(Almost) A new L300 owner.

[Mimic4]

Hello! My name is Landon and I live in Victoria (Vancouver Island, B.C.). I've been contemplating a Delica L300 for quite some time for my up and coming road trip (and just because I think they are SO AWESOME ). And I just happened to stumble across one reasonably priced 3 hours north of here in Courtney. (1992 Turbo-Diesel Super Exceed, 205,000km @ $3995 : http://www.comoxvalleynissan.com/used/M ... 15b6fb.htm )

I've done a fair amount of research, read a lot of posts on this forum, searched for "What to look for in a possible purchase L300" and learned a lot of things! I'm not sure yet however and I don't want to make a bad purchase. I exchanged some good words back and forth with the dealership today and made an offer of $3,500 tax in, which he seemed pretty happy to take. They did a 101 point inspection and came back telling me four things. Back brakes are 30%, Rear U joint is loose and clunky, Turbo has small oil leak on the intake side, and the headlight switch had been bypassed and the lights turn on when you turn the keys. No mention of serious rust or any leaks.

I will probably trek up on Saturday and give it a once over and make a decision. Is there anything you more experienced folk have to mention to look for? How much/difficult a U-joint and turbo oil fix will be? (I'm pretty good at fixing stuff at home but don't have much access to fancy tools like presses and torches. Just gauges and wrenches and things. :)

Anyways, thanks in advance for any help I really appreciate it! I hope it's a lucky one and I get off on the right foot to being a new Delica owner!!

(Ps: If anyone is interested, since I am introducing myself, I'm 23, I currently drive a 1986 Toyota MR2 and we have a lot of fun together. I also do a lot of work on it and love taking things apart, cleaning them, and preventative maintenance. I also enjoy sailing, flying lessons, older computer games (maybe some new ones), and exploring the out doors! Night hikes and such too.)

Landon

[wstcstlad]

When a deal appears to be "too good to be true" is generally has a catch. I would suggest finding an independent mechanic up there that can A: Give you a second opinion and B: Give you a quote on getting those repairs done. I looked at that van online myself and decided to buy something else .... it could be a nice unit...just get a second, independent opinion - at that age, there won't be any warranty.

[Artacoma]

More Victoria Delis = Good

Your headlight bypass would have been a quick and dirty way to get Daytime Running Lights working for inspection , you'll find some variations on the subject if you search DRL's on this site
Turbo drips are common , what I thought was a leak on mine was just drippage from the vent hose that goes from the valve cover to the air intake hose.

See you on the road!

[thedjjack]

Must dos:

timing belt, balancer belt, 2 tensioners
water pump, all hoses, thermostat, radiator (reconditioned), motor flush
oil seals on front

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hey Landon, welcome to Delica Canada

This might help you out: https://www.socialtext.net/delica/to_do ... red_delica.
It's a rule of thumb list that will draw your attention to potential issues and can be found in Delica Canada Technical/Delica Wiki.

Happy Trails!
Falco.

[Mimic4]

Going to look at it today! I've read in different posts that people add a lubricative addictive to their diesel fuel? Is this true? And if so what product. Anyways wish me luck and I hope all goes well! I'm armed with lots of knowledge and what to look fors!

[Mimic4]

YAY! Okay I did it. I bought it. *victory fanfare plays*
And I feel like it was a good choice. I drove up to Courtney with the mind set of "I'm not going to get ripped off!"

So, it has quite a few body blemishes. A good bump on the rear bumper, surface roof rust, and a big rust (all the way through) on the rear passenger wheel well. (I'm still not sure if I say passenger side because its where the passenger sits in this RHD situation, or still use drivers side (despite its not where the driver sits) because... uniformity. But in this case, its where the passenger would sit on this RHD vehicle). Most electronics dont work (power shades, some lights, radio does odd things, windows clunk.) But the engine was solid and healthy, bright coloured fluids and A/C and HEAT work great. Ran great, didn't pull. Everything I could hope for! I hope there are no surprises. I talked the guy down from $4000 to $2,500 (as the inside was ... the most wet) and it smelled of MOLD. (Cup holders had 2 inches of water in them.)

But i'm sure most of it is fixable and I like fixing. So hopefully some handywork combined with the strong engine should have us a fun pair. :)

--So far i've taken out ALL the seats and ALMOST all the carpets. I'm stuck at how to get the carpet out from under the dead pedal/foot rest and the cool box. I made another post for that though. :) Heres hoping all goes well! Lots to do, lots to do.

Landon

[mararmeisto]

Sounds like it was left uncovered with the windows rolled down a bit. Got a bit damp inside.

Or someone drove it through a bit too much water.

[thedjjack]

front wet rugs is usually from the body seal up front drying out...google on here

crystal roofs typically rust out and need some attention google on here again

Make sure the belts have been done...(and tensioners and crank pulley bolt)