Future owner of Delica Space Gear

[westendah]

Hi everyone, I wanted to find out a few things about the Delica Space Gear van and thought this would be the best place to do it! I am looking at 1994-95 models with around 100,000 km, crystal lite roof, standard transmission (if possible) with the 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine.
I've done some homework but still have questions so here they are, if you have answers to any of them I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

First of all, is this van reliable?

How difficult and expensive is it to service in Canada (I live in British Columbia)?

Do these vehicles pass air quality testing ("Aircare" in BC)?

How fast are they on the highway?

Is the Mitsubishi 4M40 engine any good?

Thanks for reading!

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Hi everyone, I wanted to find out a few things about the Delica Space Gear van and thought this would be the best place to do it! I am looking at 1994-95 models with around 100,000 km, crystal lite roof, standard transmission (if possible) with the 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine.
I've done some homework but still have questions so here they are, if you have answers to any of them I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

First of all, is this van reliable?

How difficult and expensive is it to service in Canada (I live in British Columbia)?

Do these vehicles pass air quality testing ("Aircare" in BC)?

How fast are they on the highway?

Is the Mitsubishi 4M40 engine any good?

Thanks for reading!

We have two manual with crystal lite roof L400 in stock.
You can fly 130km/h in the hwy. without issue.
Come in and have a look.

Steven

[jessef]

They are very reliable providing it has had it's regular maintenance done and simple vehicles to service.

The automatic transmissions are nearly bulletproof (very common) while the manual transmissions are less desired because they have a weak clutch.

You should try driving a manual L400 before you commit. The shifter is very low to the floor which can be akward for some people.

Overseas in the UK/OZ, where the L400 has been around for over a decade, the manual transmissions in the L400's are a known issue for needing major repairs/overhaul and are not really meant to be mated to the 4M40.

The automatic transmission is your best bet for longevity and is a great trans paired with the 4M40. It's smooth and has many options for shifting capabilities (highway/offroad/towing,etc..)

With that said, some people just plain old want a 5 speed. If that's the case, then you will be in luck as they are not in demand so you have different one's to choose from.

The L400 is comfortable on the highway both flat and hills doing 80km/hr or 120km/hr.

There is an abundance of information on this forum for you to make a concise and smart decision when shopping for one.

You best bet is to use the search function in the top right corner of the forum and browse through the L400 technical section.

welcome

[westendah]

Thanks Rising Sun Auto Import, I'll drop by and check out your inventory sometime soon. Holy wow, jfrarsang, thanks for the in-depth reply! I had a feeling people here would be knowledgable, you've proven my hunch, and from what I see in other discussions, you know your Delicas.
I don't insist on a stick if the autos are better and more common, particularly since my main squeeze is short. I was only concerned that it would be slow on the highway, but 120 seems OK I suppose. I'll look into the performance options for the 4M40, maybe there's a thread here. Seems like these diesel engines are a common option on the van. I wonder if the 4 cylinder version is better seeing that it's hard to find or is it that nobody wants them?

One more thing, if I get hit by another car as a minor collision will ICBC write off what cost $10g+ and throw me half that for the fact that it's imported and the parts are harder to get?

If I were to road trip in the US and remote parts of Canada, how hard would it be to service the van elsewhere? What I mean is can I just take it to a Mitsubishi dealer anywhere, and if there isn't one then take it to someone who knows Japanese cars and have them fix it? I'm just a little paranoid of getting stranded somewhere far away with a van I can't get fixed for a week.

Lastly, Rising Sun seems like a nice dealership. I see a handful of importers operating out of BC who offer these vans, with a mixed history of clients' satisfaction. If you have a "must-buy-from-here" dealer which you like please don't hesitate to private message me with it since I don't want to turn this into a who-hates-who and who-likes-who discussion.

[jessef]

As for ICBC and a write off, ICBC does not want RHD vehicles on BC roads so if there is a remote chance to write off your RHD import, they will do it. Pay outs seems to be at par with dealer costs/selling.

Parts is simple. The L400 has most of it's drivetrain in common with the north american Mitsubishi Montero which is widely available in the US and was sold briefly in Canada. If you need a specific part for the engine (4M40), there are a number of part suppliers to choose from and they ship everywhere and have helped out many on the road outside of Canada without any issues.

Servicing is simple as well. See above for similar to Montero.

When it comes to dealer feedback, you'll get different reactions.

If you look at it this way, it will be easier for you.

Dealers are not machines, meaning they are not perfect. Not every customers can have every need met and be 100% satisfied. Impossible to make every person happy.

With that said, there are one's that stand out.

My preference from top down and again it's my opinion and there are many opinions on this forum.

