Need opinion on a Delica

[ngrover]

Hello all, first post... starting to get the Delica fever. I'm new to the import game and so I'd like to ask for opinions before going further. I've spotted a Delica that seems to have all the options I'm looking for. What does everyone think of the listing below:

http://66.49.219.41/awd.htm

Questions:

It seems to have some damage to the left rear corner, is that a plastic bumper cover or sheet metal? What would that cost to fix roughly? Anyone out there think it's a deal breaker?

Is the timing belt an issue on a vehicle with only 63,000 km's on it? Do you think the odometer is accurate?

Anyone have any experience with TYEE Imports?

Is it a good deal?

I live in Calgary, is it normal to buy sight un-seen or do most people fly out and drive home etc?

Thanks for any insight!

edit: can someone interpret the Japanese spec sheet for me? http://66.49.219.41/advan1.htm

[Green1]

that damage is to the sheet metal.

it would be nice to get a translation of the auction sheet, it shows the vehicle as a 3.5 C with 64000km... I suspect you'll find that it's in relatively rough shape in comparison to many imports, I certainly wouldn't buy lower than a 3.5, and a "C" is marginal too (mine is a 3.5 B and has several stains on the carpets and the headliner is rather darkened too)
unfortunately pictures hide a lot of what might actually be happening.

Sight unseen is relatively normal, (I bought a vehicle that was at auction in Japan based on only a few small images and the auction sheet) however you have to be dealing with a company you can trust to do that, ask them what happens if the vehicle isn't as advertised when it arrives, and what information they can provide ahead of time.

get them to give you a translated auction sheet before even considering buying, and if you get a bad feeling from anything, walk away, there are many importers out there, it is not worth dealing with one you don't trust.

[ngrover]

Those are good words of advice Green1, thanks. I really need to see one in person. Perhaps I'll swing by the next Calgary Delica meet. Anyway, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a 5spd with a crystal-lite roof.

[Erebus]

Is the timing belt an issue on a vehicle with only 63,000 km's on it? Do you think the odometer is accurate?

Mine had only 24,000 on it when I got it 2 months ago. Everyone talks about changing the belt at 100,000, rarely do they talk about time.

With normal annual mileage the belt would be changed at about 5 years. I had a talk with the guys at my garage of 10 years, and the general consensus there was that leaving it up to ten years might be okay, but 15 years was just asking for trouble. After all, it is a rubber belt that will deteriorate over time.

Considering that if the belt breaks you pretty much need a new engine, I'm having the belt changed as soon as I can get it in to Pro-Active (Deli specialist) in Calgary.

As for your question about accuracy, it is hard to tell. It could be that the Delica has spent a lot of time idling rather than driving. I've spent time in Green1's 3.5 B and mine is a 4.0 B. There is quite a difference in the two Bs. A C would probably be in "rough" shape, as witnessed by the dented body panel. The photo of the driver's seat seems to show a stain, although it could be just the lighting.

On a positive note, it does seem to have rear shoulder seat belts.

Sorry I can't help more.