to buy or not buy?

[mbrown99]

I'm considering buying a 1994 delica. My concern is the milage (280,000 km). It looks in good condition (with a few issues that would be resolved upon purchasing) and the owner says he always make sure the fluids (oil) are topped up. Is the price a bit much?
L400
Price ~$6500
* Milage - 280000 km
* Diesel
* Turbo 2800


Any advice would be appreciated! Looking forward to joining the delica club (sooner or later!).

[north54]

Do you know if or when the timing belt was changed? It can be a costly expense and should be done every 90,000km.

Any leaks under the van?

[mbrown99]

good question. I'll try and find out. thanks!

[north54]

When I was looking to buy my van several years ago I took it to our local Vancouver shop here CVI. For about 80 dollars they gave it a complete once over letting me know what needed to be changed, etc. I did this before purchasing.

My van needed lots of work but having the shop provide evidence of what needed to be done, I was able to offer the owner a price that reflected the work needed.

There are some good reputable shops on Vancouver Island who could probably provide this same service to you. I highly recommend it before purchasing if the owner is willing to oblige.

Good luck,

[mbrown99]

Good idea. I know parkside has experience with delica's, do you know of any others in the Victoria area, or is there a forum for this on this site? thanks again!
-never mind, found it on the wiki

[mbrown99]

Anyone have thoughts on the millage? 280k seems like an awful lot but then gain it's a diesel...

[msimps]

Anyone have thoughts on the millage? 280k seems like an awful lot but then gain it's a diesel...

My L300 is at 315,000km and going strong. If it was regularly maintained and you plan to drive it fairly often then I think it should be fine. I know for a fact there are delica's with less mileage than mine that have serious engine issues, but any used vehicle comes with inherent risk.

I would check if the timing has been done as that's pricey.

And never hurts to get it checked by a shop!


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[Shaun Van Ramen]

Also inquire about suspension and front end. I just had all my front ball-joints done at around 190,000 as they were getting worn.
Deli's can come with some surprises if you aren't aware of them. There is lots of good reading here. Engine, Exhaust, Chassis, Body & windows.

At 200,000 mine is running fine. As mentioned, regular service (fluids mainly) and they are happy little beasts.

Maybe see if the previous owner/s have done any mods? What and who did them.

Enjoy

[mbrown99]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll make sure I ask about those things and yes, I'll have a shop check it out.

[lrp374]

You may want to clarify if you are looking @ a L300 or L400. Some of the comments such as timing belts are not valid for a L400.

[Growlerbearnz]

You may want to clarify if you are looking @ a L300 or L400. Some of the comments such as timing belts are not valid for a L400.

It's an L400 (2800c diesel), but that's an excellent point. Timing belts are not an L400 issue.

I think the mileage is fine for a 23 year old vehicle. At least you know it's been used and (presumably) maintained, a 23 year old vehicle with 100,000km on it would probably have issues with perished rubber components.

[mbrown99]

Does anyone know the insurance cost (for a delica) in BC? We would insure it for pleasure use only.

cheers

[archieim]

I have a 94 L400 Exceed, it's going strong. I just got it as of March, 196-197,000 kms. It needed more work than I was hoping for. Just spent $4000 on brakes all around, glow plugs front end work ball joints Cv boots, two matching tires and getting the wear and tear up to date. I did get a full fuel system clean and flush after the glow plugs. Made a noticeable difference.
It cost about $2000 just to get the safety concerns out of the way.
Insurance is about the same price. PLPD is what you'll find getting collision is a little harder to find. It's out there but I was told the likelyhood of getting it fixed was pretty low. They would rather just pay you out.
So keep your receipts.
It hard to say if $6500 is expensive. Depends on the shape and up keep.
I would look for rust on the frame near the shock supports.
Open hood look for cleanliness and see if the coolant reservoir is new. See if the seller has any receipts too.









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[mbrown99]

Thanks archieim
I'll definitely get it inspected. Yours and the other comments are making me less concerned about the high millage. From all appearances it's been well maintained but we'll see what the mechanic says. Thanks