Faults:

I purchased this van second hand from a lady who ran her own small confectionery business, despite the service book being stamped up to date, I think the dealership she had been using had just taken her money and did absolutely nothing to the vehicle.

I had to replace brake, cooling and fuel lines also a very intensive full service, rear brake cylinders, full exhaust system, speedometer head and cable, throttle cable.

Water proof electrical system connections which run along the underside of the vehicle.

General Comments:

The vans which are supplied to the UK are actually made in Italy by Piaggio. I been to Italy a couple of times and you see these vans all over the place. However vans there of a similar age or older seam to be in a lot better condition than there counterparts in the UK, the crap ones must be sent to us here. The Jap made ones are much better according to the dealers.

After all my hard work restoring this vehicle I now have a competent little work horse, the engine is quite willing and maneuvering and steering are excellent when you get used to the driving position that is right over the front wheels. Interior is basic and functional, but a clock and central locking would be useful extras. These vans need loads of TLC on a regular basis otherwise the condition and reliability depreciate rapidly.

Faults:

Choke has an intermittent fault with the light on the dash, being fixed at service (full service £95)

General Comments:

I love it! Its fantastic. I have had 4 smarts, 2 minis, 1 mercedes and a big estate. Some of them cost 10 times as much as my little £1000 van, but this is the best by a long way!

I need to fit a good stereo as it did not come with one. Was owned by Hamersmith Council until 15k miles then a lady who did antiques fairs. It has double locks all round. Has a few knocks and scratches one on the roof. Was red now a sort of orange where the paint has faded.

Its very comfortable to drive no rattles, goes quick when you put your foot down. Its seems very well built, and does not rattle or wonder like my minis did. I am going to use it for my personal car/van.

I have put all my sleeping bags in the back and am going to give it a trial run for camping in tonight. I can't quite lie flat along it as I am over 6ft, but its still super comfortable. If all goes well a trip round europe is the plan.

Faults:

Window Mechanism on driver's side replaced at 46,000.

General Comments:

The Daihatsu Hijet is a fantastic micro van.

I own four of them, all of which are in regular daily use.

I travel long distances in the Hijet, which I find to be economical to run, very nippy around town and extremely roomy in the back.

I am 6'3" tall and have no trouble whatsoever driving this micro van.

Absolutely fantastic!