by Gabrielle DeSantis

Have you ever heard of a 1992 Toyota Coaster Camping Saloon RV minibus? You can call it a camping saloon, camper van, an RV, or the original title of minibus. However, this specific Toyota RV minimus only has about 119,000 miles and is ready for some sleepovers in the woods.

The Toyota Coaster Camping Saloon RV minibus

First things first, what exactly is a 1992 Toyota Coaster Camping Saloon RV? It is a single-decker minibus produced by Toyota starting in 1969. Wikipedia notes the Coaster is also known as the Hino Liesse II or the Wanli Toyota Coaster. Japan exclusively sold The Coaster at Toyota Store dealerships.

When it was first produced in 1969, the Toyota Coaster was a 17 passenger minibus using a 2.0L Toyota R engine. 68 mph is the top speed. It gets 165 horsepower and 270 lb-ft torque. Toyota also introduced the Toyota Coaster Hybrid EV in 1997.

This RV is listed on the Japan4wd page, and on the Naples, Florida, Craigslist. It is a pretty cool version of a minibus that the U.S. never got to see (besides this one). The interior sleeps four people and has a large living area. But the coolest part? This bus was imported from Japan, and it is Right Hand Drive (RHD).

A Right Hand Drive Toyota RV minibus to fit your needs

Right-hand drive vehicles are discussed in an article by J.D. Power and NADAguides. Are you legally able to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in the U.S.? Yes, you are. One important example of this is the United States Postal Service. The USPS operates right-hand drive vehicles, as it would be hard to deliver mail in a standard car. There are even some Jeep Wranglers out there that are right-hand drive.

The right-hand drive vehicle must follow the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also sets regulations.

This Toyota RV minibus comes equipped with a 4.2L turbo diesel 1HD-T Toyota engine and the original automatic four-speed transmission. The minibus has air conditioning, heat, and a roof ventilation fan. With the modifications inside, it can fit 10 passengers and can sleep six. The bathroom is a little hairy, but this bad boy isn’t a luxury vehicle.

How do you import a car from Japan?

Importing a vehicle isn’t an easy process. Most people will hire a company or work with a company to get the vehicle here safely. This requires an independent commercial importer (ICI) or a company like Japanese Car Trade. It is a delicate balance between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The rules often change, so it is recommended to keep up if you plan to import something. Also, the new owner of the vehicle must arrange for shipping through CPB. The car will come in at the first port of entry. After that, it will head to its final destination.

There are many forms to fill out that are listed on the website above. In conclusion, the process is pretty lengthy, so get started researching now if you plan to embark on this journey. Or buy the 1992 Toyota Coaster listed here to make life easier.

RELATED: 4 Ridiculous Campers and RVs for Sale over $150,000

The post This 1992 Toyota Coaster RV Minibus Is Right Hand Drive appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Honda has always been known for producing some of the most reliable and efficient vehicles at an affordable price and the current Accord is no exception. The 2021 Honda Accord is filled with all of the amenities that you would need, especially in its top-trim Touring form. But can the Accord add “luxurious” to its list of attributes?

I think so. Considering I’ve driven luxury cars like the Lexus ES and IS recently, I would say that the Accord Touring that I’m currently driving is on par. Here is why I think that the Honda Accord Touring is just as luxurious as a Lexus.

The Honda Accord Touring is a very well-equipped sedan

RELATED: How Reliable Is the Honda Accord?

The 2021 Honda Accord comes in five different trim levels: LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. At around $24,000 base trim does have a lot to offer, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Carplay compatibility, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features. But if you want to really wring out the comfort that the Accord has to offer, then you’ll need to get the Touring trim level.

My Accord Touring test came standard with just about every feature that Honda has to offer. This includes features like a full-leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone auto climate control, and a premium sound system with 10 speakers. There’s even a head-up display, remote engine start, and a host of safety features like a rear cross-traffic monitor and parking sensors.

The Accord is spacious too

RELATED: Which 2020 Honda Accord Trim Is Best for You?

There’s no denying that the Honda Accord has grown over the years. For the 2021 model year, the Accord is now 192.2 inches long and 73.3 inches wide. By comparison, the 2021 Lexus ES – the brand’s mid-size sedan – measures the same width, but is around three inches longer.

The interesting part is that the Accord is actually more spacious than the Lexus, despite its slightly shorter length. There is more shoulder and hip room in the front and rear seats in the Accord, by two to three inches in some specs. So any of the five occupants sitting in an Accord will be a little more comfortable than in the Lexus ES. As we all know, comfort is one of the main attributes of a true luxury car.

The Accord is missing a couple of luxurious features

In my time spent with the Accord Touring thus far, I’m pleased with just how quiet the cabin is at any speed. I have detected a fair amount of road noise at highway speeds, however, that can also be attributed to the car’s large 19-inch wheels. Otherwise, I would say that it definitely falls into the category of “budget-minded luxury.”

However, it is missing a couple of features that you can find on most luxury cars today. The two main features that I feel it’s lacking are a 360-degree view camera and a more premium sound system. Of course, these are pretty trivial in comparison to what the rest of the car has to offer, but Honda would have kicked the Accord up a notch by adding these two features.

Is the Accord as luxurious as a Lexus?

Almost! When it comes to being a luxury car, the 2021 Honda Accord checks almost all of the boxes. It has a quiet and comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, and all of the amenities that you would look for in a luxury car. But, in my own opinion, a Lexus – like the ES – still has the Accord beat in terms of overall plushness and panache. Then again, there’s a reason that the Honda According Touring costs $37,000, and the Lexus ES costs around $10,000 more.

The post Is the 2021 Honda Accord Touring as Luxurious as a Lexus? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.