Having doubts a Deli is right for me. Pls tell me I'm wrong

[dlibbey]

Hello all,

Would love a Delica. In many ways it is a great fit for my family. Have test driven an L400 at RightDrive, Vaughn, Ontario. Have been researching like crazy. My concerns that this may not be right for me: I have only street parking, and that is on the other side of the street, so no possibility of plugging in a block heater in the winter where we get at least a dozen days/winter of -20 C (Toronto); with a young family and being self-employed (anybody need a caterer?), I don't have a lot of time to spend on a vehicle, and, being a 1-car family we definitely can't afford for it to be out of commission waiting for parts or other.

Can anybody objectively convince me that these concerns are unfounded? If so, I may be a Delica owner next week. Otherwise I may have to go with a Ford (ugh) Freestyle.

Cheers,
dlibbey

[Yokohama]

I can not speak for the L400, but I have a USA-spec L300 (4G64 Gasoline, rear wheel drive, 4-speed automatic). I love the Delica as it is very dependable!!! As long as it is good condition and had fluid changes (differential(s), transmission, engine, brakes, etc.), it should be great. Also, make sure the timing belt has been done or is not close to the service range. The timing belts on the L300 is not that hard, but I am uncertain about the L400. I would presume it would also not be that hard.

The 4G64 engine is a dependable engine and I have never had a problem with it. The 4G64 is a popular choice for modifications for power, so if the L400 you are looking at has a 4G64, I would think that serving as transport for a catering business would be easy for it. As for cold starting, The gasoline 4G64 starts with no problems even in very cold weather. We had a major cold period and it started up with maybe just a little more cranking. My recommendation is to equip it with a Optima Red Top battery. The Red Top will never fail you as long as you don't leave the lights on and drain it even in extremely cold temperatures. Also, running Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5w40 is my recommendation for motor oil for all seasons. (see my posts here for more information on why: http://www.delica.ca/forum/turbo-timer- ... tml#p77490 )

As for the 4D56(T) engine, I don't have experience with it. I can say that it seems dependable and will start in very cold temperatures as long as you have good glow plugs, and know the starting procedure. The use of the Optima Red Top is also recommended.

Of course, one reason for getting these vans is the space you get on the inside! I can fit a major amount of luggage inside my L300, and I presume the L400 is like this also. I like how the forward back seats are on rails for easy relocation. Also, the rear bench seat is easily removed!
Also, these vans are so easy to park. With the cab-over design of the L300, I can make an extremely tight turn and even parallel parking is easy! The L400 does not look bad for parking, but maybe not as easy as the L300. Still, probably better than other vans.

You should try an L300 also, just to see how it feels. Then buy the one you like. Also, be sure to ask the forum members here about the best places to buy and prices you should be paying. Some dealers ask way too much for these vans is my understanding. Also, you maybe able to find someone here who could come and inspect any van you are looking at. If I was close to you I would do it, but I am way far away.
One more thing, be sure to check out the classifieds section here for vans for sale, or post a wanted ad. And of course, there is craigslist and other sites (ebay, etc.).

Good luck, and if you buy one be sure to have fun with it and stay active on the forums!!!

[tonydca]

Here's my take on the L400 after a little over a year:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/new-delica-h ... tml#p73451

Like any used vehicle, maintenance is key, but then you knew that already. As such I've had work done on the vehicle, but nothing outrageous, it has never stranded me, and I am very happy with it.

PM me if you want specifics.

[jessef]

For a family/single vehicle, the L400 with the 2.8 diesel is a very good choice.

Like others said and what is common knowledge, is that maintenance is key (to any vehicle new/used).

As for cold winters, my sister's L400 in whistler starts up every morning regardless of temps 0 to -40/wind chill.

The reason for the reliable cold start is a few things :

First and foremost, your cooling system should have been replaced (not serviced - replaced). New radiator, waterpump, thermostat and coolant expansion bottle are mandatory for a properly operating/serviced L400. These cooling system items are necessary and key to a healthy L400, especially in cold climates.

I put 0W40 synthetic oil for winter use and remove the stock bus bar (glowplug bar) and replace with either individual 10 gauge wire spliced to each glowplug or an aftermarket heavy duty bus bar + use 6-10 gauge wire between the battery -> solenoid -> glow plugs.

It took a few winters, but finally came up with the best solution if you don't have access to a block heater/plug source.

Combining the above, I now have my sister's L400 dialed in to start between -30/-40 with no hickup's.

[tonydca]

With synthetic oil, new glow plugs and even without the wiring mods that Jesse mentions (which I think are a great idea), mine has started first crank at -12 on several occasions.

If you are realy concerned about the cold starts, might also want to make sure your battery is in good shape; search the forums for "Odyssey" (the battery not the minivan). I think mine is getting a bit tired, so that'll probably be the next upgrade for me.

[surfhunter]

You might also want to find yourself solid insurance as well, before you buy it. Being in Ontario it can be a problem. Call the companies directly and avoid brokers, they are a joke. I went with Personal, $550 a year full coverage. I had to jump through hoops to get it though so dont be discouraged if they say no.

