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New to Delicas.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 10:43 am
by fishhead
Hi there my names Nick and i live in Comox BC..I have been looking at buying off road capable vehicles that are also decent on fuel and not outrageously priced...I had decided that i was going to buy a 2012 jeep patriot or compass..until i thought of these Delicas which after looking at a few has really sparked my interest.
So im looking for some info ...im intersted in the fourth generation ..mainly because of the look (if third gens are better in terms of reliability/performance i would buy one)
Which motor is the better model, from what i have read the Diesel is more reliable.
Also is there really antything to be weary about when buying one of these?
Im not sure if this is the right section for this if it is not please move this or let me know if the info im looking for is already posted in a thread.
Thanks
Nick.
Re: New to Delicas.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 11:45 am
by FalcoColumbarius
Welcome to Delica Canada, Nick 
This is the perfect forum to introduce yourself! I drive an L300 low roof and she's been very reliable for me. You will find differing opinions regarding who likes what and why, to be sure. One thing I would like to point out is the L300 is not run by computers and easy to work on. There is a glow plug control unit that times the glow plugs at start up but it's not a full on computer.
The L300 has an 88.5" wheelbase and can drive around a tree; has a mid engine configuration; suspension is fairly even ~ 60% weight on the front axle, 40% on the rear axle empty. The space between the wheel wells is 4'2" and with the cabin seats out you can easily stow 4'x8' sheets of plywood flat. The L300 platform is stable to at least fifty degrees lateral, I have driven my Chamonix along a forty degree slope.
I have driven an L400 but I wouldn't assume to be a scholar on the matter, although I would say this: The suspension strikes me like a pick up and would echo the sentiments of another member, Marsgal ~ the L400 is like driving a car and the L300 is more like a truck. These are my limited observations and I am sure there will be other opinions.
I would recommend going through the technical pages for more experiential information, also the shop manuals, which can be found in "FAQ & Technical Reference Libraries" in Delica Canada Techincal.
Make yourself at home... smiles.
Falco.
Re: New to Delicas.
Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 12:08 pm
by Luisito
L300 all the way!
Just kidding... I think it depends on what you're looking for. My sense is that the L400 has more power, but the critique most often leveled against it is that it looks like a soccer mom vehicle. This is true, though I have seen some pretty awesome looking ones too once they've been mod'd. The L300 has a cool and iconic look to it. I don't know what the truth is in terms of running into problems... seems like both models have all kinds of issues potentially. In any case, they're a lot of fun - I say go for it!
Mine has a rather unique look, check it out:
http://virilesoulcreations.weebly.com/moon-unit.html
Welcome... I mean, JOIN US... :)