Looking for a Delica in Ontario

[nishby]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a Delica, preferably in Ontario, but I will travel to get one. Problem is, I would like to check out/test drive one first, but I'm coming up zero's in Ontario.

If there are any Ontario owners out there, I'd love to take to you/check out your Delica, or if anyone is aware of Ontario dealers, I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you.

As an aside, does anyone have experience with salt/rust issues on the Delica's? Ontario roads can be brutal in winter!

Cheers.

[MardyDelica]

Hi, i have customer who own a delica that i ship to ontario. i know ontario used lots of salt.
you just have to do the crown tech oil protection every year. & i think your be o.k. or do undercoating.
phone me if you need some info.
thanks,
Mardy

[nishby]

Hey Mardy, thanks for the advice. I've been researching the Delica's like crazy for about a week now and Dianne (my wife) and I have decided to get one. At first she was a little worried that I'd lost my mind and become obsessed with these ubercool vehicles (I generally don't even like cars) but I think she's getting the bug now too.

So, lots of people are raving about your level of service and the detailed care that you put into the Delica's you sell, so I thought I'd send you my ultimate wish list and see what you can come up with. We're ready to buy anytime between now and spring (our old Toyota is limping) and I plan to fly out and drive one home, equipped with some basic spare parts and a big grin.

So here's my wishlist in order of importance:

Neutral Colour (White, Silver, or Light Blue/Grey) - no nasty teal or green or '80s disco decals.
Automatic
LSD
Body rating 3 or higher
High Roof (CrystaLite or not - doesn't matter)
Late ’91 or later with added safety features
Middle Bench Seat preferably (I noticed you have an Exceed with a bench seat!? Strange)
100,000km give or take a bit
Slightly larger than stock tires with nice rugged looking rims (the stock one's are lame)
Some fender trim/flares would be nice but I could add later
Tinted Windows
Rear ladder
Chrome bush bars & steps
Front window Wind Deflectors
Dash Temperature Gauge

I know it sounds like a fairly vain list, but the Delica is the first truly cool AND practical vehicle we've seen in a while and we'd like to do it right. The last five items aren't a big deal, but I'll leave it with you.

Here's a few pics of some Delica's I like:

[MardyDelica]

hi, o.k. i see,
i have some vehicle coming this month & next month phone me if you have time pls.
thanks,
Mardy

[nvanadm]

My wife and I are from Ontario, BUT live in BC for the time being (sorry, can't help you out with the testdrive right now). We just purchased a Deli from Mardy in September and LOVE it. You'll be making a VERY wise choice if you get one from him. The forum is sometimes scary because you hear of all the problems and horror stories, but fortunately for us and probably thanks to Mardy, we have not had a SINGLE problem. He will recommend that you change the Rad (not a regular service thing when he sells them) and I highly suggest that you do (you've probably read enough now to know). We changed it because of his suggestion and didn't think is was such a big deal but trusted his judgement and then have heard about so many overheating stories and THANKS AGAIN TO MARDY we are problem free still.

You may want to look into insurance before you buy (if you haven't already). I remember reading a thread lately about not being able to get insurance in Ontario on a JMD or RHD.

Please PM me and let me know what you find out as we may be moving back within the next year or so and obviously need insurance.

Good luck with the search and don't settle for anything less than what you want. Sounds like you want exactly what we have :)

[notezbngreen]

Hi guys,

I live in Barrie Ontario and am the proud owner of a 93 Jasper. Picked it up this summer from MaximumOverdrive (great folks to deal with), and drove it home. Insurance wasn't a problem at all. The biggest pain was convincing the ministry folks that the VIN number was really that short. Not that big a deal though. I was a little worried about the rust issue as well, so I had it oil sprayed, and put an electronic rust stopping thing on it (I know I know...I sure many will say they are a waste of money but if you saw the amount of salt they put on our roads, you would do everything you could too).

Anyway...I pm'd you and would be happy to let you take a look and go for a drive.

Gord

[nishby]

Hey, thanks a million Gord. We can come have a look at your convenience as you're only about an hour and a half away.

I'm on a super flexible schedule right now as my bike shop is closed for Jan. and Feb., so just name the day and time and we'll show up. Our only restriction is this Saturday night as we'll be at the Banff Film Festival (in Owen Sound, not Banff).

I really appreciate this. As you know, Delica's are mighty scarce in Ontario.

Cheers,
Shane Jolley.

[notezbngreen]

Hey Shane, sent you a PM with my phone number...Monday works for me

Gord

[nishby]

I finally got to drive a Delica! 2 in fact. Whooohooooo!

Thanks to Skeeter in Kincardine and notezbngreen in Barrie.

Now I just need to nail down a few details and a plane ticket and I'm on my way to BC to make the purchase.

Thanks for all the tips folks. Very helpful.

[delicat]

Nisby,

When you plan on coming to Vancouver make sure to let the forum know, I'm sure a few of us will volunteer to pick you up at the airport and show you around and even get you sleeping quarter... Really, don't hesitate, we're one big family!

David

[freezebomb]

I have a 1990 light blue delica exceed highroof with crystallight windows which is in excellent condition. I have spent over 4000 on it since i got it getting it up to speed and now it is. It has a gray cloth interior, we have taken it to the Kootenays in winter several times and it has done just great. Unfortunately, being in the construction business I might need to sell it. If you are coming down to the lower mainland, vancouver area let me know. Jonathon

[nishby]

So it's official. I've got my flight booked for the 15th of February. I'll be arriving in Vancouver with my top ten list of Delica's. Thanks a zillion everyone for the great advice over the last several weeks.

Here's a couple more questions if anyone can help me out. I'll need to get my new bus rustproofed before heading home. It appears the nearest Krown service centres are Squamish or Victoria. Is there anything good closer to Vancouver?

I also may need to get the van outfitted with a new stereo, depending which one I buy. Is there a preferred car audio shop to check out? Fast turn-around will be important as I need to be on the road home by the morning of the 23rd.

Thanks Jonathan for mentioning your van but unless it's a killer deal we're going to go with late '91 or later to get the latest safety features (better belts, side reinforcements, extra brake lights). Having kids makes this an important issue for us.

And thanks David for mentioning the airport pickup but I'm OK on that front. I'm renting a car at the airport because I have to travel around a bit doing candidate training for the BC Greens (as well as van shopping).

Shane.