Poplar Motors - Campervan Sales

Customer Reviews

Email from Laurie. Purchased a Toyota Granvia Chatsworth conversion in April 2024.

POPLAR MOTORS LTD .
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the owner ( David ) also the staff at Poplar Motors Ltd for their helpful , professional and friendly help with the purchase of my camper van from them . The Camper was advertised with a good description and photos. On collection the Camper had been fully checked over by them and I was really impressed by their professionalism. This in my opinion is a Great small Family run business.

Many Thanks to David & staff at Poplar Motors Ltd.

24th October 2021 - Frank and Christine from Devon

Hi Dave, just to let you know we have spent the last two months travelling through Spain.
Our lovely camper which we bought from you last September has not had one problem...drove smoothly all the journey.
Thank you Frank and Christine Adey Devon.

26th August 2021 - Dave & Yvonne Clark. Kiwi conversion (Bessie)

 

‘Living the dream’

"Yvonne and I took delivery of our Hiace (Bessie) early August 2021 from Poplar Motors, Chesterfield.

From ordering to pick up seemed an absolute eternity but the end result was well worth that wait. A full bespoke interior had been painstakingly installed and the attention to detail clearly indicates the pride that the company have for their vans and ultimately their customers.

With us being novices to the campervan scene, both David and Megan offered their experience and knowledge to guide us through the purchase and what our needs would be.

We made our first adventure in Bessie shortly after and then truly realised that she had everything that we needed when on the road and to camp. The list of accessories are personal choices but the fundamentals are there to literally just get off and live the dream.

I was recommended to Poplar Motors by my cousin and I’d have no hesitation in doing the same to anyone wanting a Toyota Hiace in the knowledge that the company offer reliability and excellent post-delivery support."

 

15th June 2021 - Hiace campervan delivered to David and Julie - Cleethorpes.

We just wanted to let you know this first trip went extremely well. As it rained virtually every day we now know our van is completely watertight! Thanks to you & your colleagues for your high quality conversion work. Also please thank Megan for delivering our van to Cleethorpes. We're really pleased with the layout - it's the most comfortable sleep we've had out of all our 8 campers over our married life. We'll certainly recommend Poplar Motors to our friends & acquaintances.

1st June 2021 - LIZ - KIWI COLLECTED 

This is the 4th van I’ve owned of various types , from a large coach built , to middle size panel van, and another Uk Toyota van conversion of sorts.

This van is superb. The design is really practical. Every fitting is strong and top spec, plus extras are thoughtfully placed.
Workmanship is precise and carried out with care. I could choose the finish from a good ranges of colours and patterns .
The fridge works really well, all the equipment does and it’s easy to control.
I love driving this van, everything is easy, with attention to detail in the mirrors and visibility around the van . A very relaxing drive . And it fits into supermarket car park spaces!
Thank you so much to the whole team at Poplar Motors!
Liz

8th May 2021 - Re - Toyota Hiace camper purchased one year ago.

Hi David
Re - Toyota Hiace camper purchased one year ago.
I have just put the camper in for a service and MOT in a Toyota main dealership.
Of all the vehicles I’ve ever owned I’ve never been told I have a very nice vehicle in great condition.
Credit given where credit due.
Many thanks, Mr M Fisher

10th August 2020 - Hiace Duo sold to Derbyshire couple April 2020.

Toyota Hiace Campervan.

We were looking for a petrol engine campervan. We had hired a couple of different vans to trial them. Poplar motors Toyota hiace was the most spacious. Originally we wanted a pop up roof, but once we had been in the Toyota van with a fixed high roof, we realised it’s advantages.
We ordered our Toyota hiace and chose the layout with kitchen at the back. We chose the colour of cupboards, flooring and cushion covers. We decided to have a cupboard over the front seats, rather than the shelf/child bed, which really opens up the space inside the van.
We are delighted with the van, both in terms of, ease of driving, parking (with rear camera) and living space. The service we have received from Poplar motors has been excellent.
Storage seems endless. We have a fridge, good sized grill, two burners, sink with pump for water and pull out porta loo. The van is designed so that the front seats are over the engine, which gives much more space inside for living. The bed is easy to assemble, taking a couple of minutes. We leave one bed out all day, which acts as a corner bench to sit on.
It’s nice to have the door closing off the kitchen/washing area for privacy. One of the best features is the solar panel, which means we are not reliant on electrical hook up. This will play an important role when we travel long distances in Europe and want to use the overnight camping facilities or sites where there is no electricity available.

