Delica Dealer / Importer Ratings and Feedback

[Jamesandnicole]

I bought my Deli from Benn at Comox Valley Delica ( www.comoxvalleydelica.com )
I give him 10 out of 10
Straight up, honest guy, very knowledgeable about the Deli's
My van looks brand new
I would recommend him to anyone

[jessef]

I continue to deal with Mardy at Amazing Auto since it's conception.

Mardy is one of the few truly honest business people in this used vehicle auto industry.

His vehicles are consistent and ready to roll. Sometimes a lemon may squeak through. Such is the industry. However, Mardy deals with any issue head-on, without question, nor inconveniencing the customer.

It pleases me to recommend him on a daily basis to people not familiar with Delica's, JDM's, etc... and hearing feedback from some of those people after meeting Mardy.

A consistent two thumbs up.

[bugoutboy]

Hi,
I live in Winnipeg and I'm looking for a Delica. There is one in the city now that I like, but I'm not sure if it's a fair deal... http://www.keiking.com/index.php?main_p ... ucts_id=58
I thought I might be able to get your advice as experienced owners?
I have been browsing the Delica.ca site looking for customer feedback on Kei King, but haven't found any yet.
Looking at these two vehicles from KKing (here is the other available in BC: http://www.keiking.com/index.php?main_p ... ducts_id=3 ), and factoring in about a grand for shipping, does it seem to you like their winnipeg dealer (Star X) is marking theirs up too high?
I'd appreciate any of your thoughts.
Aubrey
PS: I asked them if I could take it to a mechanic and they refused, claiming that they didn't want anyone messing around and causing any possible complications... does that seem reasonable? It has been saftied in Winnipeg.

[Delicafan]

Hi,
I live in Winnipeg and I'm looking for a Delica. There is one in the city now that I like, but I'm not sure if it's a fair deal... http://www.keiking.com/index.php?main_p ... ucts_id=58
I thought I might be able to get your advice as experienced owners?
I have been browsing the Delica.ca site looking for customer feedback on Kei King, but haven't found any yet.
Looking at these two vehicles from KKing (here is the other available in BC: http://www.keiking.com/index.php?main_p ... ducts_id=3 ), and factoring in about a grand for shipping, does it seem to you like their winnipeg dealer (Star X) is marking theirs up too high?
I'd appreciate any of your thoughts.
Aubrey
PS: I asked them if I could take it to a mechanic and they refused, claiming that they didn't want anyone messing around and causing any possible complications... does that seem reasonable? It has been saftied in Winnipeg.

Prices SEEM good..... However if they won't let you take it to a third party mechanic, walk away. If any seller won't let you 100% see what your buying, chances are there is a reason for that.

[flyfishn]

Go somewhere else. They must be scared of something. Also they don't do any preventitve work

Check out Mardy's cars at Amazing Auto Imports in Richmond or Five Star in Parksville on the Island.
They both have great reputations. THey both do all the preventitive work and include it in the price unlike many others.

Also Chewy on the Island (privat sales) has had some great vehicles

Can you say "ROADTRIP"
Take $1000 or less and get a plane/train/bus ticket to the coast.

My humble opinion.

[bugoutboy]

Well, the sales person now says I can take it to a mechanic only if I put down a $300 deposit, which I can only get back if the mechanic says there is something wrong. Well what would something include?
Otherwise, they will allow me to bring a mechanic to their warehouse to inspect the vehicle so that someone can keep an eye on him. Is this common practice? I don't see me being able to get a mechanic (and I doubt there are even any in Winnipeg that are familiar with Delicas) to go there, at least not without being paid a nice sum. Also, wouldn't that limit the type of diagnostic testing that could be done (no lift ect...)
I'd love to take a trip and pay a visit to Mardy, but I don't know if that's in the cards right now. When I started checking this site for Canadian dealer sales I couldn't understand how this Mardy guy was selling so many units (goin like hotcakes); he must be doing something right!

[nishby]

flyfishn is right. It appears they have something to hide. Definitely NOT standard practice. Take the $300.00 they want as a down payment and head for the coast. It's far cheaper than dealing with problems later.

[flyfishn]

Steer real clear of these clowns. Sorry to offend anyone here if they are a "professional clown".

$300 would get you here.

[bugoutboy]

Thanks for the advice, it helps alot!

[wetcoast]

Leaving a refundable deposit is normal when buying a car.

$300 doesn't seem out of the question.

Just pay the $300 and take it to your mechanic.... or like they said have your mechanic go check it out at their location.

The price seems really good considering the condition & the fact it is inspected ready to register.

[nishby]

...except according to bugoutboy, the deposit isn't refundable. And no good mechanic is going to take the time to do the inspection at another location.

Highly unusual.

[TardisDeli]

Sounds sleezy, look elsewhere.

They SHOULD be HAPPY to encourage you to investigate because they are not well known. You could be their ambassador of goodwill.

KK advertise on this site, but I havent heard of anyone who has bought from them (and I email and meet heaps of locals and non-locals who stay at our house while shopping for a delica). You are welcome to stay here, get a cheap flight, we'll arrange a deli-meet for you, suddenly you'll have lotsa new friends.

Nishby replied to your post with "highly unusual", respect his comment as he did much research and visited Vancouver from Ontario to buy his new deli.