-Mardy at Amazing Auto
pro's - he seems to have a very consistent customer base (positive feedback) and he really follows through on any issues down the road which is massive plus. He knows his Delica's. He's also my friend and I trust the work he does so I'm somewhat biased here.
con's - he is a one man show, meaning he can be difficult to get a hold of and you depending on your schedule, this may or may no benefit you. If you have patience and work with him, you will be rewarded, guaranteed.

-Rising Sun
pro's - they bring in nice rigs and have a full buffet of service/parts options. These are the guys I refer to if Mardy does not have or can get in a time frame what my friends need. They have a strong presence on this forum and response is quick. they operate under a few names/companies which can be confusing or sketchy although many companies operate this way as well.
con's - mixed feedback from last year but they have a lot of good feedback recently and from long time members

-Coombs Auto
pro's - they bring in good rigs and really put the maintenance spa treatment on everyone of their Delica's
con's - not every Delica 'needs' a maintenance spa treatment but they do it anyways and that drives up their prices. Not necessarily a con but with their higher than average prices, you get a lot of work done

These are the three that I refer people to locally lower mainland/van island.

There are other options too. Personally, I prefer to import myself. I have an excellent contact in Japan (Derek at pacificcoastjdm) and there are others (Mark at BraveAuto). Importing from one of these guys will net you a nice vehicle and save you a chunk of change that you spend on servicing the rig once it's here. The importation process and DIY is not for everyone and although you may save a few thousand, if not more on a comparable rig locally, the possibility is always there that you may end up getting a lemon.

The safest course is to buy locally from a reputable dealer. The second from a well known member in the delica community and third, import yourself.

Average cost of a landed good condition L400 is around 5-7k. Add on 2-3k in mechanical/maintenance/taxes,etc... and you're in around 9-11k which is the going average dealer rate in BC.

You'll find that the most vocal members are one's that have a not so good experience with any one dealer or seller. For the most part, you'll find that most of the bad sellers were driven from this market a few years ago and the good one's remain in it for the long run.

Hope this helps.

[nxski]

As always jess, great information in your posts. To add to that, I bought my vehicle for $4000 from a member of the delica community. I found that if you take your time and wait for that desperate seller who is very honest (not the easiest to come by) you will be greatly rewarded. After putting in a few hundred dollars I have a vehicle that is very reliable with nothing left that 'needs' to be done to it. If any problems should arise I can't see them costing more than $4000 even if I destroy the engine therefore I will still come out on top economically speaking. My plan / goal is to put $12,000 into the vehicle including the $4000 I spent on it and have a vehicle which, if necessary, I could sell stock and sell my cosmetic accessories separately and still break even.
Keeping that option in mind it took me 8 months of searching craigslist daily to find the right van and then I had to pounce within a day and buy it as 2 others were interested as well. That being said I was looking for an L300 which have been around in Canada longer and have had time to depreciate a bit more.
Good luck with the search...

[mrdueck]

re: dealer. I lurked around the forum for over a year reading post after post (I don't even want to think about how many hours or days I spent reading with all of the same concerns you have). To me it was a no brainer, "Amazing Auto Imports". I stopped in on some other dealers, they didn't know who I was, and this was a BIG learning. I play dumb very well. I couldn't believe what some of the dealers told me when I pointed out some concerns with their vehicles. Mardy is honest. Tells you what he knows and what he doesn't. No BS. I am very mechanically inclined but not a mechanic by trade (lots of Tool & Die Maker experience). Again I repeat, Mardy does not BS. These vehicles are simple and reliable. I LOVE them.
Rudy

[westendah]

Once again, thanks jfarsang, that's a great breakdown of local dealers. I really appreciate the information you're sharing here. I had a feeling write-offs happen easily with these vans when I looked at some of the "part-out" vehicles total damage.
It's surprising how much I've learned about these vans already in the last couple of days just from browsing this forum.
nxski, I am in no hurry at all on buying the van since I already own a vehicle and consider this a project. I agree that patience will pay off, and it sounds like you've got a nice vehicle for taking your time.
OK Rudy, I'll be sure to stop in to Amazing Auto as well, I've also had others recommend them to me.

On another note, does anyone know if the gasoline engine is shared with Mitsubishis in North America like the Montero? I am wondering how many parts can be interchange, like performace upgrades, or rims and tires, etc. I see some differences between the gasoline and diesel versions like, the fuel capacity - the diesel's fuel tank is 66 gallons and the gasoline is 75, I expect the 4-cylinder engine makes fewer stops to refuel, although perhaps not since it also has more power.

[Profister]

...the diesel's fuel tank is 66 gallons...

What a dream!