 

9th August 2019 - John & Linda. Lincoln, UK. Toyota Granvia "Pevril" conversion.

Having purchased a 1993 2.8ltr High Top Hiace Super Custom from Poplar Motors in 2005 and enjoyed many miles in its company, we decided to retire the reliable old War Horse and seek a replacement. Despite viewing several establishments and differing Mobile Home designs, we were drawn back to Chesterfield. The Pevril gives us more parking flexibility with a reduction in height with its Pop Up roof (weren’t fans at first being spoilt with the previous walk in & stand upright high roof ) and has a short wheel base. The power steering is very light, a must for those of us of advanced years. Although not the most frugal of power plants, the 3.4ltr petrol engine has smooth acceleration and is “Oh So Quiet” compared to our old normally aspirated diesel and less aerodynamic Hiace. The old styled Automatic Gear stick on the column, took some getting used to; the internal layout of two separate single beds, using the front and rear seats, was new to us( we had been Rock & Roll seat users) but soon became another advantage to be appreciated, as did the compact domestic area in the rear. The only drawback of the rear kitchen design is less storage area, however we tended to fill the old Hiace cupboards with items that were needed “ Just In Case” but never used.  When we took delivery of the vehicle there were a couple of points that needed addressing, but these were quickly  rectified whilst we went to the nearby supermarket for retail therapy and refreshments. It is early days, but we hope to get as much mobile enjoyment with the Pevril as we did with the Super Custom.

John & Linda

Lincoln UK.

8th July 2019 - Hiace Fieldmaster bought June 2019 Des & Laura

We have recently purchased a Toyota campervan from Poplar motors in Chesterfield. We had been looking to buy one for a couple of years and when we walked into their showroom we knew straight away we knew that we had found what we were looking for.
A test drive was taken a week later and the deal was sealed.
We asked that the van that the van be altered slightly to suit us which they did straight away
The handover was completed by Megan which was very informative and she was very helpful.
I would like to thank both Dave and Megan for their help and I would recommend anyone to visit Poplar motors, I wish we had visited them earlier.
Thanks
Des and Laura McGonigle

26th June 2019 - Sue Clark bought a Toyota Granvia "Chatsworth" conversion.

Hi David and Megan, I said that I would write you a review on our Toyota Granvia once we had tried the camper out a few times so here goes: After travelling and camping with an elderly VW T25 for 5 years, a breakdown on the way home from the Outer Hebrides prompted our decision to find a newer and more reliable vehicle. A chance meeting with the very happy owner of a Toyota Granvia from Poplar Motors prompted us to drive over to Chesterfield to take a look. David and Megan\'s friendly and straightforward approach meant that we had chosen a vehicle in stock and ordered the \'Chatsworth\' conversion with a hi-top before we left that day. We have now toured Scotland and had several weekends away so I now feel I know our new van well. The van drives superbly, is very quiet and has the power when you need it - no longer are we chugging up a hill with a line of frustrated motorists behind us! The build of the van\'s interior is very robust and great quality and we have had no hicups at all. I was concerned that the Toyota would not have as much storage as the T25 but in fact it has much more and even when going away for a few weeks we\'ve had space to spare. We had to wait a while after collection for the side table to come back into stock but this has now been fitted and is really useful either as a table or additional work space. Overall we are delighted with our van and it\'s quality build and can\'t wait to go off on our next adventure.\'

 

 

2nd January 2019 - New Toyota Hiace Fieldmaster Duo high roof

thank you for the fantastic job and for listening to all our doubts and requests! we are loving our campervan!

Marta from Newcastle.

