L400 Gen1 or Gen2

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Hi guys, Gonna get a Delica L400 just not sure what to get. I think I want a SWB, Exceed, High Crystal light roof, with LSD. Just not sure about Gen1 or Gen2. What do you think and do you have any leads on a nice one? Can I put a bull grill on the Gen2? Also I contacted a guy on the Delica trader about buying his delica but he had sold it. He said he would never buy one again and that he hated his Delica. I've wanted one for about 5 years now and this kind of scared me. I'm a mechanic and am confident on doing the maintenance myself just wondering if they're money pits. Any thoughts? Thanks guys. I can't wait to mod the shit out of my future Delica.

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Hi guys, Gonna get a Delica L400 just not sure what to get. I think I want a SWB, Exceed, High Crystal light roof, with LSD. Just not sure about Gen1 or Gen2. What do you think and do you have any leads on a nice one? Can I put a bull grill on the Gen2? Also I contacted a guy on the Delica trader about buying his delica but he had sold it. He said he would never buy one again and that he hated his Delica. I've wanted one for about 5 years now and this kind of scared me. I'm a mechanic and am confident on doing the maintenance myself just wondering if they're money pits. Any thoughts? Thanks guys. I can't wait to mod the shit out of my future Delica.

From What I've read, I don't think that the LSD is very common. Mine doesn't have one and I've never wished it did. You're probably going to want a Super Exceed. I bough a '96 Exceed. Built in December so it must've been one of the last ones off the line before the gen2 came out. I don't have the crystal light either and even though I wish I did sometimes I do have a full basket rack on the top anyways and I can't help but think that 10 years down the road that those windows would be a great rust spot. And what if you break one? If I had to buy one again, I would buy from a reputable dealer instead of a private sale. Search the forums for reviews. I have spent a small fortune fixing all the things that any good dealer would have done before they sold it to you. IP seal, shocks, tie rods, cv boots, sway bar bushings etc. That stuff adds up quick. Because these vehicles have sat almost unused for 15 years or more a lot of the rubber needs replacing. I've had mine for 2 years and I will own it until it falls apart. With regular maintenance these will last forever. I live in Ontario and I've never had a problem getting parts, in BC it's even better. Hope this helps!

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Great thanks for the info. It's good to hear that parts aren't hard to get. I actually didn't even think about the crystal roof possibly being a rust spot or even leak. I'm really getting excited to have something to take up into the mountains.

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Ok so I did a little more research but what do you guys think. Crystal light roof or Non crystal? Anyone have troubles with them? I want to keep my Deli for a long while but don't want troubles.

[davidwwc]

Hi,

I got my delica 3 and 1/2 years ago and its been good . I only replaced the injection pump seal with the help of a mechanic friend 2 months ago. I have not experienced any problem besides cutting out due to the seal problem. I do oil change every 5oookm myself . The next thing I am going to do will be brakes pads. if you are a mechanic , I don't think there is a problem as long as you get a good one to start with. Mine is a crystal roof and so far so good, no rust.

Hipe it helps.

DC

[Big-Bird]

Deli's with the Crystal Lite roof get hotter when parked than a non-glass roof. The electric blinds are nice but many have at least one thats broken. The rubber seals are prone to shrinkage due to UV exposure and as they get hard water can ingress between the metal and the rubber.

If you are handy with autoglass butyl you can prolong the life of the seals/glass.

Gen 1 L400 parts are currently easier to obtain as they have been on for the import list for several years.

Gen 2 L400 parts...many parts are the same like engine, tranny, suspension but some electronics and body panels, headlights, tailights are not.

Stockup on filters (air, fuel,oil).
Get a reputable Mitsu Deli tech to service your new JDM upon arrival. I had mine done and really happy with my service results. I too am quite handy with the tools but sometimes you just gotta let a better tech do the work instead.

[Glenn Delwood]

I heard Gen2 have electronically controlled IP, which means more of a pain to fix. Currently my guess would be that no one knows how to fix them in North America, yet.
Start with fresh fluids and belts, I would say. And treat it like an old car.

[mrdueck]

I've got a 95, LWB with Crytal L. - LOVE it! We do Winnipeg to BC 1-2x's a year and with a family of 5 it is great to travel. We have gone with 7 and it has been OK. Put the 8yr old in the middle back as that seat is not the greatest for a long haul. Treat it like an old car but it gives a ride like no other new or old car IMO. I had a LSD in my previous SUV, Suburban, but I needed to go to 4x4 at times when the LSD didn't get me out. When I noticed the LSD was kicking in I usually put it into 4wd shortly after. I think LSD is great for 2wd but a bit of an extra for a 4x4. I intentianally bought pre 96 as I like to limit electronics. I once lost my alternator in my VW diesel transporter but was able to keep driving for hours yet as I didn't need electricty run it (it was daytime). I like simple on the motor.

I do all my on wrench spinning as well. You can get parts...just not within the hour unless you're in BC.

my $.02

Rudy

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You could always get the roof LineX'd to stop any rust!

[glenn]

You could always get the roof LineX'd to stop any rust!

I think that just hides it. They typically rust from the inside-out - mind did. The other problem with any type of coating on the roof is that while it conceals the rust, it's a red flag for resale.

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Still not sure what I'm gonna do about the crystal light. I suppose I could always re-seal if it needs it some day. I do want a LSD though.

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Also any thoughts on the cold weather packages? Do they come with an extra battery and that's it? And is that only in the Jasper's and Chamonix's? Thanks

[Firesong]

You won't likely find LSD in the 2nd gen. It became really hard to find after 1st gen.

I wish my 2nd gen had a bit better approach angle but on the other hand I love the power.

[whatthejeez]

Also any thoughts on the cold weather packages? Do they come with an extra battery and that's it? And is that only in the Jasper's and Chamonix's? Thanks

My '96 Jasper is a lower trim package with 2 batteries. No binnacle, and the heater controls are analog. All good with me. Less likely to break and cheaper to fix.

[WhoGotTheFunk]

Thanks guys hopefully soon I'll be able to post a picture with my profile.