recommendations for cheap/decent van

Hi guys,

Am looking to buy a cheap van for windsurfing, but I haven't been in australia for long so I'm guessing you guys will have a much better idea on the different types available and what works.

Looking for...
- under $5000
- easy and cheap to repair, e.g. lots of parts available
- maximum efficiency (hah) so I was thinking small diesel engine, or maybe dual fuel which there seem to be a lot of here??


SWB or LWB doesn't matter, prob SWB will be cheaper to buy/run and I guess this would also apply to 2wd/4wd. 4wd might be useful but I reckon it would actually only get used once or twice a year.

So does anyone have any recommendations on good makes/models to look for? I am living in Perth by the way, which might make a difference.

Thanks!

Al

p.s. not an excuse for people to post loads of photos of their personal vans!!

Nissan diesel vans would probably fit the bill. They are pretty old and dated, but if you found one with a decent body, the engines tend to go for ever from what I have heard. They are usually LWB. Probably a lot of backpackers retro fit ones around too.....

Not sure whether there is any vehicle that would be considered 'cheap to repair' in that price range when parts are readily available unless you can do all of the work yourself as most mechanics charge at least $90-$100 an hour for their time. Possibly an old Transit or Bedford with 6 cylinder motor would be very easy to service and repair if you're mechanically minded but replacement parts are not easy to get for these (I had a 1969 6cyl Transit van for 15 years!). Also, most vans for sale for under $5000 would have well over 200,000 kms on the clock and depending on how well they've been looked after and serviced, could be in either serviceable condition or in need of ongoing expensive repairs!

Probably the most common vans in that price range on oz roads, particularly if you're talking about lots of new or used parts being available, would be the Toyota Hiace and Mitsubishi Express (maybe even the Ford Econovan or Mazda E2000?). I've owned a 95 Express walk-thru van (with motor in front, just like Delicas but without 4wd, diesel or options) for around 7 years but it's been costing me a lot of money of late to keep it on the road.

I really think that a good Toyota Hiace would be the best and most reliable option, though I would suggest you pay particular attention to the following:

- The engine cooling system is critical particularly in hot WA summers. Get whole system professionally checked and pressure tested, check for age of radiator, colour of coolant, and if any water is coming out of exhaust pipe (could point to leaking head gasket)

- Get a friend to drive the van while you follow behind in another vehicle to check for blue smoke coming from exhaust. Also run the engine at idle for at least 5 minutes, then rev engine to see if any blue smoke appears. If blowing smoke, would point to either worn piston rings or valve stem seals (i.e. expensive engine overhaul!)

- If you're serious about a particular van that looks like it's been well looked after, would suggest a comprehensive vehicle inspection by either RAC WA or a Repco Auto Repairer. Well worth expense, I had one done on a dealer used car with 'low km and full service history' a few years ago and was shocked at how much needed to be spent on that vehicle!

The Quokka classifieds are worth checking out, also try these online sites:
www.carsales.com.au/
www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car/all-new-and-used/all-states/all-locations/all-bodytypes/all-makes
www.discountusedcars.com.au/
www.drive.com.au/buy-used-cars

Good luck!!!

herby has the rite idea, i'm part owner of a taxi company, taking into consideration that in nsw every taxi has too have a blue slip inspection every 6 months and stamped by the MTA , taxi vans have a life of 10 years then compulsory off the road, the best too buy is the toyota commuters, there usually set up on duel fuel

unfortunately our vans go to friends and family, the last time i was in TWEED HEADS i noticed heaps of vans getting around with for sale signs , but im not sure if the QLD mta is as strict with there inspection's

ditto the hiace commuter, I sold mine at 600,00+ kms and it went on to die a 1,100,000, friend is driving one at 700,00+ now

awesome thanks guys, looks like the hiace or commuter is the one. Will check out some of those websites and quokka.

also good to know about the looking for smoke test!

GavGav not so sure I am looking for a van full of kit - although it looks like a good deal! I have already spent enough of my money on kit :) Also I'm not into slalom enough to want a quiver of overdrives...

thanks again, hope to see some of you out sailing soon!

Al