1996 Toyota Granvia

rear spoiler, and 15′′ WEDS refinished alloys. Save for some nicks and dings in the paint, and some clearcoat loss atop the rear spoiler the cosmetics look dang good for being close to 30 years old, and we think this van provides an incredible value for aspiring overlanders, outdoor enthusiasts, and family-oriented folks. Ideal to strip down and build out for off-grid use, the Granvia has certainly caught on with our Stateside clientele. It’s a special van, and was built during Toyota’s golden era. Why wouldn’t we call it a Japanese Classic? The interior is where the magic happens, plain and simple. It features three rows of spacious seating, a flat cargo area so you can travel about the cabin seamlessly, and a full slate of power amenities. The seats are upholstered in a durable gray cloth, and the driver benefits from full four-way power adjustability. A tilt-adjustable steering column helps you see over the sweeping dashboard, and backlit instrumentation is easy on the eyes. Your middle and rear passengers can achieve ultimate camaraderie on a road trip, thanks to swiveling captain’s chairs and retractable footrests. If you need to catch a quick snooze, all three rows can fold fully flat as well. If you opt for a bit of car camping, a large power moonroof is centrally mounted and can unfurl all the way to reveal the heavens above. A manual front sunroof and rear butterfly glass can also cycle natural airflow throughout the cabin. The center stack has all the appointments needed for daily driving. OEM audio sounds good for its age, and an adjacent digital automatic climate control unit keeps cold A/C and hot heat on tap. The interior upholstery lacks major rips or tears, although the carpet has assumed a couple of minor stains from daily use. Still, it’s well kept, and the next owner should be pleased with the condition, as the power front windows, locks, and electric folding side mirrors work like a charm! Under the skin, the van is robust and can withstand plenty of abuse. The same can be said for the powerplant, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the four-banger springs to life courtesy of a new 12V battery. So it remains properly charged, one of our trained techs installed a new alternator. A new fuel filter keeps unwanted contaminants out of the engine, and it’s linked to a stout automatic gearbox. Power is fed to both axles through a FullTime 4WD system. It gets up to highway speeds with ease, and gear changes feel reassuring and smooth. The suspension offers a good amount of ground clearance and can handle large and small potholes alike with confidence. One of our trained techs replaced the front upper control arms and front upper ball joints to reduce play and keep everything safe. A fresh alignment was performed so that the brand new 15′′ all-terrain tires last as long as possible. The power steering is light and easy to articulate, and the ABS brakes seamlessly slow this seven-seater down. Turn key and ready to roll, this hauler would make for a wonderful year-round road tripper that is comfy, efficient, and reliable!