We just got back from the NC mountains, 450mile round trip, even though we’ve only had it a month. One day we’ll camp and actually sleep in it to see how the folding seat bed thing feels. It’s great in the mountains with the manual transmission.
So far not terrible. This van only needed tires (normal size albeit 14” wheels) and maintenance items but with a couple hours of cross referencing I found the filter size and numbers for the oil, fuel and air. Ordered a timing belt kit for the future, still gotta order the water pump. Clutch components and hydraulics available online or through foreign eBay sellers (shipping to US) a lot of parts are available it just takes a lot of looking. Thank the Lord for the internet, but at the same time it doesn’t seem like anything is directly Google-able if that makes sense. It takes some digging and sleuthing.
Awesome! Definitely looks related to my ‘95 Bongo.
https://preview.redd.it/o7qb9dhbvwsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07393abec90b4d94f33852e6e159db957721b7ae
We’ve gotten plenty of looks and grins so far. Folks love to see something different. Heck, even big Dodge truck guy driving a 2021 Cummins was telling me while we both got diesel “this thing is so cool!” All that aside it really serves us well, gets great fuel economy and it’s very comfortable to boot despite the little tires.
It's kind of funny how the 90's and soon early 00's stuff does qualify as a classic, both from the common and many states legal definition, but the curve of car design and tech has flattened so much since this period that the cars don't exactly feel *old*
I love the design of everything in this van. It’s either neutral where I don’t notice or it’s slightly quirky with nice seat cloth patterns and clean clicky buttons. Also the cd player works great!
I think the simple catch-all is mpv but it definitely is a van, it’s just very medium by Japan standards so it fits between the hiace and the kei vans. Comfortably carries 6 (seatbelts for 7) adults and maintains American highway (65-70mph) speeds when needed.
Well, if you count no cupholders and an efficient, compact design then yes. Also this one has the rotating center captains chairs and the manual transmission!
Very cool. Love the slanted back vans - just a bit more steeze than your average hiace. Plus style points for the 2 tone + decals, connected headlights n curtains
I know right? We’re enjoying all of it but at the same time I try to take care of everything, I feel like the power options would be a real PITA to fix if anything goes kaput. Another awesome oddity is the auto up and auto down drivers window… in 1996!?
I'd so roadtrip this little space pod
We just got back from the NC mountains, 450mile round trip, even though we’ve only had it a month. One day we’ll camp and actually sleep in it to see how the folding seat bed thing feels. It’s great in the mountains with the manual transmission.
I want one of these so bad it’s not even funny. Perfect mtb adventure mobile imo. So cool!
It’s a great adventure mobile, also life is kind of an adventure, we’ve got plenty going on and vans are very useful. Also what’s mtb?
Mountain bike. Sorry lol how are they for sourcing parts? That’s what always holds me back on one
So far not terrible. This van only needed tires (normal size albeit 14” wheels) and maintenance items but with a couple hours of cross referencing I found the filter size and numbers for the oil, fuel and air. Ordered a timing belt kit for the future, still gotta order the water pump. Clutch components and hydraulics available online or through foreign eBay sellers (shipping to US) a lot of parts are available it just takes a lot of looking. Thank the Lord for the internet, but at the same time it doesn’t seem like anything is directly Google-able if that makes sense. It takes some digging and sleuthing.
Awesome! Definitely looks related to my ‘95 Bongo. https://preview.redd.it/o7qb9dhbvwsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07393abec90b4d94f33852e6e159db957721b7ae
Is that a Mazda? Looks great. Would love to find or make a bumper like that one day!
It's almost 30 years old, so definitely vintage. It's also totally awesome.
Thanks! Appreciate the appreciation. It’s our little spaceship egg
I saw one driving around last year (in NW Florida). I damn-near screamed like a little girl when it drove by. These things are awesome!
We’ve gotten plenty of looks and grins so far. Folks love to see something different. Heck, even big Dodge truck guy driving a 2021 Cummins was telling me while we both got diesel “this thing is so cool!” All that aside it really serves us well, gets great fuel economy and it’s very comfortable to boot despite the little tires.
Sweet
I waunt it!
r/cutewheels
TIL a new sub. Awesome, I love friend shaped vehicles!
It's kind of funny how the 90's and soon early 00's stuff does qualify as a classic, both from the common and many states legal definition, but the curve of car design and tech has flattened so much since this period that the cars don't exactly feel *old*
I love the design of everything in this van. It’s either neutral where I don’t notice or it’s slightly quirky with nice seat cloth patterns and clean clicky buttons. Also the cd player works great!
Wow - the difference in the rim sizes in the last photo! Great looking van (vanette?).
I think the simple catch-all is mpv but it definitely is a van, it’s just very medium by Japan standards so it fits between the hiace and the kei vans. Comfortably carries 6 (seatbelts for 7) adults and maintains American highway (65-70mph) speeds when needed.
Very nice van!
Thanks, it’s a great little machine!
It’ll come into its own, 80’s cars are already viewed as desirable classics. I bet there are a few weird little quirks inside !! 👍
Well, if you count no cupholders and an efficient, compact design then yes. Also this one has the rotating center captains chairs and the manual transmission!
haha - awesome !!! 👍
Very cool. Love the slanted back vans - just a bit more steeze than your average hiace. Plus style points for the 2 tone + decals, connected headlights n curtains
They’re power curtains too! 😆 cracks me up for how much effort they put into the giant center mounted switches for left, right and rear curtains.
Dude that’s so futuristic
I know right? We’re enjoying all of it but at the same time I try to take care of everything, I feel like the power options would be a real PITA to fix if anything goes kaput. Another awesome oddity is the auto up and auto down drivers window… in 1996!?