Newby looking to learn and purchase

[Todd64]

Excellent. I'll have to investigate insurance and registration.

jwfchase...7500kms is a little long to find out about reliability.

Cheers all.

[TardisDeli]

Most of us regular writers have the Deli as our only vehicle.

That's why we we go on the off-road trips most have full tow stuff, and shovels, and safety gear. So we can get ourselves and our Beloved Deli home. That's why all the questions about how to fix stuff, cuz we all want to know every inch of our Baby, not just hand it off to some callous stranger to touch. Absolutely reliable, dependable, and given a worthy name, with more care than the name given to a puppy.

Only downside: I used to be able to cancel work shifts in winter -- ooohh roads too icy / snowy / sorry not coming in / wow snow day --- now I can't cuz everyone knows the Deli will go anywhere.

Cheers, Christine.

[Todd64]

Thanks again Christine.

[jaeger]

I'm in the market for a Delica and have been debating models as well. I'm set on a L300 and plan to convert it into a camper also. Christine suggested an Exceed instead of a Chamonix if sleeping 2. Why is that? I was keen on the Chamonix for the winter package - I'll likely be camping in the cold from time to time. Also attracted to the heavier paint as I'll be on the north coast. Any other ideas/suggestions for someone in my situation?
Cheers,
Dan

[FalcoColumbarius]

My Chamonix sleeps two quite comfortably. The Chamonix is a B configuration seating plan, which is a bench set-up. This allows the two sleepers to be next to each other, which in colder climates is a bonus in my opinion. To the best of my knowledge the Exceeds are typically A configs, or "Captain chairs" on movable track systems. This keeps the sleepers apart, although there are some mods one could make in the way of storage boxes between the seats which could work.

Having said all that ~ it's a pretty moot subject if you are planning to redesign the interior as a camper.

One can get the Exceeds with the winter package, however it is not the complete package that the Chamonix has:

• Exceed: Velour upholstery; shag carpet; smaller alternator (75 amp); standard paint; single battery.
  
  Chamonix: Robust upholstery; short pile carpet; larger alternator (90 amp); extra clear coats; duel batteries in parallel.

I believe the Exceed winter packages involve the duel battery system and the larger alternator. I don't think they have more paint and definitely not the upholstery or the carpet. Scour "Delica Canada Technical" for more on this topic. "Delica Modifications" should have a fair amount on different camper designs.

Falco.

[nxski]

The superexceed has the 90a alternator and dual battery, but the carpet and seat upholstery isn't as durable.

[jessef]

Don't forget the paint.

Chamonix models have a more durable coat/finish than all other L300 models.

Chamonix's are my favorite models.

First L300 - Granola was a Chamonix high roof
Current L300 - Turtle is a Chamonix Poptop
Current L400 - Noname is a Chamonix highroof

Love 'em !

[jaeger]

Thanks for all the input. It certainly helps to have knowledgeable folks willing to share their experience. I'm pretty indecisive by nature, and with so many variations and options it's a tough decision. I'll keep my eyes open for a Chamonix in good condition. I've explored many avenues but this forum seems the best place so far.
Hope to join the ranks of a proud Deli owner soon, and will hope for more good feedback until then, and after.
Cheers,
Dan

[FalcoColumbarius]

Back in '07 I was working at this big house in West Van. I was on my way back home in my '87 Voyager when I got a call from this guy that I knew at the time, telling me about this wonderful RHD truck that his friend had brought over and was sitting in his driveway, that I should really take a look at. So I said I would be over in twenty and see what the buzz was all about. I pulled up next to this little white van, got out and walked over to the two guys, looked back and was astonished at how the little white van dwarfed my Voyager ~ it looked so small as I drove up. This guy went on and on about all the wonderful attributes this truck had but all I could think about was how solid the white van looked and how much my blue Voyager looked like a tin can and how it was I was still alive...

I became obsessed with this vehicle. I began researching the Delica, the different models, the crash test results, how stable they were, &c.. I decided that I would want the Chamonix model for it's simplicity and resilience. I wanted the low roof version (later realised was the P25W) so I could get under branches and into car parks. I had my mind set on a wagon with 60,000 kliks on her. I began to be very specific in the details, I liked the black over silver colour scheme and thought wouldn't it be cool if it had a green pearl in the clear coat. I wanted a solid roof, no windows or sky lights, I heard there could be mechanical issues. I wanted a good mileage vehicle that was a manual ~ I figured having learned to drive in the UK this could be an effective anti-theft device. When I was a teenager I always fancied having a '68 Chevy Van (short box) and wouldn't it be nice if it was 4WD and diesel ~ all these years later here it was in the form of a Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon.

One day I got a call from my brother saying that he had met this guy whilst paying his phone bill whom had "one of those vans you want"... It was a baby blue over white.... not what I was looking for... hmm... but my brother reassured me that he had a couple of others ~ so I went along to have a look. I told the guy that I was really looking for a Chamonix: "Oh, I have one of those..."

• Wow.... black over silver low roof (solid) <with a green pearl in the clear coat>; 61,000 kliks;

I looked at the wagon and she winked at me. I took her for a drive, she was automatic but she cruised at 100 KPH @ 2600 RPM and manual shifting came naturally...

I tell you all this because ultimately be careful what you wish for ~ you just might get it. Be specific and think things out... smiles.

Falco.