I wish I had a Van

[Jonny5ive]

Hello All... Just thought I'd intro myself as a new member.

I doughnut have a Delica as of yet. However, I am planning to get one in September, after a busy summer (and gathering the cash). I know what I want, but do any of you recommend a good dealer that will go to the ends of the Earth to make me happy?

At this point I'm looking for a Super Exceed, with crystallite roof, captains chairs and (relatively) low KMs... I eventually want to convert to WVO. Oh and I want it to be completely covered in gold, like real gold.

Can you recommend anyone? I figure I have enough lead time to search out all my specs. To be fair, I can live without the gold.

[The Pinkfingers]

Depends, are you looking for a dealer who will import and service the van to BC standards, or are you looking for an importer who will find you the car and bring it over, and you'll take care of arranging the servicing?

We're in the midst of buying a van through Japanoid, and so far have been very satisfied with the service. Mind you, the car is still in Japan, and still has to get here and be serviced by them, but they've worked with our pickiness and desire for a pristine van (both in looks and engine). But as they say, the proof is in the pudding, so I'll reserve my recommendation until after I drive the van away!

I'm sure everyone has their favs, though. You may want to check the Delicas for sale by dealers section of the forum.

And keep the dream alive - insist on gold.

Oh, and all Super Exceeds come with captains chairs, so I don't think you have a choice there.

[twisted]

Hey When I was looking I started with Terra 2 Imports. With them you seem to have all kinds of options, and they will help you every step of the way. Then I found what I was looking for here in town.Talk to Gerry Martselos and let him know Aaron Taylor sent you!

[delicat]

Terra2 has a nice web site and decent customer service but you have to wait over 4 months to get it and their price have increase quite a lot since the new year... If I was to do it again I'd do it locally, as long as you find what you're looking for!

[Jonny5ive]

Thanks guys,

I'm looking for the whole package... import and serviced. I've heard good things about Japanoid. Mostly I'm looking for a good dialogue from the forum to give me options. Testimonials are mainly what I'm looking for. A friend of mine has a Pajero that he bought from a friend off Island, but yeah, I was looking more for local or I'll travel for outstanding service (great prices wouldn't hurt either). I'm not a picky guy but since I have the time to hunt I figured I might as well ask here.

And thanks Pinkfingers, I thought that the S. Exceeds came with Cap'n chairs, but I'm still fairly new at all this Delica madness.

BTW... My kids and I have a new game, a take on the Punch Buggy game. Only for Delica's we say
"Delica, Delica, I see Ya" We used to say "Delica, Delica no speaka" and everyone had to be quiet but that never lasted.

Cheers.

[TardisDeli]

Hi 5ive, Why not buy from someone near to you, so you can swing by to ask them weird questions in your new delica. If you are on the island I have heard good personal recommendations, from other owners at meet-ups, for Glen at CC Autos. Japanoid is very good, in New Westminster. For parts/service/repairs recommend MardyDelica or Butch at CVI Automotive in Richmond. John at Rocky Mountain Imports in Delta for parts.

[ghmorris]

but do any of you recommend a good dealer that will go to the ends of the Earth to make me happy?

Interesting. We bought our Deli sight-unseen over the Internet.

Five Star/Coombs Country Auto was our choice, partly because we were going to be on the Island to anyway, but mostly because of Glen's reputation on this forum.

We communicated clearly what we wanted, and what condition we expected our Deli to be delivered in.

Our Deli actually exceeded (pun intended) my expectations. We drove it a couple of thousand Km around the Island while we worked up a punch list of additional items. Worst we found was an inop hub lock indicator, and the switch for the rear liftgate would unlock but not lock. Other than that I think we found three bulbs that needed replacement.

Every item on that list was dealt with immediately and fully with no further charges.

We now have almost 10K Km of driving since our purchase a month ago. This thing is a Timex, it just keeps ticking. Zero defects on a 15-year old vehicle that has just undergone a full refurbishment.

To me, that is incredible. It says a great deal about the Deli as a vehicle, but it says even more about Coombs Country expertise and the way they run their business. True, cost wasn't the top of our concerns, reliability was the big deal, but so far we have precisely what we asked for and paid for.

I'm also confident that when we do need Glen to help out our local shop with some specialist advice, he's going to be there for us.

I will buy another vehicle from Five Star/Coombs and have no hesitation in suggesting to anyone in the market for a Deli that they should at least have a chat with Glen as part of their 'due dilegence'.

George

[Jonny5ive]

That's excellent!

Thank you George. I've been looking at Coombs as a potential dealer. This is the type of feedback I need. I have a tight budget and a very busy/active family so I really can't spend time fussing around.

I have some great info now... keep it coming!