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Hiace Super Custom 3.0


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we are looking for a large mpv for 2 kids and 2 large dogs have just seen and fallen for imported hiace. Having never ventured into the import market before would we be setting ourselves up for problems with repairs/availability of parts etc. Any advice appreciated. Fuel consumption quoted by dealer as around 25mpg - realistic?

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This car, changed my view towards diesel engines. This 1KZ engine is a brilliant engine.

As for parts, 1KZ engine was also featured on Landcruisers so consumables should be readily available and a good Toyota dealer will be able to supply parts anyway regardless of import and there are plenty of other parts specialists around who deals with imports so it shouldn't be too much problem.

As for fuel consumption figure, sorry I didn't have the car for that long so I don't know.

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  • 1 month later...

Hi

I am just in the process of buying a super custom too, mine is 3.0 turbo diesel,

3 speed auto with overdrive, just need to get it finished and serviced.

I see reference to the type of engine, is the 3.0 turbo the same as you said?

I hope the fuel consumption is better that 25 ,else it will be moved on pronto!!

I can't believe something which will be that understressed will be that

thirsty. Maybe round town with the AC on full but on a run I was hoping

for a bit better, been running an escort 1600 :censor:, even that on a run can do

about 30 ish mpgees.

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I see reference to the type of engine, is the 3.0 turbo the same as you said?

I hope the fuel consumption is better that 25 ,else it will be moved on pronto!!

I can't believe something which will be that understressed will be that

thirsty. Maybe round town with the AC on full but on a run I was hoping

for a bit better, been running an escort 1600 :censor:, even that on a run can do

about 30 ish mpgees.

Yes, the 3.0 turbo is the 1KZ engine. Most are autos, but there are manual ones too. Mind you, top of the range has always been available as auto only.

About the fuel consumption. As you know this depends on how the car is driven obviously. The car itself is pretty heavy weight wise + automatic and the boxy non-aerodynamic body doesn't help either . This sort of boxy vehicle has its weakness at high speeds. There is certain speed that once over that speed, the consumption drops significantly. This is commonly at around 100km/h or 60mph. Also like you said, the AC also contributes to further consumption.

In my opinion, all the refinements and power you get from the engine, overall it is a great car. Especially, your's is the top of the range Super Custom Limited, which is brilliant.

While on the subject of consumption, does your Escort 1600 only does 30mpg on the run? :huh:

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  • 4 weeks later...

Cal

Sorry for the delay in replying here have been everso busy!

Escort, well when I said she does 30 ish well that is 30 - 35 i guess depending on how late I am for work, my journey is 62 miles each way so you can imagine it might be held at high speeds ( well for an escort :rolleyes: )for quite a few miles.

My Hiace, well I am having my own nightmare here, it was damaged on the ship whilst in transit, also some bits were liberated from it before i got it, stoopid little bits mainly but enough to stop it passing the SVA, the bloke supposed to be getting the parts imported made a ***** up with the order and as such they have taken nearly 6 weeks to arrive, then the bodyshop who were repairing the body damage were putting back in one of the side windows and it shattered :crybaby: .

So my dreams of a luxury drive on holiday have evaporated I'm faced with borrowing my sisters Scooby Legacy.

Better than the escort, no matter eh?

I noticed on one of the other threads someone saying they thought the 1KZ engine might be prone to the head problems, is it true and how can I best avoid it, new thermostat? Maybe be I'd be best selling it straight away?

I can't afford to buy this if the head is fault prone, my transport needs to be 99% reliable, which why I am looking to the land of the rising sun.

At what sort of mileage might this start to manifest itself?

Mine has got less than 35K miles on it and I no reason to doubt the validity of the miles.

Is the 3.0 1KZ engine similar to any other which might be imported into this country, might it be worth looking for a fresh head so I have a spare just in case? Would it be worth getting the head gasket changed periodically?

