What should I look for if I want to buy a Delica?

[72Blazerod]

Hi there,

I am new to this site and to Delicas in general. I just had a brainstorm that a Delica would take care of a bunch of my automotive needs and I thought I might start looking for one (in the Greater Vancouver area). But I have no prior knowledge of what to look for and what to keep an eye out for when looking at Delicas. I like the looks of the L400 style and I want a diesel, what their strengths and weaknesses I should be aware of before I begin my search. What mileage do things like timing chains, head gaskets, etc needs to be replaced? What common ailments do Delicas have?

I'd like to get one as a 'daily driver/camper' and don't want to have to invest many thousands in repairs after purchasing a "new" vehicle. I would like to find a reliable or at least a vehicle that has had most of the major repair done to it.

Please pass your knowledge along to a 'newbie.'

Thanks

[islander20]

I don't have any experience or knowledge to offer but I am in the same boat as you. I am planning on getting a Delica from a dealer, CCAutos is close to me and has a great rep so thats who im going with. Like you I want a van that is in very good shape with all the preventative maintenance done. It definitely costs more to go with a dealer but im hoping it pays off in the end.

[EricE]

I went the same route of seeking a reputable dealer and ended up getting a great one from Mardy years ago. Would I go that way again, no. I would look for a private deal from a forum member that has had a few years to get the bugs out , no matter what dealer you get it from things will show up , Rubber parts on the suspension will need replacing , alternators , batteries , harmonic balancers , pumps can add up to a few thousand . Gen 2 l400 injector pumps are hard to rebuild so look for a gen 1 . A well looked after gen one l400 private deal will save thousands , get it inspected by CVI or CCA . Enjoy.

[macro]

Coombs Country Auto has a great reputation if you decide to go through a dealer. My parents are looking to buy one from them and they replaced almost everything that is a consumable, including the IP seal which is a major headache if it's not done before you buy it.

I would look through this forum at dealer reviews if that's the way you're leaning. Or, buy one off someone who is either active on the forum so you can see some of the vans history, or someone who's had it serviced at a decent shop (CVI etc).

[monmendoza]

If you can get a Delica from an owner you know or your friends know who takes good care
of it would mean saving thousands of dollars. Buying from a car lot always means you have
to do minor repairs here and there .

[islander20]

Whats the thought on high mileage L400's? There is one I am interested in but it has nearly 200,000km on it, would cost me about half of what importing a similar model would. From what i've gathered it has all the preventative maintenance done and has been used in Canada for a few years now. Would love to save the $ but want to have my Delica for a long time. Been dreaming of a Delica ever since I first saw one.

[Beausoleil74]

People here in Canada seem to want to recover their costs when they sell their miled out Delicas. I got my gas 96 delica from auction in Japan with under 80 000km for less then I've seen people sell ones with 150-250 000km. I'm guessing they are selling the old one to get a newer one from Japan.

Other then oil changes and undercoating (tremclad) I haven't had to do any repairs. Parts for the gas engine seem easier to find here. I found compatible oil fram oil filters and ignition wires.

as for which kind there are so many options that a lower level delica may be more equipped then a super exceed. I went for the captain chairs in the second row but I wished I got the one with the foldable jump seat.