ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of different L400 models

[suegene]

anyone got a comment on which model and year is the best, any input would be super appreciated
thanks!

[yojimbo]

The good ones are best, the bad ones are money pits.

That sounds facetious, but its pretty true, there is a divide between gasser and diesel, but even that isnt that wide when you look closer, and beyond that, the base model spec typically has such a variety of options fitted that there isnt really a 'standard' of any specific model around. You have to take each one on a case by case basis. There's a couple of decisions you have to make, gasser or diesel, and high vs low roof. If you have any strong feelings about those, then that can matter, otherwise its down to vehicle specifics, and how well it's been looked after or modded etc.

[Mr. Flibble]

Thing is, there were a few models, and you could customize on top of that. So, if you had a base model, you could deck it out like a Royal Exceed - which is the highest model.

But; as yojimbo said, you are better off with a GOOD all around vehicle, not a specific model.

Plus, they have often already been modded in Japan before they arrive here.

Biggest choices are: Gas or Diesel? High or low roof? Short wheel base or long wheel base? Manual or Auto transmission? (Recommend Auto due to the gearing).

[macro]

I have a '96 Exceed, it's a high roof swb with no crystal lite or sunroof which would be nice to have but I don't have to worry about potential rust inside. I also have digital climate control front and rear and middle captains chairs. So, even though it's an exceed, some option boxes were ticked off. There's a million combinations out there! Just going by exceed/super/royal won't necessarily tell you how equipped they are.

[Feds]

Think about your needs.

I love having the long wheelbase, as I mostly roadtrip and tow, and actually use 3 seats for kids. The extra room behind the rear seats is super handy since I can't fold the backs up.

If I were doing hardcore offroading, the SWB would be more manoeverable.

If I were to describe a perfect model it would be LWB with a middle bench and the jump seat removed. It leaves more room to store things and access the back while travelling, and its easier to get the kids in and out of 2 benches rather than 1 bucket and the back bench.

The high roof is a pain if you do a lot of downtown travelling, as you can't get into parking garages. That said, the CLR is a nice feature to have.

I've heard tell that the series 2 diesels are noticeably more powerful, but I haven't driven one yet.

[suegene]

last I spoke with Marty at Amazing Auto Imports.....he told me that the 96 was the best year to buy...all the bugs worked out with the new L400 series, anyone have any info on if the 97 to 99 are now even better or are there major issues known about them, common trends of issues with any major part on them

[Big-Bird]

The Gen 1 has so many options its hard to tell just from looking at the auction what one might get.
They are certainly more common and tend have a lower fetch price than the Gen 2.

For the diesel units: The Gen 1 has a mechanical fuel system. The Gen 2 is electronic and there has been some debate about who has the tech and skills to ensure the electronic system is working at peak levels during that all important 1st service job. The mechanical system is well understood by the various coastal importers so this is the significant difference.

Also aside from a nose job the Gen 1 and Gen 2 are very similar. I like the sporty appearance of the Gen 2's air dam and larger intercooler vent for the diesel powered unit. Also many of the Gen 2's have fender flares which is a nice appearance add-on. Gen 1's are a 50/50 shot.

I have a SWB High Roof and at 7' there are very few UG spots I can make it in. In fact my own home garage was too low for this beast! I would have preferred a LWB as the extra 10" would be welcomed during the road trips we take. It's just nicer to have luggage stowed outa site.

[MardyDelica]

the low roof is more lighter than high roof.
the sept 1996 to 1997 delica gen 1 I think the best for now as they have all the upgrade that newer version gen 1 and gen 2 put it together.
as per performance on gen 1 and gen 2 not much. only few diff as per its electronic for gen 2.
for power they are all the same for me.
I drove gen 2 and notice not much diff on power, I will not say its more power than gen 1 I have gen 1 that can even reach 150kms per hour if been push thru the limit. but problem for the maintenance on gen 2 will be a big problem when they start to go.
as for the gen 1 its easy to fix and worth to keep for long time as its a manual injection pump and its computer component.
that why I choose gen 1 as the cost is a little low than gen 2.
again its up to the owner which way to go.
cheers;
mardy

[suegene]

thanks to all of u! i think i am leaning towards the Gen 1 around a 1996 bc i don't want an electronic system, i prefer mechanical models, so that is all VERY good info i know i definitely want an L400 over a 300 bc the engine is in the front and easier to work on, we had a townace and everything was always at least $1000 to fix bc everything had to be taken out to get to parts, so too much into time/labour for fixing