Yours in a bit of a panic. :unsure:

Simon

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The 1KZ-TE engine is also fitted to the Hilux Surfs after 1993 , and they dont suffer with head problems , it's only the 2.4 ltr engines that have had the problems , overheating and heads cracking .

In the Surf you can get upto 28mpg , but on average they will do about 25 mpg .

As a matter of interest did you buy direct from auction or was it from a dealer , and if so who from ?

Andy

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The 1KZ-TE engine is also fitted to the Hilux Surfs after 1993 , and they dont suffer with head problems , it's only the 2.4 ltr engines that have had the problems , overheating and heads cracking .

In the Surf you can get upto 28mpg , but on average they will do about 25 mpg .

As a matter of interest did you buy direct from auction or was it from a dealer , and if so who from ?

Andy

Hi Andy and thanks for the reply.

Phew!!

I am I right in thinking the hilux would be 4 wheel drive?

If so then I know I can at least equal that MPG.

Long story about the purchase, the guy is a family friend he deals direct

with the auction houses in Japan, bidding direct. He has agents he can call on

to inspect the car to see if it is what is says it is.

My sister managed to pick up a Scooby Forester on an R plate,

auction says 88thousand Klicks agent says AH mistake

he has only 33thousand Klicks, it was like new, even had the plastic

wrappers on the interior trim.

Mine is hitting my drive with EU spec radio, CAT1 Toad alarm, fully serviced

all body repairs and damage made good for 500 less than the dealers

are asking for a 91 2.4 model, mine is a 94 on an L with

only got 57thousand Klicks, so when it arrives I'll be happy.

The guy works from home, so if you want his addy private mail me

and I'll forward it on to you then he can contact you. OK??

Cheers again

Simon

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Hello Simon,

Sorry to hear about your Hiace being damaged during transit. Nothing is more annoying than that plus, the aftermath is usually annoying to - sorting out the insurance etc...

About the cylinder crack issues. They are weak but that doesn't mean that your's will crack. When I say weak, I'm talking about number of vehicles in Japan with the problem. There is a lot more of these vehicles over there. Apparently it is assumed to do with the head not being able to stand the temperature difference between intake and outlet ports. Like the 2C for instance. They are Ok if it is just an ordinary 2C but 2C-T on cars such as Townace seems to have more crack problems. Same goes for Hiace too. 1KZ-TE seems weak but 3L unit is fine. I'm not sure whether this is due to extreme climatical temperature difference in Japan or/with the construction of the vehicle, that is to say them box type cars tend to trap the heat in the engine area... As for the mileage for the cracks, it tends to be the cars with over 120,000 km.

The climate and the usage is much more mild in the UK, as opposed to Japan where it is extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winter plus most of the time the car spends on traffic jams, thus it might not be a problem in the UK.

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Sorry to hear about your Hiace being damaged during transit. Nothing is more annoying than that plus, the aftermath is usually annoying to - sorting out the insurance etc...

Ah well, due to the circumstances, I have accepted the vehicle as is and am getting it repaired myself. (gottim well cheap!!) :thumbsup:

About the cylinder crack issues. They are weak but that doesn't mean that your's will crack. When I say weak, I'm talking about number of vehicles in Japan with the problem. There is a lot more of these vehicles over there. Apparently it is assumed to do with the head not being able to stand the temperature difference between intake and outlet ports. Like the 2C for instance. They are Ok if it is just an ordinary 2C but 2C-T on cars such as Townace seems to have more crack problems. Same goes for Hiace too. 1KZ-TE seems weak but 3L unit is fine. I'm not sure whether this is due to extreme climatical temperature difference in Japan or/with the construction of the vehicle, that is to say them box type cars tend to trap the heat in the engine area... As for the mileage for the cracks, it tends to be the cars with over 120,000 km.

