Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

While out west a couple of years ago I seen a Delica van for the first time. I don't think I have ever seen a vehicle that I have loved from first sight. I am looking for one here in Ontario.

How reliable are these vans? Could I depend on it to be a daily driver?

Are service parts easily available? Are there English versions of the shop manuals? Are they downloadable?

What happens if you need minor body parts, like hinges, grilles, glass, door handles and the like? Can these type of parts be ordered either from a Canadian supplier or perhaps an overseas supplier? Perhaps the age of these vehicles makes this more challenging or impossible.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Where are you? I'm in the GTA and have only ever had to wait a few days for something.

I am in the Ottawa area.

Mike

Yep, you can get parts out of Vancouver in short order from UPS or FedEx with ease.

In Ottawa you can drive the van over to Quebec where they are illegal due to silly rules and make everyone extremely jealous.

Thanks! Do you think these units are good for daily drivers?

Mike

Mike,

I bought an 94 l400 in 2010 . I use it daily and am still driving it now .have taken it for a few trips and the only thing I had done are changing the front calipers ( they seized , and never cost a fortune ) , changed the pump seal ,which I did that with my friend's help .( the seal is only $35.00 , but labour could be a lot more in the shop ).These are typical wear of the these vans. I did my oil change and regular maintenance and I am never a mechanic. There are loads of inform. on the net as we have a very good forum here. No worries. One piece of advice : only get a good one to start with ( be willing to pay a bit more ).

DC

MikeA wrote:Thanks! Do you think these units are good for daily drivers?

Mike

I use mine for work every day (plumber) and have put about 120,000km on it in 3 years without any major issues other than what can be expected in that time. They're just as reliable as any NA car or truck as long as you do regular maintenance. The only difference is that it makes it a little easier if you can troubleshoot things yourself.

I have done the IP seal, rebuilt the alternator, new exhaust, new suspension (balljoints etc), rear brakes once, front brakes twice. Nothing unexpected with that kind of milage.

I highly recommend getting an oil spray treatment every year.

Mat,

Have you any suggestions on where to get insurance in Ontario? I checked with the Echelon who underwrites the policy for my motorhome. They would only carry the policy under the facility program which is designed for extreme high risk policies such as DWI drivers. They did not give me an exact cost as I do not have a vehicle yet but suggested the cost would be between 1800 and 3000 per year.

Craig from Bonsai Rides was the only one who could point me in the right direction for insurance. For reference I currently pay about $2200 a year for my van. That's someone with a clean driving record and having an address that falls outside the GTA. Insurance here is absolute horse shit.

Moving from BC I have no prior insurance history with the companies here, but I don't think that makes much of a difference. I pay $1000 more a year here than I did living right downtown Vancouver.

Hi Mat,

I guess I lucked in. Though I thought it would be a waste of time I decided to call my current insurance provider for my daily driver. My current insurance carrier has offered me insurance in the $400 per year range for full coverage. The exact cost will be based on the vehicle I ultimately end up with (I want an L400). The agent tells me that she has tried six times in the past unsuccessfully to get a policy underwritten for a RH drive car with out success. I have a long history with this company both personally and with my business which likely is the reason. I also have a very good driving record and have not made a claim in over 25 years.

Mike

MikeA wrote:Hi Mat,

I guess I lucked in. Though I thought it would be a waste of time I decided to call my current insurance provider for my daily driver. My current insurance carrier has offered me insurance in the $400 per year range for full coverage. The exact cost will be based on the vehicle I ultimately end up with (I want an L400). The agent tells me that she has tried six times in the past unsuccessfully to get a policy underwritten for a RH drive car with out success. I have a long history with this company both personally and with my business which likely is the reason. I also have a very good driving record and have not made a claim in over 25 years.

Mike

Yeah that's what I figured, it's my lack of history with anyone here. I'm getting shafted!!