Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontario?
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 8:27 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: Delica Owner Wannabe
- Location: Southwestern Ontario
Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontario?
My wife and I have been interested in Delica's for a few years and just this past weekend we went to test drive an L300 and L400 at Bonsai Rides in London (Thanks Craig!). We only need to own one vehicle so we are considering selling the one we have and purchasing an L400 Spacegear. We live in Southern Ontario and frequently drive the 401 (we live west of Toronto, family lives east). We have two young kids.
I'm not very handy around the car which is my biggest reservation to getting one. My biggest fear is that our only mode of transportation breaking down and be limited for some time while waiting for parts and/or repairs. I am very willing to learn and since the discussion of test driving a Delica I have been learning as much as I can about car engines/parts/etc. I am willing to work on the Delica once I know enough.
I would like to know what current Delica owners (you guys) think about it and/or if you have any suggestions/tips for me to think about regarding the purchase.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan.
I'm not very handy around the car which is my biggest reservation to getting one. My biggest fear is that our only mode of transportation breaking down and be limited for some time while waiting for parts and/or repairs. I am very willing to learn and since the discussion of test driving a Delica I have been learning as much as I can about car engines/parts/etc. I am willing to work on the Delica once I know enough.
I would like to know what current Delica owners (you guys) think about it and/or if you have any suggestions/tips for me to think about regarding the purchase.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan.
- Mr. Flibble
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:31 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: 1995 L400 Royal Exceed
- Location: Issaquah, Washington
- Location: Issaquah, Washington
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
I think it is great. All vehicles will require maintenance, older vehicles more than new.
Be aware, that your choice of Delica will be at least 15 years old.
So, find a good diesel mechanic in your area to look after it. Also, make sure you get a good-condition one when you buy.
The good news is that Diesel engines usually last a long time if you treat them well. Do not skimp on oil changes or standard maintenance and your van should be a great family vehicle.
The L400 is more than capable of getting speeding tickets on the 401 or the T-Can.
Be aware, that your choice of Delica will be at least 15 years old.
So, find a good diesel mechanic in your area to look after it. Also, make sure you get a good-condition one when you buy.
The good news is that Diesel engines usually last a long time if you treat them well. Do not skimp on oil changes or standard maintenance and your van should be a great family vehicle.
The L400 is more than capable of getting speeding tickets on the 401 or the T-Can.
Canadian living in Washington USA
- macro
- Posts: 646
- Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 4:37 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: L400 "The Invader"
- Location: Toronto, ON
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
I drive mine all over Ontario and I've never had a problem. Craig is great and he's the only one that could help me with insurance when I moved out here. There's also RightDrive in Vaughan for parts and service. Like Mr.Flibble said, as long as you stay on top the oil changes you'll be fine. If you're buying through a reputable dealer any problems should be rectified before you take it home. Injector pump for instance. The only thing I would say is that if you have people in the third row very often there's not much space behind that seat for anything. I ended up taking my third row out completely, but, I don't have kids.betelgeuse wrote:My wife and I have been interested in Delica's for a few years and just this past weekend we went to test drive an L300 and L400 at Bonsai Rides in London (Thanks Craig!). We only need to own one vehicle so we are considering selling the one we have and purchasing an L400 Spacegear. We live in Southern Ontario and frequently drive the 401 (we live west of Toronto, family lives east). We have two young kids.
I'm not very handy around the car which is my biggest reservation to getting one. My biggest fear is that our only mode of transportation breaking down and be limited for some time while waiting for parts and/or repairs. I am very willing to learn and since the discussion of test driving a Delica I have been learning as much as I can about car engines/parts/etc. I am willing to work on the Delica once I know enough.
I would like to know what current Delica owners (you guys) think about it and/or if you have any suggestions/tips for me to think about regarding the purchase.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan.
If you have any more questions or if you're in the Toronto area and want to have another poke around a Delica, PM or email me!
-Mat
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 8:27 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: Delica Owner Wannabe
- Location: Southwestern Ontario
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Thanks for responding macro and MrFlibble.
Ryan.
Thanks. It didn't look like much but I don't think you would get much from any other van on the market (but honestly, I haven't looked very hard). We are interested in the 8-seater so we couldn't even save space from getting buckets.macro wrote:The only thing I would say is that if you have people in the third row very often there's not much space behind that seat for anything.
Thanks! I may take up your offer sometime because we regularly find our way there.macro wrote:If you have any more questions or if you're in the Toronto area and want to have another poke around a Delica, PM or email me!
Ryan.
- macro
- Posts: 646
- Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 4:37 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: L400 "The Invader"
- Location: Toronto, ON
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
There's always a long wheelbase version though! More room behind the rear seats, about a foot more I think?
