Starex or Hiace

[tim4h92]

I'm thinking of replacing my trusty 11 year old Isuzu Hi-lander with something bigger and more comfortable. My choices so far are the Starex(both the Millenium series and the GRX CRDi) and the 2000-2003 Hiace Grandia. In terms of pricing the Hiace still commands a higher value at 500k up, almost same with the newer GRX Starex(2004 model). In terms of reliability and maintenance, are the two basically the same? The Millenium Starex would be cheaper I think, though afaik the A/T versions are a bit on the thirsty side. Hope you can further enlighten me. Thanks!

[GTi]

You can check out the Starex SVX CRDi. There are a few of these in the market. These are cheaper than the GRX and they look better. I would NOT be getting the Hiace Grandia. That one has a pig slow 90hp 3.0L engine. The ride quality is bad too. Even the Turbo Intercooler Starex is better than this one.

[renzo_d10]

The 2003 Hi-Ace looks horrible. Sana kung yung pre-facelift/MMC. But then again, it's out of your budget. So i`d go with the Starex on this.

However, if you're getting the CRDi units. Better check if it hasn't clocked 100,000kms yet. As per Niky, the injectors can be a pain in the ass & pocket to replace/repair.

[tim4h92]

Thanks for the input guys,looks like the Starex has the edge on this one. Didn't realize the Grandia had an anemic engine, all the while I thought the 3.0 was adequately powerful. For the intercooler Turbo models, what are the usual things to look out for, aside from the usual rust?

[vinj]

I'd lean more towards the Starex, either the millenium or GRX body. CRDi is a bonus but if you dont crave the extra power really and just want a reliable, fuel-up-with-anything diesel engine then scout around for a TCI model. The Starex is a gas guzzler though; our old 2005 TCi A/T consumed around 7 to a liter. The CRDi A/T also fares just about the same.

As for the Hiace. It may not win any speed wars but it is reliable and the gear ratios are properly matched to give the vehicle good climbing power even when fully loaded. Look for a 2001 and up model though which already have coil springs in the rear which give it a much better ride versus the 1999 to 2000 models. It is tiring to drive though and the diesel clatter isn't refined as compared to the Starex.

[tim4h92]

I'd lean more towards the Starex, either the millenium or GRX body. CRDi is a bonus but if you dont crave the extra power really and just want a reliable, fuel-up-with-anything diesel engine then scout around for a TCI model. The Starex is a gas guzzler though; our old 2005 TCi A/T consumed around 7 to a liter. The CRDi A/T also fares just about the same.

As for the Hiace. It may not win any speed wars but it is reliable and the gear ratios are properly matched to give the vehicle good climbing power even when fully loaded. Look for a 2001 and up model though which already have coil springs in the rear which give it a much better ride versus the 1999 to 2000 models. It is tiring to drive though and the diesel clatter isn't refined as compared to the Starex.

Thanks, I know this for a fact too, that's why I'm targetting the M/T Starexes. Would this fare considerably better in fc figures?

[GTi]

The local Hiace is really bad indeed. Too bad it was never as well speced as the Subic Hiaces which feature 4WD, A/T, sunroofs and most importantly, the 3.0L EFI Turbo (may intercooler ba? I'm not sure) 1KZ-TE engine found in the Prado. Yes, the M/T Starex should be significantly more fuel efficient than the A/T. I remember a family friend's 2000 Starex Club A/T fueled up full tank before going to Baguio, and had to refuel again after arriving. Pero in fairness it was loaded up with passengers and their cargo tied on the roof. It almost didn't make it to the top. The Starex CRDi SHOULD do better in terms of FC, especially in highway mileage as it is not lacking in power like our friend's poor Starex Club.

[Ry_Tower]

Thanks, I know this for a fact too, that's why I'm targetting the M/T Starexes. Would this fare considerably better in fc figures?

yes definitely it will have better FE.

[tim4h92]

Thanks for all the inputs, am really ingesting all of these now Any important spots I should look into when checking out TCI and CRDi Starexes?

[Starex_Gold]

The local Hiace is really bad indeed. Too bad it was never as well speced as the Subic Hiaces which feature 4WD, A/T, sunroofs and most importantly, the 3.0L EFI Turbo (may intercooler ba? I'm not sure) 1KZ-TE engine found in the Prado. Yes, the M/T Starex should be significantly more fuel efficient than the A/T. I remember a family friend's 2000 Starex Club A/T fueled up full tank before going to Baguio, and had to refuel again after arriving. Pero in fairness it was loaded up with passengers and their cargo tied on the roof. It almost didn't make it to the top. The Starex CRDi SHOULD do better in terms of FC, especially in highway mileage as it is not lacking in power like our friend's poor Starex Club.

Sure ka? :um:

[GTi]

Sure ka? :um:

I said it SHOULD and not that it WOULD. Especially under heavy load, high speed and mountainous conditions.

[tim4h92]

Sure ka? :um:

so would you say fc for the TCi and the CRDi A/T would be almost the same?

[babkalakal]

Thanks for all the inputs, am really ingesting all of these now Any important spots I should look into when checking out TCI and CRDi Starexes?

Hello. My mom owned in succession a 2000 SVX Millenium Starex TCI and then replaced with a 2005 GRX CRDi. Both were with conventional trannies short wheelbase 9-seaters. For our use each gave around 10kms per lit. but the big difference being that the GRX CRDi had tons more power and torque but that's not to say that the SVX was underpowered it's just that the difference was noticeably significant. D4BH (105hp, 23kg.m tq.) vs D4CB (145hp, 35kg.m tq.)