As for cold weather starting - I dont have a block heater, simply put in zero weight oil and no problem, Im in Kingston and its been cold this winter, some days in the -30 range with the windchill. Fresh batteries are also the key.

Remember, your getting a vehicle that is rare in these parts and with that you need to expect delays if your vehicle craps out on you. Its also a diesel and Im sure you have noticed that diesel aint cheap these days, fuel ecomomy also isnt all that good in the city so......... ( Im basing that on my L300 )

Its a personal choice really, if it were me and I needed a vehicle for my own buisness to make money to feed my family and pay the rent and it was my only vehicle, I would buy a brand new gasser and have peace of mind. Thats me though.

I do however LOVE my Jasper L300, its been the best vehicle for my Wife and I because we do alot of road trips and we can sleep in the back if required. Its a very unique vehicle but I have accepted if something were to go wrong I would be walking to work probably longer if I were to own a modern North American ride.

Anyways - good luck on your choice.

[delicioso!]

with any jdm, it's a chance you just have to take after you've done all your research and made sure that the particular delica you want has good maintenance history and checks out all around.
i think you'll be fine. g'luck with the outcome!

[fab 1]

These Delicas come from Japan, and are used extensively in mountain areas, a lot of the ski and winter resorts use them as transport.
So o would not worry about cold just take normal precautions and if posable get one already fitted with snow pack (duel batt heated seats etc)

[surfhunter]

Actually - in addition to my last post. Since your out in the Toronto area below is a link to parts and service in case you do break down and need a fix.

http://rightdriveparts.com/index.html

[fexlboi]

Actually - in addition to my last post. Since your out in the Toronto area below is a link to parts and service in case you do break down and need a fix.
http://rightdriveparts.com/index.html

Their prices are way to high, so don't bother and order your parts from the west coast. Most of the importers would probably even send it to you over night in case of an emergency.

For the most basic stuff you can also go straight to Lordco: http://www.delica.ca/forum/lordco-cross ... -9714.html

[delicioso!]

Actually - in addition to my last post. Since your out in the Toronto area below is a link to parts and service in case you do break down and need a fix.

http://rightdriveparts.com/index.html

...which is also the same company he might pick one up from ;)

but yeah, mitsu/fuso dealers have maint. parts as well, and the calipers can be bought easy from mitsu usa for cheap, same as what's in montero's/pajeros.., etc.

hey dilby, what'd you think of that l400 at rightdrive?

[surfhunter]

yeah - I just saw that its the same place

So there you go, you have a parts source and a mechanic. Pricey yup but I suppose thats the price of "parts on location". You can get the parts shipped but your obviously gonna pay for it. Lordo, they really need to open a few in Ontario. Mitsu dealers for parts ? Here ? Good one, I tried that once and was told there is no such vehicle, thats after I gave them OEM part numbers, for rad hoses of all things.

Anyways - your in TO, with a parts source and a mechanic who should know the vehicle. Im sure with the prices they are charging for the JDMs they are offering some type of warrenty ? Biggest thing now you should be concerned with is finding insurance, and dont let anyone tell you that you need to pay over 2 grand a year for it, its BS. The lowest a "broker" could find me was $2400 through facility, I found my own for 2 grand less.

Again, its obviously a personal choice, they are cool rigs and they make heads turn, especially in Ontario.

[dlibbey]

Once again, thanks for the responses.

Delicioso: loved the L400. Right front tire was low so it was diving a bit when i turned left, but loved the feel of it. also the brightness with the crystal lite roof open. Almost as bright as riding my motorcycle. Will take a longer test drive this week: want to make sure the seat will be comfortable for long drives - found it a bit small. Noticed much yellowing on a fluid container, will ask that be changed. Also no heat, saleman said he thinks the thermostat needs to be changed. This L400 was apparently owned in BC, driven here and traded in at RightDrive. Contemplating going through the import process to get exactly what I want. Due to the amount of hwy. driving i do, i want cruise control.

Will find out what insurance rate i can get before buying, as well advised.

Cheers,
dlibbey

[DelicaMark]

Sounds like the one you drove needs all of the preventative maintence done. If I was to bet this van will leave you stranded somewhere.

Likely needs a good $1500-$2000 worth of work. Rad, hoses, water pump, thermostat, new front seal in ip.....these are a must if you want any level of confidence in the van.

Anything is fixable on these just depends how kmuch you are willing to pay.

Please ask around more and talk to Mardy or some of the other dealers out here before buying this van. I guarantee a rig from Mardy will likely be less and as best you can get to trouble free.

-Mark

[jessef]

You might be better off buying an already landed and driven (broken in canadian style) L400 in BC with all the typical maintenance done to it and either driving it back home or throwing it on a train. A number of people go with this route and have been happy (feedback on the forum) Amazing Auto Imports and Assiniboine advertise as shipping Delica's regularily across Canada.

I am not implying that there are no good L400's (serviced properly) back east. Just letting you know there are other options that you can think about as well. It's good to have more than one option/place to shop.

righthanddrive parts , their parts are very expensive. I enquired and didn't receive a response on four occasions which is odd.

If you look/ask around, many Delica owners in AB to PEI get their parts from BC.