Toyota Hiace, 2010, Rovaniemi

Now up for grabs: Finland’s proudest four-wheel-drive Hiace with special plates – restored, lifted and VAT-deductible for businesses

The Hiace needs little introduction — it’s a living legend — but I’ll write a few lines anyway.

You can’t buy these new anymore, not even for money.

This one doesn’t suit being shy — it’s a head-turner and draws comments and curious looks wherever it goes.

Last winter the exterior was carefully inspected and repainted; it still shows the original metallic sheen.

The colour shifts nicely depending on the light; it wasn’t ideal photo weather here — it’s a bit dim at this time of year between dark and darker.

HIASE special plates installed during the restoration.

A comprehensive basic service was carried out at the same time;

- Timing cover + water pump + multi-rib belt

- All lights

- Alternator

- Filters

- Heater blower

- All oils

- Brake pads

- Windshield

Standard equipment;

- Powerheat

- Electric windows and mirrors (mirrors heated)

- Power steering

- Air conditioning

- Towbar

- Remote central locking and immobiliser

- Plywood-lined rear load area

- Tinted rear and side windows

- Sun visor added

An Eberspächer fuel-operated auxiliary heater with a timer is fitted so you can schedule the cabin and engine to be warm for the morning. There’s plenty of heat otherwise too; you’ll be warm in any weather — just throw a long coat on when you step outside.

All doors are like a fox’s den — this is a six-door through-load model.

As part of the restoration a quality Terrain Tamer 5 cm lift kit with shock absorbers was fitted; the rear no longer sags even when you load it heavily, and it doesn’t lean in corners or in strong crosswind.

The bull bar carries three Purelux auxiliary lights with heated lenses that will melt snow ahead of the bonnet.

2-DIN Pioneer Bluetooth stereo and slightly better-than-standard speakers in the original positions.

The radio of course works — you can listen to Pekka Sauri on northern-lights trips in the night.

Winter tyres: new 40.6 cm (16") Nokian Hakkapeliitta C4.

Summer tyres: 225/75 R15 all-terrain tyres (rim 38.1 cm / 15").

Cosmetic defects:

The last photos show blemishes on the exterior: a shy scratch on the driver’s door that will come off with a polish, and small marks on the rear bumper from loading-ramp corners — I intended to fit stone-chip tape there. A scrape at the lower edge from hitting a kerb when I underestimated the turning radius in a tight urban spot.

Interior is tidy; the driver’s seat edge and door trim show the usual wear you see on these.

I planned to reupholster last year and am still waiting for the upholsterer’s reply — new surfaces are planned for the cabin.

Mechanically it runs as these always do; one of the wheel bearings made a little noise in extreme cold (-37 °C) but not enough to require immediate action and there’s no play.

There are the usual noises inside and out, as a Hiace should have. This one has had some extra sound insulation added.

Sliding doors and other hatches work well and lock. LED lights on the ceiling in the load area.

Two keys: one new remote key and one basic spare key without remote.

This is by no means new or perfect, but these vans last from father to son and back — the running-in phase is almost done.

These timeless movers aren’t made anymore, so it’s worth keeping these gems on the road.

No tampering with the instruments or particulate filter.

Perfect for a company vehicle or as a representative vehicle for yourself — you don’t come across another like it in every county. Compare listings on Nettiauto and you won’t find one as handsome. Maybe in Toyota’s factory foyer.

The vehicle is located in the Ivalo–Rovaniemi area — you’re welcome to come and view it.

Transport to Rovaniemi is included in the price.

If you have further questions: joni@kelekkamies.com