This video was INSANELY detailed! I appreciate this info so much! You’re a legend for taking the time to make this for everyone. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🤙🏻
About to say yes to a HiAce next Monday and found this video extremely helpful for the video inspection. Just wanted to say thank you and your awesome for these videos. Keep ‘em coming brother
Thank you for sharing your video. I am proud owner of this car in Sydney. I just recently done some work on the car like brand new radiator which cost me almost 1k. What I want to point is metal pipes in my van have badly rusted. This pipes is not make any more so I decided to remove all rust with Cordless drill with metal brush then I went to metal electro plating shop to make like a new again. This pipes is used for front heating and cooling engine. One pipe run from passenger side with electrical harnases and goes in engine and another one runs under driver side and end up near turbo unit. Please check your pipes to ensure that is in good condition otherwise you want br able to source a new ones. Alex S C limited
I'm gonna take a look at a 1996 Toyota Granvia tomorrow. You probably know it, it's basically a Super Custom with the engine on the front lol. This video is going to be really useful. Thanks mate
I'm looking at a KZ120 and am pretty worried about it. I'm having it looked at by a local mechanic (pre-purchase inspection), although the mechanic has likely never worked on a Hiace. Also, it's 2500 miles away from me; it's a very long drive to get it back, and the possibility of breaking down on my way back is the most concerning part for me.
Wow Nathan. Very thorough. This should be the "go to" video for any prospective buyer of a 20+ year old Hiace. As a fellow Super Custom owner of an older vintage (1993) I have a few questions. They are: -Is the front under protective shroud for the radiator stock? Mine didn't come with the plastic protector but something like that would give me more piece of mind on a rough road. -Was your bottom front end repainted with a rust convertor or underbody spray? On mine the under body has a similar color to the stock body color. -Is the gearbox shield a stock thing as well? Mine doesn't have that -You mentioned the sliding door should slide and then some sort of electrical unit engages the final connection. My tin top KZH106G just slides and engages like an old school door.
Hi mate Yes the front radiator shroud is original and should be in place. It protects it from stones as well as directing air flow. Transfer case bash plate is also original. The suspension subframe should be black from factory although mine has been recently painted. The body should be a primer grey colour underneath. Im unsure about the older models rear sliding door but if you have the pins mine does and it doesn't soft close itself could be a fault.
Looking for a rich for my 1994 Hiace super custom. Do you recommend a certain one? And what is the towing capacity. I live in the US. But my sister lives in Australia, Thanks.
Just won a 96 Super custom limited model from japan to be imported to the states for my daily use fingers crossed on good condition mate. Love your vids.
Watched this in great detail the other day, and have come back having watched a few more of your videos about the Hiace as you clearly know your stuff! I'm looking at getting a Super Custom myself, and have seen so many options and specs and other such variations; Are you aware of any resources that covers the different years/variants/option lists so I know if there is any specific model, year or trim I should be looking at for certain options?
Truly appreciate your videos! I just acquired a 1995 KZH120G 3.5 at a Japanese auction and after its arrival to Long Beach,CA , I plan on driving it home to Denver,CO Thanks to your videos I feel better prepared to make that trip
Hi Nathan, thanks for sharing your experience so simply, clearly and nicely. I would like to know if you ever experienced any problems with the electric steering wheel adjustment ? Mine is just stuck in high position and I don't know what to do to fix this...
I'm afraid I wouldn't know mine is manual adjust. I'd probably start by checking fuses, then pulling the switch off and running a multimeter on it while working it to see if the switch is getting power and if it is then it will be the motor which you could test also with the multimeter.
Im glad to your videos im also a fun of old school toyota. Old but gold. It takes many decades. It can be driven for 30 yrs. This is a smoothcar check the gas m2m.
Great video. Are vibrations just the way it is on these vans? Mine (1995 super custom) seems to be vibrating more than I remember. Also whats the overdrive for? What should it be set at for daily driving?
