For those who want the best van in the world at a CHEAP price, and
can register a RHD vehicle, try used vehicle sales in Japan.

A Japanese enthusiast took me through some Japanese websites today
and the prices were an eye-opener.

There was a very tasty 3.0 Hiace Super Custom full-time 4WD with
TV/video on auction... highest bid so far �500,000. Very cheap, but
still beyond my VISA's reach.

A 94 Hiace Custom 3.0  5-speed with alloy wheels �200,000 bid. Quite
likely optioned up to Super Custom spec.

The best was a 1995 Hiace Super Custom 3.0 (all 3-liter Hiaces are
TDis), body type KZH-100G. It has: 8-speaker stereo, keyless entry,
aftermarket exhaust, rear spoiler (accessories listed) as well as the
Super Custom standard items of triple electric sunroofs, aircon front
& rear, power windows & mirrors, central locking, cool & hot box etc.
Dunno what else it has (could have cruise, ABS, airbags, proximity
sensors...). Only downer is, like most 3.0s, it's both automatic and
short wheelbase. It has only 58,000km on the odo. Private sale.
Price? �100,000. This comes to $1515.00NZ, or a whopping
$833US!!!!!!!!!

To ship to NZ is just under $550US. Have to have it inspected, pay
tax, fit NZ-certified (crappy Australian-made) seatbelts, register it
and away it goes.

I'm making inquiries via the Japanese enthusiast student... I can
import it, put it on the road, sell it for $17000NZ and bring in
another for myself, as well as finishing my SVX Caravelle projekt!

The Japanese keep VERY good care of their cars' cosmetics.

You guys in Oahstrawoilia & England listening up?