Message Forums

Oh..that's interesting Jim'...

Although mine is only a bog standard/no frills,  2001, 2.4 Powervan...

Both batteries(70amp) are located under the bonnet (corner,N/S bulkhead)and the set-up certainly looks as if it's original equipment....

Well, day after gettin the van home, went to start her up to go for a spin, dead as a dodo! Got the recovery chap out who promptly asked, "what have you done with the other battery"?  Uuummmm? Anyway, turns out the waster I bought her off sealed it into the leisure  battery compartment, and me being a total campervan virgin was none the wiser.  apparently just needs the two to keep things ticking along nicely. Swaped it back, bought a new leisure battery and starts like a dream.

Now it everything else going wrong, just had a call from the garage about mechanical repairs, says all parts have to be sourced viathe Toyota dealer in my local town or Belgium. The motor factors don't stock a thing for the hiace imports?

Thoughts and experience please guys.

Have a look for a breaker/scrapyard specialising in Toyota parts, especially for imports - I needed a new wing mirror a couple of years ago, cost the earth from my local Toyota dealer, only half the price from a Toyota breakers.

Alternatively look for another garage, particularly an Asian one as they are well versed in dealing with Toyotas. When my now-ex needed to get a new engine in his Townace the Toyota dealer quoted £1,600, £900 of which was labour. We sourced a recon engine off ebay for £340 and found an Asian garage which services the local taxis - they did the work and only charged us £450.

A big problem with Jap imports is that not all garages want to bother with them, and when they do they charge you the earth, so finding another garage might be worth thinking about.

I don't know how relevant/helpful these are..?:

http://www.japarts.co.uk/shop/index.php

http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/

Thanks for all the invaluable info all! got loads to go on and  follow up now.

let you kon how i get on. van should be back ens of the week.

sarah

Hi Sarah, I have just come across your messages. Do you still have your Toyota Hiace Super Custom? It would be interesting to compare notes if you do as I have just bought one - having some teething problems, but hopefully will be ok when sorted - I did buy it as a project!!!!!

Hope to hear from you, Sue (Warwickshire)

HI Sue, sooo sorry, only just read your message!!! how are you getting on with your Hiace?  We did, sort the problems out, and have had some great fun on our many camping trips. Was stressful at 1st though, I didnt want a project, just wanted to get off and camp.....

last year was great, just not enough free weekends for vaning though!!

I have seen the hiaces around and always give a wave! 

not sure how to get your attention? so only hope you get to read my message.

hope to hear from you

sarah