OMG what to get? so many choices.

[Beausoleil74]

Hi I'm Jason from Edmonton. I've been researching and reading and ready to get a Delica. I loved the look of them when I taught englis hin Japan many moons ago.

The only problem is that there are so many options in these Delicas, Gas vs diesel, long body vs short . ahhhh the choices. Trolling the posts on those subjects there is no one winner. Of course I was hoping one choice would be vastly better than another but the Delicas seem well made no matter the specs.


I love the big bull guard bumper, captain seats that turn 360 in the second row, sweet crystle lite roof. Is it easier to go for a super exceed?

I was going to base my choice on diesel and long wheel base but now I'm leaning towards the best price with the lowest milage.

thoughts comments?

[thedjjack]

do you want a camper with lots of room or off-road ability? if camping lwb if off-road swb (LWB seem to be less so more $$$ but easier resale maybe)

Glass roof is nice but was a rust issue on the L300 does not seem to be a problem on the L400? personally I do not like it due to smashing a window off-road $$$$$$...I like the KISS theory.

Low mileage not always good...these trucks are 15 years old they should be run... Low mileage that sat around got rust in the cylinders or never run up to temperature (rings not seated properly = problems)

More important is the maintenance and since it is an auction truck you need to look at worked performed landed or buy one that has been here and most problems should be caught...(I would buy here off a private owner who belongs to the forum)..

that is my 2 cents...

[glenn]

Rust IS still a problem with Crystal lite roofs, and with sunroofs on L400s. Plus, the sheet metal on the L400s is so thin the problems seem to get bad quicker.

Having said that - there are rust free ones out there - just be very critical of any sign of rust on the roof. Look closely. One of the identified weak points is between the windscreen and the sunroof. Apparently, there is a weld here that causes issues.

[CREGAN]

Hey Jason- The best way to help decide is to actually see some in the flesh. The gang of Edmonton and area delicas is getting bigger so try to meet with some of us and check them out. We are kind of crap at organizing meets though .

Craig

[Beausoleil74]

Great points and some I never considered. Thanks for the tip on the rust issues. I've found how to read the auction reports and will keep my heads up!
Somehow I'm not so sold on the fancy skylites now. More for camping and not off roading.
For all you Delica Edmonton guys who want to show theirs off I'm on the Northend of town.
I'll bring my Pajero mini so you can gaze upon it's 600cc splendor.

[thedjjack]

L400 there has been a few with rust on the frame under the subframe...few post about it...

[Delicia]

My bias opinion would be to get a L400 diesel swb. I think you get more life out of a diesel, which helps when you are importing a 15yr old vehicle. Lwb is a cool option if you need the extra space but you have less off roading ability unless you lift. I absolutely love my skylights, there is nothing better than being able to camp in the middle of winter and still be able to looking up at the stars while you are falling asleep. They help to heat the car up, which is great in the winter, but it does create a lot of condensation, which is not great.

[nvanadm]

I'm a bit biased as I own a super exceed crystal lite, but if you like camping its kind of nice to go to sleep with the shades open on a nice summer night. Actually it's fun when it's pouring rain too. I was lucky to get a perfect L300 though.
My personal opinion

[Rattlenbang]

The first time you lean back in your super exceed with the moon shining through the roof, listening to some great music, you'll never regret going for the glass top van.

[thedjjack]

standing up inside the Delica to change, cook, or move around makes up for having a glass top

[josh]

standing up inside the Delica to change, cook, or move around makes up for having a glass top

You should have used plexiglass instead of fiberglass = best of all worlds.
*and heck, you could grow your own produce at the same time.

josh.

[Beausoleil74]

You guys are pretty amazing.

[Beausoleil74]

https://picasaweb.google.com/sean.baert ... directlink

Made my choice and won my auction. Just waiting for it to ship.

[dah_hunter]

Nice Van..

very clean (What else would you get from Mark)

[glenn]

Looks beautiful. Delayed gratification is great. Are you picking it up here, or getting it shipped?