you fit boards hanging up there ? Where are masts ?
Mintaro: I definitely agree with you concerning big mirrors ! I generally like Transit (cos of room) but I need to find out if they have some powerful, quiet petrol engine or diesel only. I would prefer this van to be fast, comfortable and quiet. (Really quiet when driving 110 km/h...as quiet that I can talk to passenger with no need to raise my voice). I love diesels but they are usually too noisy when 110-110 km/h.
bought a transporter after trying several hiaces. toyotas cost more to buy and hold there value better and you can buy spares in a milkbar. but when you go over a bump you bounce around like a fat girl on a trampoline. the LWB is 2.9m long whereas the transporter is 2.7m. the ride is a lot smoother in VW. As for the cost of repairs isn't any veichle expensive... oh yeah the stereo in the transporter was much better than the toyotas which sold it for me..
much as everyone bags korean junk I still thought the Kia was a god buy and so bought it, theres a ot of snobbery about Toyota. The toyota vans are great but you do pay for it. The engine in the Kia is actually a Merc engine made under license.
I'm with the thewillow. My Delica is great. Both of us sail. 6 boards, 4 booms, 8 masts and 12 sails all go in the back of my long wheel base Delica Camping gear and the Engel fit in too Dual air con, seat arm rests, will do 140Km/h+ and is quiet on the highway. Economy runs about 10 to 11 Lrt per 100Km. as a 4x4 it's not too bad and will handle beach and track work with ease. Get's into spot x easily. Much more civilised than the Landrover Defender I used to have.
Hi Go The Boards are held up with tie down straps, there perminately attached to the roof supports, screwed each end and one in the middle with those stainless foot strap plates and screws , the front ones are adjustable with the clips like on the leg straps of a seat harness, these don't need to be completely undone, you just slip the nose of the board through it, pull it tight to the roof, the back ones have a quick release clip, also adjustable so you just unclip and slide your board out, and it's eazy as to put your board back in, if i intend to sleep in there i take the fins out, i gives me heaps more head room, but you have to leave your board in the sun so the strap dry, then they don't drip on your head when your asleep. My masts just slide under the bed on the floor on the right, the front of the bed is enclosed exept for a hole the masts stick out of. they only stick out about 30cm so they don't get in the way, or i put them up with the boards. If you want some photo's to show you how it's done let me know..
One more thing to back up Westozwind, as they may APPEAR top heavy, both Reg @ WSP and I have proved otherwise. Bit of tin up top, but chassis motor and running gear well below center of gravity. Even handles better than my previous toyota prado (less weight). However if I'd talked further with delica owners I would have opted for the long wheel base model (room for bigger engel)..priorities
I have a vw combi for sale for a carton of beer.You pick it up . The address is : Mundrabilla Road House Ayre Highway W.A. (middle of f%%$#ing nowhere)
What about a hearse Plenty of room for all your gear and rollers on the floor for ease of access and a good daily driver.You could even get a bit of work on the side with it at your local funeral home
Plenty of room for all your gear and rollers on the floor for ease of access and a good daily driver.You could even get a bit of work on the side with it at your local funeral home