Toyota Hiace, 1989, Kolari

Here is a superb, near-immortal vehicle that could be back on the road with very little work! The inspection defect list (shown in the photos) was obtained from the inspection station on 13 October 2026; the main issues concerned the rear brakes and lights. It received plenty of praise for being rust-free and for all its wearing joints and similar components! Last passed its inspection in June 2022, after which it has been driven on transfer plates without problems, for example the approximately 1,000 km journey from Hyvinkää to Ylläsjärvi in October 2025. Most recently, it was driven approximately 70 km in total to and from the inspection.

This Hi-Ace was our project between 2015 and 2018, when my friend and I repaired and restored it with great enthusiasm over hundreds of hours (perhaps also with the foolishness of youth, as the interior and exterior surfaces were not done with respect for the original condition, so unfortunately it cannot be registered as a museum vehicle). All rust was welded out, and the entire underside and chassis were protected. After the project was completed, the car has only been driven in summer, so it has not seen road salt for over ten years. The car was professionally repainted, but the colour is not the original shade.

A great deal of the mechanical components have been renewed. Original parts have been used where possible, and many bushes, sleeves and mounts were ordered all the way from Japan when they could no longer be found in Europe. The engine and gearbox seals have been replaced; it does not use or leak a single drop of oil. The timing system was also overhauled, and it has covered approximately 15,000 km since then. The radiator was professionally re-cored and is almost as good as new. The brakes have been completely renewed; after standing, the rear brakes apparently only need freeing off and adjustment. Reinforced leaf springs made by Vallila Forge have been fitted at the rear. Many other parts have also been replaced with new ones.

This model Hiace has selectable four-wheel drive with low range: it can be driven in rear-wheel drive alone, but the front hubs can be locked when needed, with four-wheel drive available in two different ranges.

The exhaust has been routed out through the right-hand side, in front of the rear wheel, which adversely affects driving comfort. The noise and resonance are considerable because the pipe is attached directly to the chassis without rubber mounts, and there is no proper silencer. The original mounts for the exhaust’s rubber hangers are still available, so a new exhaust can be fitted in its original position.

The wheel alignment should be adjusted, as the front tyres are wearing on their outer edges.

The replacement front parking-light and indicator lenses are too dark and are probably also causing the indicator-flash-rate fault. The original lenses are included. Darkened lenses have also been fitted at the rear, so they may also be responsible. Unfortunately, the original rear lenses cannot be found, but they may still be available from breakers’ vehicles. The front grille and headlamp lenses were replaced with parts from an older-shape Hiace. The original square lenses and front grille shown in the photos are included. The steering wheel has also been replaced; the original brown one is still available.

The rear compartment also contains a substantial amount of built-in audio equipment, but it is not currently connected to the vehicle’s electrics.

No winter tyres are included, as it has not been used in winter. I would like to sell this to someone who wants to keep this already cult-status vehicle on the road. I no longer have winter storage space for it and would not want to leave it standing in the snow. It can be driven on transfer plates if the roads do not yet require winter tyres.

This old Haisuli is in remarkably good condition for its age, but as with old cars, new faults may always appear.

13 October 2026 Periodic inspection failed

Last passed inspection: 6 June 2022.

Vehicle must be collected within 7 days of the auction ending unless otherwise agreed - Huutokaupat.com.

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