Test Drive Tomorrow... Need Advice

[The Pinkfingers]

So our delica has finally arrived. It's been tuned up, detailed, and is ready to come to its new home. Tomorrow is the test drive at Japanoid.

To what things should I pay particular attention, to make sure everything is in tip top condition? I know the usual stuff, and they do provide the results of their 75 point inspection and their service report. After seeing another post here, I know to check the roof for rust spots!

Any other suggestions? Anything particular to Delicas that a non-delica driver might overlook?

Thanks in advance for your replies. Hopefully will be able to post pics this weekend!

[delicat]

Once you picked it up why don't you come by my place and you can compare it to my van and have a better idea if everything is top notch. I'm only 15 min or so from Japanoid... I'll send you a pm with my ph.# if you're interested.

Cheers,
David in Burnaby

[Mystery Machine]

Check things like the colour of the engine oil (light brown, not black) gearbox oil (nice & red....doesn't smell burnt) water (blue/green/red anti-freeze) to make sure it's all been serviced properly. What's the condition of the top hose like? (nice and flexible or fairly rigid/crakced?)

Inisist that the car is cold (not warmed up) when you get there and check that it starts first time and idles smoothly. You should only have to wait about 3-5 sces with the ignition on before the relay clicks to tell you the glow plugs are ready. Look for smoke on start up....a little puff of smoke is OK - but a lot of smoke means it needs a tune-up. Is there any chirping/squealing from the belts or is everything nice & quiet? It should give a nice even diesel ticking on idle, not rattle like mad.

Look at the condition of the tyres - especially for wear on the outside edges. What is the ride height like on the front? If it looks 'nose heavy' then ask them to adjust the torision bars.

Check the roof for rust! Feel for any dampness in the front footwells - press hard on all areas of the carpet on both sides to see if there is any water coming through?

Test the AC to make sure it blows nice & cold. Check the rear fans and the rear AC too. Once it's warmed up, do you get a good amount of warm air?

Put the car in neutral and crawl underneath (handbrake on!!). Check the propshaft for play in the UJ's. To do this, grab either side of the UJ and try and twist/wring it to see if it is nice & tight. Check all four (2 on each propshaft)

While under the car, check for condition of chassis/body. Look especially at the area directly under the rear step - this is a well know rust spot.

From behind the drivers wheel, look up towards the engine and see if there is any oil around/under the turbo. A small amount of oil is fine, but lots of oil running down the turbo onto the engine, subframe etc...means the tubro is losing oil. If you can, try and look up towards the back of the head....is there any oil there too? The half-moon seal on the back of the head can leak. If it is, get them to change it for you. (nothing bad - just an overlooked service issue!)

Look along the rear half of the exhaust - especially along the seam. Is it nice & solid or starting to split?

Under the front, grab the bottom of each shock absorber and give it a good hard pull back & forth. Are they tight or do they clunk? Check the condition of the front anti-roll bar bushes (sway bar??) for splits/cracks. These should be in good condition.

I don't know all the rules/regulations you guys have to abide by, but make sure the DRL's are working as they should and the head lamps are 'approved'.

Obviously check the condition of the exterior bodywork and all the seats/interior panels for excessive wear, damage etc....

Now drive it!

Does it pull nicely? It won't be fast, but it should pull nice and evenly....check in the drivers side mirror for smoke when pulling away. A little is fine, but big black smoke is not ideal.

While driving, does it drive straight or pull to one side? A slight pull is 'OK' but if it constantly pulls to one side then you need to get the alignment done etc...

Does it brake well? Again, it should pull evenly. If it pulls to one side it could mean a seized caliper or other brake issues.

Keep an eye on the temp gauge. It should sit somewhere around the upper part of the bottom two marks....up to half way. If it goes above halfway then I'd question if there is a coolant/radiator/waterpump/head issue! If it sits below the bottom two marks it looks like the thermostat has been removed (if so - WHY?)

Check for all electrical items working properly (horn, windows, fans, rear blinds/sunroof, tailgate lock, stereo etc...)

Once you've driven it for a bit and got it nice and warm - pull up and turn the engine off. Pop the engine cover again and check for any leaks/water around the top hose, rad cap, radiator etc....squeeze the top hose - it should be firm, but you should be able to squeeze/compress it. If it feels rock hard then the system is pressurising too much which is not a good sign!

Now start the engine back up. It should fire straight away....no waiting for glow plugs once it's warm. Again, check for an even idle speed etc....also look underneath while it is running/warmed up and see if there are any drips? If there are, then head straight back!

If all of this seems good, then enjoy the rest of your test drive!!

I've probably missed some points (just got up, still half asleep!) but take David up on his offer....

Most of all - god luck and welcome to the world of Delica ownership! Life gets better from here....

[josh]

Bruce,

Maybe post that list to the FAQ section? I think first time buyers could really use that info! Great competent list.

Josh

[The Pinkfingers]

Thank-you David and Bruce. I'm trying to still connect with David, and Bruce's post was immensely helpful. Made me actually think like I knew what I was talking about, lol.

[Jonny5ive]

Well done Bruce!

[Green1]

Check things like the colour of the engine oil (light brown, not black)

I'm curious... I have NEVER seen a diesel without BLACK oil... petrol engines should never be black, but diesels always are...
Even immediately after an oil change the oil is black... I've always been told that was just the way diesels were... (and I've looked at a few now...)