Thinking about a L400

[Larry710]

Hello everyone

I am a off road enthusiast, and had Toyotas (3), Jeeps (3) and my current nissan xterra. We love to explore off the beaten path and camp where there no campgrounds. 10 months ago we welcomed our first child into family, with plans for a second.(as well for a second dog)
We already find it a challenge to continue our wilderness adventures ( i.e Whipsaw trail), due to space in the Xterra. But that hasn't stopped us yet ;)

I have been eying the Delica every since I moved from the east 5 years ago. But my wife is against the RHD, and claims their ugly. I, on the other hand am growing more fond of them, epically since I've noticed the L400.

I did stop by a import used car dealer here in the Vancouver area, to find out more about them, but the salesman's english was poor. :(
I know I will want a automatic, tall roof, and maybe a long wheel base. but everything else depends on what is available for options. I have many questions I was hoping you all might help me with on the L400?

- Are they true 4x4 or AWD (low range gear selector?)
- I prefer an automatic. Is there a desired transmission/ transfer case combination I should look for?
- What engines are available? What is desired?
- Is the front drive, solid axle or IFS?
- Are they equipped with factory differential lockers?
- When camping, during poor weather, we sleep in the Xterra. With a van I would want the seats to fold into a bed. I see there are many different interior configurations with the L400. But I have no idea which one would suit my need of a fold down bed?
- What is the import requirements? What is the latest year I could buy?
- What are common issues with them once they arrive in canada? timing belts, axles boots, water pumps ect.... I did notice this link http://www.delica.ca/forum/new-to-l400- ... -8009.html Should I buy from a used dealer or private sale and expect these issues to be resolved?
- What should I expect for fuel economy? ( ltr/100km)
- What is the availability for parts? I understand they share the same drive train as the Montero?
- What can they tow (lbs)?


Thanks in advance for you time and knowledge.

Larry

[Mr. Flibble]

- Are they true 4x4 or AWD (low range gear selector?)

True 4X4 *PLUS* AWD shift on the fly. You have 2WD --> AWD --> 4WD (Locked) - 4WD low range
(Many of the models also have a LSD in the rear) The 4WD system is the same as the Mitsubishi Pajero - which is famous for having won the most Paris Dakars.

- I prefer an automatic. Is there a desired transmission/ transfer case combination I should look for?

Automatics are by far more common. The 5 speed is much harder to find.

- What engines are available? What is desired?

4M40 Diesel is the preferred engine in Canada - but there is a V6 Gasser as well.

- Is the front drive, solid axle or IFS?

IFS

- Are they equipped with factory differential lockers?

No. (Some are added afterwards, but the shifting system from the Pajero is excellent)

- When camping, during poor weather, we sleep in the Xterra. With a van I would want the seats to fold into a bed. I see there are many different interior configurations with the L400. But I have no idea which one would suit my need of a fold down bed?

I can fit a queen bed mattress in my LWB L400 with ease - I have the 7 seater model that converts the back into a bed. The LWB has an extra 2 feet of space for gear in the back as well. (Note, the SWB is better off road due to the wheel spacing and departure angle).

- What is the import requirements? What is the latest year I could buy?
1995 - to the exact month you buy it on. i.e. I got mine in May - and mine was manufactured in May 1995.

- What are common issues with them once they arrive in canada? timing belts, axles boots, water pumps ect.... I did notice this link http://www.delica.ca/forum/new-to-l400- ... -8009.html Should I buy from a used dealer or private sale and expect these issues to be resolved?

That is a longer answer, browse the forum! :) (but if you get the Diesel, *GET A PYROMETER*, especially if you plan on towing.)

- What should I expect for fuel economy? ( ltr/100km)

about 10-12L/100km

- What is the availability for parts? I understand they share the same drive train as the Montero?

Seems to be very good in BC from what I have seen.

- What can they tow (lbs)?

Very good question - I think that is still under debate.

[jessef]

Good answers !

Larry

Mardy at Amazing Auto Imports in Richmond is considered to be one of the best importers/dealers here in BC.

