Trim Level Questions

[Calgarystampede]

Hi everyone,

can you let me know what the trim levels mean?
I keep seeing XR, XG, Exceed, Super Exceed and Royal Exceed. But not too sure what any of that means.
Also are they all 4X4?

thanks

[TardisDeli]

Whew, there's been ton's posted on this. Some models we don't usually see (ie Royal), the usual delii we get are from Japan (Japan Domestic Market) vs other countries (thus different models we don't see), and usual is L300 diesel becus L400 just became legal to import (15 yr Canadian rule).

Briefly, as of 2009 here ia your model matrix decision:

1) Second row of seating behind drivers: 2 captains chairs ("Exceed" seats 7) or Bench Seat ("Chamonix" seats 8 except the 8th jump seat is too small and has no seat belt so not used).

2) Low roof 6foot8", or high roof 7foot (underground parking or hoisting your toys).

3) If high roof, do you want Crystal Lite windows and all extra maintenance breakdowns (Super Exceed).

4) Manual or auto transmission (auto is faster speed and cheaper to repair /replace).

5) Diesel or gas (gas is rare).

6) 4 wheel drive (is usual, rarely see the 2WD camperized version).

7) L300 sturdy and your very best friend, or L400 (not many here yet, so we don't know much about them, most of us can't help you with advice).

That's it. The rest is just fancy crap, as they usually come with the extras such as air con, turbo diesel, 4 WD, curtains, inclinometer, rear heater, carpet. When you buy from a good dealer, they can swap out tires to ones you prefer ie off road vs street, or install rain shields on window. You can buy 2nd battery, ladders, racks, stainless steel exhaust, tow hitch here. If you really need something such as a specific colour, I would suggest you focus on obtaining a well-maintained vehicle instead.

Beware who you buy from, you might save a 1000 but pay 4000 later to fix the hidden problems.

If you are in Calgary area, attend a mini-meet to see various options of other delii and ask each owner what they prefer. Do it soon, as the Calgary group travel about a bit in the summer and arent always home.

Christine.

[loki]

the crystal lite windows are not just super exceed, any of the high roof models can have them, royal exceed is an L400 thing only (to the best of my knowledge).

yes buy from a reputable dealer (amazing auto imports, and 5 star come to mind) check the dealer feed back section.

[flyfishn]

Do you mean the shades breakdown or the Superexceed is prone to breakdowns?

Whew, there's been ton's posted on this. Some models we don't usually see (ie Royal), the usual delii we get are from Japan (Japan Domestic Market) vs other countries (thus different models we don't see), and usual is L300 diesel becus L400 just became legal to import (15 yr Canadian rule).

Briefly, as of 2009 here ia your model matrix decision:

1) Second row of seating behind drivers: 2 captains chairs ("Exceed" seats 7) or Bench Seat ("Chamonix" seats 8 except the 8th jump seat is too small and has no seat belt so not used).

2) Low roof 6foot8", or high roof 7foot (underground parking or hoisting your toys).

3) If high roof, do you want Crystal Lite windows and all extra maintenance breakdowns (Super Exceed).

4) Manual or auto transmission (auto is faster speed and cheaper to repair /replace).

5) Diesel or gas (gas is rare).

6) 4 wheel drive (is usual, rarely see the 2WD camperized version).

7) L300 sturdy and your very best friend, or L400 (not many here yet, so we don't know much about them, most of us can't help you with advice).

That's it. The rest is just fancy crap, as they usually come with the extras such as air con, turbo diesel, 4 WD, curtains, inclinometer, rear heater, carpet. When you buy from a good dealer, they can swap out tires to ones you prefer ie off road vs street, or install rain shields on window. You can buy 2nd battery, ladders, racks, stainless steel exhaust, tow hitch here. If you really need something such as a specific colour, I would suggest you focus on obtaining a well-maintained vehicle instead.

Beware who you buy from, you might save a 1000 but pay 4000 later to fix the hidden problems.

If you are in Calgary area, attend a mini-meet to see various options of other delii and ask each owner what they prefer. Do it soon, as the Calgary group travel about a bit in the summer and arent always home.