Glad I found this! I'm looking at getting a 200 series and I imagine a lot of this is transferable. I have no mechanical knowledge and don't want to be continually fixing things so I figure if I have the money for a 200 series it would be easier for me to maintain but maybe I'm wrong? I'm looking at 2005-2013 at the moment, if you have any advice at all that would be really appreciated. My other option was a standard hiace and put an elocker on the rear but I feel the awd would be better. Really struggling at the moment to make a choice, I've been through basically every possible van option and keep ending up with hiace or iload (2015+) for reliability so now I'm just stuck on which hiace and how to pick the right one and not be ripped off by importers. An idea for a future video might be a generalised 'good vans for camper conversions' if you have the knowledge for it (though I know you're not a fan of fitting out these cars) as there's too many basic videos out there that don't provide the nuance and understanding that you do. Anyway, thanks for all the videos I need to find more channels like yours.
Hello Thanks for the kind words. You know you can get the 200 Series in 4WD also right? It's called the Super GL Either way the 200 nor the 100 have LSD rear diffs so a diff lock would be excellent. There are people in Japan who fit LSD's to the rear and have videos testing them in snow. Unfortunately the 2wd vans can't even get up a slightly snowy slope so as for traction, you can't beat the 4wd. The 100 also has the viscous transfer case which locks up automatically if it detects wheel spin on one axle effectively working as a center diff lock. Both are about the same in terms of reliability. The 200 is more basic without sunroofs and a more basic interior however the engine is more electronic and as you mentioned, newer. Less chances of ecu issues, aged hoses etc. As for engine reliability the 1KD is very good. My parents have one in New Zealand with around half a million KMS. The 1KD does like injector changes every 100,000kms you can find good videos on that engine on UA-cam by Fourby4Diesel. The 1KZ is still very reliable although not as forgiving if you take any liberties with it. In inexperienced hands both are massively unreliable. All the best with the search.
Yes I do, sorry if I didn't make that clear, my choice is between that one (AWD/4WD Import) and the 2WD Aussie one. Though is the Super GL different to the normal AWD import one like the DX (In terms of the awd/4wd system - I know the insides are obviously nicer)? Thanks, I think that answers my question right there (Which is to get the imported AWD over the aussie 2WD). I don't plan to do extreme off-roading but it's that peace of mind should I chose to go off track solo to find a muddy campground for the night or hit the snow once a year. Knowing I have that capability is nice. That's great to know, I'll make sure to research which year models have the 1KD so I get that one. "In inexperienced hands both are massively unreliable." this is concerning as I'm really inexperienced. I always look #1 for maintenance history, it's the most important thing for me when buying a car making sure they do services on time, etc. but beyond that I don't know what else to do other than follow videos like yours and if there's people like you who look after it themselves they might not have the records but might have looked after it better than say a toyota dealership would have so it's hard to tell. But in saying that I don't have much options unless you think something like an iLoad is better for inexperienced people? But they seem like they would have more issues in that case, it's such a hard thing to make a call on I feel like any well maintained car will be good even from some of the vans people always tell me to steer clear of like the transporters. Regardless your response has already helped heaps! Didn't expect such a timely response but it's greatly appreciated as I'll be needing to make a purchase in the next 2 weeks. You should consider doing like a livestream QNA, I would be happy to pay for good advice, I even rang up mechanics asking to pay for advice and they usually refuse money and just say get a petrol hiace and that's it.
