Buying and L400 - Need your impressions

[Louis-J]

Hi guys.

Looking to buy my first Delica ! Super excited. I am currently looking to buy and L400 cargo 1996 4d56 2.5L TD. I want to use it as my daily drive. I have to moove a lot for work contract during summer and it's not rare that i sleep in the car or that I need to moove lots of stuff for work. During the winter i'm traveling deeper in the woods to reach some good powder turns on my spliboard.

I would like to know your impression on the model.
What are the common issues ?
Is it trust worthy ?
How much maintenance does it require ?
Do you think it will handle ruff winters ?
I have done my research, been reading a lot. but nothing like the a good hint from an owner.

Thanks

[lrp374]

For what it's worth ------- The van you describe is quite unusual. Most L400 Delica's have either a 2.8l diesel or a 3.0l gas engine. The normal units imported to Canada are also 4 wheel drive while I believe yours is only 2 wheel drive. I also believe the wheels are different as I think they are only 4 bolt vs 6 bolt and the tires are smaller as well. That being said the engine would be the same as the typical L300 but the remainder of the drive train would be different. As for your other concerns Delica's can be reliable, but as with any vehicle 25 years old you need to be ready for maintenance. It might be worth getting someone familiar with Delica's to inspect it to check condition and differences from typical Delica's.

[DeliTan2]

Good response by lrp374. If I wasn't so lazy, I would have responded similarly.

Is the van right or left hand drive?
I was under the impression that right hand drive vehicles aren't allowed in Quebec (?)

[Louis-J]

Here is the beast : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNMthFyu4Nc&t=36s It's this one. It's a right drive. Looks really clean. But I can't find a lot of info on these models. My biggest concerns are really about the engine...

[Louis-J]

Good response by lrp374. If I wasn't so lazy, I would have responded similarly.

Is the van right or left hand drive?
I was under the impression that right hand drive vehicles aren't allowed in Quebec (?)

They are allowed, if they are 25 years old.

[lrp374]

The You Tube video is a lot different than I expected. I expected a van with a bare interior, dual doors and well used!. This van is still quite unique though. Do you know if it was imported from Japan or somewhere else. The front is different than I've seen and it has leaf springs in the rear while I believe L400's are typically coil springs. In general, it appears to be in good shape. The motor may be a bit of a concern as it would be under powered compared to the 2.8l ( 85 to 125 or 140 I believe ). I have n L300 so you get used to it. I think that JDM vehicles are allowed if 25 years old. If you are concerned there is a section on the site that has info on Quebec rules or you may want to contact a member called " deskinthewoods ". He has had a Delica in Quebec for years. Hope I haven't confused you or made your decision harder.

Larry