1996 Toyota Hiace ZL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Solid and reliable workhorse"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong although the engine keeps running sometimes even after the key has been turned off. Probably had dirty fuel which has lodged in the fuel solenoid.
General comments?
Very reliable. As with all diesels the servicing has to be kept up to date. Mine has been serviced every 5000km since new and uses no oil or water.
The van with all my gear on board weighs around 2700kg and I sometimes tow a tandem trailer that can weigh up to another 2200kg giving an all up weight of close to 5 tonnes. Not bad for a 2800cc diesel.
The van is no powerhouse and slows down on the hills, (even without the trailer) and overtaking is not a common occurrence.
I would like to have twin sliding doors and maybe a bit more width to the van. I was going to buy a Transit or Merc, but although they are wider, they are also a lot higher which means I could not reach the roof racks.
Recommended Reviews:
 | Down to earth, no frills, no nonsense and no problems |
  | Good, but not as good as they used to be |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 cc diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 95000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 124000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Hi-lux |
| Date of Entry | 25th April, 2003 |