Blue Toad from New Westminster

[Blue Toad]

Greetings All,

This is my first posting with Delica.ca.

A while back, after deciding we had enough of crawling into wet sleeping bags while tenting (especially on the West Coast of Vancouver Island), my wife and decided to look for something that we could semi-camperize. We initially thought about a VW van, but were deterred by both the prices and age of the ones available. I was not comfortable putting out $15,000 for something that was on its second motor and fourth transmission. And we had no intention of going the dreaded mini-van route.

During our quest, we started seeing some really cool and funky looking vans on the road driving around Vancouver. We saw one parking in a Revy in North Vancouver and went to talk to the driver who was very enthusiastic about his van. This was our first introduction to the Delica L300 and we were immediately hooked.

After doing some extensive research, including on this excellent forum, we decided to purchase our first Delica. We met with Shogo at Japanoid late last summer and discussed our options for importing one into Canada. Shogo was polite very helpful in helping us find the right one. Originally I wanted to order one with a standard transmission, but Shogo told me about the gear ratio when getting into the higher KMs (which I verified on discussions in Delica.ca). We eventually settled on a low roof l300.

Over the ensuing months Shogo emailed us pictures of available Delicas with brief background information. None of them felt right for us until he sent us pictures of the blue Delica. Shogo also really seemed to like it and told us that even if we didn’t want it, he was going to bring it in because it had a good history (one owner, dealer maintained, etc.). I felt that this was a strong endorsement and we had him put a hold on it.

When we went to pick up the Delica, we were a bit nervous. Although we had put down a deposit which was either refundable or transferable, I didn’t feel as confident as I should buying a vehicle I had only read about. But as soon as we saw it, checked everything out as well as I could, and test drove it, I could tell that it had been very well maintained. In addition, whatever detailing was done after arrival in New Westminster (including undercoating) was superb. Included in the purchase price was also replacement of the timing belt, water pump, tires, etc..

Initially, we didn’t like the somewhat loud four-wheel drive decals on the side of the Delica and Shogo said that they could be buffed out. He said he would have this done for us for free if we wanted. But now I’m not so sure anymore. Maybe I’m getting used to them, but I’m thinking of leaving them as is.

There was an issue with the sunroof not opening properly and I had the option to either have it repaired or receive a reduction of the purchase price. I chose to have it repaired and, while it was in the shop, also had Japanoid install an immobilizer and alarm system. I had read about a stolen Delica on this forum and preferred to have this level of security.

The Delica we purchased is a 1995 Starwagon with 103,000 KM. Again, from what we read on this forum, this was a good mileage range for a 15 year old vehicle. I just want to mention that during my correspondences with Shogo, I never felt that he was being pushy or impatient with us. He was always extremely polite. When a few weeks after the purchase I emailed him some questions about how the alarm and immobilizer was activated, he was very responsive and took the time to explain how they worked. In all, I'm very satisfied with my experiences with Japanoid.

I’ve been driving my Delica for almost two months now and, although I find it a bit sluggish from the start compared to my spunkier Mazda B2300 pick-up (which I subsequently sold), once it gets to cruising speed, it hums along nicely and is a lot of fun to drive. I had no trouble getting used to right-hand drive other driving than turning on the windshield wipers whenever making a turn. The only thing that did concern me at first was sense I would tip over when making a left-hand turn. But that sensation is no longer there and I think I just wasn’t used to driving a taller vehicle. I look forward to many adventures with our “Blue Toad” (a play on our license plate) and my new association with other Delica members.

We'll see you around--and we'll be sure to wave 'hello' when we do.

Roland and Kate.

[konadog]

Nice bus! Love the lines of the low roof L-300's. Welcome

[Super Exceeded]

Welcome to the forum.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Welcome to Delica Canada, Blue Toad

There is a mini meet coming up this month (27 Feb., 2011) at the Tomahawk in North Van. Why not drop by? The breakfasts are heavenly. See: Tomahawk Breakfast - 9am, 27 Feb 2011. People talk at Mini-Meets, worthwhile.

Falco.

[mararmeisto]

Welcome Blue Toad - nice ride.

You trail of discovery sounds very similar to mine, including the thoughts on VWs: always thought they were nice vans, just never could justify the cost.

Anyway, to echo Falco's suggestion, join us for breakfast on the 27th and meet some of the rest of the group.