Delica vs Toyota Hiace?

[BigBirdy]

Ok, I know this might be a contentious question, but my partner and I are looking for a VERY 4x4 capable camper van and have been looking at both and although we have found some great looking Hiace's fully camperized, there seems to be far more Delica's on the raod and possible an issue with servicing for the Hiace's (not many shops for instance, who work on the Hiace).

Thoughts, suggestions, opinions?

[Big-Bird]

The Hi-ace gas engine is the same as many domestic toyota models. The Hiace itself shares many parts with other Toyota truck (2wd and 4wd) platforms.

If you get a diesel model hiace the parts are easy to obtain but finding the right diesel tech would be the challenge. There are more generally JDM toyota techs in BC and Alberta than Mitsu techs......The Hilux Surf (AKA 4-Runner), VX80 (AKA Landcruiser) and Prado's have been popular imports for a longer period than the Delica's and these are the models that share lots of parts....

The Mitsu L300 and L400 are both available in camperized models but you have to hit the right auction site to see larger selections. The price of a caperized version is 60-70% higher than a non-camperized model.....(crazy right?!)

If you want something bigger look at the Mitsubishi Canter/Fuso in a camper conversion. Both truck platforms were both sold in the US and Canada as flatdecks or cube delivery units and yes the drivetrains are the same! But they are heavy ...1.5ton and up and more money! (expect 22-30K landed)