looking at buying

[danny]

I am currently looking at getting my family into a larger vehicle. Yes it is van time. My wife and I love the outdoors. We like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, etc. I seen a Delica in Prince Albert and it caught my attention. I wanted something that would fit our two children gear and a canoe plus have room for expansion. Any advice about specs, + and - , offroading capabilities, personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Danny

[delicat]

Hi Danny and welcome to this forum.

My best advise if you have kids would be to get a post Aug. '91 since they have the 3 points seat belts in the back and re-enforced side beams.

For the rest it's all up to you, the automatic have better MPG than the 5 spd and they are quite good at off-roading! Look up under FAQ, lots of info or some recent post by Bruce (MudMonkey) for offroading video and pictures. Or even better, search for "russian delica 4x4" on youtube, you'll see some amazing video of what those can do. (If anyone can post the actual link that'd be great as my cookies don't allow me on youtube with this computer)

Good luck!

[Erebus]

If you are going to carry a canoe much, I would recommend NOT getting a crystal lite roof. It would so easy to drop the nose of the canoe through the glass.

Consider whether to get a high- or low-roof. High gives you more space inside, but would mean the canoe is another 8"+ higher. Might be an issue.

Heartily agree about the post-Aug-1991 though, I do appreciate the 3-point belts in the back.

[Adam]

If you are going to carry a canoe much, I would recommend NOT getting a crystal lite roof. It would so easy to drop the nose of the canoe through the glass.

+-
I disagree, my 3 kids love the crystal-lite roof, just be gentle with your canoe.

[jrman]

Hey Danny,
Welcome! Answers to your questions are just so tough, because the few "options" are such a personal thing. However, a couple of things for sure to consider are;

- High Roof
If underground parking is NOT and issue, then I recommend a high roof. It's nicer moving around inside with the high roof. The non-crystal also give a bit more room as there is no space taken away for the automatic blind mechanism etc etc. On the other hand, the Crystal Lite Roof (all high versions) are very cool, and yes - kids love them. A really neat option just not available on any N.A. style vehicle. Mine doesn't have it so my kids don't know what they are missing!

- Automatic
If you plan to 4x4 - then you probably want standard tranny. If not doing much 4x4, then I'd recommend auto. I commute with Exceedus Maximus - so auto is the only way to go. I've done 2 trips to the interior of BC and one to Seattle, and the extra little bit of speed on the highway is nice.

Outside of that - I'd just say focus on getting one in the colour scheme, cleanliness, and must trustworthy condition you can. Do the maintenance at the outset and drive feeling confident. here is lots of lists on this BB that show what should be done - some more extensive than others - but at a minimum I suggest doing the waterpump, timing belts and all accessory belts, hoses, and all fluids & filters. After that its up to the owner, I've also done a great many other things for my own peace of mind but none proved "required" prior to my choice to have them done.

As many have said on this site - these are simple, reliable, and versatile vehicles that will provide years of driving pleasure. There is no alternative currently available from a domestic Canadian vehicle that offers the same features - and if they came out with one...it would have a $40-$50 price tag on it...so I couldn't afford it anyway. My total investment to get me to the "safe and comfortable" place I am today is a small fraction of that figure......

Happy trails!!!

[FalcoColumbarius]

- Automatic
If you plan to 4x4 - then you probably want standard tranny.

As far as automatic trannies are concerned ~ I just climbed down and back up a 25 degree hill over rolling stones on a de-activated logging road, sometimes listing at 25 degrees at the same time. My tranny is automatic. She was in 4 low, low gear with the E-brake half on and using the brakes as needed when descending and only using the brakes when needed on the way back up. Creative steering is a plus. I gear my automatic like I would a manual transmission. So can you... smiles.

Falco.

[jrman]

Sure it can be done - but imagine going downhill on 20 percent grades without having to mess with the E-brake or foot brake? That is what a standard tranny in 4 low can do for controlling speed than an auto just can't match. I've worked in the forest industry for years, and the "industry standard" for camp vehicles on the coast is always stick for that reason. Doesn't mean an auto won't work - but for steep & deep, stick shift is the way to go....it's all about maintaining control of your speed while not overheating the brakes. Can't overheat them if you ain't using them! But hey, my bus is an auto too and I wouldn't change a thing for the "light" 4x4ing I do....but if I was going to be into 4x4ing all the time, I'd want a stick.

This fellow is looking to buy - so he has to consider options that will suit his end use.