This is a good deal for a LWB and what has been done to it mechanically :

http://www.delica.ca/forum/1995-l400-de ... -8282.html

Check it out, talk with Mardy and you'll have a good grasp of which model is best suited for you.

They are all different and each has it's pro's and con's mostly related to seating arrangements and interior space.

[Profister]

I would like to offer a valuable addition to the above posts; it is popular on delicaclub.ru.

[Larry710]

Wow thanks Mr. fibble great information.

jfarsang- Thanks for the dealer recommendation. Next time I am in the Richmond area I will check them out. perhaps if we could test drive one, the wife will be a fan and support the purchase.

And trust me Profister, as a member of other off road forums I understand your google search point. however the Delica are quite specific/ uncommon vehicles; I am aware the information is likely somewhere, but I have a 10 month old baby and my browsing time is limited. for every 10 guys like yourself that give the "search button" answer, there is 1 guy that will take the time to help

[jaggedfish]

As far as the better half is concerned, provided you can get over the hurdle of buying one, it will grow on her. My wife was somewhat hesitant to ride in my L300 but she now has relaxed into it. My 300 has been for sale and I have a 400 on order from Mardy and my wife is very excited about it . We camped in the 300 this year for the first time (the opportunity hadn't arisen before) and loved it! We had a full size queen air bed on top of the folded down seats and it was as comfy as it gets! There was enough space between the mattress and front seats for maneurvering during mid-night bathroom break excursions. With junior along, you could rig additional sleeping across the front seats in a short wheelbase or opt for the long wheelbase and enjoy much extra space. As was mentioned prior tho... departure angles are reduced on the long wheelbase models but a lift would certainly help that to a certain degree and the wheels are further apart. Offroad, it shouldn't disappoint, Delicas in general are pretty impressive - I am surprised every time I go out.

Good luck with your search for the right one. This site is a great resource. I feel we are obligated to pass on useful information we have gained from asking questions ourselves (paying it forward)... sometimes it's just better to ask. We were all newbies at one time and the overall group in general will give friendly and helpful responses.

Cheers!
Ian

[jessef]

As an example, we did the whipsaw trail back in sept.

Stock L400 both SWB and LWB.

It's funny, the LWB actually was better in a few spots due to the longer wheelbase.

Look here :

http://www.delica.ca/forum/whipsaw-4x4- ... 25-60.html

Watching both drivers/L400's from different vantage points while offroading and doing offroading with both myself, when it comes down to it, the LWB will do exactly what the SWB will do. You just have a lot more room inside.

When I have kids, I will have a long wheel base without question.

[gramadin]

When I bought my Pajero 6 months ago my wife didn't wanted to ride in it, now she takes it for a drive every time she have a chance:-).
Anyway this is the right place to get advice on a Delica.
Good luck.

[Larry710]

Hello again, It has been awhile since I started the post. I am embarrassed to say I haven't bought a Delica yet ;(

We ended up purchasing a house, which has side tracked swapping the Xterra for the past year.

I really want to join you guys one of these weekends, on a off road excursion, to see for myself the limitations on the Delicas; and to ask questions face to face.

If you guys don't mind, I will keep checking the events page for the Lower mainland and plan to meet?
(FYI, I live in Sechelt. If anyone wanted to hit the sunshine coast...)

[jaggedfish]

GASP!!! No Delica yet?
I am fully understanding the priorities you are going thru. Been there done that.
If you don't manage to hook up with anyone before, I will be at my place close by in Davis Bay for the Christmas week with my L400. You are more than welcome to check out my bus and ask as many questions as you want. We are in the process of trying to get back to BC, specifically the Sunshine Coast full time... so beautiful there!
Cheers!
Ian

[jessef]

on a off road excursion, to see for myself the limitations on the Delicas

you mean what are limitations of an Xterra compared to an L400. The L400 is more versatile. The L400's can do the whipsaw trail. If you need something more than that offroad, then you'll be in the market for a rock crawler Jeep or similar.