Christine.

[TardisDeli]

The shades are very difficult to repair, multiple little motors and gears, and often will seize half open.

[flyfishn]

Think I will just leave mine open. :-O

[almac]

if the shade motors die on you, can you just open/close them manually?
or do the shades actually freeze in place?

[Geoff McNamara]

I have the Exceed Starwagon, High roof, with Crystalite package. The shades have never worked on ours, but we don't mind. A clothes pin on either end of the shade wedged behind the ridge on the shade/in the track and you are good as gold. Just leave the pins clipped to the shade when not closed for easy storage. Over all cost of "fix"..... .75 cents. You will never be disappointed with a Delica.

[mararmeisto]

if the shade motors die on you, can you just open/close them manually?
or do the shades actually freeze in place?

If the pushme/pullyou wires are broken/cut, then the shade can be manually deployed/retracted. As one poster speculated, the assembly for each window (and there are four) was electromagnetically or gravimetrically suspended about 2.13m above the ground and then the remainder of the van was built around them (I'm paraphrasing, of course). To put it in layman's terms: it is a bit difficult to change a blind assembly.

As for the trim level, the Super Exceed is a 'true' JDM (Japanese Domestic Market model) in that it was not exported. The trim has the most bells and whistles, and from what I've seen they tend to have the most aftermarket accessories added to/included with them.

[Green1]

most shade problems I have seen are the result of the clips that hold the shades to the push-rods breaking, those clips are fairly fragile plastic.
without attachment to the rods, the shades spring open on their own, some people leave them like this and use a hook of some form to hold them closed manually when desired.

The good news is, that unlike replacing a whole blind assembly, replacing a broken clip isn't that tough, in fact it's been documented on the forum for anyone who wants to to follow, the replacement clips can be made yourself fairly easilly too.

If however a motor were to die, the blind would be frozen in place, wouldn't move either direction, and would be a MAJOR pain to repair.

[quadzilla]

4) Manual or auto transmission (auto is faster speed and cheaper to repair /replace).

I am not sure that is an accurate statement - besides - I don't think the transmission type is related to the model (although I have not seen a Royal) . A more accurate statement is that parts for autos are probably easier to replace because of the large number of autos relative to manuals. Also, unless you are talking about the transmission, everything else is the same. Faster? Maybe only marginally.

My $0.02.

[nishby]

It would be more accurate to say the auto is geared higher, which translates into lower RPMs and better highway milage.
Faster is a product of the weight of your foot.

[Geoff McNamara]

The first thing I learned with the ownership of my Deli....get used to people passing you. Relax, enjoy the fact that your kick ass van gets so many looks on the highway, as people stare blindly at your passenger and wonder how the hell the are driving with their feet on the dash. 90km is my top cruising speed, ALL the way across Canada to the east coast, and only one point five days longer. Besides, you see SO much when in the van, it is worth the extra time.

[NT Delica]

I have read elsewhere that the auto transmission version gives higher speed and better highway mileage, but like the previous poster I learned years ago to slow down and enjoy the ride...so 90km/hr is top speed in our Deli as well. Its easier on fuel (hugely), one has time to steer around the potholes (I live in the north and also (snort) have to drive on Ontario highways sometimes), one sees more and its more relaxing once you learn to ignore the other drivers piling up behind you. And the real payoff is the decreased wear and tear on vehicle and driver....I have a yardfull of old cars and trucks that I can't/won't haul to the graveyard 'cause they are still running, you know? After 45 years of vehicle ownership and many many vehicles driven and owned I will only consider a standard transmission. There is just no comparison off the road and on the road in snow or icy conditions...ever try to rock an auto transmission to get out of a hole or wet spot or off of a hang-up?. And its really the clutches that go, not the transmission usually, and clutches are not that big a deal to replace, eh? To each his own. Best regards, James NT Delica

[delicat]

ever try to rock an auto transmission to get out of a hole or wet spot or off of a hang-up?.

Oh yes, and it works just fine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuaQ0PkaUiU