The Toyota Hiace is one of the most trusted vans in the world. In East Africa it carries passengers and goods, in the Caribbean it runs tours and deliveries, and everywhere it has a reputation for running for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Japan is the best place to buy one, because Hiaces there are used, serviced and inspected under strict rules.
Which Hiace Is Which?
The Hiace sold in Japan since 2004 (the "H200" generation) comes in several body types. The names in a listing tell you a lot:
| Version | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Van DX | Basic cargo van with a bench seat, often 3 or 6 seats | Deliveries, trade, cargo |
| Van Super GL | Better-equipped van with nicer seats and trim | Business owners who also carry passengers |
| Wagon Grand Cabin | Passenger wagon, usually 10 seats, wide high-roof body | Families, tours, staff transport |
| Commuter | Minibus, usually 14 seats | Passenger transport |
Body sizes also vary: standard or long wheelbase, standard or high roof, and standard or wide body. Check the listing's dimensions, because they also change the shipping cost.
Diesel or Petrol?
- Diesel Hiaces are the favourite for high mileage and heavy loads, and they hold their value.
- Petrol Hiaces are usually cheaper to buy and simpler to maintain.
- 4WD versions exist and are worth considering for rough roads.
What to Check
- Mileage and use: Hiaces are work vehicles, so high mileage is normal. Some we sell have over 400,000 km. The auction sheet grade and notes matter more than the number alone.
- Rust: check the underbody, the sliding door runners and the bottom of the rear door.
- Diesel smoke and starting: ask whether the inspector noted smoke, and on newer diesels whether any warning lights are on.
- Sliding door: it should open and close smoothly.
- Seats: on a Grand Cabin or Commuter, count the seats and check they match the registration.
- Auction sheet: see how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Rules
- Kenya: up to 8 years old. 2 of our current Hiaces qualify. See the Kenya guide.
- Uganda and Tanzania: no strict limit, so all our Hiaces can go. See Uganda and Tanzania.
- Caribbean: many islands have age limits too. Check your country's page under import markets.
In Our Stock (September 2026)
We have 6 Toyota Hiaces, from 2011 to 2020, including Van DX and Wagon Grand Cabin models.
- Delivered to Mombasa: from about $6,000, up to about $14,500.
- The Kenya-eligible ones are about $12,000–$14,500 delivered.
Delivered = car price + ocean freight to the port, rounded up to the next $500. Insurance, import duty/taxes, port and clearing charges are extra.
A Hiace is a big vehicle, so its shipping cost is higher than a car's. Our RoRo vs container guide explains the options.
See all our Hiaces on the Toyota page, or ask us on WhatsApp to find a specific version (for example a diesel 4WD Super GL).