opinions on lifted Deli's and High km's

Nisseman · Post by **Nisseman** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:48 pm

Hi there, I've been reading the site for a while now as I'm actively shopping for a Delica. There aren't too many posts on the site I haven't read. I would like to request anyones opinions on Deli's that have been lifted and also units that have slightly higher km's on them. I'm eyeing a couple in the 140 to 150k range. I've been told the lower km units have been idled around a lot and may be in good shape as far as running gear goes but the engines in the higher km units may actually run better and fewer seal and pump issues. Always happy to hear anyone elses thoughts.
Thanks.

Post by **BCDelica** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:59 pm

Just one quick thought to ponder, my newest Delica was bought with just 60,000km and almost no rust anywhere. At 80,000 I have really noticed that all bushings and boots are pretty much shot. This is not surprising as I learned the van history and it sat for 8 years or more. Goes in next Thursday to change all the spongy bits we can. Also it has a leaky fuel pump; of course not well running on veggie.

I think you may be right, the miles don't mean everything.

Regards,
Kev

MardyDelica · Post by **MardyDelica** » Thu May 03, 2007 11:36 pm

Hi, i think low mileage has more advantage than higher mileage,when it comes to wear & tear on engine & transmission, it depend which place in japan the delica came from. if in tokyo or yokohama it probably worn out cause of congested city traffic in idle, but if it out of the city further south like Kyushu its o.k. cause they runs mostly highway.
its just it depend on the condition of the vehicle. but no matter what kms on it low or high mileage this delica need a full service attention when you put this delica in the road. you just have to find a good mechanic who can fix & service your delica. :)

EnviroImports.com · Post by **EnviroImports.com** » Fri May 04, 2007 8:51 am

Hello, I think its a case of 6 of one and half dozen of the other, I have a lifted Delica on its way that has 110000Km on it and Ive had the timing belt looked at and its in great shape mechanicaly and cosmeticaly its flawless, but some of the ones with super low km's on it, look amazing but the timing belt looks like it has 250000K and most mechanical things are worn out, but really it has alot to do with chance, go with your gut and get as much info as you can on it.
I have one for sale with only 64000Km on it and it was babied in japan as I know the previous owner (no not trying to sneek in a sales pitch) the mechanic here said it was the nicest he has ever seen come though his shop and he does mosty japanes imports now.
I guess my advice comes down to wear some grubby clothes if you get to see the van befor buying and crawl under it and look for signs of wear and repair........try to get a mechanic to vew it that has a history of working on or at least inspecting them so they know what they are actually seeing and not the "oh sure ive worked on dozens of them" when they dont even know where the oil goes.

Good luck and happy hunting
Noel

MardyDelica · Post by **MardyDelica** » Fri May 04, 2007 8:48 pm

Hi, you said 110,000 kms & timing belt is still good,is that what kotaro your contact in japan told you, i dont know what to say, but i guess maybe they already change it, its impossible having 110,000 kms & the belt is still good, maybe they did not tell you, that the previous owner change the belt.i have been working with many delica & most of them has crack in the belt. specially the balance shaft belt thats always crack. so maybe they miss it. you might ask kotaro about it as i meet kotaro here in Vancouver. Its impossible, Just sharing thru my experience with delica.
Cheers :)

EnviroImports.com · Post by **EnviroImports.com** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:13 pm

Yes I agree that the timing belt would have been changed, but I like that it has been well taken care of and ive had it checked top to bottom, what scares me is ones that are imported and have been neglected , Some show up with the timing belt ready to fall off , leaking injection pumps, bushings worn out...ect..., I dont think i said the mine has the milage on it and that is the original belt and everything, but that its in amazing condition.
Right now today I was speaking with a lady that wants a delica or a surf, and was told she could buy either right away befor it was inspected and she would just have to cover the aditional costs, Well if it was me I would be running scared the OTHER way. anything could be wrong with them . Im not trying to scare anyone away from anything that is hight or low milage, just cover your butt, and get as informed as possible.
Oh and where is Kotaro, I need to speak with him and he is not on msn the last couple days, So now that you know who I am, and you know who he is , who are you?

MardyDelica · Post by **MardyDelica** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:25 pm

Hi,i see,you know when buying this use car there is always a risk since we cannot see all this units, we basically relay on our contact. as for kotaro, your contact, i dont know,his kind of busy since hes just starting his new business. i meet him in richmond in my shop to talk business. thats why i know him. i told him i might try to get some cars from him but very slow on response on business issue cannot do it. as for me i am importer of used car from japan & supply some local dealer here in B.C. & Alberta
Cheers :)

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:49 am

it comes down to care, if it has been looked after then any milage is fine... i have seen Delicas at auction with over 400,000 reported...

most that will run down lower km units are those that do not sell them. of course this will cause many to shop for lower km units...duh.

for me, there is more than just milage to consider. body condition speaks volumns, if the owner neglected the body then he probably neglected the drivetrain as well.

the higher the milage the more wear and tear the unit will be exposed to.

if the lift is installed properly then a lifted Delica woudl be a cool purchase but DO YOUR HOMEWORK. make sure you can get a lifted Delica through the OOP in your area.

cheers

Nisseman · Post by **Nisseman** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:18 am

Thanks for all the input to my post.
Crusher, how would I go about my "homework" ? What exactly am I looking for in a lift done correctly? Is any of this detailed information supposed to be available before the vehicle arrives in B.C.?
I've been reading up on all the mods and there seems to be a lot of various opinions on the best way to lift your Deli. The big split seems to be between re-arching and longer shackles. Seems to me longer shocks, higher durometer sway bar bushings and driveline angles would be the key issues whether you re-arch or change shackles. Bottom line is how bad does a 2-3" lift affect driveline and steering component life on these
Deli's. I like the idea of a lift but I also would like this vehicle to give me several hundred thousand kilometers of service without constant drivetrain issues. Any thoughts?

crushers · Post by **crushers** » Sat May 05, 2007 4:22 pm

phone a couple inspection shops and ask what they will look for with the lift.

if you want a reliable unit then buy the least km unit with in your budget, add a pyro and over sized exhaust and drive accordingly doing your routine maitenance accordign to schedual. and you will have a unit that will last a long time...
just my opinion of course
cheers

James@JDM · Post by **James@JDM** » Thu May 10, 2007 12:23 pm

crushers wrote: if you want a reliable unit then buy the least km unit with in your budget, add a pyro and over sized exhaust and drive accordingly doing your routine maitenance accordign to schedual. and you will have a unit that will last a long time...
just my opinion of course
cheers

Sage advice.

Also secondary to wayne's comment, km's should not be the deciding factor, I can show you many cars I have exported from Japan (not just deli's) that have done low k's and are in terriable condition, and high k' vehicles which are immaculate.

But as a general rule the advice above is good to go buy.