-Mat
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
- Mr. Flibble
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:31 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: 1995 L400 Royal Exceed
- Location: Issaquah, Washington
- Location: Issaquah, Washington
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Yes, I can attest to this. The extra room in a LWB makes a HUGE difference.macro wrote:There's always a long wheelbase version though! More room behind the rear seats, about a foot more I think?
Canadian living in Washington USA
-
- Posts: 1045
- Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:31 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: L400
- Location: BC
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
+1Mr. Flibble wrote:Yes, I can attest to this. The extra room in a LWB makes a HUGE difference.macro wrote:There's always a long wheelbase version though! More room behind the rear seats, about a foot more I think?
Give me LWB or give me Death!
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 8:27 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: Delica Owner Wannabe
- Location: Southwestern Ontario
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Awesome. I will look into this one. Thanks for all your replies.Mr. Flibble wrote:Yes, I can attest to this. The extra room in a LWB makes a HUGE difference.
-
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:16 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: 1996 Royal Exceed (in transit)
- Location: Sunny Fenwick
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Feds has a long wheelbase. Bonsai Customer as well. He's way down in Niagara though. It is the ultimate family vehicle.
If you are considering it as an only vehicle, build a little stockpile of the things that could strand you: a refurb fuel pump, alternator, coolant tank, maybe glowplugs, turbo. That way, even if you have to pay someone to put it in for you, you're not waiting 3-15 days for parts to be shipped to you.
If you are considering it as an only vehicle, build a little stockpile of the things that could strand you: a refurb fuel pump, alternator, coolant tank, maybe glowplugs, turbo. That way, even if you have to pay someone to put it in for you, you're not waiting 3-15 days for parts to be shipped to you.
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 8:27 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: Delica Owner Wannabe
- Location: Southwestern Ontario
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Great suggestion. I will certainly do this if we decide to take the plunge.Feds wrote:If you are considering it as an only vehicle, build a little stockpile of the things that could strand you: a refurb fuel pump, alternator, coolant tank, maybe glowplugs, turbo. That way, even if you have to pay someone to put it in for you, you're not waiting 3-15 days for parts to be shipped to you.
Do any of you know how long the Delica Long Wheel Base is (from bumper to bumper)? If at all possible, I would like to keep it in our garage. I REALLY dislike cleaning snow off my car and getting into a cold car. I know that height may also be an issue.
-
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:16 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: 1996 Royal Exceed (in transit)
- Location: Sunny Fenwick
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
~5.1 meters long. Height will be your deciding factor if you have any mods/lift/big tires. My stock-height high roof with 31" tires JUST squeaks into my garage.
- glenn
- Posts: 661
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:18 pm
- Vehicle: 93 L300/97 L400 Jasper
- Location: coquitlam
- Location: coquitlam
- Contact:
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Don't get the 8 seater if you have two kids.
The middle bench only has one shoulder belt, and one spine snapping, paraplegic creating, lap belt in the middle. The jump seat is not a comfortable seat, even though it has a shoulder belt.
The seven seaters, on the other hand, have two beautiful captains chairs with shoulder belts and armrests.
If you are considering safety and crash worthiness, don't even look at L300s.
The middle bench only has one shoulder belt, and one spine snapping, paraplegic creating, lap belt in the middle. The jump seat is not a comfortable seat, even though it has a shoulder belt.
The seven seaters, on the other hand, have two beautiful captains chairs with shoulder belts and armrests.
If you are considering safety and crash worthiness, don't even look at L300s.
- macro
- Posts: 646
- Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 4:37 pm
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: L400 "The Invader"
- Location: Toronto, ON
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Hey Feds, what colour is yours? I'm wondering if I've seen you driving around before...Feds wrote:~5.1 meters long. Height will be your deciding factor if you have any mods/lift/big tires. My stock-height high roof with 31" tires JUST squeaks into my garage.
-Mat
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1813771
@delicacanada on Instagram
http://instagram.com/delicacanada/
-
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:16 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: 1996 Royal Exceed (in transit)
- Location: Sunny Fenwick
Re: Is an L400 suitable for a single-vehicle family in Ontar
Green over Grey, with a snorkel.
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 8:27 am
- Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
- Vehicle: Delica Owner Wannabe
- Location: Southwestern Ontario
We're considering the 8-seater so that we can have a full bed when the seats go flat. We are interested in the Delica so we can travel as a family. I know we can modify it to be a camper but we also need it to be an everyday vehicle too so I've been thinking to modifying it to a happy medium-a van with storage compartments.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk