Japanese used car

If you are looking for a new version of the rear drive mechanical simplicity and cheap, do-it-yourself maintenance of Japanese cars of 25 years ago, don’t despair. Underneath the latest commercial van bodies, Joe Kenwright finds cheap and reliable transport to cover a wide spectrum of applications…

BACKGROUND
Until the recent arrival of more complex front drive European vans, the whole commercial van segment was like the Tardis time machine. Compact on the outside and huge on the inside, the Japanese van can take you back decades in terms of mechanical simplicity and reliability.

They can also take you back 20 years in refinement levels, roadholding, braking and safety but then a billycart could handle most Australian speed limits so this is not the big issue it first seems. The bluff aerodynamics are also less of a deficit at speeds below 100 km/h.

Ever since an ex-baker’s VW Kombi van served as home at the original Sunbury Pop Festival, I have valued the flexibility of a small forward control van. I have since owned a Toyota HiAce and still own a Mitsubishi Express. Both have delivered levels of owner satisfaction and driver involvement that shamed far more exotic purchases. Even as an everyday vehicle for a young driver, these vans can offer real advantages but only if the driver is prepared to adjust to the lower roadholding and braking levels.

There is a healthy trend amongst rural teenagers to roll out their swags in the paddock or in their utes after a solid night of partying instead of drink-driving. A van can provide an all-weather escape route for a young city driver instead of driving home tired or affected by alcohol. Over 30 years later, it is not unusual for people in my friendship circle to sleep off an out of town party in our vans before driving home in the early morning without disturbing our hosts.

Even for older drivers, choosing a van as a second vehicle can offer amazing flexibility in terms of camping, renovating, light towing, recreational sports including cycling, dirt bikes, orienteering and bush walking. For younger owners, the long roof and separate gutters are perfect for windsurfing and kayaking while providing a lock-up facility for surfboards, bicycles and other expensive sports equipment. For athletes and surfers, they can provide a mobile changeroom or haven to sit out bad weather.

For students, they can also help generate income as a van will swallow garden or cleaning equipment and other tools. For a young apprentice, they can help a fledgling business get on its feet.

Before buying a used van, it is worth examining whether you have the mindset to adjust your driving and expectations to fit the limitations. Expect a responsive sports car and a van will drive you mad but go with the traffic flow, enjoy the panoramic view of the road and anticipate the stupidity of other drivers and you could enjoy it.

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