Faults:

I regularly drive a Toyota Hiace Commuter at work, and I’m the one who organises maintenance for it. All in all, a good dependable vehicle, although maintenance is starting to get expensive now there is 400000+ on her. Interior is very basic, but really the van handles reasonably well considering that this is a van, not a car. Some minor negatives are cornering isn’t the best, as the van has a high centre of gravity as well as a live rear axle. Life can get bumpy as the driver's seat is directly above the front wheels. We find tyre wear to be an issue, but that could be partly to do with how we drive our vans.

Positives are the Toyota quality and reliability that’s baked right in. Although the vans suspension and steering now feels a little worn, it is pretty good considering she is fast approaching half a million kilometres. A few little things have been replaced, such as wheel bearings, but most suspension components are original, as well as the original ball joints. Engine still feels strong, and is not consuming too much oil.

General Comments:

Not fancy, but great mechanical quality and durability. Basic, no frills, low cost to run, won’t let you down.