1990 Toyota Van MasterAce Surf from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Air Con isn't really cold.

Nothing else yet (only had it 6 months.)

We first had a 1984 petrol 2WD manual, and were happy with it, but the lack of power steer and air con became an issue for my wife, when she was pregnant with No.4, so we upgraded.

Current drive is a Japanese import 4X4 turbo diesel van, called a Master-Ace Surf.

We are very happy with the comfort, seats 8 in three rows. The back is probably more comfortable than the front two, although there are no complaints from the drivers seat.

All the mod cons make the trip nice - air con, power steer, electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, etc.

The 4X4 surprised us. With 3 + overdrive and dual range, it is quite good off-road, although not a full blown dirt animal.

The comparison between petrol and Turbo diesel is interesting.

Petrol is quicker, but the diesel goes just as fast, but takes longer to get that fast.

Petrol used about 11 litres per 100kms, diesel uses about 9.

Servicing is more regular and more expensive though. Much simpler to service a diesel.

Old van was good, new one is much better in every respect as far as I am concerned - I can live with slightly slower acceleration.

Japanese imports come with a much higher spec than those sold here (Australia) new.

I have a 1989 van masterace surf with 2.0 diesel. looking for air filter, oil filter, etc, live in northern Ca.

Power4one@yahoo.com.

Hi,

I'm looking at purchasing a master ace van is there anything I should know before making the investment?

I brought my Toyota '89 Van from my neighbor just a few months ago. Mileage is just a little over 82000 miles. No major dents, just a jewel. However:

Couldn't find how to get to the engine!!! My neighbor is senior Vietnamese and very hard to understand his english, however, sign language got us through.

Couldn't locate where to check/add power ateering fluid. My neighbor not around. Took 5 neighbors to locate it under the passenger seat. Needed fluid, checked the manual. Stated we should add auto. transmission oil. All neighbors agreed, probably error in the manual. Added all american power steering fluid. Even Auto Zone where I bought the power steering fluid agreed it was probably an error. After checking with Toyota, there is no ERROR, follow directions!! Seems to work OK so until I hear otherwise, I'll remain happy with my van.