2L Petrol Hiace

[ee904age]

Does anyone have any experience with the new shape petrol Hiace vans? A mate is looking at an '05 2L petrol version. Its sadly an auto but hes not after a rocket ship, just something reasonably economical but not completely gutless, doesn't want a diesel as the costs outweigh the benefits with rediculous Reg prices and RUC. At the moment hes got an 08 3.0TD model that hes needing to 'downgrade' from to free up some cash.

Any suggestions or problems to look out for?

[BZG Wagon]

What's he using it for?

[ee904age]

He's a painter so its #1 function is work hack. He also has a 14ft boat that would be good if it would we could tow it to the slipway and back but not essential as we've just used my ute or Commodore so far.

[YeMs]

1TRFE motor? last week i had an 03' hiace in. waterpump leaking, and an oil leak from the front engine cover were the head meets the block.. at 60,000ks. Fresh import. front cover off and reseal, new w/p, crank seal, drive belt, 4x o-rings in behind the front cover, rocker cover gasket etc. good day and a half worth of work.

First thing this morning had an 05' hiace come in. same motor, 1TRFE. 120,000kms. Regularly serviced by us. courier vehicle. leaking water pump. oil leak in the exact same place as the previous van. And the Altenator was absolutely screwed (clutch type, clutch was faffed)..

The 05 is much easier to do, as it has the rad front mounted so lots more room, and the drivers side removeable engine cover its much easier as the h/brake is a pull type so dont have to remove those bits and bobs.
One other thing i noticed, they run a cam oiler similar to the SR20.

Other than that, cool looking vans. Seem to go ok for a 2Litre. I hear the 3L 1KD motors are having dramas, leaky injectors, turbo problems blah blah (probly lack of servicing)