delica in vancouver for sale opinions

[rezdiver]

HI,
new here, just wondering if anyone has gone to look at this delica in Surrey:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/c ... 99055.html

I am interested in it but am on the island and wanted to see if anyone had more info on it before i spent the money to go across to look at it.

the owner said it was in good shape but needed new front pads and possibly a rotor.

seems like a pretty cheap price for a delica compared to others listed.

he did not know the history of the engine or timing belt change or other issues as he has only owned it for 4 months.

thanks in advance,
Rez

[Mr. Flibble]

There are members vans for sale on the island as well. That is probably a good delica, but Loki and some other members have good vans for sale on this site (and craigslist) as well.

Check out the for sale section in this forum as well!

[jessef]

My opinion is that a Delica without a service history will most likely need to get the bulk of the typical servicing done. It's not to say that it will blow up if this stuff is not done to it, however if it were mine, I would replace the following right off the bat:

Timing belts/pulley
Water pump
Radiator
Fuel filter
Transmission filter + flush fluid
Oil filter + oil change
Transfer case flush fluid
Front/Rear differential flush fluid
Bleed hydraulic brakes
Wheel alignment

I would check the following right off the bat and replace/service if necessary:

Headlights/Brake/Turn,etc... make sure they are DOT
All suspension components (tierods/balljoints/bushings/linkages/shocks)
All brake components (rotors/pads/calipers/drums/shoes/lines)
Wheel bearings/seals
Pull off the front quarter panels and see if there are water leaks and repair if needed

Once you've got all that done, then you'll have a mechanically mint Delica.

If you add up all of that or some, it comes out to a few g's. Probably closer to 3-4,000.

There are some really nice L300 examples on the island for sale every month.

Unless you will be doing all of the mechanical labour yourself, then I would personally shy away from really cheap one's as most need a good infusion of mechanical work in a short period of time

With that said, there may not be much mechanically to do on it and it can be a great deal for someone.

Just be prepared to expect one of two things. A great deal or one that will need money down the road.

[rezdiver]

thanks for the replies,
i will be doing the mechanicals myself, it just seemed like a good price compared to average 8000+.

seems strange that it has been for sale for almost a month at that price and no one has purchased it.

was hoping someone local had actually looked at it.

thanks for the pointers on what to look for.

I would buy locally on the island but still have not found a deal to jump at.

this one already has BC plates on it so all the DOT stuff should have been done to it already, and i would assume with the higher milage that a lot of the issues should have come out or have been fixed but that is just an assumption.

the owner said he got it from a dealership that had it brought in as a tradein.

[thedjjack]

Worth a look.

Ask him/her not to start it until you get there (you want to see it start stone cold).

Then figure you will need to do at a minimum (if engine maintenance is unknown):
timing belt, water pump, balancer belt, tensioners, front oil seals, rad hoses, clean rad, accessories belts, oil, air cleaner, fuel filters. Also, trans, transfer, axle fluids.

Others:
proper lights
tires
seals
u-joints
brakes
bearings
u-joints etc.....



If you are not a gambler or a mechanic...Take pre-purchase to Delica shop for an inspection...it will be the best $$ you spend.

[thedjjack]

I bought one in that price range and similar mileage.

I did all the work myself and the engine is really easy to work on!!

I probably put in another $1000.00 in parts (I still have a few things to do). I love mine.

[rezdiver]

anyone with really good knowledge of these want to make a couple of bucks i can paypal you to go and look at it for me?

[jessef]

If there's plates/insurance on it, I would ask the owner if you can take it to any of the good shops to inspect it like mentioned above.

Spending a few hundred in inspections finding the right van for you can make all the difference in the world down the road.

[thedjjack]

I am just leaving town for few weeks today...

Maybe offer the owner some money (maybe $100) to take it to repair shop for an inspection?

[Golf Cart]

We could organize a mini-meet at the guys house who's selling it. Imagine the look on his face when he opens up the door to find a whole street full of Delicas

[rezdiver]

now that would be funny, having all these delica owners climbing all over his to look it over for problems. I think it would freak the guy out juust a bit...

[fexlboi]

now that would be funny, having all these delica owners climbing all over his to look it over for problems. I think it would freak the guy out juust a bit...

... but probably would show why someone want to sell it that cheap