Natandaan ko noon inaakyat namin ang Maligaya drive sa Tagaytay kaya in second gear. mag primera lang pag sobra tarik na.

Aside from doing the usual checks sa pag-bili ng kotse sa Starex watch out for:

1. rust especially sa ilalim ng mga rubber moulding sa pinto at tail gate water tends to get trapped in these places. Parehong nag yari ito sa SVX at GRX namin.

2. Sa M/T also check for excessive looseness or play sa mismong kambyo. The shifter bushings tend to get worn out pero they are easy and cheap to replace.

3. Sa GRX CRDi very impt. to fill up in clean stations. Once tumirik yung sa amin because of contaminated fuel. So ang solusyon was to drop the fuel tank and drain then also replace the fuel filter. Apparently yung GRX wala nang water seperator yung fuel filter. BTW madugo yung fuel filter 2880pesos sa casa. Assembly kasi sya may in-built na sensor kasama yung filter. Pero nung napalitan ok na ulit. Apart from the stalling incident it served us pretty well for 4+yrs and 96,000kms bago binenta.

4. windshield cracks lalo na sa base corners. malaki ang windshield ng parehong SVX at GRX and the body twists a fair bit kaya minsan nag sisimula ang maliit na crack sa coner ng windshield usually sa driver's side. we had both repaired thru yung injection resin thing.

now my mom uses a 2009 sta.fe. the only reason na hinde starex dahil di na kasya yung laki ng grand starex sa garahe namin. HTH

p.s. ayun pa pala mag kaiba ang tunog ng TCI at CRDI engine. una timing belt ang TCI at timing chain and CRDI. Hydraulic valve adjuster na ang CRDi pero sa TCI kailangan pa ng valve adjustment ang tappets once in a while pag service ng SVX.

[Starex_Gold]

so would you say fc for the TCi and the CRDi A/T would be almost the same?

Yes. They both consume 7.5km/L in city driving.

Mas malakas lang engine power ng CRDi version. Pero habang hindi pa engaged ang turbo, mabagal parin.

[tim4h92]

Hello. My mom owned in succession a 2000 SVX Millenium Starex TCI and then replaced with a 2005 GRX CRDi. Both were with conventional trannies short wheelbase 9-seaters. For our use each gave around 10kms per lit. but the big difference being that the GRX CRDi had tons more power and torque but that's not to say that the SVX was underpowered it's just that the difference was noticeably significant. D4BH (105hp, 23kg.m tq.) vs D4CB (145hp, 35kg.m tq.)

Natandaan ko noon inaakyat namin ang Maligaya drive sa Tagaytay kaya in second gear. mag primera lang pag sobra tarik na.

Aside from doing the usual checks sa pag-bili ng kotse sa Starex watch out for:

1. rust especially sa ilalim ng mga rubber moulding sa pinto at tail gate water tends to get trapped in these places. Parehong nag yari ito sa SVX at GRX namin.

2. Sa M/T also check for excessive looseness or play sa mismong kambyo. The shifter bushings tend to get worn out pero they are easy and cheap to replace.

3. Sa GRX CRDi very impt. to fill up in clean stations. Once tumirik yung sa amin because of contaminated fuel. So ang solusyon was to drop the fuel tank and drain then also replace the fuel filter. Apparently yung GRX wala nang water seperator yung fuel filter. BTW madugo yung fuel filter 2880pesos sa casa. Assembly kasi sya may in-built na sensor kasama yung filter. Pero nung napalitan ok na ulit. Apart from the stalling incident it served us pretty well for 4+yrs and 96,000kms bago binenta.

4. windshield cracks lalo na sa base corners. malaki ang windshield ng parehong SVX at GRX and the body twists a fair bit kaya minsan nag sisimula ang maliit na crack sa coner ng windshield usually sa driver's side. we had both repaired thru yung injection resin thing.

now my mom uses a 2009 sta.fe. the only reason na hinde starex dahil di na kasya yung laki ng grand starex sa garahe namin. HTH

p.s. ayun pa pala mag kaiba ang tunog ng TCI at CRDI engine. una timing belt ang TCI at timing chain and CRDI. Hydraulic valve adjuster na ang CRDi pero sa TCI kailangan pa ng valve adjustment ang tappets once in a while pag service ng SVX.

Thanks for the detailed feedback sir,makes me alll the more look for an M/T version

[dvldoc]

You should look into a Nissan Elgrand, Owning both, the Starex is no comparison in ride, power, comfort, or fuel economy. Especially if you can get a highway star.

[Starex_Gold]

Elgrand na converted?

No thanks..

[renzo_d10]

Elgrand na converted?

No thanks..

Though dvldoc owns an Elgrand, I'm having doubts if specialists can deal with this kind of van. Cause AFAIK, dvldoc himself is doing some DIY's on his own ( something connected w/ maintenance ) which I am sure that not all people can do.

[Ry_Tower]

You should look into a Nissan Elgrand, Owning both, the Starex is no comparison in ride, power, comfort, or fuel economy. Especially if you can get a highway star.

Parts and maintenance would be the problem. At least Starex is CBU Korea with orig LHD. So its a much better alternative in this case.

Nissan Elgrand is not widely sold here unlike let us say a Pajero where a JDM converted can easily find replacement.