Looking for advice on which Delica to go for

[vezousk]

Hi, my name is Steph and I have been looking for a Delica for about a week now. I have spent a fair amount of time reading this forum and I must say there is an incredible amount of invaluable information. thanks!

I am located in Victoria. I am looking at three vehicles, I could use opinions.

1 - 1991 L300 with 159,000k, asking $7,600
Imported by Coombs in 2008. First owner maintained it well and import work was impressive. The van is in very good shape at first look. Niece bought two years ago and didn't maintain it well. Got an inspection done at Marigold and here is what came up:
-front pads 60%, rear shoes 40%
-motor mounts getting weak
-air filter needs replacement
-windshield cracked, needs replacement
-right high beam not working
-transmission fluid very dark in colour
-shift quality issues, bogs when going uphill in o.drive
-"may need trans overhaul" (no additional detail)

2 - 1991 L300 with 207,000k, asking $5,500
- features: GPS, roof rack, sound syst.
Imported by Terra 2. Done at import: fuel pump, timing belt, water pump, hoses, motor and trans mounts.
-Done after: injector wheel bearings, breaks
- Owner says it required new timing belt (based on mileage) and maybe front shocks
- no documentation, no recent inspection.

3 - 1993 L300 with 158,000k, asking $4,500 down from $6,000 in the light of inspection done at Coombs
features: sliding windows back, krown undercoating (yearly), stereo good.
History: imported by Japanoid. At import, new fuel pump and headlights.
From recent coombs pre-sale inspection, needs:
- new front brake hose
- new radiator
- new timing belt
- new rear axle u-joint
- new tires and alignment

I much appreciate your comments and advice, and I look forward to become an official Delica owner....

Thank you all!

[nxski]

Really hard to say based on written analysis. From the limited knowledge I've gained from this #3 seems to win by a long shot. It appears to be the cheapest, low mileage and nothing wrong with it.

[jessef]

Make a choice based on too little information and without seeing/test driving them is difficult.

My recommendation is two fold. Have a current owner who knows the van's inside and out go over them with you and then have it independently inspected. Then make your choice.

You're in Victoria? Lots of members and good people there. Doesn't hurt to ask for a helping hand while shopping.

[yojimbo]

On paper 3 is best to me too, however, on the subject of trans oil, mine was dark and shifting wasnt right, but it didnt smell burnt, I changed it, and it's been fine. It's only an issue if the fluid gets burnt and causes glazing or whatever in the box, just being dark is what happens as it ages, and is left too long, it may not require a rebuild at all. If it's slipping then thats another story, just food for thought.

However 3 is still the best it seems...

Also, what are the bodies? Maybe you want a low roof vs a high roof or not to have a rusty crystalite?

And I'll bet they _all_ need new front shocks. Just because they aren't leaking doesnt mean the internals havent had it, new shocks transformed my van, and they seemed ok visually.

[vezousk]

Thank you for the advice. Turns out I gave Coombs Country Auto a call (they picked up after hours, I am impressed) and I was able to get more intel on all three vans. They spent a good 15 minutes on the phone giving me great details about what to expect mechanically for each of them. It's as if they know every Delica on the Island!!! Turns out I might have a few more options (not yet listed) up island as well according to them.

Hopefully I will find a good one soon.