Need Some Info!

[Mohjoh]

Hey there all you Delica freaks!
I'm looking to buy a Delica and am totally overwhelmed with all the possibilities.
Just learning about cars, smitten with the Delicas and totally overwhelmed with all the possibilites.
Here are the things that are important to me:
-fuel efficiency
-safe family vehicle- kids and dogs etc.
-solid for off-roading, winter conditions in the mountains
-good for long-ass roadtrips, can be used as/converted into living space
-reliable

Things I'm worried about with the Delica
-expensive to fix, hard to get parts, especially abroad
-easily flippable

I would definitely prefer manual transmission for better control and captain's seats, because they're rad. Also want a low roof because we take a lot of ferries and I would hate to have to pay oversize every time. Aside from that, I am having a hard time wading through all the potential specs and what's what. Ideally, I'd like to pay no more than 9000$ all told, and preferably closer to 7000$

Been waffling between importing and buying something already in BC, seems like there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Am also having a hard time figuring out why the prices vary so much and what's reasonable!

So I guess I'm looking for some sage advice and potential leads from the 'experts' (ie. you guys!)
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch

[jaggedfish]

Hey Mohjoh,

There's a lot you can learn from spending a bunch of time on this website and everyone's opinions will differ slightly. I will try to offer up a few opinions of my own for you here....

Fuel efficiency... L300 gets about 500km to approximately 50 to 55 litres of fuel... smaller motor, less power, not fast on big hills. The L400 gets about 400 to 450 km on approxiamtely 50 to 55 litres of fuel... bigger motor, intercooled turbo, more power, better speeds on big hills.

Safety for dogs and children? I don't imagine these are any different from other vehicles other than the passengers (read kids and dogs) exit the vehicle on the road side rather than the curb side. Dogs tend not to be able to open doors so you just need to educate the kids to wait for mom and dad to let them out safely.

Solid for off-roading and winter conditions in the mountains? Hell yes. Still need to use common sense and travel with a buddy and keep lots of self-recovery gear handy if you are alone. There are lots of videos on YouTube... mine are under username Jaggedfish.

Reliability is a loaded topic. You must remember these are used vehicles and thus can have issues anytime, anywhere. The best importers do a lot of preventative maintenance on their vehicles and include this in their price. In my opinion the best way to buy a Delica. Parts aren't too bad to get especially as you are on the island... CCAuto carries lots of parts and get them to you fast when needed.

Living space is all about how you design it. A long wheelbase L400 gives you much more room. L300 SWB is larger inside than L400 SWB. Mine is set up with a queen bed as are most. A child could sleep across the front seats.

As far as rollover risk goes, that is more about the driver. These things are very stable and are rated to 45 degree sideslope. I've had mine to 35 degrees and that is an uncomfortable feeling. It's more about how you get to that angle that determines the ability to flip. Weight transfer is the big factor.

Most Delicas have auto trannys. I prefer auto myself and the L400 auto is a very strong one. I believe the manuals tend to be weaker. I like the fact that an auto preloads the driveline on steep stuff and there is less jerkiness and more control when crawling. The manual gives you better ability to 'rock' the vehicle if you're in a hole though.

I could go on but must run as I am heading out to the mountains this morning with a couple other Delicas. Hope this sheds some light at least.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hi Mohjoh, welcome to Delica Canada

First place I would recommend you is a thread called "Welcome to Delica Canada: Read This Before You Do Anything." This post will help you to navigate Delica Canada and refine your target options.

Easily flippable? All motor vehicles can be flipped if you try hard enough, that includes Delicas. Here's one trying now:



I have had my wagon at 40 degrees lateral on the side of a hill on the Whipsaw trail and as Jaggedfish mentions, approach angle and weight transfer are a big factor. Drive accordingly.

Falco.

P.S.: I have moved this thread to Member Introductions.

[Mohjoh]

Hey,
Many thanks for your kind and thoughtful replies.
I appreciate hearing personal opinions as it gives me something to chew on.
Will be back with more questions soon, I'm sure.
Happy drivin'!

[chris]

Mohjoh, overheight charges were eliminated on BC Ferries in April 2010 so I wouldn't limit your search to a low roof for that reason. Fuel efficiency is not good, but it's better than a full size SUV or pickup.

Chris