@@0nceuponatime486 Ah ok cool I get you know. From what I've been seeing the local Hiace's are commanding top dollar and is almost if not the same as an import 4wd. So I'd go with the import just on that alone. Plus it will be worth more in the end too. If you did find a cheap local model then I'd go with that since you don't plan on any serious off roading. With some weight over the back wheels and all terrain tyres the 2wd would be no different to any other 2wd vehicle. Any turbo diesel engine in the 200 series is good. The petrol is fine too but some I've seen with plastic intake manifolds that crack or hoses under the intake manifold that leak. With the iLoad you'll get local mechanical expertise and parts availability however I've driven plenty of iLoads and the build quality is horrendous. That's not to say mechanical parts aren't available for imports. It's just that most mechanical shops don't know or can't be bothered cross referencing. As for reliability in inexperienced hands it's a very broad range of things. Firstly it's ensuring its mechanically sound which you seem to know and check for. Then there's the age issue with the 100 series like mine, I get about one Instagram message or email a week from people with ECU's failing. It's an easy refurb done by any electronic shop that can work on boards. Some vans already have had refurbished ECU's so it's hard to tell. Some people have issues with injection pumps. Not trying to scare you just relaying the info I get. Usually from neglect or bad maintenance in its past. Again with reliability it's little things like using a cap full of diesel fuel conditioner in every tank or second tank of fuel. Running good engine oil, like Penrite's HPR 10W40 and not the cheapest nastiest stuff the local garage gets for $1.30 from their sales rep. Then there's driving it. Running it foot to the floor at 110kph up 3km inclines on a 44 degree day will ensure you need a new engine once you reach the top but, slow down, turn the AC off and it will be just fine. I replaced my water temp sensors so my temp gauge is very accurate and I've taken it to just under 3/4 on extremely hot days up extremely big hills at high speed and it copes fine. I would recommend whatever you get to find a good mechanic and go through it. - Engine Oil and Filter - - Fuel and Air Filter - Auto trans flush if automatic - - Coolant flush - New water temp sensors - - 100% make sure the Viscous fan works - Diff/ transfer oils - - Brake and Power Steer Fluid - Check/ replace the belts etc - - Clean sunroofs if any - Check the battery and alternator charge That way you know it's ready to go. It's what I did with mine and it's been perfect. I've found that most people buy a van and contact me either don't care for it until it gives them issues and/ or then take it to a mechanic who just replaces things one after the other with the same issues coming up. For example I had a lady who just had her head gasket done after overheating it and then had it overheat uphill again on a cool day. The mechanic was then looking to change the radiator or some other components. A good mechanic would have checked things out as to why it overheated in the first place before replacing the head gasket. It was more likely than not her viscous fan not working as it should. She was out of pocket thousands and on her last legs with the van. The importance of a good workshop/ mechanic is invaluable. I've found that when you invest in something so unique and expensive you naturally drive it overly cautiously at first treating it as if it were precious. But as time goes on you'll get to know it better and realise it will handle just about anything. You develop a relationship with it and you'll learn so much without realising it. And yes stay away from Ford's in general. I'm on the Facebook mechanics page and the Ford mechanics are constantly posting up the worst engineering and design issues. They just cut too many corners. You can email me at esvernoc@gmail.com for whatever questions and I'll help.
Amazing job Nathan! Thank you for posting this video. I have a 2001 KZH120G, and absolutely love it! Would you have an applicable maintenance schedule you could send my way? It’s got the 1KZ-TE so should probably be the same as the Super Custom I imagine:)
Also, do you have any advice on running a diesel pre-filter on one of these? I always believe that if it needed it, Toyota would have added it, but some guys think they’re a good idea. Any thoughts?
Hey thank you I appreciate the comment. I've changed and simplified my maintenance schedule. A service (annually): Engine oil and filter, clean air filter. Grease driveshaft and ball joints. Check and top up fluids. Rotate tyres. B service every three years: A + Diff and transfer case oil, air and fuel filter. ATF filter and flush. Brake and power steer fluid. C service: 100,000km A+B (if needed or falls into timeframe) timing belt, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, fan belts, oil seals, coolant, AC regas. It's this service that if anything like an engine mount etc is needed I do.
@@avkyjonka6539 nope. Unnecessary. The fuel filters capture everything. They're always white clean on the clean side even if the dirty side is completely black and clogged. The people that recommend them usually sell them. The people that swear by it usually bought it. They all seemed to run fine until around 2015 when people started selling these then it became a "necessity". The best thing you can do is buy a bottle of diesel fuel conditioner and use a dosage in every tank of fuel. It dissolves gum and sludge, prevents rust, disperses water, lubricates and cleans, reduces foaming can improve cetane too.
Thank you for this video! Just bought a HiAce kzh120 last week in Vancouver and I noticed that the rear trailing arm mounts are rusty on the left and have plates welded onto the right side… it passed safety inspection but I have my reservations… the van was sprayed before being shipped so I didn’t notice it until I owned it. Any recommendations on how to get the mounting point properly replaced/repaired? Thanks again
Congratulations on the Hiace. If in doubt take it to a fabrication/ engineering shop. They will assess it best and may suggest they weld it up strong. Usually stronger than factory.
hi Nathan， how you experienced to source the parts of this jdm model ? Does it share parts with local ausie model? I am looking for buy one just bit concerned about the parts. How about after market accessories like bull bar tow bar ?Thx for your advice
Hi mate Mechanical parts are pretty easy. Body parts are not such as headlights and tailgates etc as well as interior pieces. No support locally for bullbars and towbars. Glass can be found easily for windscreen and tailgate glass.
