Mechanical issues??

[twisted]

Hi I am new to importing, but i think I found the van for me though Terra 2 imports! I was wondering if anyone hase had any major mechanical issues when the finnaly got their vans. Gerry (Terra2) said that the outward apearence is a good indication of the mechanical state. The last thing i want to find out is that the van is hooped and I have a van that will now cost twice as much. Dont get me wrong, I dont expect perfection, but I dont want to get stung either.
Can anyone give me some insite to Terra 2 Imports and the quality of their vehicals?

[quadzilla]

the outward appearance is a good indication of the mechanical state

I don't know about Terra2, but ever heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover"?

[twisted]

Yes I have heard the saying. Im a custom painter and have seen my share of " ya its in great shape". I was more wondering how much risk you take with an importer. Im used to being able to look at a car myself and not just take someones word that things should be fine. The more real life expiriences on the plus side will hopfuly make me less gun shy. On the other side I cant wait to drop the cash and get it home!

[39Ronin]

Ask these questions:

What auction is it from? (not all auction houses are created equal)

Ask to see the auction sheet, and make sure you have it translated by someone who reads Japanese.

Find out if there is any mechanical history, ask how many owners, find out if the owner(s) were an individual or a comapany (construction

company or a general company vehicle will be beat up more.)

**** Ask about the last time it had "SHAKEN" this is the government inspection that happens every 2 years after the first 5. This will tell you how long the vehicle has been sitting for.*********

If the vehicle claims to have low km's on it then I would have pictures of the little details sent, for example I see lots of 60,000 km Delicas running around with 120,000 km of wear and tear on them. The painted words on the light switch has worn off, the window has been put up and down so many times that the painted "up" "down" has worn off in a 60,000 km vehicle I DON'T THINK SO! The steering wheel has a fake leather grain pattern on it and if it is worn out in only 60,000 km then the math doesn't add up.

People always undermine how important it is to buy a vehicle that is still under SHAKEN, registered and still driving. Would you buy a domestic car that has sat in a farm field for 5 years? Then why would you buy one from Japan?

Those are the question that I believe you should ask. Is every Delica that has sat in a farm field really bad? I think it is a 70/30 chance that they will have way more problems in the long run.

Just my opinion.

[twisted]

Hey thanks ! That is the kind of info I need. Ill send an email in the morning to Terra 2 and see what they say. Ill let you know the results !!!

[Green1]

for example I see lots of 60,000 km Delicas running around with 120,000 km of wear and tear on them. The painted words on the light switch has worn off, the window has been put up and down so many times that the painted "up" "down" has worn off in a 60,000 km vehicle I DON'T THINK SO! The steering wheel has a fake leather grain pattern on it and if it is worn out in only 60,000 km then the math doesn't add up.

Why does everyone always assume that people everywhere else in the world use their vehicles the same way that we do here in North America?????

I bet those 60,000km Delicas are actually 60,000km Delicas... it's just that they spend lots of time sitting, that may be what we here would consider to be 120,000km worth of wear, but there it is only 60,000km... what we don't get to see is how many HOURS it has on it, which would be a much better measurement.
They have no where to go in Japan, it's all spent either stuck in traffic, or sitting in the parked vehicle as a hang-out rather than as transportation, they treat their vehicles completely differently than we do here, so don't assume the same usage patterns as here.

Looking at what is worn out is important, but don't assume someone has tampered with the odometer simply because there's evidence that people have spent a lot of TIME in the vehicle, time is not distance, ESPECIALLY in Japan.

[mdrive]

You can expect to do complete servicing once it lands here, to me 60,000 or 90,000 kms vehicle both should go through full servicing. The most critical things is rust free unit, no transmission problem, compression issue, etc. and most important of all if the importer will support you with parts and service.

[robinimpey]

Hi twisted,

I imported my own Delica and my son just brought over a Pajero. Both were excellant shape, better than expected and the process was very easy. If you want to know more about our experience PM me and I'll give you the run down.

[Green1]

to me 60,000 or 90,000 kms vehicle both should go through full servicing.

