Looking to become more knowledgeable before I buy

[CrazyFamilyof5]

Looking to become more knowledgeable before I buy?

I am now a family of 5 and my current small SUV just isn't cutting it any more and I hated the thought of going to a mini van.
Then last year on Vancouver island I saw my first Delica, a 4x4 small diesel engine min van WOW.

I am still trying to understand what they are all about.
What is the difference between models (Star Wagon, Exceed, Super Exceed)?

The Crystal Lite roofs are the more maintain sounds like the shades break down, also a Delica owner I meet in AB said they are prone to leaking?

Winter edition, what more does this come with (heard two batteries)? I will be driving the Delica in mountains in the winter for skiing should I be looking a winter edition or do I need to add a oil pan heater?

Any advise/help or experiences you have had would be great appreciated

Thank you

[mararmeisto]

First of all, they are all Star Wagons. They are also called L300s. The Exceed, Super Exceed, etc are the different models. The different roof-lines come on different models, but simply there is the low roof, high roof, and a high roof with four roof-windows. The sunroof over the main cabin is an option on various models, don't think it's particular to any particular roof-line (I've seen them on all three). These vehicles started out as cargo trucks or "delivery-cars" (DELI-CA), hence the 'boxy' look to them (similar heritage as the VW Type II van).

The dual battery fit is the winter kit (so I've been told). All it means is that you've got greater cold cranking capability because you got two batteries doing the work instead of only one. If your glow plugs are a little weak, you might still be able to get the engine going purely on cranking/compression power, but this will be hard on the batteries (with only one battery, this way of starting a diesel is VERY difficult in the personal vehicle market). Having two batteries also means you will have to replace two at a time instead of just one (just like batteries in any application, they will perform better when replaced together - balanced charging and discharging patterns and a bunch of other electrical mumbo-jumbo).

As for the Crystal Lite roof with the sunscreens, yes, you take your chances with getting one that will have all four screens functioning (I got three and a half), and the repair of the linkage assembly is nigh impossible to carry out (also, the parts are non-existent from what I've been told). The ones in the Moon Machine open fine, but the one sticks on the one side when closing (put a simple tug on the corner pulls it shut). If you have children, it takes about two weeks for the novelty to wear off (open-shut, open-shut, open-my-sister's-so-the-sun-is-in-her-eyes-ha-ha-ha, etc), and then you can leave them in whatever position you would normally want them.

As a part-time 4WD vehicle it takes a bit of getting used to if you been driving front-wheel drive vehicles your whole life. I'm old enough to remember the push-from-the-rear (insert lewd comments here) of rear-wheel drive vehicles, so I took right to these. The 4WD is sure-footed and tight (not sloppy like a Jeep), but I don't know how it compares to an AWD as I've never driven one.

The only vehicles that can be imported at this time are those greater than 15yrs (to the month of manufacture), so the newest model you could get today would be a January of 1993 model. Next year the L400 will become available, but that's a different thread. For more info on the 15yr importing rule in Canada, check out this link: http://www.japanoid.com/stop25/

And I'm going to let someone else have a turn now. Hope this helps

[delicat]

Great info for you on the main page under FAQ. It will explain all the difference between models and much more. As for the winter edition I'm pretty sure it also comes with a heavier duty alternator (or starter?).

Enjoy!

[Erebus]

As for the Crystal Lite roof with the sunscreens, yes, you take your chances with getting one that will have all four screens functioning (I got three and a half), and the repair of the linkage assembly is nigh impossible to carry out (also, the parts are non-existent from what I've been told).

Green1 posted how to fix them in the thread http://www.delica.ca/forum/sunshade-rep ... o-766.html. Other than that, having that wonderful view in the back is more than worth the possible bother. As for leaking, haven't really heard of problems.