Hi, my name is Tim and I have a problem...

[DeliCanmore]

...being that I do not yet own a Delica. I have proudly driven a 1987 Volvo 240 5-speed sedan for the last eight years, but after a couple Ontario winters it has begun to rust in the typical Volvo spots. We've been growing apart ever since. I am now back in Canmore, AB and in need of a 4wd, 5-speed, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle. I did a lot of research before buying my Volvo and was better for it. Now, after several conversations and hours online, I think I'm about to make another smart decision.

I'm going to buy a Delica.

I would entertain any offers from those selling a rust-free 5-speed Deli, providing it has thorough records/history. My e-mail is tim@canmorehotel.com. I look forward to contributing to this forum as an aspiring (and eventually confirmed) Delica owner.

Cheers,
Tim

[konadog]

providing it has thorough records/history.

I think you will be very lucky to find a delica with records from the time it spent in Japan. Some here have been fortunate enough to find meticulous maintenance records carefully stored in the glovebox, but I'm pretty sure most of us know little beyond the auction sheet info and the artifacts left inside. Ours has a sticker from the Kyoto Mitsubishi dealership... Be more concerned with what has been done to the bus since it arrived in Canada. Timing belt, oil pump, various seals, rad and hoses, check wheel bearings, etc.., etc. Buying a delica that has had a thorough refit or getting it done immediately after purchase is a "smart decision" indeed. Go for it!!

[cramstar74]

Tim I know a guy in Banff who can help you out he's on the level and very thorough. Full D.O.T headlamp,safety,out of province, is all done.I'll dig up his card and pass it forward. Elliott

[DeliCanmore]

Kona--thanks for the heads up. You're the second person to mention the auction sheet. I've been told it's a sure-fire way to check for roll-backs on the odometer. Will be sure to look into it.

And, Elliot, I did hear about a Delica for sale in Banff a little while back. I'd be very interested in getting his contact info if you have it. Thanks.

So far this forum has been just great. Cheers!

[FalcoColumbarius]

Personally, I enjoy manual trannies.

Get an automatic transmission.

After some research I discovered that the fuel tanks hold ten litres more than the manuals and I understand the gear ratio is greater ~ meaning you won't be running so many RPMs when you are cruising down the highway. I have also heard that the manual trannies can be problematic but know not of any instances.

With my automatic transmission and riding on 235/75R15s (41 PSI each), I tend to get eight to eight and an half kilometres per litre in the city and ten to eleven kilometres on the highway. I still manually use my gears when driving.

Falco.

Post Script: Congratulations on your new resolution.

[john n]

Roger that on the standard transmission.
I have a standard it really does suck down the fuel and at low highway speeds. Bigger tires help, but they are very low geared.
Go with the automatic.
I just got back from a trip to Alberta and back, I haven't tabulated it all as far as fuel/kilometers go, but just estimating it is impressively poor. Slow too.
Still like the van tho'.
I'm trying to source a set of taller differentials to fix the issue.