Howdy.

Im looking at upgrading my little **** box to a van. I'm just looking for some feedback on somes vans that are within my budget.Im looking to spend between $10000 to $15000 on a used van. Obviously less money spent on a van means more money spent on water toys.

Toyota hiace is probably at the top of my list at the moment. But I also like the sounds of the iloads. I also love the way the Volkswagen's look. But reliability doesn't seem so good.

does anyone know how the petrol iloads go? I've been told to stay away from the turbo disease unless I want to replace engines.

thanks :)

Not a van specifically, but best Vans series on youtube....

If you get a VW T5 go for one with the 5 cylinder 2.5L diesel but make sure you get a manual! then your unlikely to have any major issues
The DSG gearboxes are very expensive to replace and have a habit of failing due to poor maintenance schedule.

I work part time for a company that have over 30 Iloads, all diesel, all auto. all vans vary from heavy city driving to long distance highway. in 3 different states of Oz.All are leased and serviced with amazing regularity.
Never had a problem, if I needed a van is be chasing one of them when please expires

I've had a petrol iLoad for about 10 years now. It is the first model, 2008, and has been relatively trouble free. I get it serviced every 12 months and it has about 155,000 kms on it.
The problems I've had:
* new immobiliser replaced under warranty. The replacement now has the same intermittent fault where sometimes the key isn't recognised and the van won't start. A vigorous shake of the steering wheel gets it sorted, weird.
* just had the diff centre "go". Hyundai wanted $5k for a new diff, got one from a wreckers for $300, problem solved.
* electric window switches have failed a few times, replacements from wreckers about $80.

All in all a very reliable van, it's my daily driver to/from work and then short trips here and there. Not overly powerful and I wouldn't use it for towing but I'm sure it's saved me from losing my licence.

Bertie - The t5. Do they also come in a 2l? Bloody confusing these german cars.

Tonz/Robbo - The iloads are tempting. Look to be best bang for buck money wise.

I think i got one of the last petrol i loads 2 years ago , faultless but I've only done 60k ,but i wouldn't tow anything more than a tinny. I towed a 5m fg boat up to tathra and really struggled on the hills around Eden .

No towing required.

I'd probably end up upside down in a ditch if I attempted to tow anything.

Toyota are great but you may big bickies for the name. iloads will be that level the way they are going.

Stay away from mercs good when going but expensive and usually not an easy fix if your doin lots of ks any deisal manual with no computer bull**** will b the way to go

My 2010 petrol iload has just clicked over 200 000. No real issues aside from a little bit of rust in a couple of corners (from carrying around salty wet gear).


generally gets around 700km out of its 80L tank depending on where i've been driving

The VW t5 5 cylinder diesel in a manual is super reliable. As mentioned the autos are notoriously failure prone so either budget this in or steer clear. The engine has unit injectors so you get great fuel economy without the hassle of a full electronic common rail, it also runs timing gears rather than a chain or belt, so these literally never need to be replaced. I've got a 2006 model still looks modern, drives great and has been relatively hassle free for its 280k life. Just servicing every 15k, a cv joint and an egr unit (all under $500). As with all euro vehicles it occasionally has some electrical issues, but nothing to leave me stranded.
If you were looking for a reliable work van for someone else to drive a hiace would be the number one pick, but a van to drive yourself, you'd be silly not to get the comforts and safety of a European van.

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LastSupper said..
Stay away from mercs good when going but expensive and usually not an easy fix if your doin lots of ks any deisal manual with no computer bull**** will b the way to go

Hard pressed to find diesels without computers, you'd have to be looking At very early models to get a full mechanical diesel due to euro emission laws.

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beefys said..
Bertie - The t5. Do they also come in a 2l? Bloody confusing these german cars.

Tonz/Robbo - The iloads are tempting. Look to be best bang for buck money wise.

Yes from 2010 onwards was a 4 cyl 2L these are T5.1 models.

The older T5s had an option for either a 1.9 or a 2L but it had very little power.
The 2.5L is a powerhouse! 128kW overtake on the highway loaded up with ease!!!!