Tips for a future newbie

[freeheelsteve]

Hi there Deli-fanatics!

I am new to this forum and I don't currently own a Delica. In the spring I will be looking to purchase one of these beauties, so I am looking for all kinds of advice on what to look for when I start shopping.

1. What models are the most desireable? What years? I'm not considering the L400s
2. Are there any cool options I should watch out for?
3. All my vehicles are manuals, is there a drawback to getting a manual Delica?
4. Are there any common mechanical problems I should be on the watch for?
5. What are the "cons" of these rigs?
6. Who are the respectable dealers out there? I'm in Vernon, BC. So I am already aware of J cruisers, my wife bought a Toyota Carib from Barry.
7. What year did they start putting shoulder belts in the rear?
8. I'm reasonably handy, but how easy are they to get maintenanced in BC?

I 'll leave it at that for now, don't want to overwhelm anyone on my first post. If there are any other tips you can give, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.
Steve

[InTheForest]

I don't think this is so much of a problem any more but just thought its a good idea to list it as a word of caution anyways. When I got my van, two years ago, I found out that none of the BC compliance modifications had been done. The van had a VIN # but the company couldn't supply me with a copy for my records as the van didn't come with a copy. So I had to purchase and install, new headlights, reflectors, daytime running light modual and so on, out of pocket. Point being just do lots of what you are already doing, find out about who you are buying from. Most of the folks that I have talked to haven't had to deal with this kind of thing because they did the research and bought from an importer who, A. brings in high grade Delicas and B. Cares about integrity. Other than that they are great vehicles, have fun.

Some good people to talk to are Noel at Enviroimports.com and Glen at CC autos

[konadog]

The best tip I can give you is to spend a lot of time reading through the forums. All the questions you have asked have been addressed at one point or another, some several times. And you'll find many more questions and ideas you haven't even thought of!
[edit for spelling]

[delicat]

Best starting kit:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/delica-faq-section-16/

[loki]

the search function is your friend, and if you find the search here falls short use Google to search this site: if you add "site:delica.ca" to a search in Google(without the quotes) it will give the search results for this site only :)