So as a 3.0 turbo am i safe? If necessary I can fit a fan on top of the head to move the hot air away, overkill maybe?? Hopefully being the big engine it will be less stressed, I will fit an overide on the fan thermostat anyway and hope to keep the temperature down that way, I can imagine the worst case being when I come off the motorway in Bromley, it goes down to 30 near enough straight away. I was hoping to avoid stuff like this by buying Japanese :unsure:

The climate and the usage is much more mild in the UK, as opposed to Japan where it is extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winter plus most of the time the car spends on traffic jams, thus it might not be a problem in the UK.

Do you live in the south of england, it has been hot enough here to melt the roads, and as for traffiic jams?? :censor:

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The heat and the traffic jam in the UK is nothing compared to that of Japan, I tell you. So, even the heat we had for the last couple of days, that is classed as 'mild' in Japanese summer standards where their summer is combination of high temperature + humidity. I wouldn't worry about fitting an additional fan but I would certainly avoid towing a caravan.

As for the melting roads, we had that here in the east too, but I think that is more to do with crap materials used. I also lived in Africa but that never happened.

The reliability issue, you have come to the right place. The land of the rising sun certainly makes good and reliable cars, especially Toyotas!! ;)

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Hi Cal

Thanks for putting my mind at rest, and thanks for the advice regarding a caravan.

I went to see it today and it is looking good except for the polythene over the window :crybaby:

The cat1 alrm is nearly finished and just waiting for the special lead to turn up so the UK stereo can be fitted, it has 8 Speakers instead of the expected 4, cool!

Can't got over the level of gadgetry in there, even the steering column comes to meet you when you put you key near the lock!! :thumbsup:

Only pity is :crybaby: it won't be ready for my holiday, next week, they can't get the right glass for the SVA, won't pass with a temp panel in it :crybaby::crybaby:

Anyway

Thanks again

Simes B)

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  • 4 weeks later...

Well here I am just returned from me hols only to find they are still waiting for the glass, Toyota Japan sent them a bit of glass, un insurable I might point out only for it to be the wrong side............ :( :( :crybaby:

I ended up going away in the Escort in the end due to trouble all round, the escort cost me 300 for a 12k service and did not miss a beat, but the heat we encountered was purgatory, one of my tyres broke up in the heat and developed a massive carbuncle..... :blink:

I will post a picture soon as a salutory reminder to check those pressures!!

I am still going to have the hiace but am resigned to when not if.

Rgds

Simon

PS the escort averaged 35 mpg with 2 adults 2 kids and 250lbs of luggage.

I must publicly commend my escort, not something I do lightly given our

previous history.

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Hello Simon,

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your Hiace progress. I am sorry to hear that all things that can go wrong has gone wrong.

Thanks also for the info on your Escort. I once driven a hired Avensis 1.8 VVTi estate (X-reg) with 4 adults, 3 big suit cases with air conditioning switched on, it averaged 40mpg. I liked the power and economy of 1ZZ-FE engine. I have not yet driven the 2 litre 1AZ-FSE engine but must be good too.

Hope your Hiace gets sorted soon. Good luck! :thumbsup:

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Hi

Have been told if the glass arrives next week I might be lucky and have it for the first of sept :( that will be two months late, but bear in mind Amtrak won't insure glass if (and this is a very big if), if it got broken in transit I would then have to wait for another sheet to be sent.............................:unsure:

Trouble is, until we have an SVA, I am knackered, can't even put some perspex in there so I can use it. OH :ffs:

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  • 10 months later...

hI, I'm also thinking of buying a Hiace 3.0L and as I need it for going down to Spain I was wondering whether this vehicle was available in Europe when new and if parts would be a problem if I broke down there? I'm looking at one for £7999 '96 Asked if it was fully serviced and they said after it is sold which I don't like much also the back bumper has a few nicks, needs new tyres and the velour near the back ashtrays are slightly tatty. Any opinions on this?

Thanks,

Keith.

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we are looking for a large mpv for 2 kids and 2 large dogs have just seen and fallen for imported hiace. Having never ventured into the import market before would we be setting ourselves up for problems with repairs/availability of parts etc. Any advice appreciated. Fuel consumption quoted by dealer as around 25mpg - realistic?

