Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

I think you other D-owners can sympathize, but I have this weird, inexplicable attraction to the Delica. However, after surfing these forums for a little while, I noticed A LOT of people commenting on technical/mechanical problems. I have no mechanical expertise at all and fear buying a vehicle that will need constant tinkering. My first car in 1989 was a '74 fiat spyder and was off the road quite a bit, so I really don't want to have to go through that again. Any comments?

The thing about forums is they are a little like poo-collectors, or fecal-focusing devices: they tend to present only the negative. And, as a species, humans tend to zero-in on negativity, either out of some perverse pleasure on the failings of others or, as I would rather believe, as a way to learn from their mistakes or misadventures.

And with my philosophical hat now placed firmly upon my head, I will provide a simpler explanation: this forum is a bit like a support group. We've got nowhere else to turn when things go wrong. And like any vehicle, things will go wrong.

That being said, every one of the vehicles starts off as a 15-year-old vehicle, with an almost completely unknown repair history. This is why it is so important to buy from a reputable importer and/or mechanic - you'll save a tonne of money in the long run.

As for my own experience, I had a Delica for two and a half years, changed the oil, changed a set of tires, and replaced the original alternator. Not bad, I figured, for a 1990-vehicle. My co-worker with three dead Fords in his driveway has a much different opinion of his vehicles.

mararmeisto wrote:The thing about forums is they are a little like poo-collectors, or a fecal-focusing device: they tend to present only the negative. And, as a species, humans tend to zero-in on negativity, either out of some perverse pleasure on the failings of others or, as I would rather believe, as a way to learn from others mistakes or misadventures.

And with my philosophical hat now place firmly upon my head, I will provide a simpler explanation: this forum is a bit like a support group. We've got nowhere else to turn when things go wrong. And like any vehicle, things will go wrong with these vehicles.

That being said, every one of the vehicles starts off as a 15-year-old vehicle when we purchase them, with an almost completely unknown repair history. This is why it is so important to buy from a reputable importer and/or mechanic - you'll save a tone of money in the long run.

As for my own experience, I had a Delica for two and a half years, changed the oil, changed a set of tires, and replaced the original alternator. Not bad, I figured, for my 1990-vehicle.

What mararmeisto said!!!!

I second all of the above. I dont think Delica's are any worse than other 15 year old vehicle out there. I not very mechanical either, I would say the biggest drawback on a import are higher price parts and finding a mechanic who knows the vehicle. Still if you want to see hellish forums take a trip over to the VW arena.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/forumdisplay ... 0d49292c0b

I also agree with the above comments. I would add that to own an older vehicle you have to be prepared to listen (to the engine etc.) research (how to best drive/use it) be keenly aware that nothing lasts forever, be prepared to educate your mechanic and insurance agent, and be prepared to have a longer wait time for parts.

The reality is that if you want a vehicle that you can just turn on the key and drive then I suggest purchasing a new vehicle and minimizing the chance of mechanical issues.

BUT if you make a purchase with eyes open and you are prepared for the above then I say get one. By the way I was not interested in vehicles prior to purchasing my Deli a year ago so I am still learning to follow my above advice.

One of the things that I did to counteract the "they are always breaking down" part of the forum is to view the member trips and member photos part of the forum as those parts often focus on how much fun a Delica is to drive.

Michael

Super Exceeded wrote:

mararmeisto wrote:The thing about forums is they are a little like poo-collectors, or a fecal-focusing device: they tend to present only the negative. And, as a species, humans tend to zero-in on negativity, either out of some perverse pleasure on the failings of others or, as I would rather believe, as a way to learn from others mistakes or misadventures.

And with my philosophical hat now place firmly upon my head, I will provide a simpler explanation: this forum is a bit like a support group. We've got nowhere else to turn when things go wrong. And like any vehicle, things will go wrong with these vehicles.

That being said, every one of the vehicles starts off as a 15-year-old vehicle when we purchase them, with an almost completely unknown repair history. This is why it is so important to buy from a reputable importer and/or mechanic - you'll save a tone of money in the long run.

As for my own experience, I had a Delica for two and a half years, changed the oil, changed a set of tires, and replaced the original alternator. Not bad, I figured, for my 1990-vehicle.

What mararmeisto said!!!!

Same goes for me, especially on the "start with a good one from a good importer/owner" part.

I got a low-mileage in-good-shape Delica from Mardy at AAI, and after he fixed a couple of minor things off the bat, I've had mine for just under 1 year and 20K, and all I've had to do other than change the oil and rotate the tires is to replace one wiper blade, get the injectors cleaned at CVI, and fix a single coolant leak which took 3 minutes to find and about $0.06 worth of silicone sealant.

And I do a sh*tload of stop-and-go-never-warm-up urban driving of the worst kind (for a diesel) and beat the crap out of it on the Whipsaw trial with no apparent ill effects.

I'm sure there are lemons out there, but mine is hands-down the best vehicle I've ever had. My kids still love it, and I'm looking forward to fun in the snow and camping with the family. Can't beat that!

Great and quick responses. Thanks! So, 1992 L300 Super Exceed - $7000. Is this a good price?

enorthie wrote:Great and quick responses. Thanks! So, 1992 L300 Super Exceed - $7000. Is this a good price?

Yes, if this is all done: https://www.socialtext.net/delica/index ... red_delica but I doubt it
Without seen a vehicle (or at least know more than a price tag) its impossible to give you a proper answer.