Rust?

I think I'm set on getting a hiace. Where do these things rust and what are common faults?

Depends on the engine and model mine is 1kzte 3ltr turbo auto super custom camper 1996 semi high roof , very nice to drive plenty of power fast on motorway and hills not so good on cornering with its high center of gravity and narrow track a bit heavy on fuel 30mpg at best cured this now running on WVO with a dash of petrol works out at 25p a ltr in total. Only problem realy was a phase of not starting feared it was the dreaded ECU capacitors turned out to be a duff battery causing a massive voltage drop when cold starting. As for RUST it is an import from Japan for 22 years old excellent condition but they do rust in the joints under the cills below the sliding door thats the first place to look, 100,000 miles and drives fantastic , at the moment I have a annoying knock on front end suspect drop links maybe, I am told change oil in engine and gearbox regularly and 300,000 miles is easily achieved so it will outlast me

I would love a 3l import but at £1500-£2000 I suspect I'll only be looking at vans . What year did they go from mechanical fuel pump to electric/ comonrail? It won't be my only car so I'm not fussed how slow or uneconomical it is, I just want maximum reliability and ease of repair.

Welcome!

What is £1500-2000?

The imports usually arrive without a) rust and b) rustproofing.

So if you'll be using it in the winter: get it rust proofed. Same for all JDM (Japan Domestic Market) vehicles.

Look to Wikipedia for D4D engines in Hiaces, it probably varies by region.

D4D engines came only in the later type, with the engine in the nose (instead of sitting on the engine)

So the Super Customs with the 3 liter turbo (1KZ) engine probably drive the nicest. However, they are more complicated then for example my van. I have the 2.4 liter diesel, without turbo or fancy ECU. With a manual.
So I have by far the slowest Hiace, but also the simplest. I even don't have central locking haha, less that can go wrong.
But the imports are usually 3 liter turbo or 2.4 liter turbo. I think I would prefer the 2.4 liter turbo.

I did note someone in the US managed to find a 2 litre petrol manual one, given the issues with diesel access to cities etc it might not be such a bad thing, quite a light small engine too.

Time to search the JDM sites?
https://carfromjapan.com/cheap-used-toyota-for-sale-year1980-2005?keywords=Hiace

Yes there are several versions with petrol. A 2 liter one, which is probably as slow as mine. But there is also a 2.4 liter one on petrol, with 120hp it should do nicely. These are not sporty revving engines, but they have the same kind of torque like a diesel. Just less noise and more fuel I think.
You can sometimes find them in Europe, but they will have steering wheel on the wrong side for you.

Later types with the engine in the front also came with that 2.4i or even the 2.7i with 143hp. These are pretty strong engines, that were also put in 4Runners.