27th November 2018 - Denise & Andy Brown. Toyota Hiace Fieldmaster

We tried the Hiace in June 2018 on Poplars ‘try before you buy’ deal and loved it so much we had the next one they were importing. The cost of the rental is taken off the purchase price which is great, even though our own van wasn’t due into the UK til September.
Dave has been lovely throughout, totally helpful, making the changes we wanted enthusiastically and keeping us informed. We have just picked up our van and could not be more pleased. It drives like a dream - 12 years old but with only 37,000 guaranteed miles on the clock and fitted out to our spec so it is very personal to us.
Not the best time of year to collect a campervan admittedly, but we are just waiting for a few days calm weather and we’ll be off.

14th November 2018 - toyota Hiace Fieldmaster "Ozzie Style" supplied to Lyn and Richard

We took the van away to Scotland for 9 days: it drove like a dream. It is SO quiet both the engine and the van behind us !.

No rattles whatsoever - the drawer that was so cleverly designed by Paul seemed to cushion any noise from cutlery and crockery completely ! An innovative improvement on our Aussie van !

Friends and family all comment on the lovely workmanship in the van ..... You should all be very proud of yourselves .

Thanks once more , can't wait to take her out again.

Lyn and Richard Oliver - still adventuring !

7th November 2018 - Toyota Hiace Fieldmaster "Ozzie style" supplied to Harry from Winchester October 2018

"I have had a Toyota Hiace campervan since 1981 and when the first one gave up the ghost I looked around for another one.  Trawling the internet I came across David Lister at Poplar Motors.   Since the site seemed superior to others and Poplar Motors specialises in Hiace campervans, I got in touch and bought a Cruising Cabin from him.   After some years it developed a serious computer fault, which could not be repaired and sadly I had to face up to the fact that it had to go.

 David took it in hand and tried to sort it out, to no avail.  I then decided to opt for David’s Hiace Fieldmaster Australian Style.   It was a four month wait without a vehicle, but the result was worth it.

 David had me picked up from the station and then went over the detail on the vehicle.   I am very pleased with it – it is a very free running motor and very pleasant to drive. 

The vehicle is in first class condition and there is no wasted space in the conversion.   The saloon seats 7 persons round the table easily, and converts just as easily to a large wide double bed.  Since the Hiace is not as wide as a VW this is a great achievement and it therefore fits in my garage.   As with all Toyota’s it holds it speed on the hills very well. 

The only thing I might change is the existing Japanese radio and reversing camera  (both of which are in Japanese) and I might see if David can fit English modern ones in the near future.

 David is always ready to help and advise regarding vehicle problems, answers emails promptly, and I have no hesitation in recommending Poplar Motors"

 

4th October 2018 - New Toyota Hiace Fieldmaster Duo By Jackie and David Morris

We had high expectations of our Fieldmaster and oh boy it ticked every box.

Having spent years camping and enjoying cooking outside I thought the galley kitchen would restrict my culinary efforts but it didn’t in the least. With the tailgate up it’s roomy and if the weather is inclement you can erect the table in the seating area and have plenty of space for preparation.

There’s loads of storage and everything fits neatly away including all your clothing, towels and toiletries.

Two sliding doors mean that you can have a through breeze on a hot day, shade on one side, sun on the other – talk about versatility!

One final comment – the beds! They are comfortable, long and wide – my husband is 6ft 5” and has plenty of room to move about which means I get a good nights sleep!

Jackie Morris

 

The only problem I have with the bed, which is the longest one I’ve ever found in a campervan, is that it’s too comfortable! I’m normally a very early riser, but not when we’re in the campervan.

We go away on trips with a lot of camera gear and an inflatable canoe, so we pack the van out more than most people. When you stop and raise the roof there’s plenty of storage space to stow everything away leaving you plenty of room to be comfortable.

We’ve had lots of compliments on the Fieldmaster from perfect strangers in this country and abroad. Everyone loves the two sliding door configuration.

After sales care has been brilliant, this is a lovely company to deal with, you can be confident you will be well looked after.

