Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

Hi,
I've noticed some websites offer an auction as a means to purchase a Delica. Is this a safe way to buy a van? Are there any other costs added on top of the final bid price? Are the vehicles "good to go" mechanically?
Thanks,

It is called doing LOTS! of research. I have a friend in the middle of the stress that is involved with importing... I couldn't deal with it and bought of the lot... depends how much energy and stress you are willing to put into it. And in the end... ?

If you are planning to import your own delica, try emailing the vendor and find reference in Canada if they have done any business. Don't send your money without any reference.

My advice to you all who are thinking of importing your self should take a look at a link of the goverments auction site, currenty there are 3 SIEZED right hand drive imports for sale, and befor you think , oh, hey can I buy one, you can buy it, but they all have to be shiped back to japan, then alot of paperwork and then re-imported. I guess my point is that some people have had luck with importing on their own , and some people have a single piece of paper that is wrong and POOF your money is gone and customs says, Thanks we will take it from here and you loose every penny you put into it. the warehouse for siezed vehicles is getting more and more FULL from people messing up the paperwork or bringing in the vans to early,
I guess my point is anytime you import its a gamble, and you should only gamble with money you have to loose

First never spend more then you can afford to lose.

But, also do your homework; find out all you can about what you intend to bring in. Do talk to exporters and look for referrals - some well respected importers even point you towards trusted exporters. Do talk to a agencies such as Courtenay Agencies.

Many people find the import process very fun and enjoyable, just look at the owners out there with multiple JDM's. Can you blame them.

Reasons not to should be the lack of warranty and support for a self imported vehicle. IMO>

I agree with what the Energizer bunny said!

Use a reputable export company in Japan, make sure you don't ship a vehicle before it is admissable (15yrs to the month) and use a reputable customs broker in Vancouver and the import process is extremely simple. The most difficult part of the whole process is finding an OOP inspection facility that knows what they are doing once the vehicle is already in your possesion (at least here in the Okanagan).

Risks? If you are not trying to pull a fast one the risk of having your vehicle seized by Canada Customs is near 0% and in the cases where vehicles have been seized improperly, ivoac.ca members have been successful in getting the vehicles returned to the owners. The main risk is always the fact that you have bought a car from some photographs...there is always the chance what arrives is a piece of junk, but again, use a reputable dealer in Japan, preferably with stock on hand as opposed to auctioning, and you should be do alrite. It is pretty much a fact that every vehicle will need some type of servicing (ie fluids or belts or tires or battery etc etc) and then there is the compliance work (headlights, DRLs etc etc)...so if you don't like doing some things yourself and don't have a mechanic you trust, the cost benefits of importing your own can disapear pretty quick (especially in places like the Okanagan where people go out of their way to do the worst quality work at the highest price possible).

The profit margins have definately shrunk for import companies from back in the boom period (2004-2005...ie Toyota Prados selling for $18,000 with no compliance mods). So when you consider the number of hours spent on paperwork, maintanace, compliance, inspection...and the bonus of a warranty at many dealers, the current market prices are pretty fair in most cases. And you dont have to do anything but pick a vehicle, pay for it and drive away.

Hello

I am currently working with two agents in Japan to help you secure a bid and ship you Delica or any other RHD to Canada. I can bid on any Delica at any auction, often with out the usually required up front auction fee. My services include bidding and shipping arrangements; if you have vehicle in Japan and need to share shipping I can arrange that too. I also do all the paper work to clear the container, customs, etc and I can even have the car brought right to you door.

It can be a bit tricky to get all the needed information to bid on the right Delica so by having two agents in Japan we are often able to look at the cars in person, before you place a bid. Further, assistance with the inspection, DOT compatibility is also offered. Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding RHD imports to Canada.


Thank you,
Daniel

778 865 8225