Faults:

I just bought a Toyota Lite Ace...

I have some problems with overheating, but I think my mechanic is doing great solving it... he tweaked my spark plugs and it is doing great, but I know that it is not yet perfect...

My power is okay, just a little tweaking on the air intake...

General Comments:

I maintained the standard tires, and fitted it with roof rails and racks.. it really looks nice and cute...

I use it to drive to my office every day, and drive my family twice a month on long drives looking for beaches here in Manila, Philippines...

I would love to correspond with other Lite-Ace owners... email me at frontlinemedia7@yahoo.com

Faults:

The fuel economy has decreased slightly after having the cam-belt replaced. Don't know why.

General Comments:

This is the Liteace Noah Fieldtourer van/people mover sold in Japan and imported as second hand.

I brought the van as a part people mover and part camper as I took out the rear seat and installed a shelf that forms a bed, big enough for my boys to sleep in when camping. It performs both tasks fantastically. Also tows the trailer with quad bike without any problems. The van is tall and narrow but this does not alter it's almost car like driveability and being up high is a plus in traffic. The responsive two litre engine and auto makes driving in traffic stress free and highway driving is without any problems, passing at 100kph being quick and simple.

I had the cam-belt replaced recently and while the power is still there, the fuel economy has dropped from 11.4 km's per litre (27mpg) to 10.6 km's per litre (25mpg). Even this is better than others in it's class so I'm not complaining to much.

All in all, I find it difficult to fault this van and recommend it to anybody who needs to move 6 to 8 people without being to 'agricultural'.

Faults:

Overheating.

Not-so-cool air-con.

Frequent timing adjustments.

General Comments:

Lite Aces are very sturdy and reliable vans. My father bought this van when we were still kids and what a van it was then. It was very stylish and comfortable. 10 years after, he gave me this van as my first "car". I love this van and I intend to keep it until I can buy my own car and have my own family. But then, I usually have these problems with overheating, poor air-con (which they say is because of the overheating problem), and frequent timing adjustment. I had the aircon condenser fixed under the middle part of the van so as not to burden the main engine compartment with its heat, I also installed another auxillary fan (4 all in all), had the alternator changed to accommodate the additional electrical load, used good quality engine oil, had the tubes and hoses changed, I drain the radiator often like once every month, bought good quality radiator caps, and put coolant... but I still experience overheating when there is traffic. The van can take 30 minutes in traffic, but longer than that, the temperature starts to heat up. I usually turn off the aircon for 5-10 minutes to let it cool down.

I hope some of you guys can help me with this problem. I read that removing the thermostat helps. Give me an idea. Thanks!