Which model? L300 or L400

[rymerx]

Hi there,

I need some advice on what to buy. I have a friend with an L300 and I like it, but I'm torn between it and the newer L400. I currently have a 92 Jeep XJ that I lifted and have 33's under it. I don't usually use it for what I built it for so I'm thinking it would be nice to have something diesel and something I can sleep in when I'm out camping.
I will also be building a boat in the next few years, so I want something that can tow a bit.....Suggestions? I'm in no huge hurry to buy, any advise will be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Feds]

As an L400 owner, that's the one you want.

More power, better ride, easier to move around in when camping/traveling, better 4wd system.

Doesn't look as cool, mind you, but it is a better all arounder.

[rymerx]

That's sort of the way I was leaning, thanks for input. Sadly I prefer the looks of the l300, but the extra power and better layout is going to win out. Also, I ask myself why I want to buy a van as old or older than my current ride

[Polar_express]

Well if it help out here my l400.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/1200x ... 07932b.jpg

[Big-Bird]

I nearly went for the L300 as well because of the 'looks'. I really liked the front clip of the post 1997 Starwagon.

Pre 97 Star.jpg (15.74 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

post 97 Star.jpg (12.43 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

In the end the power of the 2.5TD(non-intercooled) vs the 2.8TD(intercooled) and the rear coil suspension in the L400 were the break points for me. Coils ride better than leafs hands down and the HP/Torque values between the 2 diesel engines was significant.

I bought a sweet low milage 4M40 equipped Gen I hi-roof L400 (BASE MODEL) PE8W. Have never been happier!

The Gen II L400 have a very Euro Influenced front clip with a few variants for foglights and grill guards which I really like over the system I currently have on my Gen 1.

Gen 1 SG.jpg (6.5 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

Gen 2 SG nose 1.jpg (8.5 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

Gen 2 SG nose 2.jpg (7.82 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

Gen 2 SG nose 3.jpg (7.96 KiB) Viewed 4456 times

My only concern with the Gen II L400 is the electronic fuel injection system...when it starts to misbehave there isn't much knowledge in Canada on how to fix em 100%. There's only a small volume of Gen II's in Canada and the JDM Techs in BC are still getting a handle on the quirks of it's diesel injection system...just look at all of the posts about injection system issues on the Gen II.

[islander20]

L400 all the way, the increased safety was what really sold me. Though the looks of the L300 is what drew me to the Deli's initially. Check out the different wheelbase lengths, the SWB has a better departure angle, LWB has more space and looks better IMO.

[FalcoColumbarius]

To start with, the phrase SWB in L400 terms stands for "Standard Wheel Base" and it's 110 inches. The SWB L400 has less operable space in it than the L300 (88.5" wheel base). In the L300 you can stack sheets of 8X4' plywood. Not going to happen in the SWB Space Gear with the tailgate closed. The 4M40 L400 motor has more power to be sure. Driving up the Cut in North Van and you are cruising at 100 kliks with more pedal travel to boot, where the L300 4D56 you make eighty kliks at best.

It's true, the L300 4D56 comes stock without an intercooler but that doesn't mean you can't put one in. I think the important thing to remember is what are your reasons for buying. In my opinion, for going into the bush, the L300 is the better platform, for one, because of their 88.5 inch wheelbase, you can drive around a tree; the engine, tranny & transfer case are all located between the axles, giving them incredible balance and purchase, as well as a low centre of gravity. Another good reason for driving a vehicle as old as your current ride is the lack of computers. L300s are simple by design. The transfer case is a basic system, you have 2H, 4H & 4L (two high, four high and four low), you don't have superfluous devices second guessing what you want. Also with the wheel base at 88.5 inches, the Starwagon is less likely to ground out between the axles. If you wish to win races then I'd either consider another vehicle, like a Lamborghini ~ or do what this guy did and replace the stock motor.



Falco.

P.S.: Here are two examples of What the Starwagon can do, the first being a second generation, then a third generation.