Buying a used L400

[ondra]

Hi,

looking into buying a used L400 (1996, low roof, diesel) that was imported and modified by the seller. I have just a basic knowledge of cars and had previously bought a lemon. Will try to arrange an inspection at CVI or Werner's, but still, what should I look at to figure out, if it's a solid deal or not?

Thanks a lot,

Ondra

[thelazygreenfox]

3 questions...
How was it modified, any pictures?

How mechanical are you?

Where are you?

Good luck
TLWF

[ondra]

I'm in Vancouver metro area.

Will do the pics today, the car was modified and road legal (BC) a year ago.

Mechanical just a bit, exchanged the thermostat, brake pads, sway bar links and other minor stuff on my previous car.

3 questions...
How was it modified, any pictures?

How mechanical are you?

Where are you?

Good luck
TLWF

[ondra]

Have seen the car today.

It's just the basic short base, low roof, no sunroofs, nothing extra version.

When he started the engine (I was told it didn't go anywhere during the holidays), it took couple seconds to actually start and a blow of grey smoke came out of exhaust. Once it got running the smoke disappeared (no longer than 10 s). Went for a drive, 4wd engaged and disengaged smoothly, shifting without problems, braking excellent, handling as well. In 10 minutes the engine was in running temp and went back to his place. Tried to start the engine two more times (took a video) and it was a bit harsh compared to another Delica I drove yesterday, but no smoke this time (see video here https://plus.google.com/photos/11734928 ... 5052931207). Was told, that the engine eats a bit of oil (200 ml for 2,5k). There are snow tires, but they are pretty worn.

Arranged a 3rd party inspection for tomorrow morning at MIJ in PoCo, stopped at the place today and talked to Taka about the smoke, his thoughts are around glow plugs or fuel injectors.

So here are some pics, thanks for any thoughts and comments, will be much appreciated!

[sgilwb]

Looks a little rusty to me. Mardi at Amazing Auto has a similar one for $8600 but it has new tires and a lot of other bits and has a 1 year warranty. Plus it only has 46k on it. If yours is the one in the craigslist ad for $7800 you'd be WAY better off to give Mardi a call!

[ondra]

Yup, thats the one. The Mardi's car does not come with the warranty though. Will give him a call. Thanks a lot!

Looks a little rusty to me. Mardi at Amazing Auto has a similar one for $8600 but it has new tires and a lot of other bits and has a 1 year warranty. Plus it only has 46k on it. If yours is the one in the craigslist ad for $7800 you'd be WAY better off to give Mardi a call!

[FalcoColumbarius]

Have seen the car today.

It's just the basic short base, low roof, no sunroofs, nothing extra version.

Minor detail ~ the Space Gear never came in a short wheel base (that I am aware of), when it says "SWB", it stands for "Standard Wheel Base". The SWB L400 is 110", axle to axle, which is a typical long wheel base. The reason they used "standard" wheel base is because of the other option, that being the Longer Wheel Base. If you look through the shop manual it is spelled out there (to differentiate between the two types of L400).

Falco.

[mac_stang]

The "wheel base's" are the same for both, the longer is longer after the axle, quite noticeable actually. Falco, I think he refered to the two just fine...ours is the SWB-short wheel base.

Brad.

[islander20]

I was under the impression that the long wheel was 118" from axle to axle, and that the body was also longer...I ended up getting a LWB, very happy with it, it is enormous.