[jessef]

Both diesel and gas fuel tank capacity is the same : 75L

4/6 cyl gas engines are in NA Mitsu's so you can find parts for them easily.

With that said, the reliability and longevity of the 4M40 diesel is far superior.

[Einstein]

HI all, I think that all points here are quite accurate, except those on the gas engines... I have a 2.4 l gasser, i love it, and so do any other of the owners with one here on this fourm. To say that the diesels have fewer problems and more longevity is not true. I am very mechanical, and understand that there is a myth about diesels being more efficent, or less prone to have mechanical problems.. But if you have done your home work and look at the data from a non bias perspective you will find that there are issues with both types of engines... Have done alot of reading on this forum and there seems to be alot of cold-start issues, and pump seals that cause problems with power loss, injectors needing expensive maintence, just to name a few withi these older diesel engines.. There are alot of pro's to them as well so do your homework... I found that the longevity of a motor is usally up to the owner of the motor... and i have had lots of gasoline cars last me 200-300,000 kms without any major problems.. the transmisions, suspensions, brakes are the same on these l400's so its raelly a question if you like diesel or gas.....These are all 15years or older and had other owners before the canadian ones. who knows if that owner pushed it hard, overheated it, used feul conditioners, ran the tank low on feul regularly, let it sit alot, ect... so good luck with whatever you find is the rite one for you. I love my gasser.... and the parts are here in NA shared with modles like the Gallant, Eclipse.... have fun and good luck finding the rite one for you.

[Einstein]

Oh i forgot to say, really check out the dealers you want to buy from.. ask alot of questions and if they cant give answers be careful. I almost put my money into a "inspected" vehicle that wasnt really ready to pass another inspection, and fed a few lines form said dealer that in my opinion were in bad faith.I even would ask for the goverment inspection form before purchase, and if it was done in house than pay for a second one frome an independent qualified shop.."Buyer Beware" with "Used Car Salesman" sometimes lol.....i would also get in writing what services have been done and what warranty the vehicle comes with.. I hav'nt had any problems but others on this forum have and that would'nt be cool..... Saying that I went to a very reputable dealer who treated me very well... and his price was as good or better than others. we made the deal with the van still in japan, when it got here it was in such great shape that all the agreeded parts and labor were not needed... the dealer gave me all parts that were part of the original deal, ( brake pads f/r, radiator, windsheild wipers ) which were all in good-great shape when the vheicle landed.. so i can use them when i need them, my pads were at 60-70 percent allready, rad looks new inside and out, ect. and he did all the agreeded servicing and then some... I think that goes a long way in the service department wouldnt you say? Mardy at Amazing Auto Imports has another loyal customer....

[Manitoba deli]

While a gasoline engine treated well can last over 300,000km, a comparable diesel engine also treated well will last over 600,000km. Of course, there are always exceptions. The 4M40 engine has been known to last over 10,000hrs in the Catipillar loaders, but they have also been known to fail with less than 100hrs on them. It all depends on how you treat them, but if treated well, there are very few gasoline engines that will last as long. That being said, I do have an old BMW out back with 735,000km on the 3.5l gasser, and it still runs strong, takes awhile to build oil pressure, but still smokes the tires.

Jason

[jessef]

There is large difference between the gasser 2.4 and diesel 2.8

Providing maintenance is performed as per scheduled service on both engines :

2.8 diesel should last 6-700,000 km's without major work.
Oil changes, injector cleaning, glowplugs and timing chain replacment every 300,000 km's

The gas 2.4 requires more frequent maintenance and parts to live and it's longevity is about 1/2 of the diesel.

With that said, not everyone looks after their engine. The people that don't will be better off with the diesel as it can take a beating compared to the gas if it's left ignored and driven.

[MardyDelica]

Hi, thank you very much for a great complements guys,
really appreciate it and will continue the best effort and knowledge to help our fellow
delica lover:
all i can say is that all of this cars coming from japan need extensive service if your buying this delica without service
it wont be good for you as you need to spend a lot of money on it to make it worth while when you purchase
this delica.
it need a knowledge and experience to learn how this vehicle works not just buying.
too many thing to do to put it in the road.
i spend lots of time, learning process how to make it work not only explaining to my customer about this vehicle but also to educate them how to make it work for there use.
its not easy i have to say i am happy that i can help my customer & other fellow delica lover to service & help them when they need help;

westendah= if you need help to find a nice delica for you to see, your welcome anytime to call me , e-mail, visit me anytime and will glad to help you the need to purchase this type of delica or learn about this delica before you purchase this.
as i dont sell delica without service its not good as soon you will encounter lots of problem with this delica:
hope you find your delica soon, if need help pls just buzz me in anytime;

Cheers;
Mardy