Looking for a delica

[dmg]

My wife and I have made the decision, at least on paper, to buy a delica to replace a 2004 pontiac sunflower. Nothing really wrong with the sunfire, it just isn't the right type of car.P icture it with a canoe on the roof, two kids, camping gear, trailer and cooler riding in the wife’s lap and you will see why the delica has so much apeal.

I have been able to answer most of my questions just by skimming the forum. But I would like some extra advice on some points.

Manual vs. automatic transmission –from what I gather neither has a huge down side, the automatic is more common and might be a little kinder to top while the manual will help in the hills but may not have the top end. What happens when you start towing? We use the sunflower to tow a 14-aluminum boat (about 1400lbs)

Roof racks – all of the trucks I read about so far have a rain gutter so I think I am fine for racks but are there any serious roof weight restrictions? The sunflower is only rated for 80lbs on the roof, which means after the canoe and nothing else.

ICBC/Air care – Should I expect a hassle with ICBC or passing air care?

WVO – What does a wvo conversion mean to AirCare and is a wvo vehicle practical in Vancouver. The Island seems to be ahead of the main land on this (we are in Coquitlam but make a daily commute into Vancouver).

Service manuals – does anyone publish a decent service manual that might be of some assistant to a semi incompetent back yard mechanic? What I am really interested in finding is the manufacturers recommend service times – when to replace belts, how often to repack bearings etc ?

Dealers – do any of the dealers have trucks on site? The forum is great with pictures and descriptions but it would be really nice to see a truck up close and a test drive, even for a short distance would be fantastic.

Handling - Am I correct in assuming the delica is going to have that firm, almost rigid Japanese 4x4 feel ? Before the kids I had and loved a little 4x4 Suzuki and my wife still drives her Toyota 4x4 pick up.

Thank you for any advice you can send our way.

[BCDelica]

Welcome aboard!

Manual vs. automatic transmission, personal preference will decide and Autos' are more common. See http://www.delica.ca/forum/standard-or-auto-1368.html. Have pulled a 16 Alum boat all over the place and the van hardly knows it's there. Tow over 3000lbs and you half your speed up the hills, which wasn't fast in the first place.

I have had a full sized ladder rack (over 80lbs); carrying a 32 ft ladder (100lbs - thats a 28 in the picture - both for sale with the ladder rack too), 24 ladder (~40-50lbs), 7 ft stepladder (~50 plus lbs) with no gutter damage. Couldn't say the same for my 97 Dodge Ram van, the gutters folded down a bit at each support point. Me like em pictures -

Passed air care fine for my first, with better results running on WVO. Never hear much on the forum, about aircare, from the lower mainland crowd, which is a good sign.

WVO is practical if you have a space to process and store some WVO. And of course you don't mind getting your hands dirty. Vancouver has so many restaurants there must be tons of options! Definitely check out EricN's WVO install, he lives in Coquitlam. I plan to this winter.

Service manuals - Order a Russek manual off the UK Delica site they are very helpful. Some online manuals (plenty out there) have service intervals.

Dealers – they must, in the lower rainland and you have lots to deal with.

Handling -

Am I correct in assuming the delica is going to have that firm, almost rigid Japanese 4x4 feel

you described it well there.

Good luck - IMO don't get a fancy dancy Super Exceed that you don't want to drive through mud and branch lined road.

[mararmeisto]

Is there a limit to the number of questions a newbie can ask their first time on the forum?

Just kidding! Actually, looks as if someone has done their homework and wants to be prepared before they buy the vehicle. Good for you. I had a lot of people ask me how I bought one, and I told them I investigated first and then decided. In fact, purchasing my Delica was the most informed vehicle choice I've ever made.

Anyway, welcome to the club dmg and when yours finally arrives - enjoy!

[dmg]

I did the worse thing a prospective delica buyer could do - I took one for a test drive.

We have only had the truck for a day but we couldn't be happier with it and I cannot thank Mardy and TKT enough for their help.

Great truck and amazing service.

[Green1]

I did the worse thing a prospective delica buyer could do - I took one for a test drive

oh no... you didn't! that's it... you're done for...
biggest problem I've found with the Delica so far... once you've driven one you just don't want anything else anymore!

[mararmeisto]

oh no... you didn't! that's it... you're done for...
biggest problem I've found with the Delica so far... once you've driven one you just don't want anything else anymore!

I would concur about not wanting to drive anything else... my poor VW Cabriolet is still languishing in the driveway. In fact, I'm trying to sell it now - would rather a diesel VW instead of a gasoline one.