Compact 4WD Motorhome with Pop-Top Bed, 5 Seats & Manual Transmission

The 1991 Toyota Hiace 4WD is a unique and practical compact motorhome offering the freedom of a capable 4WD vehicle with the convenience of a simple camper setup. Powered by Toyota's 2L diesel engine (2,400cc) and paired with a manual transmission, this Hiace has the added advantage of selectable 4WD with 4H and 4L, making it a particularly interesting option for exploring New Zealand beyond the main roads. Inside, the clever camper conversion provides an over-cab sleeping area, lounge seating, a basic cooking area, portable toilet, inverter, TV, and internal lighting. It's a compact setup that makes excellent use of the available space With 348,396km, this is an older vehicle with plenty of history, but it presents as a genuinely interesting and affordable way into 4WD motorhoming.

Key Specifications

Make: Toyota

Model: Hiace Light Truck

Year: 1991

Engine: Toyota 2L Diesel

Engine Capacity: 2,400cc

Fuel Type: Diesel

Transmission: Manual

Drive: 4WD

Seats: 5

Odometer: 348,396km

Vehicle Type: 4WD Motorhome / Camper

4WD System

One of the major attractions of this Hiace is its 4WD capability.

The vehicle features selectable four-wheel drive with:

• 2WD

• 4H – four-wheel drive high range

• 4L – four-wheel drive low range

This gives the vehicle considerably more capability than a conventional front- or rear-wheel-drive campervan and makes it particularly appealing for exploring gravel roads, campsites and more remote areas.

Interior & Layout

Pop-Top / Over-Cab Sleeping Area

Above the main vehicle is an elevated sleeping area, providing a dedicated bed while making excellent use of the space above the cab.

This keeps the main living area available during the day and provides a comfortable sleeping space at night.

Lounge Area

Entering through the side door, the main living area features a compact lounge seating arrangement.

The layout provides a practical place to sit, relax and enjoy the camper when parked.

Kitchen / Cooking Area

The kitchen is intentionally simple and compact, making it suitable for basic touring and camping.

It includes:

• Gas cooking facilities

• Bench space

• Storage

• Basic food preparation area

There is no built-in fridge, making this a straightforward camper setup rather than a full residential-style motorhome kitchen.

Toilet

A portable toilet is included.

There is no shower fitted.

Entertainment & Electrical

The camper includes:

• Inverter

• TV

• Internal lighting

• 12V electrical equipment

• 240V capability through the inverter

This gives the vehicle useful off-grid convenience without adding unnecessary complexity.

Exterior Features

The rear of the Hiace features twin-opening rear doors, providing easy access to the back of the vehicle and additional practicality when loading gear.

The compact size makes it significantly easier to manoeuvre and park than a large motorhome.

Sleeping & Living

The clever compact layout provides:

Sleeping: Over-cab bed

Seating: Internal lounge

Cooking: Gas cooking facilities

Toilet: Portable toilet

Shower: Not fitted

Fridge: Not fitted

This is a simple, practical camper designed around travelling rather than trying to replicate a large motorhome.

Condition

For a vehicle of its age, this Hiace presents as a decent example.

It has travelled 303,483.96km. The combination of Toyota diesel power, manual transmission and selectable 4WD makes it a particularly interesting vehicle for someone looking for something different.

Self-Containment

Self-contained: No

This vehicle does not currently have self-containment certification.

Why This Hiace?

The appeal of this Hiace is its combination of features that are becoming increasingly difficult to find in one affordable vehicle:

• Toyota Hiace

• 2,400cc diesel

• Manual transmission

• 4WD

• 4H and 4L

• 5 seats

• Over-cab sleeping area

• Lounge

• Gas cooking

• Portable toilet

• Inverter

• TV

• Internal lighting

• Rear opening doors

At $15,995, it offers an unusually affordable entry into 4WD campervan ownership.

Summary

The 1991 Toyota Hiace 4WD Motorhome is a unique, compact and capable camper for someone who wants to explore New Zealand without spending a fortune.

With its Toyota diesel engine, manual gearbox, selectable 4WD with low range, five seats and practical camper conversion, it offers a combination that's hard to find at this price point.

It's not a modern luxury motorhome, but that's part of the appeal — it's a simple, character-filled 4WD camper with everything you need to get out and explore.