reassurances and/or reality checks for a potential owner

[stulutions]

After so many hours researching these vehicles and telling myself I am just gonna go ahead and get one, I am still not 100% convinced.

I am well aware that as a 15 year old diesel vehicle, they are gonna need some TLC and regular maintenance. I am pretty handy, but far from a mechanic, so I imagine I will be able to handle some things, be capable of learning a few new things, but will still have to get a real mechanic to sort out more significant issues.(hopefully over the years though, I could become much more self sufficient in that area)

One of my concerns in that department is that I am in Sask, and likely I should talk to some of the Sask owners on here about their experiences/recommendation on worthy mechanics in SK to see how big of a concern that really is...It would seem parts could be sourced via a few different means, most likely via shipping from BC.

This leads me to another concern--if I need to have parts shipped, that will likely mean that my ride would be sitting for periods of time. I would like to use this as my sole vehicle so that would be far from ideal.

If I do take the plunge, would likely be contacting Mardy or one of the other highly recommended dealers to make my Delica dreams come true. In researching this forum, I have compiled a bit of a list of all the common things that seem to need repair/replacing. How many extra $ would one be likely lookin at spending to have a really thorough servicing done on an L400?(pre-emptive replacements of likely future issues and the like)..

If one was to spend that money and get one from Mardy or comparable, would it be reasonable to expect that I had a "reliable" ride and could get by with regular maintenance and the odd minor issue that wouldnt likely result in neccessitating the vehicle being unusable for periods of time? Or would the possibility of it still being a "lemon" or a "money pit" still exist?

Or put another way, would it be any more likely to leave me "vehicle-less" while needing repairs than any other older used vehicle?

Theoretically, this vehicle should be a no-brainer, but I have made impulsive decisions in the past that have bit me in the ass, and I would not like to make one that could possibly be much more financially painful. (I do realise the problems with these vans are amplified in a forum of this nature---just looking for some reassurance or reality checks as to my interpretation of Delica ownership) (further note: "impulsive" might not be the appropriate word to use above, as after the countless hours i have spent on these deli sites, i should have no further questions!)

Thanks for your input, appreciated.

S

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
You seem to have good grip on the general jist of things.

There are some very active and enthusiastic members
in your neck of the woods for sure!(more all the time)

Finding a good/honest/willing mechanic is very important
and will ease your overall experience absolutely.

Checking out a few vans in person would be good as
well,see what you like,need and want.

I think the total overall response to your other post,
http://www.delica.ca/forum/everyday-use ... -8048.html
should definitely make more comfortable about your
choice procuring a Delica.

There is always a chance of Lemon-osity,but that
chance is massively reduced by purchasing from
the right source/having the right and thorough
maintenance service done.

Good Luck
and
Right ON!

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

PM sent.

[drrod]

I don't know whereabouts you are in SK, but if you are anywhere close to Regina, we have found Performance Auto to be a good place to get work done on our Delica. They are an independent shop and "specialize" in imports. Always see old Porches, Alfas, diesel Jettas, etc there and getting work done. So far they have had no difficulty working on our van. They do the routine stuff and put in the block heater. They do not seemed concerned about its "uniqueness" and do good work. Cost wise, they are comparable to the rates of most other shops. That being said, we have been fortunate not to need any significant parts so I can't comment on the availability and time frame for getting them but with the sources mentioned here, you should not have any significant problems.

Getting a van that has been thoroughly gone over and prepared by a reputable shop I think is the key.

Rod

[mararmeisto]

If one was to spend that money and get one from Mardy or comparable, would it be reasonable to expect that I had a "reliable" ride and could get by with regular maintenance and the odd minor issue that wouldnt likely result in neccessitating the vehicle being unusable for periods of time? Or would the possibility of it still being a "lemon" or a "money pit" still exist?

If you want a guaranteed mode of transportation: walk. It's the one form of locomotion you are most intimate with and the only one you know is available from day-to-day.

[Green1]

If one was to spend that money and get one from Mardy or comparable, would it be reasonable to expect that I had a "reliable" ride and could get by with regular maintenance and the odd minor issue that wouldnt likely result in neccessitating the vehicle being unusable for periods of time? Or would the possibility of it still being a "lemon" or a "money pit" still exist?

ANY vehicle can be a "lemon" or a "money pit" ESPECIALLY a 15 year old vehicle.

That said, if you buy from a reputable dealer who has done the appropriate inspections, and the appropriate preventative maintenance on import, the odds are very good that you have a reliable vehicle that will cause you very little trouble in day to day operation. Certainly just as reliable, or likely more so, than any used 15 year old vehicle bought from any of the big dealerships.

[jessef]

Sounds like you've done all your research to make a sound decision.

You've answered all of your questions yourself and if you're not 100% convinced, then don't do it.

Although I have to say there is no such thing as a 100% reliable motor vehicle.

You can buy a new vehicle and have issues from day one.

Motor-wise, the delica's are reliable if maintained properly.

For the driveline - brakes, wheels, shafts, suspension, etc ... It's no different than typical trucks like 4runner, Cherokee, pathfinder, etc ... Those things require maintenance.

Basically everything you said was said by current owners.

I would say you have all the info you need to make a choice.

[stulutions]

thanks one and all once again for your great responses....i am absolutely amazed at how quick this forum is to respond and the quality of responses....chalk that up as another reason to drive a deli...

after i posted my question i reread it and came to the conclusion/realisation that most of you posted---i have pretty much answered my own questions and have a pretty good idea on things at this point....i decided to leave it up none the less just to see if anything else i hadnt thought of came up...

thank you very much for your time to reply, it is much appreciated....

hopefully i will be able to post an avatar photo in the next few months....

mararmeisto - EXACTLY! well said

[robinimpey]

I purchased my '91 Delica in October of 2007 with 63,000 kms on it and I'm just about to turn over 100,000 kms. During this time I have done one set of brake pads, re-sealed the injection pump, new tires fixed a chip in the windshield, fixed the capitan seat wobble, installed a by-pass oil filter,installed cruise control, boosted the turbo, installed a pyrometer, installed a new stereo, installed a hitch and trailer wiring, installed a block heater, had a Delica tune done by Mardy and I drive my van EVERY day of the year with the exception of only a few day. As you can see most of these are not maintenance but modifications. My van runs like a top, looks great, is fun to drive and has never let me down. I know not everyone's experience is the same, but mine has been very good so far.

[almac]

You can buy a new vehicle and have issues from day one.

i have known a few people who have had major issues with their brand new vehicles(mostly domestics) within a few days off the lot.
all vehicles need repair and maintenance. whether they are new or not.
sometimes i feel like automakers are "beta testing" their vehicles on the public, to see what they can get away with.

when i went "deli-hunting" i wasn't 100% sure i was doing the right thing. but is anyone 100% sure?
so i jumped in with both feet anyways. did i have to do repairs? sure. some pretty major ones...
regrets? some. ive spent more cash on my deli, than any other vehicle i've owned. but then again, ive driven a lot of crap...

but in the end i can't help but grin every time im in it...
i actually have a local fanbase now. lol. my deli is a celebrity in town.
i park it, and i come out to see "fans" surrounding it. (still waiting for people waving signs tho... )
i have been AMAZED with all the HELP that deli owners have offered me in the past... i think there's something special about deli owners. i've made new friends.
THIS FORUM IS #1!
"Delis turn strangers into friends" (hmmm, i think there's a good bumper sticker there somewhere... )

not many vehicles have made me smile the way my deli has.
can you do that with a GM?