I don't recommend it. These have been running perfectly fine for 25 years and people get them and start blocking things and running into issues. If it blocks up at 30 years of age just remove and clean the intake, put a new gasket on and drive it for another 30 years.
Very thorough and comprehensive review mate. I have this van 96 K1Z, I live in Miami Florida and it’s a head turner I think I’m the only that have this van in my city. I drove 900 miles to home from my pickup point and it’s was a fun drive. I had to take 5 minutes to adapt to right hand side driving but 900 miles later I was force to adapt. Your video has made me love my van even more and showed me a couple things I didn’t know. I am a car enthusiast and maintenance freak as well. Thanks for the vids, I watch all of them, cheers.
@@nathansharma87 yes very much indeed, the majority of them in the Pacific Northwest, Portland , Seattle and last but not least Canada 🇨🇦. I’m way down here solo as far as I know. I love this thing and I plan to have it for a very long time, I plan to make road trips in it and make use of its capabilities, most of her life will be on tarmac and some dirt roads. Parts are limited here as I have to order them either from Japan 🇯🇵 or Australia 🇦🇺. Lotta guys here in the states have up charge prices of parts. Did you lift or raise your van 🚐? Would you recommend it? Again my van will be on tarmac most of it life.
No I haven't lifted mine.... YET. I will be though just to fit some larger tyres. The drawback is it will no longer fit in undercover carparks. Parts are scarce in Australia also given they were never imported here also. Only New Zealand and a handful of other countries. Parts are becoming hard to source in Japan also like tailgates and lights due to overseas demand. I plan to keep mine forever also, it's going home to NZ with me this year. Just maintain it as I'm sure you would, clean the underbody so you still have a car in the future even though Florida doesn't get snow or salt, she'll be with you forever.
@@nathansharma87 also another question is it possible to fit a 2jz engine in it? I am gonna turn my van into a drift van. What transmission should I use if it fits?
Only way is with a welder and allot of fabrication. 2iz is possible again with fabrication for mounts. Just run a supra gearbox. If it's 4wd you can drop a Landcruiser 80 gearbox in it the H series not the R. H is stronger.
![✅ [10K Annual Service] 1997 Toyota HiAce Super Custom](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LKqQDf2tGDo/mqdefault.jpg)
![✅ [10K Annual Service] 1997 Toyota HiAce Super Custom](/img/tr.png)
This video was INSANELY detailed! I appreciate this info so much! You’re a legend for taking the time to make this for everyone. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🤙🏻
About to say yes to a HiAce next Monday and found this video extremely helpful for the video inspection. Just wanted to say thank you and your awesome for these videos. Keep ‘em coming brother
Just bought one and having it shipped to ny, gonna go through this myself and make sure its in good working condition
Thank you for this super helpful video! 🙏 I appreciate the quality content! 👍
Thank you for sharing your video. I am proud owner of this car in Sydney. I just recently done some work on the car like brand new radiator which cost me almost 1k. What I want to point is metal pipes in my van have badly rusted. This pipes is not make any more so I decided to remove all rust with Cordless drill with metal brush then I went to metal electro plating shop to make like a new again.
This pipes is used for front heating and cooling engine. One pipe run from passenger side with electrical harnases and goes in engine and another one runs under driver side and end up near turbo unit. Please check your pipes to ensure that is in good condition otherwise you want br able to source a new ones.
Alex
S C limited
Looked in engine bay & driver & passenger sides for OBM port & can’t find it. 1996 Hiace van KZH106G. Found it. Passenger side well below glove box
Bud you have a great voice as you know for voice over work 🙏
I'm gonna take a look at a 1996 Toyota Granvia tomorrow. You probably know it, it's basically a Super Custom with the engine on the front lol. This video is going to be really useful. Thanks mate
OMG, Nathan: Just what I need!