 

David Morris

10th June 2011 - From Kevin Goddard. Hiace Noppo

I wanted to write to thank you for the excellent customer service we experienced in buying our 1994 Annex Noppo from you in January. It was very refreshing to find that we had bought from someone who honoured the 3 month warranty offered without any hesitation. We have now had a chance to use the van both with and without electric hook up, and it performed brilliantly on both occasions. The layout, as we thought, is extremely practical for us and the two dogs. I will certainly be recommending Poplar Motors to anyone looking for a campervan.

2nd December 2010 - Rodney and Megan Allen, Sheffield. A M Craft Hiace

Thank you David for selling our campervan for the agreed price.

You showed compassion for our situation in wanting to help us sell the vehicle.

You went out of your way especially when waiting for the couple to sell their property to buy their ideal campervan.

Thank you again and god bless you.

17th September 2010 - From Simon Cox. Hiace Cruising Cabin. Bought Sept 2009

Having spent over 2 years searching for the perfect camper we came across Poplar's website and were immediately impressed. Viewing their previously sold campers, it was easy to determine our specific requirements, and speaking to Dave confirmed exactly what we wanted. Living in London, and having 2 small children, our requirements were quite exact. The layout of our camper was perfect and the low mileage made our decision instantly for us. The camper is perfectly designed, and equally adept for driving the city streets as it is for extended camping for 2 adults and 2 very young children. Reliability was a huge factor in buying a Toyota, and we have never once been let down, even after leaving the van standing for long periods, it starts every time without a hint of concern. The condition of the van was equally impressive, both inside and out, having been waxoiled underneath to preserve the impeccable condition. We have already travelled around the UK, France and Spain and camped very comfortably, making the most of the numerous comforts built in.
I cannot endorse Poplar Motors enough. The honest, friendly, and relaxed approach of David the owner is refreshing, and he will help you find your perfect camper!

29th January 2009 - Anthony John, Nottingham. Bought Toyota Hiace Cruising Cabin

I was beginning to despair of finding the camper of my dreams within my budget. We were looking for a van which would double as a day to day vehicle with at least four belted travel seats, to sleep 2 adults and a large teenager, fitted with a fridge and twin hob. The base vehicle needed to be automatic and have power steering as I have a disability. I had visited all the major and many of the minor dealers looking at the piles of rust and rubbish they were selling in the £10- £15,000 price bracket. Nothing fitted all of our requirements, and to get the automatic and power steering I was probably going to have to buy new which was way beyond our budget.
I had almost given up, but then we found Poplar Motors. Every vehicle on their forecourt was within budget and fitted our basic specification so we were able to be very choosy and select from an astonishing variety of different layouts and trims. All were immaculately presented, low mileage and rust free. Each came with a 3 months warranty (extendable on paying a little extra), full MOT, 6 months tax, serviced, new cambelt and waxoyled underneath.
Somehow we managed to choose a shortlist of four vans and then finally narrow it down to the one we wanted. We ended up getting a whole load of extra features on top of the base requirements! Diesel heating, air conditioning, air bags, ABS, hot water, shower head, awning and cycle rack!
Dave the proprietor of Poplar Motors gave us a very fair price for our car in part exchange and we agreed a handover day shortly afterwards.
During the warranty period I had a couple of minor teething troubles all of which were repaired with no fuss at a time of my choosing. They even made me tea and offered me a sandwich while I was waiting! Now that is good old fashioned customer service, sadly all too rare today.
I have now owned the van for 6 months and have travelled all over the UK in it, camping in all weathers. The van starts first time every time no matter how cold it is or how long since it was last run. It is comfortable, smooth and efficient and oh so versatile. Whatever job I ask it to do it does - minibus, car, shopping trips, long loads and flatpacks, lunch breaks potty stops and long camping trips - it is the ideal vehicle for all of these things.
I was asked the other day what I would do if I won the lottery and could have any van I wanted. Right now at this point in my life I can honestly say I would keep this one. I can't recommend the van or Poplar Motors highly enough and would have no hesitation recommending them to anyone.