Hi,

I have a 3.0 TDI Super Custom For Sale, I like it so much Iam getting a newer one, I have never had problems getting parts for it, although mine is a manual,

most of them are automatic in this country. I am a lady driver who finds this car excellent, it parks like a mini, it has such a good turning circle, it sits well on the

motorway, and I do find it economical, I do not know what exact mileage it does but it costs me around £48.00 to fill it and I usually get just under 400 miles out of it. I find it really good around town and towing the caravan, it only drinks a little whilst on the motorway. I show dogs around the country and find it ideal both for space, comfort, the blinds and air con, and masses of room. My god kids love it as the seats trun around ect, and especially like all 4 sunroofs when we go to Blackpool illuminations. I could not recommend this model highly enough.

Caroline

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hI, I'm also thinking of buying a Hiace 3.0L and as I need it for going down to Spain I was wondering whether this vehicle was available in Europe when new and if parts would be a problem if I broke down there? I'm looking at one for £7999 '96 Asked if it was fully serviced and they said after it is sold which I don't like much also the back bumper has a few nicks, needs new tyres and the velour near the back ashtrays are slightly tatty. Any opinions on this?

Thanks,

Keith.

Hi,

I would think that expensive for the year, Iam selling mine for £4,750

1995 L reg. my seats are in good condition, there are a couple of little rust points on the rear tailgate, but other than that it is really tidy, with 11months tax and mot, perhaps you should shop around, I know when I got mine I saw some real eye sores.

Caroline

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Thanks for the praise Caroline. I thought it was expensive too. I want an automatic but yours sound a good buy for someone good luck!

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  • 3 years later...
Hi

I am just in the process of buying a super custom too, mine is 3.0 turbo diesel,

3 speed auto with overdrive, just need to get it finished and serviced.

I see reference to the type of engine, is the 3.0 turbo the same as you said?

I hope the fuel consumption is better that 25 ,else it will be moved on pronto!!

I can't believe something which will be that understressed will be that

thirsty. Maybe round town with the AC on full but on a run I was hoping

for a bit better, been running an escort 1600 :censor:, even that on a run can do

about 30 ish mpgees.

Hi I have owned one of these for three years now and would not swop it for the world it had 177000 km on the clock when I bought it and as I use it for my business it runs virtualy every day. I have had no trouble at all in this time and would recomend it to anyone HOWEVER for get the 25 to the gallon the most I can squeeze out of mine is 22 at the most.

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  • 7 years later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Hello every one

i bought a supercustom 3.0l manuel, it is a lovely example but it needs all the usual things doing

timing belt

water pump etc...

also the speedo has stopped working has anyone else had this problem?

does anyone know of a place in the uk which deals in them

or a website i can go too to find them

i need to get it done ASAP

any info would be amazing

thanks

chris x

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  • 8 months later...

Hi I am new! and looking for some advice, I have just bought a Toyota Hiace super custom LWB 2.8 TD auto camper and I think the engine needs replacing due to over heating and blue smoke! I was wondering is this the same engine that's fitted to a Hilux surf the L3 engine? any help is much appreciated as I don't want to by the wrong engine many thanks Brian

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  • 4 years later...

To Master Simon.hi just got hiace super custom 3 lt turbo diesel 4wd/lwb 1997.having trouble getting radiator cowls/shrouds,and where does auto oil cooler fit,have changed engine and this was disconnected,do not have workshop manual.regards.

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32 minutes ago, NZ traveller said:

To Master Simon.hi just got hiace super custom 3 lt turbo diesel 4wd/lwb 1997.having trouble getting radiator cowls/shrouds,and where does auto oil cooler fit,have changed engine and this was disconnected,do not have workshop manual.regards.

This thread is 17 years old mate...wouldn't hold yer breath for replies.

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The topic is 17 years old, and member Master Simon last visited the Club in 2007, so you're unlikely to receive a reply.

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