Delica Purchase - What's Your Perspective???

Brenny · Post by **Brenny** » Thu Nov 03, 2016 7:20 pm

Hello fellow Delica enthusiasts!

Our family is currently considering purchasing a Delica. We are a very outdoorsy family, always out on some sort of adventure in the wilderness... and it just seems like a perfect fit as were outgrowing our SUV.

We live in Ontario and would likely be traveling to BC to pick up our new vehicle and drive it back, so we really want to make sure we get it right the first time around...

Firstly, do prefer standard transmission, and we arent sure whether to go for the diesel or gas option... We would love to hear what everyone has to say, both good and bad, about both options! We werent sure about the cold starts, maintenance shops, parts, etc for the diesel, or how much less fuel efficient, reliable the gas option would be, etc., etc., etc..

Secondly, it seems like each vehicle has its own set of features and we are always hearing of new ones. Is there anything that has made your life way easier??? Anything to steer clear from? Any particular years, models to focus on or stay away from?

We will soon be moving to a remote area of New Brunswick, so we want to make sure its as reliable as possible!

Thanks in advance for all of your valuable insight!!! These are still pretty new to us, but we are looking forward to the journey of learning more :)
Brian and Jenny

Lapprentis · Post by **Lapprentis** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:59 am

You will find a few posts about choosing from a L300 or L400. I would suggest to go for a well maintained, no rust vehicle, then having it rustproofed if you want to keep it for a long while. Of course, for you as for the few owners on the east, I would recommend you do prehemptive maintenance on a regular basis: ordering parts from BC take a few days to come to your place. Also, try to find a reliable mechanic that will want and like to work on your Van. Over time, he will get to know it better. BTW, there are a few NB owner I think here on the forum

Keep in Touch !

Lapprentis

Brenny · Post by **Brenny** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 12:09 am

Hello Lapprentis!

Thank you so much for your insight! We have been trying to find out more about each model, and so far we have come to the conclusion that the gas version may be a bit more friendly to us, mainly in the maintenance world... We have found a gas L400 that, so far, seems to suit our needs.

We will definitely keep an eye out for fellow NB owners - thats great to hear :)

Thanks again!

Morgonzo · Post by **Morgonzo** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 1:02 pm

Hey Brenny, I'm in the States so i'm sure your selection to choose from (we can't get the L400 in the States yet..) and overall experience will be quite different from ours here, but I am very pleased with mine and it's sitting in the driveway with the rad and thermostat out! The wife and kids love it too. We bought a 4d56 (diesel) with the 5spd and are really looking forward to it taking us everywhere. If any other vehicle we had just bought broke down in the first week of driving i'd be furious, but I knew going in that she was gonna need some serious TLC to be a long distance runner. And besides, at least here in "Merica there is NOTHING that compares to it. 4x4, diesel 5spd family vans just do not exist. I say go for it!

Brenny · Post by **Brenny** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 5:19 pm

Hello Morgonzo!

Thank you for a little bit about your story! They really do sound like the perfect vehicle - we hope you are able to replace the rad and thermostat in decent time :) Or at least before the snow flies!

We are really hoping we dont have a breakdown quite as soon as the first week - almost all of that time will be spent getting it home! Lol

Thanks again :)

almac · Post by **almac** » Fri Nov 18, 2016 9:22 pm

I've owned my L300 since 2010. and even after the troubles that i have had with it in the past I can say it has probably been the best vehicle that I have ever owned. when you buy a vehicle 20 years old you have to expect mechanical issues; it IS going to happen.
doesn't matter the make of the car; after 20 years, things WILL break. things WILL rust out.

its' great off roading, camping and fishing. it's great in the snow.
it is a bit underpowered but HEY, mine is duel fuel and can run on waste vegetable oil.
I would not own a delica unless it was a 5 speed, but that is just my opinion.