Everyday use vehicle

[stulutions]

Hi,

After much research and reading of the Delica forums, I am extremely eager to get myself a 94 or 95 L400. Likely will be the LWB, though I am still giving passing thought to the SWB.

That being said, I am wondering if it makes a good day to day driver in an around the city? I already know about the attrocious turning radius of the LWB and parking issues, but I am curious to hear about other aspects of using it as ones sole vehicle in the city.

As I live in Sask, I am stoked on the idea of having a 4WD van, so that alone may be worth it, but just wondering how many people use their Deli for everyday use.

Thanks,

S

[ShaneA]

My LWB L400 is my main mode of transportation. I don't commute with it to work, but I do tend to drive it 2 to 4 weekday evenings (taking the kids to various practices, events, etc) and a lot on the weekend. To me it is a great single vehicle to have.

If I had to commute with it to downtown Vancouver on a daily basis, I would have a different opinion.

I don't understand the perception of an "attrocious turning radius". Yes, the L300 and SWB have a better turning radius, I have driven both, but I really don't notice that big of a difference. I've driven other vehicles that feel much bigger and more cumbersome than the LWB. I have no concerns about parking it in any lot (besides the height) or even on downtown busy streets. Maybe if I was off-road and trying to make some tight switchbacks I might notice it more.

Shane

[Tinytoy]

Use mine everyday now, Lots easier to park than my old 84 suburban(Urban land yacht) I would guess the L400 LWB would be simpler to park than an extended cab 4x4 truck!
Happy Hunting!

[jessef]

You can forget about the turning radius. It's only noticeable when pulling a u-turn or making tight maneuvers in tight places offroad, but that's not even an issue.

It's true that the turning radius on the L400 LWB is not as good as the L400 SWB which is not as good as the L300, but none of them are 'bad' compared many vehicles.

As a daily driver, I find the L400 SWB to be the most comfortable for exterior space/length, etc... It's a very small package for so much interior space. The wheelbase is no longer than an average SUV (4runner/cherokee/pathfinder).

I commute downtown frequently and drive in hectic traffic.

I've owned both LWB/SWB and I find the SWB L400 more nimble and definitely easier to find tight (small typical car) street/parallel parking spaces.

With that said, it's not like the LWB is a school bus.

Between the SWB and LWB, it will come down to personal preference.

I like both but can only keep one. I wanted the LWB (Hi Shane )but my lady feels more comfortable with the SWB. A compromise was in order so we have what we have.

Most of the L400 owners and prospective L400 owners gravitate towards the LWB because of the extra room. And there is a lot more of it inside.

[Green1]

The L400 LWB has the worst turning radius of any delica... that said it still has a better turning radius than anything else I drive, (Ford E250 standard length, Ford F350 standard cab standard box, Chev 4500 Ambulance) also due to it's smaller width, and shorter length, it is much easier to park than any of those.

It all depends what you compare it to... it won't park like a smart car... then again, a smart car won't carry a load of drywall or 7 people with a week worth of supplies either.

I don't drive my L400 LWB for work, but I do drive it for all non-work stuff... parks very similar to my old mercedes sedan (except for underground parking which is now a no-go!)

It's no worse for maneuverability and parking than any normal mini-van or small SUV.

[aclarker]

Betty is an awesome daily driver. Living in Calgary and the chaos on our roads I would recommend the l400 swb gasser. Winter is not a problem and our snow falls in May the l400 has no issues. Visibility is fantastic, you can see all the idiots before they see you. Of course you'll be susceptible to more than usual door dings and tighter spaces as some people feel they have the right to park on top of you...(Betty just finished getting her sliding door replaced and painted. Pay homage to Mardy he hooked her up with a new used sliding door)

Gas consumption sucks but I suck it up as driving this van is worth every dollar!

aclarker

[tonydca]

My wife and I use my L400 diesel SWB as a daily driver, including lots of truly awful short-haul, drop-the-kids-off-at-school-never-really-warm-up-the-engine runs, and the van's a real trooper. Turning circle is not an issue at all; can't comment on LWB vs. SWB. Lotsa torque for around town.

What I *really* love about running around close to downtown Vancouver, is the ease of parking that comes from the width of the vehicle. All those spots labelled "Small Car only"? What many of them mean is "Narrow vehicle only", and the L400 is narrower even than many NAmerican "compact" cars (it's actually 8 cm *narrower* than my neighbours Toyota Matrix).

Love it love it love it. Never going back.

[Spade J]

Sometimes I use my SWB to work daily (25km) and I dont see any problem also still enjoy every min, but when it comes to maintenance cost I have to admit it cost bit more than my other car 05 Subaru Legacy wagon because of diesel (5,000km and several fuel filter changes) and cost of uncommon parts. So that's why we are balancing our usage between our SWB and Legacy. Driving experiences, SWB is teeny smaller than my Legacy also narrower so I would think LWB probably few iches longer than Legacy and Legacy is somewhere in big compact or small mid-size range. All you need to worry is Delica's height which you may find some restricted to parking lot in the building.

Hope it helps.

[stulutions]

thanks everyone for the detailed responses....much appreciated....

[Manitoba deli]

I drive either one daily, I have a both LWB and SWB. As for driving and parking, I don't notice much of a difference between the two, but I don't live in or near a busy city. The LWB is definitely nicer for long trips with the 4 kids, but the Swb is definetly better for communication. It is often hard to hear what the kids are saying when they are so far back as in the LWB.(mind you sometimes thats a good thing too). If you can slip over to Manitoba, you are welcome to try both for yourself.

Jason