Need reasons to purchase a Delica!

[wookie]

I am wanting to buy a Delica but I need a few good reasons to give my wife so that she will see that it's a good idea. I know that the 2.5 L diesel is fuel efficient and it looks cool. Need a few more!

[Ozibatla]

Just tell her they're sweet!

[mararmeisto]

Show her pictures and have her to imagine how she would look cruising in it. Cool baby, ya!

Seriously though, one of the biggest selling points for me (after I did a lot of research) was cost: here's a roughly 10k$ vehicle that is in much better shape than the majority of vehicles half its age, both mechanically and trim-wise (clean, not a lot of rust, if any).

Of course, it primarily depends what you 'need' this vehicle for: hauling around kids, 4X4 in the back woods, towing about a small utility trailer, etc. If you can sell her on a solid reason, the cool factor is just a bonus.

[impalator]

And make sure, when you buy one, that the cooling system (radiator, waterpump, thermostat, hoses) are thoroughly checked out before embarking on a road trip.... but other than that... Delica's are cool!

[The Pinkfingers]

We bought ours after looking for something to replace our minivan - and a huge bonus is that's it's NOT a minivan.

If you're looking for something in the minivan category (to haul gear or kids or a trailer) then simply do a fair comparison. The Delica comes out on top pretty much all the time (unless you're looking for something soccer-mom-ish). If you're looking for something in the 4x4 category, the delica holds its own. If you're looking for something in the unique category, the delica wins hands down. If you're looking for something in the speed and horse power category, don't get a delica.

Reasons why to get a delica:

- It's 4x4 when you need it (winter snow)
- It's thousands less $$$
- It's diesel (better environmental impact than similar gas engines)
- It's diesel (lasts waaaaay longer than gas engines)
- It's diesel (can be run on vegetable oil!)
- Even now, NA car manufacturers are just catching up to some of the features that were in the delica (like swivel seats, hot / cold box, etc)
- So far, it holds its value really well. If you buy one for $10,000, chances are if you take good care of it, in 2 years you could sell it for $10,000 (maybe more if you put alot of work into it).

Typical reasons why people think they should not buy a delica are:

1. The look - for some it takes a while to grow on them - but it always does, especially after owning and appreciating them.

2. Right hand drive - it will make no difference to you after a day of driving it. As long as you follow the common sense driving habits, there will be no difference safety-wise. Besides, the delica is so high you can see over most other cars.

3. Parts and service - people think parts are hard to come by, but they're not, since (a) the parts are already in a bunch of other North American Dodge cars; and (b) there are hundreds of delicas on the road now - especially in BC. You just need to find an able mechanic who is not intimidated by delicas - lots of people on this forum could give you recommendations

4. The age (15+ years old) - as previously mentioned, these vehicles are in such good condition when they arrive (Japan has VERY strict standards for vehicles on their roads) that they are in better condition than many 3-4 year old vehicles here. If you use the right importer / dealer, they even guarantee no rust. You just have to make sure that someone does a full inspection and maintenance when it arrives, to replace belts, fluids, etc. Spend the money for that up front - you will never regret it.

[marsgal42]

The Delica has excellent on-road manners, is useful off-road, and is very comfortable. It approaches Range Rover territory.

It's also cool, and a hoot to drive...

...laura

[wookie]

Thanks all, your input is appreciated! I think she's sold!

[glenn]

Although I may be preaching to the converted - if you have kids, these pictures say it all - they love the high ride/low windows/skylights. Nothing else compares. (we don't drive with the seats turned around anymore though - even though I think its safer in most situations, the law requires the kids to use shoulder belts when they are available, and facing backwards there is only a lap belt).

[rdub]

They got the funk.