Thanks for the idea
I'm looking at a KZ120 and am pretty worried about it. I'm having it looked at by a local mechanic (pre-purchase inspection), although the mechanic has likely never worked on a Hiace. Also, it's 2500 miles away from me; it's a very long drive to get it back, and the possibility of breaking down on my way back is the most concerning part for me.
Wow Nathan. Very thorough. This should be the "go to" video for any prospective buyer of a 20+ year old Hiace.
As a fellow Super Custom owner of an older vintage (1993) I have a few questions.
They are:
-Is the front under protective shroud for the radiator stock? Mine didn't come with the plastic protector but something like that would give me more piece of mind on a rough road.
-Was your bottom front end repainted with a rust convertor or underbody spray? On mine the under body has a similar color to the stock body color.
-Is the gearbox shield a stock thing as well? Mine doesn't have that
-You mentioned the sliding door should slide and then some sort of electrical unit engages the final connection. My tin top KZH106G just slides and engages like an old school door.
Hi mate
Yes the front radiator shroud is original and should be in place. It protects it from stones as well as directing air flow.
Transfer case bash plate is also original.
The suspension subframe should be black from factory although mine has been recently painted. The body should be a primer grey colour underneath.
Im unsure about the older models rear sliding door but if you have the pins mine does and it doesn't soft close itself could be a fault.
Looking for a rich for my 1994 Hiace super custom.
Do you recommend a certain one?
And what is the towing capacity.
I live in the US. But my sister lives in Australia,
Thanks.
Would love alignment specs for a KZH106 4x4 if anyone has them…
Bro 😎 you rock, you have an awesome tone and note, nothing wrong with your Pronunciation
Hello sir do you have Hiace super custom limited edition 1990 2l diesel (Automatic)Manuals and Diagrams? Thankyou in Advance.
Just won a 96 Super custom limited model from japan to be imported to the states for my daily use fingers crossed on good condition mate. Love your vids.
The hiace wizard! Thanks for all the knowledge😁. Going to look at one this weekend in hokkaido japan! Hopefully its nice.
Watched this in great detail the other day, and have come back having watched a few more of your videos about the Hiace as you clearly know your stuff! I'm looking at getting a Super Custom myself, and have seen so many options and specs and other such variations; Are you aware of any resources that covers the different years/variants/option lists so I know if there is any specific model, year or trim I should be looking at for certain options?
Thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge of these remarkable vehicles .
Truly appreciate your videos!
I just acquired a 1995 KZH120G 3.5 at a Japanese auction and after its arrival to Long Beach,CA , I plan on driving it home to Denver,CO
Thanks to your videos I feel better prepared to make that trip
Congrats! There's a few in Denver now.
As I’m learning. I’m far from a mechanic. But hearing auction ones can be the inferior ones from a batch bought I hope not for you
Hi Nathan, thanks for sharing your experience so simply, clearly and nicely. I would like to know if you ever experienced any problems with the electric steering wheel adjustment ? Mine is just stuck in high position and I don't know what to do to fix this...
I'm afraid I wouldn't know mine is manual adjust. I'd probably start by checking fuses, then pulling the switch off and running a multimeter on it while working it to see if the switch is getting power and if it is then it will be the motor which you could test also with the multimeter.
Spectacular video! I own a 1996 kzh116 and this amount of information is so helpful. Thanks
Where is the vin #? Found it below passenger seat.
Outstanding job showing what to look for
Can you recommend an adapter for OBD1 to OBD2? USA regulators insist on OBD2. So my van failed inspection
What year and what state is your van?
Great vid. Looking at one of these this week. Super helpful.
Bro you're the man g!
hi ,great informative videos, thanks
do you know the parts number for the under protective shroud @ 32:30?
Hiace zkh138 4x4.
many thanks
Search it up Amayama.com
I just bought one a week ago, thanks for all your help!
Im glad to your videos im also a fun of old school toyota. Old but gold. It takes many decades. It can be driven for 30 yrs. This is a smoothcar check the gas m2m.
Thank you. Pretty cool cars. Technically you could have bought a Hiace, Landcruiser or something similar new and drive it for the rest of your life.
Thank you for this bigman!
just bought one a few days ago! on its way from maryland right now and it arrives monday…cant wait.
Congratulations 👏
,man show us a test drive
Best video on a Hiace on here. Well done
Nice!
