Looking to buy, do's and don'ts?

[photodoc]

Looking to buy a diesel Deli currently. Looking for a reliable traveling rig for our family of 4, driving up to paddle in the Yukon this summer. Hope to do ~50% of maintenance work myself, not a noob to cars (serious 1971 VW experience in my hands and tools).

L-300 or L 400? Thoughts/recommendations on what to look for/or not

Short vs long wheelbase thoughts?

WVO, is it easy to maintain if switched on with hot engine?

I like the crystal light roof, how often does electrical fail on those?

Anything else I should be considering?

Thanks so much for the beta.

[cosmo727]

Here are my thoughts:

L300's have the Cool Factor by far and from what I understand are a lot easier to work on. The L400 has to much electrical Hocus Pocus going on. As for the Crystal Lite roof, I have seen that they are prone to rust and electrical failure. The less creature comforts the better in my opinion.

[sinjin]

I'm the opposite of Cosmo. I have a 96 L400 LWB gasser. LWB a must in my opinion if you want it for long road tripping and camping. V6 is nicer on highway for sure...quieter, more high-end power for sure. V6 was also used in the Montero in North America, making some engine parts easier to come by. Diesel more expensive to service. Also, you need a diesel mechanic...more than a couple have been happy to see mine is a gasser and more willing to work on it, especially if I do the work of sourcing parts for them.

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[Morgonzo]

Photodoc, I can only speak from my own experience and what drew me to the Delica (L300) to begin with. For me the Diesel was one of the largest selling points due to many factors including: 1. simplicity, in both overall design and maintenance/repairs, 2.mpg ratio over petrol 3. WVO or other off-grid fuel sources (used motor oil, trans fluid, backyard bio-diesel ect.. 4. The Sound. I love the sound of Diesel engines.
The simplicity of the L300 fit my desire to own vehicles with as little or NO computers in them as possible, and still have my wife and daughters be willing to ride in it with me. The 5 speed was a personal preference and I was just lucky that that was what was available on my local Craigslist. I still would have bought it if it was an auto...I just would've been jealous of those who did get one. 4x4 was a big point too.
Since we didn't go the import route, we were subject to only what was available in our immediate area. And I don't think that L400's are legal yet in the States...I'd love to see one in person though

They seem to be different animals as far as common problems go. Hope this helps

Cheers.

[photodoc]

Thanks so much to all. I am in market for one, for sure!