Hey Charles,
I'm in NZ and I've just bought a 2006 Hiace (Highroof), petrol with 153,000kms on the clock. I'm a mechanic and consider petrol a smart way to go. It is an auto and runs very well. I would recommend going for a 2006 and up. The 1TR petrol motors have a timing chain, so the cambelt is not an issue. I would also recommend shelling out the extra coin and buying a highroof, you'll thank yourself later on. Historically, the Hiaces require a new head after around 200,000kms (especially the pre-2006 models) so unless you plan on buying mechanical insurance I wouldn't recommend inheriting someone else's problem. If you do, just be aware that you may need to do this. Definitely avoid a van that has done over 300,000kms unless you're prepared to spend money on the motor at some stage.
The NZ new (I imagine the same is true for Oz) Hiace vans have a tendency to rust around the top of the A-pillars, (above the windscreen) which can mean costly work later on, keep an eye out for that.
I just drove my 2006 Hiace from Auckland to Waiouru (approx. 400kms) and it didn't skip a beat. I highly recommend investing in a good van from the outset. We set our budget at $10k and ended up spending $12.2k, but it was worth it. Peace of mind isn't always cheap.
Good luck! Feel free to ask me any questions.
Hayden.
I'm in NZ and I've just bought a 2006 Hiace (Highroof), petrol with 153,000kms on the clock. I'm a mechanic and consider petrol a smart way to go. It is an auto and runs very well. I would recommend going for a 2006 and up. The 1TR petrol motors have a timing chain, so the cambelt is not an issue. I would also recommend shelling out the extra coin and buying a highroof, you'll thank yourself later on. Historically, the Hiaces require a new head after around 200,000kms (especially the pre-2006 models) so unless you plan on buying mechanical insurance I wouldn't recommend inheriting someone else's problem. If you do, just be aware that you may need to do this. Definitely avoid a van that has done over 300,000kms unless you're prepared to spend money on the motor at some stage.
The NZ new (I imagine the same is true for Oz) Hiace vans have a tendency to rust around the top of the A-pillars, (above the windscreen) which can mean costly work later on, keep an eye out for that.
I just drove my 2006 Hiace from Auckland to Waiouru (approx. 400kms) and it didn't skip a beat. I highly recommend investing in a good van from the outset. We set our budget at $10k and ended up spending $12.2k, but it was worth it. Peace of mind isn't always cheap.
Good luck! Feel free to ask me any questions.
Hayden.