4th August 2008 - Another Satisfied Customer

I was the happy owner of a Toyota Townace with a pop-top which had served me well for single person camping, but on entering a new relationship this was just too small for two people. Luckily I found the Poplar Motors website while searching for a new camper. I liked the build and reliability of Toyotas and the look of the website so I contacted David Lister.
At our first meeting David showed me a variety of layouts and we settled on a Mallorca Hi Ace Hi Top conversion. David found a low mileage 1997 model in Japan with a wood trim which seemed ideal, and agreed to take my Townace in part exchange.
The Hiace duly arrived in February and we took delivery in March after David and his team had converted it to english specifications. After a couple of short breaks during the spring we decided on a longer Scandinavian holiday in Norway, where my son was getting married. We set off in the middle of June and travelled the west coast of Norway amongst the fjords and glaciers. The Hiace performed really well on the narrow roads, one day we dropped 2000 feet through 11 hairpin bends to the Geiranger fjord, then the following day climbed 5000 feet, though this time I lost count of the number of bends. All in all we covered over 1200 miles, on mainly mountain roads, in nearly 3 weeks.
There were no mechanical problems at all on the trip, the one glitch was that the fridge, although working on mains and gas refused to function on 12v power. On our return I contacted David who immediately booked me in for a repair. His assistant Gary located the fault, and this was repaired while I WAITED...excellent service.
I would recommend a Toyota Hiace conversion for reliability and versatility, and above all David and his team at Poplar Motors for their commitment to finding a vehicle which suits their customers' needs, and for their outstanding service.

Alan Hawkins, Altrincham.

16th March 2008 - From Peter & Maureen. Bought Reimo High top conversion.

Hi David

Following the purchase of our Toyota Hiace camper van in October 2007, we would like to thank you for your after sales (no quibble) service.

We thank you for exchanging the faulty awning unit on our recent visit to your showroom, and our appreciation for the help and assistance of your friendly staff - our faith in vehicle suppliers has been renewed!

We were recommended to your company and we have no hesitation in doing the same to friends and aquaintances.

Yours sincerely
Peter & Maureen Bowdler

7th November 2007 - A Happy Hiace family

1995 Toyota Hiace 4wd Yokohama

Whilst researching the options available in a campervan during the winter of 2006, I was fortunate enough to come across the Poplar Motors website. I had already spent a couple of fruitless months finding nothing that met my small families needs within our budget and was considering a trip to Germany where the market has more to offer.

However, a couple of phone calls to David and a trip to Poplar Motors later and the families mind was made up almost as soon as we set eyes on the van. One year and fifteen countries later and the trips we plan continue to be ever more ambitious. This in no small reason is due to the very nature of the van itself. I think the word "versatility" best sums up the vehicle.

Whether spending a leisurely weekend in the Peak District, or looking for the steepest gradients and remotest places to overnight in the High Tatras, this van performs fantastically. We now scour the OS maps looking for the most outlandish routes and when time allows try not to travel on anything more major than a 'B' road.

Any minor problems or queries we have had about the van and David is always happy to offer advice, whether on the phone or by email. He has happily talked me through an electrical problem allowing me to fix the fault myself. It is satisfying to know that there is a place to turn to for advice.

Our next major trip will include a circuit of Iceland and the Faroe Islands which promises some interesting terrain and road conditions - and given the opportunity we certainly wouldn't consider doing it in any other vehicle. When the time comes we may consider going for a little more space, upgrading from the short to long wheel base - but there is certainly only one place we would go
for our next van.

If you want a truly versatile vehicle at a very competitive price, then I strongly recommend you let David and Poplar Motors find something for your needs!

Jay, Eva and Helena - a "Happy Hiace" family

22nd May 2007 - From Tim Curtis, Kent.

Just a brief endorsement for Poplar Motors from a very satisfied customer.

I had decided to purchase a compact camper to use for short breaks and weekends away and I spotted a suitable model at Poplar Motors, Chesterfield.

By phone, the part exchange offer for my current vehicle was most favourable, and the commitment to purchase subject to mutual viewing and road tests was agreed.

In the interim I was heartened to hear that David "The proprieter" had decided to undertake some pre -sales engine work on the Toyota to alleviate a mystery water loss.

