Wanting to get into an L400 Delica

[morgan1002]

I'm from the Lower Mainland, but I go to university in Kelowna. I'm very attracted to the style, capability, and unique aspects of the Delica. I currently drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta, and while it's a great car, it's just too small for me. I want to drive something bigger, MUCH bigger. I love how the Delica is like a living room on wheels. I'm willing to spend somewhere around 10K CAD. The only options I want are the Crystal Lite roof, the 2nd row captains chairs, and 4 wheel drive. I don't really care about which wheelbase or which trim level.

Is 10K a good amount to spend to get a reliable Delica? I really would like this thing to be trouble free, and I know that that's hard to ask from a used vehicle. Is there any particular models I should avoid? Anything to watch out for? I have my heart set on a Delica, I just love everything about them.

[CREGAN]

Go look on Delica Trader- plenty there to choose from and most will be looked after, especially the private sales. For 10 you should be able to find what you need.

Craig

[morgan1002]

Are they easy to maintain? My plan is to obtain one in excellent condition that won't need anything. Is there any recommended dealers on the mainland that I should look into?

[nxski]

Check out CCA if you want to buy from a dealer.

[CREGAN]

Are they easy to maintain? My plan is to obtain one in excellent condition that won't need anything. Is there any recommended dealers on the mainland that I should look into?

Maintenance is required for any vehicle if you plan to always keep it excellent. These babies might be a bit more high maintenance than your average Chevy Cobalt, or a woman in some really high maintenace cases. Most of your issues that will come up have been asked here several times (and will probably be asked again) so finding the answers and how-to's will be easy.

When buying any used vehicle just know that it is buyer beware. It is a used vehicle so even if it came from the Emperor himself, it could have issues. Dealer or private.

Craig

[Firesong]

Define easy?

Can you change the oil your self?
Sourcing parts to save you some $ instead of getting drilled at the
service shops.

Is the Delica a buy and forget about the inner workings?
I wouldn't say so.

They are cool, but they take a lot of care

FS

[morgan1002]

Define easy?

Can you change the oil your self?
Sourcing parts to save you some $ instead of getting drilled at the
service shops.

Is the Delica a buy and forget about the inner workings?
I wouldn't say so.

They are cool, but they take a lot of care

FS

I'm not going to neglect the thing, I'm still willing to spend money to maintain it properly. I just don't want to get into a money pit, that's all.

[doodah]

Mileage not so great....just sayin'......

[RichD]

My plan is to obtain one in excellent condition that won't need anything.

No such thing. Its a USED 15YR OLD vehicle.

[morgan1002]

My plan is to obtain one in excellent condition that won't need anything.

No such thing. Its a USED 15YR OLD vehicle.

I guess what I was trying to say is that I'm willing to spend the money on one that won't need as much to be in good running condition. I also understand the maintenance required to keep them in good running condition. I just need to be confident that the vehicle will be reliable to a certain extent.

[jessef]

I really would like this thing to be trouble free

I just don't want to get into a money pit, that's all.

I just need to be confident that the vehicle will be reliable to a certain extent.

Then your best bet is to buy a Honda Civic or Toyota Tercel that has a long track record of being reliable, not money pits and affordable.

Delica's are not 'reliable' to the point of, spend money and drive and forget. A few, sure. But not the majority.

There are just as many 'mine is uber reliable' examples as there are 'mine is a lemon and money pit'.

It's your call. These are 4x4 vehicles with extensive moving parts and a small diesel engine with an aluminum head that has the 'potential' to overheat. Ignoring these things is asking for trouble down the road.

If you are prepared (emotionally and financially) for the best and worst case maintenance scenario's (which are all over this forum), then you will be happy.

If it's the right vehicle for you, get one and enjoy it.

or go green and ride a bicycle !

[morgan1002]

I really would like this thing to be trouble free

I just don't want to get into a money pit, that's all.

I just need to be confident that the vehicle will be reliable to a certain extent.

Then your best bet is to buy a Honda Civic or Toyota Tercel that has a long track record of being reliable, not money pits and affordable.

Delica's are not 'reliable' to the point of, spend money and drive and forget. A few, sure. But not the majority.

There are just as many 'mine is uber reliable' examples as there are 'mine is a lemon and money pit'.

It's your call. These are 4x4 vehicles with extensive moving parts and a small diesel engine with an aluminum head that has the 'potential' to overheat. Ignoring these things is asking for trouble down the road.

If you are prepared (emotionally and financially) for the best and worst case maintenance scenario's (which are all over this forum), then you will be happy.

If it's the right vehicle for you, get one and enjoy it.

It really just seems to suit all my needs. I need something bigger. Sure, I can look into a used Sienna or Odyssey, but I'd prefer not to drive one of those. The 4x4 capability and massive amounts of interior comfort and space are major selling points.

[psilosin]

The only reason I am still in my L400 instead of ditching it and going back to the trouble free realm of Toyota 4Runners/Surf is for teh exact reason you have mentioned. Nothing can compare to a Van for the interior space and the freedom of possibilities from camping to work and everything in between that that space provides.

Now when I do get the wife and kid and 2 dogs into the 4Runner/Surf or the wifes Matrix it is horribly cramped and stinks like dog breath...

Also depends on what you are comparing to. Compared to the related competition...the VW Vanagon...the Delica is 10000000000x more reliable and much easier on teh pocketbook.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Are they easy to maintain? My plan is to obtain one in excellent condition that won't need anything. Is there any recommended dealers on the mainland that I should look into?

Not sure if your looking for a Starwagon or a Space Gear. I drive a Starwagon. When I got my wagon she was in great shape, however you will have to consider anything rubber (seals, bushings, belts &c.), as it has a lifespan. A good link to look at that will give you a list of things to consider is the "To Do list on newly acquired Delica", in Delica Wiki/Delica Canada Technical. I found this quite useful and the man who wrote it is quite knowledgeable.

Falco.

P.S.: I had read the posts but not the title. I see now that you are looking for a Space Gear.

[Bandwidth]

get one. they're awesome vans, better than most other 15 yr old vehicles but not without their own special needs.