Great video. Are vibrations just the way it is on these vans? Mine (1995 super custom) seems to be vibrating more than I remember. Also whats the overdrive for? What should it be set at for daily driving?
thank you, good video, good audio
Glad I found this! I'm looking at getting a 200 series and I imagine a lot of this is transferable.
I have no mechanical knowledge and don't want to be continually fixing things so I figure if I have the money for a 200 series it would be easier for me to maintain but maybe I'm wrong? I'm looking at 2005-2013 at the moment, if you have any advice at all that would be really appreciated. My other option was a standard hiace and put an elocker on the rear but I feel the awd would be better. Really struggling at the moment to make a choice, I've been through basically every possible van option and keep ending up with hiace or iload (2015+) for reliability so now I'm just stuck on which hiace and how to pick the right one and not be ripped off by importers.
An idea for a future video might be a generalised 'good vans for camper conversions' if you have the knowledge for it (though I know you're not a fan of fitting out these cars) as there's too many basic videos out there that don't provide the nuance and understanding that you do. Anyway, thanks for all the videos I need to find more channels like yours.
Hello
Thanks for the kind words.
You know you can get the 200 Series in 4WD also right? It's called the Super GL
Either way the 200 nor the 100 have LSD rear diffs so a diff lock would be excellent.
There are people in Japan who fit LSD's to the rear and have videos testing them in snow. Unfortunately the 2wd vans can't even get up a slightly snowy slope so as for traction, you can't beat the 4wd.
The 100 also has the viscous transfer case which locks up automatically if it detects wheel spin on one axle effectively working as a center diff lock.
Both are about the same in terms of reliability. The 200 is more basic without sunroofs and a more basic interior however the engine is more electronic and as you mentioned, newer. Less chances of ecu issues, aged hoses etc.
As for engine reliability the 1KD is very good. My parents have one in New Zealand with around half a million KMS.
The 1KD does like injector changes every 100,000kms you can find good videos on that engine on UA-cam by Fourby4Diesel.
The 1KZ is still very reliable although not as forgiving if you take any liberties with it.
In inexperienced hands both are massively unreliable.
All the best with the search.
Yes I do, sorry if I didn't make that clear, my choice is between that one (AWD/4WD Import) and the 2WD Aussie one. Though is the Super GL different to the normal AWD import one like the DX (In terms of the awd/4wd system - I know the insides are obviously nicer)?
Thanks, I think that answers my question right there (Which is to get the imported AWD over the aussie 2WD). I don't plan to do extreme off-roading but it's that peace of mind should I chose to go off track solo to find a muddy campground for the night or hit the snow once a year. Knowing I have that capability is nice.
That's great to know, I'll make sure to research which year models have the 1KD so I get that one.
"In inexperienced hands both are massively unreliable." this is concerning as I'm really inexperienced. I always look #1 for maintenance history, it's the most important thing for me when buying a car making sure they do services on time, etc. but beyond that I don't know what else to do other than follow videos like yours and if there's people like you who look after it themselves they might not have the records but might have looked after it better than say a toyota dealership would have so it's hard to tell.
But in saying that I don't have much options unless you think something like an iLoad is better for inexperienced people? But they seem like they would have more issues in that case, it's such a hard thing to make a call on I feel like any well maintained car will be good even from some of the vans people always tell me to steer clear of like the transporters.
Regardless your response has already helped heaps! Didn't expect such a timely response but it's greatly appreciated as I'll be needing to make a purchase in the next 2 weeks. You should consider doing like a livestream QNA, I would be happy to pay for good advice, I even rang up mechanics asking to pay for advice and they usually refuse money and just say get a petrol hiace and that's it.
@@0nceuponatime486 Ah ok cool I get you know.
From what I've been seeing the local Hiace's are commanding top dollar and is almost if not the same as an import 4wd. So I'd go with the import just on that alone. Plus it will be worth more in the end too.
If you did find a cheap local model then I'd go with that since you don't plan on any serious off roading.
With some weight over the back wheels and all terrain tyres the 2wd would be no different to any other 2wd vehicle.
Any turbo diesel engine in the 200 series is good. The petrol is fine too but some I've seen with plastic intake manifolds that crack or hoses under the intake manifold that leak.
With the iLoad you'll get local mechanical expertise and parts availability however I've driven plenty of iLoads and the build quality is horrendous. That's not to say mechanical parts aren't available for imports. It's just that most mechanical shops don't know or can't be bothered cross referencing.
As for reliability in inexperienced hands it's a very broad range of things.
Firstly it's ensuring its mechanically sound which you seem to know and check for.
Then there's the age issue with the 100 series like mine, I get about one Instagram message or email a week from people with ECU's failing. It's an easy refurb done by any electronic shop that can work on boards.
Some vans already have had refurbished ECU's so it's hard to tell.
Some people have issues with injection pumps. Not trying to scare you just relaying the info I get. Usually from neglect or bad maintenance in its past.
Again with reliability it's little things like using a cap full of diesel fuel conditioner in every tank or second tank of fuel.
Running good engine oil, like Penrite's HPR 10W40 and not the cheapest nastiest stuff the local garage gets for $1.30 from their sales rep.
Then there's driving it. Running it foot to the floor at 110kph up 3km inclines on a 44 degree day will ensure you need a new engine once you reach the top but, slow down, turn the AC off and it will be just fine.
I replaced my water temp sensors so my temp gauge is very accurate and I've taken it to just under 3/4 on extremely hot days up extremely big hills at high speed and it copes fine.
I would recommend whatever you get to find a good mechanic and go through it.
- Engine Oil and Filter
- - Fuel and Air Filter
- Auto trans flush if automatic
- - Coolant flush
- New water temp sensors
- - 100% make sure the Viscous fan works
- Diff/ transfer oils
- - Brake and Power Steer Fluid
- Check/ replace the belts etc
- - Clean sunroofs if any
- Check the battery and alternator charge
That way you know it's ready to go. It's what I did with mine and it's been perfect.
I've found that most people buy a van and contact me either don't care for it until it gives them issues and/ or then take it to a mechanic who just replaces things one after the other with the same issues coming up.
For example I had a lady who just had her head gasket done after overheating it and then had it overheat uphill again on a cool day.
The mechanic was then looking to change the radiator or some other components.
A good mechanic would have checked things out as to why it overheated in the first place before replacing the head gasket.
It was more likely than not her viscous fan not working as it should. She was out of pocket thousands and on her last legs with the van.
The importance of a good workshop/ mechanic is invaluable.
I've found that when you invest in something so unique and expensive you naturally drive it overly cautiously at first treating it as if it were precious. But as time goes on you'll get to know it better and realise it will handle just about anything. You develop a relationship with it and you'll learn so much without realising it.
And yes stay away from Ford's in general. I'm on the Facebook mechanics page and the Ford mechanics are constantly posting up the worst engineering and design issues. They just cut too many corners.
You can email me at esvernoc@gmail.com for whatever questions and I'll help.
Bei gani unauza
I know it's not exactly your thing but would love if you could get your hands on a 200 series to do this with, even if it's an aussie one.
Amazing job Nathan! Thank you for posting this video. I have a 2001 KZH120G, and absolutely love it! Would you have an applicable maintenance schedule you could send my way? It’s got the 1KZ-TE so should probably be the same as the Super Custom I imagine:)
Also, do you have any advice on running a diesel pre-filter on one of these? I always believe that if it needed it, Toyota would have added it, but some guys think they’re a good idea. Any thoughts?
Hey thank you I appreciate the comment.
I've changed and simplified my maintenance schedule.
A service (annually):
Engine oil and filter, clean air filter. Grease driveshaft and ball joints. Check and top up fluids. Rotate tyres.
B service every three years: A + Diff and transfer case oil, air and fuel filter. ATF filter and flush. Brake and power steer fluid.
C service: 100,000km A+B (if needed or falls into timeframe) timing belt, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, fan belts, oil seals, coolant, AC regas.
It's this service that if anything like an engine mount etc is needed I do.
@@avkyjonka6539 nope. Unnecessary. The fuel filters capture everything.
They're always white clean on the clean side even if the dirty side is completely black and clogged.
The people that recommend them usually sell them. The people that swear by it usually bought it.
They all seemed to run fine until around 2015 when people started selling these then it became a "necessity".
The best thing you can do is buy a bottle of diesel fuel conditioner and use a dosage in every tank of fuel. It dissolves gum and sludge, prevents rust, disperses water, lubricates and cleans, reduces foaming can improve cetane too.
@@nathansharma87 Awesome! Thanks mate🙏🏼
Happy to help, my email is in the description box if you ever need. Thanks for your support I really appreciate it.
Just put a deposit on van number 7 first Toyota, Xmas come early
Great work
Thank you for this video! Just bought a HiAce kzh120 last week in Vancouver and I noticed that the rear trailing arm mounts are rusty on the left and have plates welded onto the right side… it passed safety inspection but I have my reservations… the van was sprayed before being shipped so I didn’t notice it until I owned it. Any recommendations on how to get the mounting point properly replaced/repaired? Thanks again
Congratulations on the Hiace. If in doubt take it to a fabrication/ engineering shop. They will assess it best and may suggest they weld it up strong. Usually stronger than factory.
hi Nathan， how you experienced to source the parts of this jdm model ? Does it share parts with local ausie model? I am looking for buy one just bit concerned about the parts. How about after market accessories like bull bar tow bar ?Thx for your advice
Hi mate
Mechanical parts are pretty easy. Body parts are not such as headlights and tailgates etc as well as interior pieces.
No support locally for bullbars and towbars.
Glass can be found easily for windscreen and tailgate glass.
Really thankful. For your help it’s so hard to trust
What do you recommend about the EGR block on these vehicles ?up the temperature in the cylinders I here but stops dirty block intake ?
I don't recommend it. These have been running perfectly fine for 25 years and people get them and start blocking things and running into issues.
If it blocks up at 30 years of age just remove and clean the intake, put a new gasket on and drive it for another 30 years.
Great Demo. Great Information. I have a 94 Hiace
Very thorough and comprehensive review mate. I have this van 96 K1Z, I live in Miami Florida and it’s a head turner I think I’m the only that have this van in my city. I drove 900 miles to home from my pickup point and it’s was a fun drive. I had to take 5 minutes to adapt to right hand side driving but 900 miles later I was force to adapt. Your video has made me love my van even more and showed me a couple things I didn’t know. I am a car enthusiast and maintenance freak as well. Thanks for the vids, I watch all of them, cheers.
Awesome, congratulations. I know of a couple in Miami, there seems to be lots popping up all over America now.
@@nathansharma87 yes very much indeed, the majority of them in the Pacific Northwest, Portland , Seattle and last but not least Canada 🇨🇦. I’m way down here solo as far as I know. I love this thing and I plan to have it for a very long time, I plan to make road trips in it and make use of its capabilities, most of her life will be on tarmac and some dirt roads. Parts are limited here as I have to order them either from Japan 🇯🇵 or Australia 🇦🇺. Lotta guys here in the states have up charge prices of parts. Did you lift or raise your van 🚐? Would you recommend it? Again my van will be on tarmac most of it life.
No I haven't lifted mine.... YET. I will be though just to fit some larger tyres.
The drawback is it will no longer fit in undercover carparks.
Parts are scarce in Australia also given they were never imported here also. Only New Zealand and a handful of other countries.
Parts are becoming hard to source in Japan also like tailgates and lights due to overseas demand.
I plan to keep mine forever also, it's going home to NZ with me this year.
Just maintain it as I'm sure you would, clean the underbody so you still have a car in the future even though Florida doesn't get snow or salt, she'll be with you forever.
Question Nathan. How can I convert my hiace into rear coil over. Instead of just coil springs
As in coil with the shock inside it?
@@nathansharma87 yes
@@nathansharma87 I want adjustable height and adjustable damping/bumps
@@nathansharma87 also another question is it possible to fit a 2jz engine in it? I am gonna turn my van into a drift van. What transmission should I use if it fits?
Only way is with a welder and allot of fabrication. 2iz is possible again with fabrication for mounts. Just run a supra gearbox. If it's 4wd you can drop a Landcruiser 80 gearbox in it the H series not the R. H is stronger.
Good luck!!!!!
Wheres the fuse box located in this van? do u have a english manual ?
You forgot to say please
@@nathansharma87
🤣👍
Please just show up the inside and everything and what's the price.