trip around South America

[tsi-guy]

Hello all,
I'm a new member and we are seeking advise.
We are touring SA in dec07 (4 months), we are debating buying a Land cruiser 74 series or a Mitsubishi Pajero or Delica.
We are two adults and a 7 year old.
Questions : what is the Delica capable of doing ?
is the 2.5l TD sufficiant in high altitude ? What is the MPG or L /100 km range?
We are aware of the advantages of the camping factor what other sales pitch can you give me before I make a decision ( 1 to two months max.)
We do like the uniqueness of the Delica but is it strong enough??
Thanks

[BCDelica]

Cheers,

The Delica is very capable in traction ability but a little low on ground clearance.

The Delica would give you the most room and practical space for traveling together, amazing how happy everyone is when the have there own space.

The Delica is no power house, you'll only be able to pass fully load motor homes and semis in the mountains. We spent time in the North Cariboo, the Coquihalla, and the Rockies last summer with a fully loaded Delica (5 people and lots of gear) where we found we liked the slower pace.

If you purchase any of those vehicle make sure to change all fluids, filters, timing belts and tires before heading out.

Read lost1s post - viewtopic.php?t=248 about Mexico.

If your planning on towing, the Landcruiser is the best chose.

[delicanuck]

Hi TSI guy,
I love my Delica. I wouldn't drive anything else. I have an Audi A6 in the driveway but I drive the Deli. I have a couple of mechanics that are happy to work on it and I have a source for virtually any Delica part I might need. Even custom parts. Best of all, I have this forum of other owners who can usually help out if needed, especially Bruce The Bruce
You probably won't have any of that in South America. As far as I know, there aren't any Delica owner groups there. If I were heading out on an adventure like that, I would probably search the web for something like the yellow pages for each of your destination cities and see which kind of car dealership is in every town on your intinery. Maybe Delicas are as ubiquitous there as Fords are here. I know Toyota is very well supported in South America and Africa and the Landcruisers are legendary to the point that there was even a war named after them.
If you decide that Delicas are not well enough supported there then maybe you should get something that is and when you finish your trip, you can sell that car with all its souvenir stickers on it to someone who wants to pretend he did what you did, and buy a Delica when you get back.

[tsi-guy]

1010 0001,
Thank you both, I will research SA some more for support on Mitsubushi.
I think that as long as the unit is reliable, parts for diesels (including on board spares) should be sufficient to get in and out.
The towing capacity will not be an issue on this trip, but we will have lots of gear.
Just a bit worried about that power issue.
Will we be able to have good practical off-raod or highway function at higher altitudes?
Thanks

[maxpowers]

delicas and hiaces are the unofficial bus of south america!
theyre'll be more support there then here.
good luck that will be an awesome adventure.

[delicanuck]

Imagine driving all around South America in a Deli! And then getting to drive it home and keep all the stickers! The only down side is that if they aren't very rare, a Delica might not turn as many heads. Still, pretty sweet.