Delica interior wear

[dfnder]

I have been browsing the forum for a while as I have desired a Delica for some time and I had set my sights on buying a Super Exceed yet just the other day I noticed a post saying that the Super's seats tend to wear quickly. The vehicle that I'm looking for has high roof, crystal lights, captains chairs and those are the main features I was hoping for, I would have liked a dual battery but I see it as a luxury. Any one have any opinions about what interior wears the best etc or any comments about the differant models?

On a side note, I have read many good things about a few good dealers around but I find I am leaning toward importing a vehicle through a contact I have in Japan.

[BCDelica]

Um, no expert as we don't own a super, the nogahyde material seems great in the ones I've seen.

And replacing the batteries on a newly arrived Deli is a good idea, just buy two new batteries and some new cables to have a dual battery setup.

Good Luck with your purchase!

[Green1]

I have a super-exceed, and the seats are pretty worn... that said, they're no worse than one would expect from a 15 year old vehicle, they don't tend to get holes in them or anything, it's just that the fake suede pills a bit. if you are really concerned about it, the exceeds don't have the same problem, and the chamonix models have extra tough interiors.

As for importing yourself vs a dealer... It really all boils down to 2 things:
1) Are you willing to put in the time and effort to do it yourself? It's not overly difficult, but there are all sorts of steps involved and bureaucracy to deal with.
2) how much do you trust your contact in Japan. this is the most important one, if you have a really good contact in Japan you will get a great vehicle, if your contact sucks, so will your vehicle.

If you do choose to import yourself you can save a bit of money (usually a couple thousand) but remember to take all costs in to account, just because you find a vehicle in Japan for $1000 doesn't mean it will get to your doorstep for anywhere close to that price...

A couple tips if you do import yourself, I didn't catch where you are, but at the moment try to avoid having the container unloaded in Calgary, customs here is being very difficult right now, better to have it unloaded on the coast and drive or truck it the rest of the way. Make sure your vehicle is cleaned before shipping, and that it is at least 15 years old to the month of manufacture. Also remember to look through the forums here for compliance issues that need to be addressed before registering the vehicle, as well as the normal maintenance the vehicles require when they get here.

Good luck, and hopefully you'll experience the "Delica Grin" soon!

[dfnder]

Thanks for the responses. I look forward to being part of a select group of drivers as I have experienced this years ago when I had a MGB and also as a MC rider when they were less prevalent. Since the first time I noticed one on the road I have been on the lookout for Delica's and approach the owners at any chance I get lol. The owners are always proud of their vehicles and willing to talk which is something that speaks well of the group :)

I live in Squamish so will be importing to Vancouver. I have read the details about compliance and I am certain that I, with my friends help, will be able to get the work done. The contact in Japan is a close friend of someone I know so I'm thinking this will lessen the chance of a nightmare Import but you never are 100% certain.

I read that the Chamonis interior is more robust, has anyone heard of this style interior on other models? I imagine the chances are slim of this but I have to ask :)

[Green1]

I read that the Chamonis interior is more robust, has anyone heard of this style interior on other models? I imagine the chances are slim of this but I have to ask :)

The Chamonix interior is only on the Chamonix models. the Chamonix is billed as being for the "outdoor enthusiast" and comes standard with heavier duty interior and the dual battery setup, however it lacks some of the "toys" on the other models. (things like the crystal-lite roof)

[The Pinkfingers]

One of the reasons we went for the exceed was because of what you say. The super exceed feels nice, but it does show wear more easily than any others. If you have kids (like us) or using it for work or after mountain biking, it may not be the one for you.

The chamonix, as mentioned, was marketed for outdoor enthusiasts, more specifically for outdoor winter enthusiasts. They all come with what is called the "winter package" which includes dual batteries and extra thick paint. I thought you could get them with crystalite roof, but Green1 would know better than I, so go with what he said.

