Considering purchasing this Toyota Hiace camper in the US. Can you help me value it?

[scm007]

So basically this guy is selling a Toyota Hiace in another state, and I need to decide whether its worth checking out judging by the pictures. What do you think and what do you think a good price to offer for it would be? Is this thing a potential lemon it was bought by a guy as part of a trade so he hasn't driven it himself much.

Here are some photos. He has highlighted in red some of the exterior dings. You kind of have to zoom in to see them more clearly. Thanks!

Its a US legal 1991 2.7 turbodiesel with 80000 miles.

 

[haven]

HiAce vehicles serve as people movers in many parts of South America, Africa and Asia. They are tough as an old boot. That said, unless you're intrigued by vehicles that no one else on your block/city/state owns, I'd think twice about getting involved. Since the HiAce was never imported here, you will have to wait for parts (even if your local Toyota dealer is willing to order them).

Recently there have been several threads on ExPo warning buyers to be very certain that any vehicle advertised as "US legal" actually meets the import rules. Buyer beware.

 

[scm007]

Thanks for your input I really appreciate. The problem is that there aren't too many poptop converted vans floating around aside from the Westys. I think I could get the van for around 11-12k does that seem reasonable?

 

[shenrie]

I'd look at how strict your local laws are and what hoops you'll have to jump through to get it registered well before even considering a purchase.

The one thing our local dmv enforced was dot legal lighting to be able to register any grey market vehicles. Most the jdm cars we ended up with did have dot stamps and many were actually made by Stanley, but they aren't USA standard. The cars we were working on were easy due to the same models being available here and were easy to swap out for inspection, other than skylines, but it just so happens the cheap trailer lenses fit perfect over the tails. A little hot glue and vacuume line trim was enough to trick them, lol.

 

[scm007]

What do people think about the price? Sorry I'm kinda new to this and would like to know whether I'm getting ripped off. Thanks a bunch. Total would be like 11K.

 

[shirk]

These are a common import along with the Delica here in Canada. Our laws for imports are just 15 years vs your 25 in the US.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/sss?query=hiace

Silkroad auto brings a bunch of them in.

http://www.silkroadautos.com/toyota/toyota-list.htm

Convert CAD to USD and that should help with pricing.

 

[bl00]

The photos appear to be the same as in this listing in Glasgow.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/campervan...h-camper-van-full-spec-coach-built/1185347978

 

[Paddler Ed]

As bl00 says, it's in the UK, not the USA. The other campers in the background are European Fiats/Peugeots with UK plates... be prepared to lose money on it if you buy it... like all of your money...

 

[philos]

No help on the value, or on finding parts. But I spent a month in one in Australia on my honeymoon driving the East coast and camping. It was a great time, but I wouldn't own one.
Also, if you're in the great state of California, you'll need to be extra diligent researching its legality here. We love making special rules....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[wjeeper]

What do people think about the price? Sorry I'm kinda new to this and would like to know whether I'm getting ripped off. Thanks a bunch. Total would be like 11K.

$11k seems to be about what a 2WD Westy is going in my neck of the woods. That said Westys seem overpriced for what they are to me....................

 

[BIGdaddy]

personally, I'd pass. too many other better US-based options. like westy's, e350's...heck, even pickups with a slide-in or flippac for similar money.

if you want a world vehicle, I'd just travel to the place you're going and buy one there.