ross replied:

"Any comments please on reliability, comparative maintenance cost, what to look for or avoid. Pros & cons from you knowledgeable people please"

Hi If the Coaster your looking at is a real bargain then it would be ideal.
However,the bigger the more expensive they are on fuel
Diesels would be cheaper on fuel but if they break down will be more expensive to fix.

If it was me going on my own,I would get something I can sleep in comfortably for a few nights ,but carry a tent that I can set up for longer stays.
Though Im no fan of tents that hang off the side of the vehicle that stop you from driving once erected.

I would lean towards a diesel Hiace and get it fully tested before you purchase.
I think in your budget ,a Hiace would be newer than a similar priced Coaster.
Being a smaller vehicle it will easier to maneuver in traffic and crowded campsites and faster on the highway.

As both the Hiace and older Coasters have 4 cyl diesel or petrol engines I cant see them being much different in maintenance costs

Eric Experience replied:

EMEM
For that price I would look at an ex Australia post transit diesel, My main concern with the hiace is that the driver sits in the crumple zone, so if you hit a roo you have broken legs as well as the roos. The transit diesel is noisy but if you glue some carpet under the dash and install a sound system you will be fine. Another advantage of the transit is access to the rear is between the front seats, so if the ground is muddy you can get to bed without getting mud on your boots.