Feature article
Toyota Hiace: From Tradie Toolbox to Dream Camper
The Toyota Hiace is a Kiwi icon, dominating the market thanks to its legendary, unmatched reliability.
In Aotearoa, the Toyota Hiace is far more than just a van; it is a true cultural icon. Known as the "tradie’s best friend" and a favourite for "van life" enthusiasts, it continues to dominate the Kiwi second-hand and commercial markets due to its unmatched reliability.
Are Toyota Hiace good cars?
Well actually, they are vans. But the short answer to whether they are good vehicles is a resounding yes. The Hiace is legendary for being a tireless workhorse, though its suitability depends on your specific needs.
While perfect for commercial use or camper conversions, the cab-over design and firm suspension of older models might feel less refined for a daily family vehicle. However, multi-seat coach examples are great for large group transport and the Toyota Hiace is also very popular as a wheelchair access vehicle. There are many examples of these for sale on Trade Me.
A brief history
The Toyota Hiace first hit the market in 1967, and the current H300 series represents the sixth generation. You will still find plenty of fifth-generation H200s on the road because they are so durable. Choosing between them often comes down to the used H200 cab-over or the new H300 semi-bonnet design.
The H300’s semi-bonnet provides a crucial crumple zone and a higher safety rating, while the H200 has a shorter overall length for the same internal cargo space, making it much easier to park in tight urban environments compared to the wider H300.
The Toyota Hiace in New Zealand
The Hiace is a foundational pillar of New Zealand’s logistics sector, frequently accounting for nearly half of all mid-sized van sales. As of early 2026, the H300 series dominates the new vehicle market with improved driver comfort and the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard.
One of the biggest draws is that the Hiace depreciates much slower than European rivals. Even units with over 300,000 km often maintain a high price floor if they are roadworthy, making them a very safe financial investment
Worth their money
Reliability is the core of the Hiace's reputation, and it is common to see engines reaching over 400,000 km thanks to simple mechanicals and robust cooling systems. For models from 2017 onwards, buyers should watch for Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues if the van is only driven short distances.
Older models can sometimes suffer from rust in the door sills and window seals, especially in coastal towns. Understanding running costs is also critical, particularly the choice between petrol and diesel, which involves calculating Road User Charges (RUC) against fuel efficiency.
Van, Minibus or custom build
The reliability of the Hiace makes it a favorite for custom designs. Tradespeople often install specialized interiors, such as mid-van split drawers and false floors. The "van life" movement has also seen a shift due to new self-containment regulations, with the Hiace ZX (Jumbo) and Commuter models becoming the preferred platforms for the height and space needed for fixed toilets.
Beyond trades and camping, the Hiace serves as a mobile base for businesses like coffee vans and pet grooming salons, with the ZX variant providing a professional "walk-in" studio feel.
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