I have to second this... it doesn't matter if the vehicle has 2km or 200,000km... when it lands it needs a full service. it doesn't matter what driving it's been through, it is still a 15 year old vehicle, and many things wear not just with use, but with time as well.

It is important to replace all fluids and filters, and at least check all the belts. it is also EXTREMELY important to replace the timing belt unless you have proof that it's been done already (and within the past couple years) they're good for about 100,000km, but time will also destroy them, should be done every 5 years regardless of distance travelled (more often if you drive more). The reason this is so critical is that if it breaks you need a new engine

This is all in addition to the normal compliance things:
- Daytime Running lights
- Side marker lights and reflectors
- "DOT" tires

[twisted]

Well I found one!!! And its here in town!! Going to look at it this week end! The seller is Japan Road Trip. I'll let you know what happends! I hope that I'll be a new Delica owner soon! Thanks to all on this site, the site and people have been a huge help!
Anyone know how many Delica owners are in Edmonton?

[Green1]

Anyone know how many Delica owners are in Edmonton?

that I've ever seen on here... ummm... 1 maybe 2? in the whole city... I'd bet there are probably 6-8...

[loki]

Well I found one!!! And its here in town!! Going to look at it this week end! The seller is Japan Road Trip. I'll let you know what happends! I hope that I'll be a new Delica owner soon! Thanks to all on this site, the site and people have been a huge help!
Anyone know how many Delica owners are in Edmonton?

I got my van from them, good guys. Is the one your looking at all silver?

[twisted]

No blue and silver, and in real nice shape. Our big debate is stick or outo. I like a stick, the wife wants an auto. I have heard that the " perfomance" difference isn't much. I guess we will see.

[quadzilla]

The auto has a larger fuel tank (actually has 2) and runs 200 - 400 rpm lower at highway speeds, so fuel economy is a bit better. Overall, the gear ratio is a little lower on the manual transmission. The manual has a bit more kick off the line and ramps up to a blistering highway speed of 100 to 110 kph a little faster than the manual (based on a sample size of 1 Delica:Delica drag race! Manual vs. Auto 2008!) The manuals still get good fuel economy and are fun to drive (I have a manual). Autos are much more abundant, so should you need a transmission ( ), it will be easier to get.

Good luck.

[39Ronin]

for example I see lots of 60,000 km Delicas running around with 120,000 km of wear and tear on them. The painted words on the light switch has worn off, the window has been put up and down so many times that the painted "up" "down" has worn off in a 60,000 km vehicle I DON'T THINK SO! The steering wheel has a fake leather grain pattern on it and if it is worn out in only 60,000 km then the math doesn't add up.

Why does everyone always assume that people everywhere else in the world use their vehicles the same way that we do here in North America?????

I bet those 60,000km Delicas are actually 60,000km Delicas... it's just that they spend lots of time sitting, that may be what we here would consider to be 120,000km worth of wear, but there it is only 60,000km... what we don't get to see is how many HOURS it has on it, which would be a much better measurement.
They have no where to go in Japan, it's all spent either stuck in traffic, or sitting in the parked vehicle as a hang-out rather than as transportation, they treat their vehicles completely differently than we do here, so don't assume the same usage patterns as here.

Looking at what is worn out is important, but don't assume someone has tampered with the odometer simply because there's evidence that people have spent a lot of TIME in the vehicle, time is not distance, ESPECIALLY in Japan.

I have actually lived in Japan, and people just don't sit in their cars playing with the window switches, and rubbing the wheel until its bald. The key is another good indicator about mileage.

I have been beside a really reputable mechanic while he had a vehicle apart and he was laughing and showing me a van with 60,000 km and all the wear it had in the engine. And also pointed out the key wear and how it wasn't consistant with the km of the vehicle. I doubt the vehicles are rolled back but the pod is super easy to switch out and the odometer is easy to unplug. Maybe the guy sat in his car and took the key in and out of the cylinder a million extra times too.

If it looks like a dog and it barks like a dog then it probably is a dog.