1995 Toyota HiAce 4WD
Sold: $21,995
Stock #5760
American millennials still have PTSD, as many 90s family vacations began and ended stuffed into vans like the Freestar, Silhouette, and Voyager. Cramped quarters, the utter lack of amenities, bargain basement materials, and poor sound deadening were just a part of the domestic minivan experience. This 1995 HiAce is the polar opposite of our chintzy US transporters, and is filled with tons of electric options, copious interior space, and offers a refined ride reminiscent of a luxury car. Designed to haul friends, family, and cargo safely, this 4WD model boasts a recently serviced 3.0L turbodiesel engine, and is offered with a mere 97k verified and documented miles. Rocking a few cosmetic upgrades such as an AIBA Works roof rack and brush guard, OEM rainguards, and an AIBA Works rear polished single-piece mudflap. This Oyster Pearl over Topaz Metallic example conveys a tougher, offroad aesthetic. Aside from some light dings, chips, and scuffs, the body and paint are in good shape, and this turn-key Super Custom Limited is practically begging for a road trip. As a cool family caravan, year-round daily runabout, or weekend getaway cruiser this unique Japanese Classic will surely be ideal!
The cabin is incredibly spacious and has several factory and aftermarket upgrades to drool over. Visibility out the front is about as good as anything we sell, and the tall ride height allows the driver to safely see above traffic. The dash lacks any cracking or fading and the upgraded backlit digital gauge cluster is easy to read. A Kenwood audio upgrade is ideal for long journeys and the sound quality is decent for a van of this age. Directly above is the digital dual-zone automatic climate controls clearly visible LCD readouts. Rear occupants can select heat or a/c upon demand, and the system is simple to control and intuitive to use. If you prefer more natural ventilation, a suite of three sunroofs line the roof from the front to the back, and the power front windows work too. The humongous middle-row sunroof exposes the skies above and lets tons of natural light inside the passenger cell. It rolls back for a fresh breeze, and the rear sunroof also tilts up for more airflow. The driver benefits from an electric seat and electronically adjustable steering column, which are hardly ever equipped in these. Additionally, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, and power locks all work like a charm. The seats are trimmed in a soft, cognac-colored cloth. They lack any major rips, stains, or tears and are comfy on longer jaunts. The middle row of this seven-seater can swivel 180 degrees, and also can lie down flat to combine with the rear bench to make a pseudo-bed. Loading passengers and cargo is easy, as the sliding side door opens providing a wide berth. If one of the rugrats fails to close it with force, a soft-close function pulls the door shut preventing the battery from draining. The carpets lack any major imperfections, as they were protected by the OEM floor mats which are to be included in the sale. The door cards and headliner have also resisted major abuse over the years and are in good nick overall. It's clear that this HiAce was cared for in a prior life and it shows.
We can tell readers that the mechanical overview of this van will be much more enthralling than some nose-heavy V6 pig of an American van. This one features a turbocharged 1KZ-TE power plant, mounted midship, and a full-time 4WD system. While the mid-engine layout might be confused for a high-end exotic, you can rest assured that this motor is one of Toyota's best engine designs in recent memory. Fresh off an oil and filter service, and thanks to a new 12v battery and fuel filter, the four-cylinder cranks to life effortlessly. A one-off free-flowing exhaust only makes the diesel soundtrack better! The automatic transmission shifts as it should, and makes good use of the broad toque profile on the engine. The capable 4WD system is sure footed on loose surfaces, and the suspension is soft insulating well against road imperfections both large and small. The front right inner and outer tie rods have been replaced to pass the Virginia state safety inspection, and the steering is light and on point. For those planning to hit up some muddy trails and do some driving on the beach, a limited-slip rear differential will be useful, surely. The short wheelbase allows for this van to be highly maneuverable around the city and easy to park. The brakes feel confident and they manage to slow down this 5,000-pound hauler to manageable speeds when called upon. The third-generation Hilux Surf wheels have been refinished in a stylish bronze. New all-terrain rubber has been mounted and balanced on all four corners and will deliver tens of thousands of miles of year-round grip to come. We even have a matching spare wheel is mounted atop the roof rack to complete the package!
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.