Dealer Identification

[KlemWild]

Hi Everyone,

1st post here as I'm trying to buy into the Delica Nation!

I'm looking at a 1993 Exceed (although posted on craigslist as a Super Exceed) with a MT. I think it's a good deal, although I'm worried a bit about what looks like rust on the tailgate. I don't know who the dealer is. Could someone give me a heads up if they've done business with this group?

The dealer number is 30832 and here is the link to the ad http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/844306373.html

Thanks for your help.

I hope I'm driving one soon.

KlemWild (Courtenay)

[delicat]

I was curious so I just call the number. I didn't get a good impression. The fellow said it's a private sale but if you wanted the advertised warranty he'd sell it through a dealer. He didn't seem to know to well the Delica, the add proves it! (I think he couldn't wait for me to hang up with all my specific questions!). It hasn't been serviced locally (which can cost up to $2000) so you'd be taking a big chance.

So personally I'd keep looking, give MaryDelica a call or any of the other good dealers we have locally. Don't hesitate to PM if you need help!

Good luck,
David

[KlemWild]

Thanks David,

I hope some others might have some insight as well.

Karl

[jessef]

Same opinion as David. Called him up. He wasn't very polite.

The lack of knowing 'his' own vehicle and no service been done locally raises flags. Especially about the dealer option.

Would not even care to look at after the conversation.

[KlemWild]

Thanks Guys,

This is great having people that'll help out like this.

Unless I can get it for serious cheap, I guess I'll keep looking.

KlemWild

[konadog]

Don't hesitate to make an appointment with ccautos for a pro check over before you commit to buying it - If the guy won't let you then don't buy it. If you take it down there then Glen and the lads can have a good sniff over and give you an idea of the cost of the refit it'll need so you will know what you're getting into. And don't rush, there are plenty of delicas out there looking for homes

[jessef]

Thanks Guys,

This is great having people that'll help out like this.

Unless I can get it for serious cheap, I guess I'll keep looking.

KlemWild

It's not necessarily better to buy one cheap (8-9k) and end up putting (2k avg) into it as opposed to buying one from a reputable dealer/person with the work already done to it.

Comes down to money but for what it's worth, most sub-10,000 delica's I've seen need some kind of work whether it's minor/major sooner rather than later. Of course, there's always exceptions but for the most part a solid, needs-nothing-for-a-long-time Delica will run 12-13k.

[Profister]

Absolutely true. I paid 10.5k for mine and spent another $6000 on repairs and replacements to get peace of mind driving it. Next time I will buy a vehicle fully serviced in CC Autos only.

[KlemWild]

Thanks everyone,

I've also been looking at the Tyee Imports site. They have Delicas for less and make no bones that they need the work done elsewhere. I've talked with Reid's auto here in Courtenay and they've done a bunch of work on Delicas and Pajeros. Has anyone had any experience with them?

KlemWild

[konadog]

It's not necessarily better to buy one cheap (8-9k) and end up putting (2k avg)

That's exactly what we did and after 7 months and 12,000km we're still really happy with the deal. And while we foolishly did not have ccautos look at it before we made the deal, I did take advantage of Glen's generous spirit and bend his ear on the phone for a half hour first, so having them do an overhaul straight away was part of the plan with the expectation that it would cost about 2 grand. They went through the usual list and did stuff the honest-but-new-to-delicas-importer missed. We've had a couple of little things to deal with since, but nothing scary. The most important thing, I think, is that as a buyer you know what you are getting into.

I've also been looking at the Tyee Imports site.

Btw, when we were looking Grant at Tyee had no issue at all with taking the bus to ccautos for a check over before you buy. We didn't see anything we liked there then, but liked the honest approuch.

[KlemWild]

Thanks for that,

That's cool that they let you take it for a mechanic look before you bought. I'm not sure how'd they respond if I wanted to take their vehicle from Coquitlam to Coombs, although if Grant is okay taking it from Campbell River to CCAuto then maybe it would work. It would certainly help in the negotiation process.

I guess I'll have to try and see and then free up a day or two for ferries and driving and such.

KlemWild

[optimus prime]

Go to Glen. . 10k - 12k later there I was with him anyways. Wish I would have gone there first. Missed some decent waves on the coast.


Quoting his exact words. " You pay now or you pay later". and later is always more expensive.

He leaves you with peace of mind.

[dfnder]

From what I have seen while looking for a vehicle to buy is that most are priced in the 9.5 to 11k range. This is not a large variance considering that these prices include private sales and dealer sales. If you are buying localy personally I would go with the extra $500 bucks or so and go through an established "gaurentee" type dealer that has a good reputation as that is a small price to pay. (there are a few to choose from)

The following is my oppinion and relates to the car industry and not specifically delica's;

From browsing "a prospective buyer" sees the price range and thinks that all vehicles selling for that price are equal. Not so!

-Some sellers are selling vehicles that need work for the going price and will be all to ready to move on to the next hot commodity that shows up. In my mind I see these people as primarily concerned with profit margins.
-Other sellers want to make a name for themselves and stand by their vehicle's to capture repeat customers. To do this they do the work that is necesary and are up front and stand behind what they sell. I see these people as those who enjoy what they do and prolly have pride in their business and how they deal with people.

In the end you need to go with what you feel is right. Personaly I bought a vehicle through auction in Japan using a contact of a friend. But then I have always been a bit of a gambler and I just thought this is what I wanted/needed to do for myself

[quadzilla]

I bought from Tyee and for a pretty fair price, but still had to replace the timing belt, all belts, rad hoses, glow plugs and glow plug controller, etc. I probably spent around 2200 - 2500 on engine-related work, shocks, sway bar bushings, etc and the van is running very well - but I do owe a lot to the fellas at Coombs Country Autos - so kudos to them. I expected this knowing the source of the vehicle, so it is good to enter into the agreement with your eyes wide open.

Grant at Tyee makes no bones about the fact that he does little more than compliance the vehicles, so at least you know what you are getting. I am not so certain about the impartiality that Reid claims. If you buy from them, take the van to CCA, spend a bit more, and drive with peace of mind. It will be worth it as you will have a super cool, well-running van that should require little more than the regular maintenance.

Oh yeah - if you do buy from Tyee, replace the battery - they are prone to putting in batteries that are too small for the Delica.

Good Luck.

[marsgal42]

As with so many other things, if there is the slightest doubt, the answer is No.

There are very good dealers out there who specialize in Delicas, bring over quality vehicles, and know how to look after them. Use one.

...laura