Big-Bird wrote:Sweet ride.....I wanted a Safari more than the Delica but the price point between the 2 makes the Deli a better buy IMHO.
No contest. The Safari is the less expensive vehicle. It's a misconception.
First, comparing L400's to Safari's is grapes to watermelons. The L400 has a place with me just like the L300, Paj and Safari's. They are just all very different animals so comparing is not the best way to look at it. IMO, owning them all in a nice big garage would be the most sensible solution
Price point is not really relevant unless you only look at the initial cost or look no further.
The difference in price in Japan between a solid L400 and Safari is between 100,000 lowside -300,000 highside yen. So for $2,000 more, you get a Safari that will outlast 3-4 L400's in it's lifetime. This is if you are only comparing the cost.
In the long run, my L400's were all more costly than the Safari because the maintenance is much higher but I expect the Safari to last until the engine dies (1,000,000+km's) or the frame rusts(unlikely) or it gets into an accident(knock on wood).
The typical grade 3.5 Safari needs tires, headlights ($30 ea) and brakes when it hits Canada.
The typical grade 3.5 L400 needs tires, headlights ($$$), brakes, shocks, suspension parts, cooling system parts, etc..
There are many exceptions to the rule but I'm talking about the average.
For approx. $8-10,000 you can have a landed great condition Safari. Now that we have 95/96's, most are 12V with factory turbo's so mods are not necessary.
The initial cost landed will be $2,000 or so higher for a Safari but the mechanical/oop will be a lot less compared to a fresh L400.
The running cost of a Safari is dirt cheap. oil changes every 5k, injectors every few years, brakes whenever you needs them. That's it. The L400 requires much more dollars on an initial and ongoing basis to keep it in the same mechanical condition.
Big difference between the two for longterm costs (2+ years of ownership).
The Safari in dollar value spent wins hands down.
Some examples of cheap Safari's with factory turbo's in the past month sold in Japan between $5-7,000 landed in Canada.
Which would make these one's below a few thousand $'s cheaper than any comparable L400 once it's done up in Canada. You just have to keep your eyes on the auctions or have your importer do it for you.
A) addon to auction cost: 237,000 (100,000 exporter fee + 137,000 shipping)
Safari 1A sold for 290,000 + A = 527,000 = $6,900 landed
Safari 2A sold for 290,000 + A = 527,000 = $6,900 landed
Safari 3A sold for 150,000 + A = 387,000 = $5,100 landed
Safari 4A sold for 275,000 + A = 512,000 = $6,700 landed
Safari 4A sold for 300,000 + A = 537,000 = $7,100 landed
