Stock #6694
Exterior Overview
At Japanese Classics, we’re firm believers that you don’t need a family to justify purchasing a sweet van. This tremendous Toyota caters to the adventurous, and is highly capable, practical, and comfortable for daily use. It seats five, yet has enough room to set up shop for a weekend camping getaway, and boasts a simple 4WD drivetrain that shares oodles of parts with stateside models. Our 1998 Hiace Regius is finished in Alpine Silver Metallic (199), and set off by an OEM optional spoiler, optional OEM front bumper and side skirts, and tasteful window tint. Save for a few minor scratches and dings, and a noted replacement of the left front fender, the cosmetics are well above average for a 26 year old vehicle, and the 84k miles on a clock are verified, documented, and do a lot to back up that statement. At home on city streets, or off the beaten path, this is one awesome AWD Toyota that gets better and better with age!
Interior Overview
Toyota was hitting their stride in the late 90’s, and this Regius’ cabin is a perfect example of why. It’s jam packed with amenities, comfortable materials, and still feels plenty capable for daily driving, even well into the 21st century. The seats are trimmed in a plush black leather, and the reskinned upholstery is a massive upgrade over stock. It’s also a safe place to be, with dual SRS airbags up front. The driver has full command over the cabin’s climate, with an intuitive dual zone digital climate control system. Cold A/C and hot heat can be funneled into the cabin with urgency, and rear passengers have their own command over those controls if needed. Upgraded Panasonic audio features Bluetooth functionality, and if you prefer a more natural soundtrack on your drive, both power windows can be quickly unfurled. Power locks and electric folding side mirrors both work well, aiding daily use, and the rear glass even butterflies out to ventilate the cabin once you’re at the campsite. Seating arrangements are versatile, the middle row can slide all the way rearward to open up the floorplan, and it can also fold flat into the front row to form a sleeping surface. The headliner is tidy, and the carpets are free of stains or tears. Your rear passengers can also kick down some seatback ottomans to rest their feet. The dash is free of cracks, fading, and other age-related defects, and if we were to pick apart the cabin at all, the rear bench was removed at some point in Japan. Overall, this cockpit really impresses, and to help preserve the history we even retained the original owner’s manual
Mechanical Overview
The 3RZ under the hood was a prominent powerplant here in the states, and has been pulling its weight for decades in models like the Tacoma and 4Runner. Fresh off an oil and filter service, we’ve given this van a once-over, starting with a new 12v battery which we chucked in to aid ignition. From there, an oil and filter service was performed, and we tossed in a new engine air filter for good measure. We flushed out some old coolant with brand new juice to help regulate thermal load, and with the maintenance performed this 2.7 runs like a top. An automatic gearbox funnels power to a fulltime 4WD system, and in true Toyota fashion it runs and drives like a charm. The suspension is comfortable and can handle rough pavement with ease, and we replaced the swaybar link bushings to help this Regius pass its VA safety inspection. The ABS brakes bite hard, and the power steering helps maneuver this long wheelbase van. The steel wheels are refinished and wrapped in good Falken all-terrains. Fresh off a four wheel alignment, you’ll track straight for the road ahead, and look good doing it! At 26 years old, the engine is showing a couple minor oil seeps, which don’t affect performance one bit. Still, we believe it’s beneficial for the next owner to know, and with parts all available domestically, keeping this van on the road will be an easy feat!
*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.
