Ask an expert

Hello,
We are looking to buy a van for work that requires the space of a van, but will not be used for high mileage. We have a few questions if you could answer them that would be great!
The range we are looking in is about 8-12k. We feel Toyota vans are the best option but would you recommend going for a Toyota with higher mileage rather than other types of vans?
We have seen vans between 150 000km to 300 000km and would like your opinion if you think that over 200 000km is a silly idea to purchase?
As we will not be doing large mileage is the petrol option definitely better than the diesel option? Or do you think that it doesn't really matter?
I hear that the servicing on the diesel vans is more costly also? Would you know servicing costs?
The other option was a VW transporter '97 of about 300 000km. Do you think that this would be recommended, or not, considering Euro make and high km?
Thanks very much for your time.
Cheers

Even though Toyotas have a good reputation for durability, the lower mileage petrol Hi-ace will be a better option than a 200,000km - plus diesel model.

Euro vehicles do generally cost more to maintain and with high mileage the risks of needing to do some major repairs are high.

The low mileage petrol Toyota Hi-ace is a good choice even though it will be a bit thirstier than a diesel.

Ok thanks. And would you recommend buying a higher mileage Toyota over a lower mileage other van eg Nissan Mitsubishi? And what would be the difference in mileage roughly that you would settle for between the two ?

Toyota’s do have a reputation for being long-lasting so it would have to be one of the first choices but the petrol Nissan or Mitsubishi aren’t bad either. A Toyota with 150,000km or less or a Nissan/Mitsubishi with around 120,000km. A good service history and low mileage should be priority.

Ok thanks for your advice.