Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club | Buying from Auction, or off the lot in Vancouver?

also note that there have been several good condition, high end, L300s sold in Canada recently for under $8,000 (ones that have been here for a year or 2)

Not sure where that Number came from. Im going to do a break down..

(This only really applies if you live in the Vancouver area.. or if you can get here easily.)


a Free car in Japan..

100,000 Yen for All paperwork inland shipping etc in japan.
150,000 Yen for Shipping

so we are at around $3000 to get the Van on its way. now in Canada

Try telling customs you got the Van for free.. I doubt that will work.. but in that magical world..
$100 - AC tax
$105 WWL fee's if shipped via RO/RO
$15 Temp Permit to bring it home.

So on the High end we are at $3500..
I would say on the High side another $1000 to get it running like a top and DOT
BC inspections are subjective.. but $200.

so you have a van for Under 5 grand if you get it for free.

Even if i brought the car to a very costly mechanic to check everything over.. i doubt it would take another $3000 to get it all up to shape..

So ya.. I just disike when people throw out numbers like that..

Peace

I agree with your numbers except for this one.

$1,000 to get it running like a top and DOT for an L300?

$200-300 for headlights
$400-600 for tires
$500-800 for timing belt/water pump/pulleys
$80 glow plugs
$150-300 for battery(ies)
$200 to change transmission/engine oil/front-rear differential fluids
$100 - 800 for brakes depending on what needs to be done

There's more you can add on depending on the condition.

Radiator, rad hoses, suspension components (balljoints/tie rods/CV's/boots/axle hubs)

These alone can run anywhere from a few hundred to well over $1k.

Add it all up.

This, is my opinion, is what SHOULD be done to all Delica's that you plan on keeping for yourself (ie. safe and long term driving).

All of the above, if not most will NOT be done in Japan. At least not to 'my' or normal Canadian standards that define 'running like top' and fully compliant.

Cheers
Jesse

I agree Jesse.
I just dislike when people throw out numbers like that .....$1000?????................................Kirk out.

on the plus side this and the other threads about shaken and rollbacks and the like are doing a great job pointing out the importers I wouldn't want to buy from

What would make you think you have to do timing belt / water pump to get it on the road in Canada ? Chances are that that was just done in Japan anyhow or not that long ago. Take $800.00 off your list there

Are you going to risk your whole engine on the HOPE that it was done in Japan?

if you have no proof that it was definitely done within the past 5 years, or 100,000km you would be crazy not to replace it! remember, unlike your other belts, if this one breaks you're looking at a new engine, and likely being stranded somewhere on the side of the road at -25c at night before a long weekend out of cell range (sure it COULD break in your driveway, but murphy just isn't that kind!)

Glad AfterOil caught the snack comment.

DRL is a completely separate issue, the headlights themselves need to be replaced as the original ones are illegal as the lenses are for traffic on the other side of the road. DRL is needed as well, but if you know what you are doing the DRL can be under $10


the catch here is the DOT rating, no matter how good the tires, if they don't have the right stamps they gotta go.


if your OOP shop is even half way competent, you don't have the option to "wait until the scraping sound starts" brakes are something they check.


yes, but do you really want to be driving the one that didn't spend the money to make sure you don't brake down on the side of the road, or worse yet into oncoming traffic?

Your exactly right I would never want to drive one, and back when you and i first got ours it's was pretty much only two BC JDM service agents providing all the necessary service. Even since other items have occurred and the competent dealers provide the needed service for those items. I having been away from Canada for a year with only a one month return visit; but there are many inspection agents passing Delicas without complaint headlight assemblies. I'll be honest, others and myself know which inspection sites where we can get a Delica stickered without new E-code headlights and side markers.

Some items; as simple as a weak battery that leaves you stranded in the back country because it couldn't even handle a door left slightly ajar for 4-6 fishing or hiking sucks, to a damaged engine, and resulting towing and big repair charges, due to a twenty buck belt failing just plain would hurt as would overheating due to a improperly cared for cooling system. That's not on Jesse's list, but the neglected cooling systems are easy to correct and again could result in big buck failures. My beloved and missed van looked spotless under/inside the rad cap; but after a hot acid flush gagged out a good amount of white phlegm from it's cooling system.

It's not for everyone but there is something to be said about about making a list, checking it twice on Delica.ca (we know who's naughty and nice), and doing all the work yourself to learn and gain confidence for your new Delica.

Oh forgot fuel and oil filters as a must change item.

My post was an example.. we never discussed the state of the Van, so what needs to be changed for it to be in Tip Top shape could be the bare minimum.. However getting a free van with the bar minimum that needs to be changed would be pretty rare.. LoL

Im going to throw out numbers again feel free to judge them
So my free space gear has arrive. (Lets imagine its mint for this example)
DOT LHD headlights - $200
DTRL - $10
Reflectors. bulbs - $100 on the high side
Tires (If needed) - $400 (Most tires from Japan come with Load ratings and thats acceptable)
Inspection cost - $150

general maintenance I never count because thats a normal thing that we all have to do no matter what car we drive.

anyone that is Internet savvy, and willing to do the homework can get things done for the prices i have.

carry on with the argument boys..

let me know where your getting LHD L400 lights for 200 a set, that is a HUGE discount compared to anywhere else.

compliant headlights for an L300 can be had in the $250 range, unfortunately the L400 headlights are currently significantly more.

Argument??? I didn't think it was possible... but you just completely debased your business and reputation (Fraser Valley Imports) in 1 post.

here you go konichiwa: