Looking to buy: rust problems?

robnlauren · Post by **robnlauren** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:22 am

Hey everyone!

Very new to the Delica world, but it sure doesn't take long to get hooked, does it?

I'm learning lots here, and getting excited to join the ranks!

We looked at our first potential purchase today. It recently had the engine and alternator rebuilt, plus the transmission, timing built and glow plugs were just replaced. Interior is clean and in great condition.

The problem is there's quite a bit of rust – particularly the underside seems covered. There's bits around the rest of it: a big chunk on the front bumper, some starting on a wheel well, and on the centre of the rims.

This is my first time getting a used car, and with this one being so old (1991) I'm not sure if this is to be expected, and if it can be fixed up. The rebuilt engine should last quite a while, but if it's just going to rust out, that would be sad.

Is this worth taking to a mechanic for a good once over? Or is it a lost cause?

I'd really appreciate any advice you all could offer. Thanks so much in advance! This is an awesome community, I'm so glad to have found it

Lauren :)

Post by **nxski** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 2:03 pm

Not all Delica's are rusted like that. Also, the fact that it needed a rebuild can sometimes be an indication of how it was driven. The big question though is, how much is it? Also, if it's surface rust, I wouldn't worry too much, if the frame is rotting, you're in trouble.

robnlauren · Post by **robnlauren** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 3:04 pm

Thanks for the reply! Good point on it possibly being a reflection of how it was driven. Seller is asking $6,000.

yojimbo · Post by **yojimbo** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 5:47 pm

6k? Wow. Over here that would be about 750. Anyhoo, the front valance is ugly but fixable. Your underneath shot isnt mu h use, I would expect that to be rusty. You need to check main chassis parts and footwell/wheelwells.

lrp374 · Post by **lrp374** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 8:07 pm

I'd also check the roof for bubbles as well as the passenger side of the rear hatch. I'd think for 6k you might find something better on Delica Trader.

robnlauren · Post by **robnlauren** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 8:54 pm

Thanks so much for the tips! I didn't really know where to look for rust, and what to expect, so it's all very useful. Going to continue looking, and spend a few more hours pouring over Delica Trader :)

thedjjack · Post by **thedjjack** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 8:57 pm

I got a nice raised roof camper for sale

Rattlenbang · Post by **Rattlenbang** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:58 pm

I agree that's too high a price, but then maybe the market's very different in Edmonton. Maybe consider looking down here on the west coast where you can find vans with far less rust and more available. But be aware that even if it starts out a gem, once brought to those Alberta winters, it will start going downhill pretty fast. They aren't the most rust-resistant vehicles out there.

It should be possible to pick up a decent van for $5000.00

doodah · Post by **doodah** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:48 pm

There are newer L400s for that price, you'll appreciate the more power they have.

robnlauren · Post by **robnlauren** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:07 pm

Rattlenbang wrote:I agree that's too high a price, but then maybe the market's very different in Edmonton. Maybe consider looking down here on the west coast where you can find vans with far less rust and more available. But be aware that even if it starts out a gem, once brought to those Alberta winters, it will start going downhill pretty fast. They aren't the most rust-resistant vehicles out there.

It should be possible to pick up a decent van for $5000.00

Thanks very much! I've started broadening my search to the west coast. And I'll have to see about Alberta-proofing, if possible. Sounds like others here have taken some good measures.

doodah wrote:There are newer L400s for that price, you'll appreciate the more power they have.

I was resistant to the L400, loving the look of the L300, but the more I read, the more I'm warming up to the idea. Especially for long highway road trips, which is what we're looking to do!

robnlauren · Post by **robnlauren** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:07 pm

thedjjack wrote:I got a nice raised roof camper for sale

That's rad!

thedjjack · Post by **thedjjack** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:17 pm

If you want to pass and drive uphill at any speed = L400!

konadog · Post by **konadog** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:52 pm

I hope you find the bus you want, but if you really like the look of the L-300's then don't be swayed by the extra power of the L-400's. 300's are just fine on road trips, you just have to be an attentive, sensitive driver. Good luck in your search!

thedjjack · Post by **thedjjack** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:37 pm

konadog wrote:I hope you find the bus you want, but if you really like the look of the L-300's then don't be swayed by the extra power of the L-400's. 300's are just fine on road trips, you just have to be an attentive, sensitive driver. Good luck in your search!

this is true...I do not mind the L300 even with all 4 of us in it and the bike trailer on on long road trips..

L300 little simpler to work on. Not really sure I want to sell mine....

Firesong · Post by **Firesong** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:54 pm

I love my l400
Hauling stuff around beat my l300 stress wise easy. I was always worried I would over heat my l300 making trips stressful.

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