Van advice

[globe]

Looking at getting a van to convert into a weekend camper for some surf missions. Looking around there seems to be a big difference (like usually x2) in price between Toyota's and Nissan/Mazdas. Looking for any opinions or experience in whether they are actually worth x2 or any recommendations about what is a good choice.

I am looking a LWB, petrol vs diesel not too bothered even though petrol is going up in price I sense diesel may be in for a hard time from the goverment in the near future (if europe is anything to go by).

If i got one that needed a cam belt / water pump change I am guessing I should allow a couple of k for this, does that sound about right?

I'd like to keep the budget around 6-8k if possible.

Finally, imports from a dealer, ticking time bombs or not?

All advice welcomed, cheers

[Kickaha]

Looking at getting a van to convert into a weekend camper for some surf missions. Looking around there seems to be a big difference (like usually x2) in price between Toyota's and Nissan/Mazdas. Looking for any opinions or experience in whether they are actually worth x2 or any recommendations about what is a good choice.

Mid nineties Transits fit that price bracket and the 2.5 turbo diesel goes pretty well and way more space inside them, downside is they can tend to rust and injector pumps are expensive if they crap out

[globe]

Mid nineties Transits fit that price bracket and the 2.5 turbo diesel goes pretty well and way more space inside them, downside is they can tend to rust and injector pumps are expensive if they crap out


Cheers mate, I did look at Transits but in that price range their mileage is usually way up around 300k plus and I am guessing when they get to that age/kms then even if the motor is fine then the rest is probably on its way out ??

[Voltaire]

I replaced by 2001 VW T4 TDI that I had for 12 years as it was over 350 000 kms with a 2001 VW T4 TDI with only 150 000 Kms.

I like it so much I've given my 2.5 Turbo Subaru to the Missus and drive the van daily.

However..... when they need fixing it tends to add up quickly.

[globe]

I replaced by 2001 VW T4 TDI that I had for 12 years as it was over 350 000 kms with a 2001 VW T4 TDI with only 150 000 Kms.

I like it so much I've given my 2.5 Turbo Subaru to the Missus and drive the van daily.

However..... when they need fixing it tends to add up quickly.

Yeah I like the VW's I have my eye on a T4 1998 with 235k on the clock for 5k ish, like you say though they're not super common in NZ so costs are greater if things go wrong, nicer to drive though than a hiace or L300 I'm guesing

[Voltaire]

They are nice to drive, mine does between 850 and 1000 kms on 75 litres.

Turbos are great.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/volkswagen/auction-1649605425.htm?rsqid=6ae75c2f32b64261b4db43e23b1c6 199

[Honest Andy]

Toyotas and Nissans are good for high mileages. Avoid Mitzis unless you're absolutely certain of their service history. Add about $800 to a service for a cambelt on a Hiace, but check with your usual mechanic. If you have no record of the previous belt replacement then probably pay to do it because a new motor is more expensive than a cambelt.
You can get more for your money with an import, there's usually nothing wrong with them. Check out what the Dog and Lemon Guide say about used imports, it seemed like good advice to me.

[Oakie]

Mid nineties Transits fit that price bracket and the 2.5 turbo diesel goes pretty well and way more space inside them, downside is they can tend to rust and injector pumps are expensive if they crap out

My brother-in-law converted a Transit (don't know what year) but he is delighted with it.

[globe]

Toyotas and Nissans are good for high mileages. Avoid Mitzis unless you're absolutely certain of their service history.

Cheers Andy, any idea on Mazda's (or are they just rebranded Nissans?)

[Honest Andy]

Cheers Andy, any idea on Mazda's (or are they just rebranded Nissans?)

Mazda = Ford
They used to be ok and cheap but a bit small and low. We used to give our Econocans a thrashing but that was ages ago. I don't know anything about the new transits

[globe]

Just done a bit more research, looks like the mazda, misti, nissans have a really low safety rating, whilst i never plan to crash i think it is best to get as many safety features as you can. Interesting that even though hundreds of these are imported there are no safety ratings provided by the government on their website

[YellowDog]

I import vehicles from Japan. If you want to get a diesel, make sure it is NZ new. For some reason the Jap imported diesels don't last long over here :no:

[Honest Andy]

I import vehicles from Japan. If you want to get a diesel, make sure it is NZ new. For some reason the Jap imported diesels don't last long over here :no:

Good to know

[F5 Dave]

Toyotas and Nissans are good for high mileages. Avoid Mitzis unless you're absolutely certain of their service history. Add about $800 to a service for a cambelt on a Hiace, but check with your usual mechanic. If you have no record of the previous belt replacement then probably pay to do it because a new motor is more expensive than a cambelt.
You can get more for your money with an import, there's usually nothing wrong with them. Check out what the Dog and Lemon Guide say about used imports, it seemed like good advice to me.

Can you tell me where to find the cambelt on my Hiace. I think it might be missing :scratch:

[AllanB]

The Dog & Lemon guy hates cars. Are there any in that entire guide that he recommends?

[Laava]

The Dog & Lemon guy hates cars. Are there any in that entire guide that he recommends?

He hates everything. A more miserable old scrote you would be hard pressed to find!

[Moi]

Looking at getting a van to convert into a weekend camper for some surf missions ...
I'd like to keep the budget around 6-8k if possible ... All advice welcomed, cheers

Have you looked at what has already been converted and within that price range? Do you need self-contained or just a sleeping van and stay at camps that have facilities. Just thinking...

[F5 Dave]

Well, yeah next point, couple of ground hooks and you can cart dirtbikes. Now we're talking having fun.

[Oakie]

He hates everything. A more miserable old scrote you would be hard pressed to find!

And even though all he's done is publish his own opinions on cars, TV continues to go to him for 'expert' comment on anything to do with cars. Arghhh!

[Oakie]

You may need to be middle aged to get this but ...

Guy walks into a doctor's surgery. Doctor says "And what can I do for you today sir?" Guy says, "well I was standing in the forecourt of a service station when this fancy Transit van with great big aerials on the front screams to a halt behind me. The aerials whipped around and hit me in the groin and it really stings". Dr says, "well just drop your pants then and we'll have a look". Guy complies and gets his tackle out. Dr looks at his groin from different angles, tut tuts a bit and then says "Well yes sir, thats the worst case of van aerial disease I've ever seen".

You're welcome.