I know there is at least another Delica in Winnipeg, so create a new post, title it Winnipeg Delica Meet July 2009 ? or something similar, to catch their eye. Ask to meet them, they'll be happy. I know one of them is coming this to Burnaby soon for his annual maintenance locally, so don't delay in setting a meeting. If you see a delica, just put a note under the windshield wiper nearest the steering wheel with your phone number, offer food as a bribe to meet.

Don't confuse "Inspected" versus "maintenance & repairs done". Inspected merely means the basic minimum required by TC Transport Canada was present at the very MINUTE of inspection, doesnt mean it didnt get altered after inspection before sale ie battery or tires swapped. Minimum standards are tires battery windshield & headlights have approval ratings consistent to minimum Canadian standard. The only thing they usually must change is the headlights and daytime running lights, as the other stuff often is a major manufacturer with international approvals. But Transport Canada minimum is not good enough if you want a reliable happy deli. Example tires can be used / patched / not best size as long as certain percentage of wear is left. Brakes have to have a certain percentage wear left on, but dont have to be new, and rotors might not be great. Battery can be old, and too small for Canada weather, and not hold a good charge, but it still meets code. Engine oil between min & max but not new oil. Timing belts need to be in good shape, but don't need to be replaced (we all prefer to get all the belts replaced, as old rubber is not reliable). WE all recognize the New Deli Dip with the unlevel front torsion bars not adjusted, as that is not reqd, but in the long run you will wear out your tires prematurely. What you want is maintenance and repairs done: all fluids flushed/replaced, all rubber and filters replaced, fuel pump and injectors and turbo cleaned. Especially Interior should not smell mouldy or bad, if it does then walk away -- what else can't you see that also is in bad condition ie engine gaskets.

As a bare minimum the CAA inspection will help. A 4 wheel drive place can check the drive components. Right hand drive makes NO difference, they still have a steering wheel and 4 tires and brakes duhh.

How about videoing the car in detail where it is parked, and email it to us, your friends in Vancouver. Just don't tell them in advance, so they dont' warm up the engine. It should take merely 5 to 10 minutes while you video, exactly the same as if someone came in off the street to view a car. Hi, this is a delica, here's the outside, note the rust spots and damage here, here is the tire rating (zoom), here are the headlights (zoom to rating and name on glass cover). Here is how the engine is accessed, here is your oil dip stick (pull the dipstick and show us the colour fluid), here is your tranny dipstick. Here is the timing belt, see how clean it is, see the Japanese inspection sticker (we like to see ALL the japanese inspection sticker, shows when annual maintenance was last done by previous owner). Here is your battery (zoom to see rating and date of manufacture). Here are your curtains, chairs, carpets. Here is your dashboard (lights work on dash, watch they work when 4 WD is selected. Start it from cold start in morning (video the exhaust pipe gas), drive it back and forth in their parking lot, shift into 4 wheel drive high and go back and forth, then shift in 4wd low and go back and forth. They could drive it in their lot while you video if they want to make sure no tampers with it, we need sound and to see and hear it moving and shifting gears. Video the windows going up and down with sound, horn, heater on full blast. Ideally, lie down under the car (under the drivers seat) and video all the oily spots, some oily spots are OK (ie slight leak after the turbo exhaust not before it). If they have painted the engine or undercarriage, run away cuz you need to see leaks, it's a used car they have little leaks, you want to see that is doesnt have big leaks, I like to see the months of dust on the engine then I know what needs doing.

But, remember, spend a few thousand dollars more now, and don't spend it later on tow trucks.

Keep in touch, Christine.

[39Ronin]

I agree with the above, but take it one step further. Buy a Delica that was still registered and with valid "SHAKEN" while it was in Japan, instead of a vehicle that sat for a few years before being sold to Canadians. Replace as much stuff as you can but nothing compensates for a vehicle that wasn't still running, the "SHAKEN" will show the mileages and a progression. I think all buyers should insist on seeing the export certificate and auction sheet as it will tell you some more details about you vehicles' life in Japan. Dealers are going dislike this advice I am giving, but at the end of the day would you buy a Canadian vehicle locally without asking the history? Would you buy one that sat for 3 or 4 years. I think this is the last time I will mention this advice becasue it amazes me the amount of Delica owners that threw $10,000 - $13,000 just becasue it was serviced locally and wonder why they still have issues. All used cars can have issues this is just another step further to minimize the chance of problems.

[maDDtraPPer]

Anybody deal with Brave Auto? I fell in love with one of their L400's and started to write an email but after I finally got to the end of the 100 pictures of the vehicle I found obvious signs of overspray from fresh paint, and things seem really shiny like there was something sprayed on the frame and parts to make them look better. Used to work in a body shop so I know cover jobs when I see them. Turned me off from the transaction because I am scared of hidden problems, or maybe they just go the extra distance to make the vehicle better???? Anyone?

[Kei King]

It is pretty simple to understand. The buyer didn't want to leave a $300 deposit, so therefore the vehicle doesn't leave our property. Many customers choose to bring their own mechanic with them. It's very common. If you don't at least have a friend that's a mechanic you must live in a rabbit hole.

To all the people throwing mud, you don't realize the Delica just passed through a 65 point Manitoba Provincial Safety Inspection at an Independant Shop which is MUCH MORE strict than any BC inspection or CAA inspection you can think of.

The Delica is MINT inside and OUT and the price is excellent. It drives straight and smooth with more power than more L300 Delica's. The shipping alone from Vancouver to Winnipeg was $850. The buyer missed out on a good deal.