This Rad Old-School Camper is What Toyota Vanlife Dreams are Made Of

Today, the world of camper vans consists of the usual suspects from Volkswagen, Ram and Ford. It’s why whenever one from Toyota pops up, it tends to immediately catch the attention of van life and camping enthusiasts alike.

Enter this used, but gorgeously well-maintained 1994 Toyota HiAce. It hails from the period when the model arguably reached its peak, and it recently surfaced on FourbieExchange, a Cars and Bids-like online marketplace for used and built off-roading rigs.

If you’re familiar with the space, you’ll know the terms “Toyota,” “camper van” and “90s-era” mean it’s something truly special.

Back when Toyota went California with its iconic van

FourbieExchange

The model in the spotlight today is specifically a Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin, the Japanese automaker’s sliding-door flagship. Toyota still uses the moniker today for its latest HiAce generation, and it’s the largest and one of the most luxurious variants of the iconic MPV.

More importantly, Toyota kitted this version from the factory as a versatile camper van in a likely bid to sway Volkswagen Transporter California buyers. Despite not having a factory-equipped pop-up roof tent, this HiAce is still just about as grand as they come.

FourbieExchange

It obviously looks like a normal mid-’90s HiAce 4WD Grand Cabin. But once the rear door slides open, it reveals a fully kitted interior that would intrigue even the most ardent Transporter fan.

In addition to the perfectly ’90s-era maroon-on-grey cloth interior, one will find flexible seating for up to five passengers. It can also fully recline into an entirely flat sleeping surface for up to several people.

FourbieExchange

Despite being over 30 years old, this HiAce is also still just as well equipped to fit in. It includes privacy dividers and window shades, compact and compartmentalized storage cabinets, an integrated mini-fridge, an onboard high-voltage electrical system and even a hot potable water system.

But the best part: Toyota converted the entire rear third of the van into a standalone bathing area, complete with a running sink and shower system. Altogether, it makes anyone wonder why anyone would need anything else.

Road trip ready for that vintage #vanlife

1994 Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin Camper Van

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This particular example started life as a Japanese Domestic Model and was imported under the 25-year rule. Which is clearly seen by its right-hand-drive configuration. It currently resides in California, where the van is up for sale.

According to the listing, the previous owner also fastidiously maintained it, having covered roughly 271,000 kilometers (roughly 168,400 miles). The PO also notes that its naturally aspirated 2.8-liter diesel inline-four, with a whopping 83 horsepower, received a whole bunch of maintenance.

FourbieExchange

Such service includes a new timing belt and water pump, a new serpentine and tensioner with a full set of replacement pulleys, new gaskets, a completely overhauled cooling and fuel system and a new alternator.

Other seemingly preventative maintenance items include a bunch of suspension bushing replacements, a new exhaust system and even a full transmission and four-wheel-drive service. With all the above, it’s about as turnkey as it gets, with plenty of life left in it to roam the planet.

And you don’t even have to break the bank to land it in your driveway. With a modest asking price of just under $18,000, this could be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to indulge in the nomadic vanlife.

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