Toyota Hiace Vs. Mitsubishi Expree

[cookiekoonya]

Title says it all, really.

I'm on the hunt for a second-hand van for both city driving and weekend road trips, with a $8000 budget.

I have two options:
(1) 2001 Toyota Hiace Duel Fuel 230,000kms – $7,500; or
(2) Mitsubishi Express Duel Fuel 210,000kms – $6,990.

As you can probably guess, fuel economy is of the utmost importance to me and hence I'm after a duel fuel van that is as reliable as they come.

I'd be grateful for expert advice. I'm keen to understand what people prefer and why? In terms of reliability, mechanics, suitability, costs, fuel, reputation, repair costs, etc.

I understand that I'm posting in a Toyota forum but I'd love an impartial opinion on the above if possible!

Cheers

Edited November 7, 2015 by cookiekoonya

[Krulos]

Both models have a reputation for good reliability. Personally I would go with the HiAce because the Express has an inferior 1-star safety rating - the same reason Mitsubishi discontinued the model in 2013. Remember if you run dual-fuel don't always run it on LPG. Run it on petrol from time-to-time.

I'm also not an expert or very qualified to give an opinion these models as I have not owned or driven either of them. I own a 2006 HiAce diesel with 220KM and a 2007 HiAce petrol with 260KM.