All chamonii (?) come with extra durable fabric, but you definitely notice a difference in the comfort level from the exceed and super exceed to the chamonix. Again, it depends on what the main purpose of your van is as to what model will suit you best. Also, almost every chamonix I've seen come with psychedelic interior carpet. Some really like that unique feature, others don't.

One more thing: the chamonix only comes with a bench seat for 1st row seating. The super exceed (and pretty sure the exceed too) only come with captains chairs, and they can't be swapped from one vehicle to the other without some major mods.

The exceed for us was the best of both worlds - especially ours which had a new fabric design. It is very comfortable and also more durable than the super exceed. And you can get almost all the same options, even a hot/cold box or karaoke machine like the super exceed has (if you want them, which we didn't), except for the fabric.

Hope that helps.

[dfnder]

Yeah I need to sit in more Delica's I imagine :)

I would prefer a Chamonix except for the fact that I would like the captains chairs for the (2)kids. I like the various graphics I see of the Chamonix but also like the other models, what the heck I just want one!

[konadog]

what the heck I just want one!

Now you're talkin, lol'!
We have a base model delica - neither a Chamonix nor Exceed. Nice bench seat, no frilly options like sunroofs, hot / cold boxes, or duel batteries. All fabric is in good condition - WAY better than in my 16 year old truck! We use seat covers (read cotton towels on dog's bench seat and thin poly towels on the front seats for us) - cheap and good for reducing further wear

[stubblebut]

The only wear in my Super Exceed is on the seats near the edge by the doors; mostly pilling. I think this is probably more me, sliding my arse into the vehicle due to its height off the ground.

[jkellas]

I also recall being told that the Chamonix also had Limited Slip Differential (I know mine does at least), and apparently the bars are chrome instead of enamel. It doesn't have a outside temperature guage on the dashboard pod with the altimeter and clinometer.

If I were purchasing from Japan my criteria would be to go after the first vehicle that was in imacculate condition no matter what the model.

[Green1]

I also recall being told that the Chamonix also had Limited Slip Differential (I know mine does at least), and apparently the bars are chrome instead of enamel. It doesn't have a outside temperature guage on the dashboard pod with the altimeter and clinometer.

I believe all the Chamonix had the LSD, most of the super exceeds seem to as well, it was an option on the lower models as well, but not as common.
Chrome became standard on the super exceeds in the 1992 model year. The temperature gauge was an option on all models (some vehicles have it, some don't, regardless of trim level)

[robinimpey]

Can't tell you the difference between the different interiors, but I can tell you that I have a '91 Exceed with 73,000 kms and the interior is excellant.

As far as importing, I went this route and quite enjoyed the process. Not too complicated, but requires some of your time. I did a little research to find a company that I believed was reputible and ended up dealing with the Yokohama Trading Company. They got my Delica for me, a Pajero for my son and are working on a Delica right now for my brother. If you're needing a contact talk to Chanuri. chanuri@ytrd.com

I too would reccomend, as mentioned above, spend a little extra on your vehicle and get something that is in good shape. You'll be happier with it and probably spend less in the long run. A significant part of the cost is shipping, insurance, inspection, etc. which are fixed costs and not affected by the cost of your vehicle.

If you import yourself you would be wise to get the "delicatune". Talk to Mardy at Amazing Auto
(604-247-2111) and he'll get you all set up. Super customer service and he knows all about these vans. He'll let you know what to do and what not to do with you new import.

I got my van last year and have really enjoyed having it so far. Super cool vehicle!

[Johnny&Ruby]

The only wear in my Super Exceed is on the seats near the edge by the doors; mostly pilling. I think this is probably more me, sliding my arse into the vehicle due to its height off the ground.

That's the only issue we have with the front driver and passenger seats in Juniper... that pilling on the outside edge where ass has dragged over the fabric upon exiting the vehicle. Solution? Fiddy bucks on some snazzy grey and black one-size-fits-all seat covers from Cambodian Tire! Covers up the SuperExceed logo, true, but looks real sharp all the same.