by Unique 1994 Toyota HiAce: a minivan that became a home on wheels
This 1994 Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin has covered a distance almost equal to the journey from Earth to the Moon, but its mileage is far from the most interesting detail. The van has a number of features you won’t find in any other similar vehicle, and that’s even before you open any doors.
An interior that surprises
Born as a Japanese market van, it now has American documents and registration. Somewhere along its journey, someone transformed it into a true companion for long trips and a home that is always with you. The interior is completely reupholstered, which cleverly conceals the car’s true age. Just look at those burgundy leather seats with quilted stitching—they look almost new.
Living amenities
The previous owner also updated the center console, adding a wooden panel and two metal cupholders. While the front part of the cabin looks great, the main action happens in the back. There is not only a small 40-liter refrigerator but also a wall-mounted TV, air conditioning, built-in speakers, and seats that fold into a spacious bed.
A real bathroom
The trunk is where everything turns into something completely different. It has been converted into a compact bathroom, enclosed by its own door, with a waterproof white floor, a small white-pink sink with a cabinet, and a plumbed shower with hot water. A van where you can take a shower is a rarity, and even rarer is one that does so without looking like a science project.
High mileage, but excellent maintenance
Although the car’s mileage is quite high—about 271,000 km (168,400 miles)—the 2.8-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine appears to have been well maintained. Less than 10,000 km ago, the timing belt and tensioner were replaced, along with the water pump, timing belt cover gasket, idler pulley for the cooler, idler pulley for the vane pump, left and right engine mounts, thermostat, and muffler. The fuel injectors and alternator were also replaced.
Price and uniqueness
This unique HiAce is being sold through Fourbie Exchange in Pomona, California, for $17,995. That’s serious money for a thirty-year-old van with Moon-bound mileage, but it buys you something no dealership can offer off the assembly line.
It is worth noting that such conversions are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who value autonomy and comfort. Although the price may seem high, it reflects not only the age of the vehicle but also the uniqueness of its transformation. Such a van is not just transportation, but a ready-made solution for life on the road, combining nostalgia for classic 90s design with modern conveniences. For collectors or camping enthusiasts, this could be a real find, as finding a similar specimen with this level of detail is practically impossible.
