Ask an expert

Hi Jack, I would like to buy a Van for commercial purpose. I found Mitsubishi L300 LWB is much cheaper than Toyota Hiace. the price of near new model L300 can match with Toyota Hiace. I just wonder how reliable Mitshubishi L300 is? Why is it so cheap? Do you have any comment about the Van?

Thanks

Dabvid

The Hiace definitely has a better reputation. The biggest downfall of the L300 is that it is a very old model and does not have a good safety rating.
Despite the old technology, the L300 has been great from a reliability perspective, with no known major defects.
However, if you want a safer vehicle that holds its value better, the Hicae would be the better option.

Thanks for your reply. You mean even brand new L300 is still a very old model? Have you heard of any negative feedback about the model, besides safety concern?

Regards

Yes, even the brand new model hasn't changed much in 20 years. Other than that and safety, it's good and reliable.

but Hiace is too expensive, do you have any recommendation for Van, made after 2010? My budget is ~22K.

It depends on your priorities. If you really must have a van after 2010, there's not much to choose from, but the L300 would be the best.
The L300 or Nissan Vanette are about the only ones we can think of that fit the budget. However, safety rating is similar for both. You could consider going back to about a 2008 Hiace.
If the year is not something you are prepared to compromise on, and you need something of this size, really it's the L300.