Buying a used Toyota HiAce (2005-2019)

Short history of the Toyota HiAce

The slab-sided Toyota HiAce seems to have been with us since before time began, but the first ones to reach Australia arrived in 1970 and quickly became the country’s best-selling delivery van.

Early versions had 1.6 and then 2.0-litre petrol engines, all with manual transmission. Three-speed automatic became optional in 1983, followed a year later by a 2.5-litre diesel engine.

In 1972, a HiAce Commuter version had become available, expanding in 1983 to accommodate 15 occupants and acquiring a diesel engine.

By 1989, the HiAce van was offered on a 2330mm or 2590mm wheelbase; both versions legal to carry 1000kg. By 1995, and with more than 5000 examples of the HiAce being sold annually, Toyota’s medium-size delivery van was the clear leader in our one-tonne van market ahead of the Mitsubishi Express and Ford Transit.

Gen 4 HiAce models remained in production from 1989 until 2004, with the fifth-generation HiAce launching in Australia in March 2005.

Bigger headlights and a deeper bumper characterised the Gen 5 HiAce, which appeared in 2004. Engine choice initially comprised 2.7-litre petrol and 2.5-litre diesels, then in 2006 came a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

From 1999, the local range had included an SBV (Semi-Bonneted Van) with 3410mm separating the axles and a load limit of 1400kg. This design also provided some added crash protection compared with the very vulnerable cab-over design.

It was replaced in 2006 by a Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB) version which sat on 3110mm and had the same carrying capacity as the SBV.

The fifth-generation HiAce didn’t quite match the previous version for production longevity but still survived until 2019, when it was replaced by totally new Gen 6 design that did take safety concerns more seriously.

Buying Used: Toyota HiAce (2005-19) – Quick Checklist

Toyota HiAce (2005-19) – Overview of updates, engines and equipment

Fifth-generation Toyota HiAce vans and passenger buses brought a new look to a very conservative design.

The new range as it was offered to Australian consumers comprised 12 different versions, spanning three body styles and petrol or diesel engines.

Cheapest in the Gen 5 line-up at $31,990 plus on-road costs was the basic Long Wheelbase (LWB) van with a 2.7-litre petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission. Dearest at $52,230 plus ORCs was the turbo-diesel Commuter bus with automatic transmission and seats for 14.

The LWB van accommodated three in the cabin on a cloth-trimmed split bench (individual buckets in the Commuter), with power steering, electric windows/mirrors and a music system with just two tinny speakers. Air-conditioning was included but no cruise control.

The 2.7-litre petrol engine was a proven toiler, producing 111kW and 241Nm of torque. For light carrying tasks and around-town running these offer value, being cheaper to buy and maintain than a diesel.

For heavier workloads, including towing or frequent highway running, the 2.5-litre diesel with turbo option would deliver 75kW or 80kW and 260Nm. It could be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

Going larger in a delivery vehicle meant jumping to an SLWB (Super Long Wheelbase) van. These as a diesel with manual transmission cost almost $40,000 but would legally carry 1.3 tonnes and fit a couple of pallets lengthwise in the back.

A late-2007 upgrade brought price rises for some versions and expansion of the turbo-diesel engine to 3.0 litres. Although torque improved by 10 per cent, power from the enlarged diesel remained at 80kW until 2010, when it was re-rated to 100kW. Torque remained at 300Nm.

From 2010, remote central locking was fitted to all versions of the HiAce. ABS, which offered appreciably improved stability when stopping an empty van on a wet road, was made standard as well.

Some vans of this age are shown with reversing cameras; however, these weren’t standard and came either as dealer-fitted accessories or home installations.

The MY12 update released in June of that year finally included a factory-fitted reversing camera, supported by a tiny image occupying just half of the rear-view mirror. Other improvements appearing around this time included enhanced protection for occupant lower limbs that would help the HiAce achieve a four-star (out of five) ANCAP safety rating.

Station was then held until 2015 when a long-wheelbase Crew model was added to the range. It offered space for two in the front and three on a bench seat behind.

Engine output improved again, with HiAce engines now compliant with Euro 5 emission standards. From 2015, the 2.7-litre petrol engine produced 118kW.

At the same time, electronic stability control (ESC) was added to the list of features. So was cruise control, plus an in-dash display, improved sound system and a window in the sliding door for improved vision down the left side.

Toyota HiAce (2005-19) – What are they like to drive?

Around town and through the suburbs, there will likely be little difference between a Toyota HiAce and other vans of similar design.

Which one might suit your needs often won’t be apparent during a brief test drive, so try in your travels to chat with regular drivers of different models to get their impressions of comfort, noise levels and the general stress that their van generates during a full day’s use.

The HiAce driving position is commandingly high, and once the mirrors are aligned to minimise blind spots you can see a surprising number of hazards beside and even behind the vehicle.

Physically checking for obstacles is still important though, or get a later version with the reversing camera and bigger in-dash display screen.

When reviewing the new Gen 5, most testers made special mention of its improved seats, suggesting that earlier versions’ accommodation must have been truly appalling.

Certainly, the cloth-bound driver’s seat has some shape to it and the relationship between the seat, steering wheel and pedals isn’t likely to send most drivers into lumbar distress. Yes, the gearshift is in a weird place and the manual takes some practice, but it also doesn’t get entangled with the middle occupant’s legs when travelling three-up.

What happens behind the seats is going to be of greater interest to the majority of HiAce buyers, whether they are in a cargo van or commuter bus.

The stock LWB van carries 6.2 cubic metres of cargo on a floor 2.53 metres in length. The distance between wheel-arches is 1120mm, which is enough to accommodate a standard pallet.

One item that must be fitted if not already present is a cargo barrier between the seats and load area. Some vans have them already but still make sure the fixings are strong enough to stop whatever you intend carrying flattening the barrier in a crash or sudden stop.

Other aspects of HiAce safety are pretty dismal, especially pre-2012 and before significant changes were made to improve occupant protection in frontal impacts. Up front there are only two airbags, with no side impact protection.

Fuel economy varies in accordance with where and how your HiAce is used. Diesel automatics in urban settings return 8-9L/100km and on the highway manage around 6.5L/100km. Petrol 2.7-litre models around town use almost 11L/100km but drop below 9L/100km in 100km/h cruising with a light load.

Is the Toyota HiAce Commuter a good choice for families?

Choose a Toyota HiAce Super Commuter LWB model and the family plus various friends or relatives will ride in decent comfort.

The HiAce Commuter in standard configuration seats up to 14, but with some rows at the back removed and a lift installed there is still space for eight plus a wheelchair or a huge load of luggage.

The seats are a decent size with durable cloth trim and lap/sash seat belts. Toyota’s air-conditioning subsidiary is a leader in its field, so even those sitting right at the back in a Commuter won’t be starved of cool or heated air.

Toyota HiAce (2005-19) – What to check when buying used

Used vehicle grading for Toyota HiAce (2005-19)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 10/20
Practicality: 16/20
Value for Money: 14/20
Wow Factor: 5/20
Score: 60/100

Also consider:
Ford Transit
Hyundai iLoad