Having completed the work, the exchange was made and the van was brought home to Kent, a trip of almost 300 miles.

During the initial ownership period some small faults appeared in the habitation system, ie the diesel heater, the fridge and the internal gas piping layout.

David had offered to pay any costs to remedy all the small faults, however at the 1st attempt to sort the heater it was quite obvious this would require the diagnostic skills of an automotive electrician and it was mutually decided to deliver the van back to David for his attention.

This required coordinating our activities to meet at a half way point at Northampton.

David took the van back to his premises at Chesterfield where he could apply the necessary skills in a cost affective manner.

All faults were cured and the exchange of vehicles was again accomplished at Northampton.

Poplar Motors exceeded their obligations on their warranty and no costs were incured by myself to rectify these small faults, in fact David had also serviced the air conditioning system which got overlooked at delivery mostly because it was mid winter.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Poplar Motors (David) to any prospective purchaser looking for outstanding sales, service, and customer care in the acquisition of a camper van or any other vehicle.

Tim Curtis, purchaser of Toyota Townace A M craft European Compact Camper

29th January 2007 - From Bill and Rita - Bought 1996 A'M Craft Hiace

For various reasons, we decided to 'downsize' from a motorcaravan plus a car, to just one vehicle.  We dismissed most of the usual UK 'compact' campervans because they were either not genuinely useable as a car, or had unsatisfactory layouts, or were suffering from rust - or were simply too expensive. One exception was a Devon Sunrise conversion on a UK Toyota Hiace, which we bought.

This wasn't bad, but we soon found the beds left a lot to be desired. We liked the Hiace, though, and started evaluating imported vans with either UK conversions or original Japanese conversions.We eventually found the conversion that we felt met all our requirements - this was an original Japanese 'Finot Design' by A'mcraft.

There were a couple of these on the market, but David Lister (Poplar Motors) had the best example, by far:

A 1996 Hiace with just 25,000 miles on the clock, 2.8 litre diesel auto, air-conditioning to cab and rear compartment, good condition inside and out (no rust, sinks and cooker seemed unused, upholstery looked clean and fresh), a double bed, and even a small washroom and toilet compartment. The overall size was right (in particular, 2m high with the elevating roof folded).

Besides having the better example, David's price - which included a full service with timing belt renewal, speedometer conversion to UK spec, 240v electrics, underbody sealing, three months' warranty and six months' road tax - was 20% less than the competitor.

We're pleased to recommend Poplar Motors.

Bill and Rita

18th January 2007 - Andy and Jan - Bought 1994 Hiace Noppo

We considered Japanese imports and researched Mazda Bongos and Toyota Hiaces because UK compact campers available from dealers for our £10,000 budget had high mileages and were in less than attractive condition externally. Newly converted Bongo's did have brand new interior fittings and some had the sportier turbo diesel engines, but the beds were not big. Poplar Motors™ Hiaces offered the big non-turbo diesels which I like, a large bed and a good amount of interior space.

A visit to Poplar Motors on the web and then in person got us a warm welcome by David and Debra and a chance to look at a small selection of Hiaces on the forecourt to assess layout and condition. Having been converted at some time in the past for their earlier Japanese owners, the interior specification, layout and condition varied from vehicle to vehicle. We didn't find exactly the layout we wanted on our first visit but we told David what we were after and he promised to keep us posted on what he was bringing in over the next few months. He later came up trumps with a 54,000 mile Hiace in excellent external condition. The interior was almost right and David and Debra made a couple of modifications to bring it to our requirements. We had our vehicle, to specification on time and on budget.

We have since chosen to replace the original carpet with carpet tiles and to effect some other small cosmetic refinements to the interior to our own taste, and we are delighted with the vehicle. Our Hiace offers more convenient space (and a bigger bed) than a Bongo, was cheaper, and its 2.8 litre non-turbo diesel more than holds its own on the motorway. Our advice is that you work out what you want from a vehicle, let David and Debra know, and give them time to find one that meets your specification, or is close enough that they might modify one to your requirement. Their prices are competitive, they know their business and they give you a genuinely good service.

Andy and Jan

January 2007