DELICA vs DODGE, Which is the better choice?

[MattyShmatty]

Hey guys,

I am creating this post on behalf of my friend as he is trying to decide what to do here and I am trying to help. I was hoping that I could get some insight as to which one to advise him to buy, his local mechanic has recommended he buy the domestic dodge as it will be easy to find parts should he break down on the highway in smalltown Northern Ontario. He and I both think the Delica is the better choice in both Cool factor and versatility, but the point his mechanic makes is hard to ignore.


Backstory: My friend Brian is packing up and leaving town... Selling all of his worldly possessions and moving from Ontario to BC. He has decided to buy a camper van but has limited himself to a price range of $5000. Unsure of exactly what his needs are, I think he as come to the conclusion that he does not require all the amenities such as a shower and toilet, which leads us to these two vans.

He has located two vans in Ontario, both the same year of 1994, one being a Delica Space Gear 2800 Diesel and the other being a Dodge Ram 2500

So Here are the stats:

1994 DODGE $1800.00

Model Power Ram 2500
Kilometers 333,408
Transmission Automatic
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Fuel Type Gasoline


1994 Delica Space Gear 2800 $3500.00

Kilometers 210,000
Transmission Automatic
Drivetrain 4 x 4
Fuel Type Diesel


Both owners claim that they are clean, smooth running vehicles with no issues.


I have included a picture of each....

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Mr. Flibble]

If actually moving to BC, the Delica is better on back roads and finding a mechanic in BC is not that hard at all.

[MattyShmatty]

What can be said about the reliability of these things? Is 210,000 km too much? or is it still a reliable machine at that point?

[Mr. Flibble]

What can be said about the reliability of these things? Is 210,000 km too much? or is it still a reliable machine at that point?

Diesels generally las a lot longer than gas engines.

Having said that, it is one of the first Delicas I have seen with rust on it; probably due to the Ontario winter.

It could be great, it could be a lemon. Only a good mechanic could say so.

[MattyShmatty]

Yeah, The rust is a concern for sure, From the pictures it seems to mostly be limited to the bush bar. A crawl under the van will reveal if it is rusted or not. The Dodge owner claims no rust at all underneath.

He is mainly concerned if the van is a high risk vehicle, granted It is obviously like any other vehicle being purchased, there are some good, some bad depending on how it was taken care of. But we are looking to find out if they are typically a reliable machine at 210,000km and above or if that is when their reliability starts to fall short.

[Pntyrmvr]

Hi,

I've driven Dodge full size vans for years. I have 2 on the road now with a bunch parked. One ride is an '84 with four wheel drive and a Sportsmobile top. The other is '96 conversion van bought in Tennessee.

The '94 Dodge in question is a good choice as long as it has been maintained. The motors go forever and the trans will too if not overheated. The rear end will go at 160,000 km if the lube is never changed.

The strut rod bushings squeak unless they are replaced perfectly with quality parts.

The brakes are simple to work on.

The engine is an OBD1 setup with the same computer used on the 5.2's from 92 to 95. They eventually fail, but will give you a few days notice with the startup check engine, key on, test sequence failing to light up. Simply replace the computer. My last one went and I just swapped one in without testing. The ASD relay clicks in the same sequence every time you start it. One day it will click like mad. Another indication the computer is done. Listen for the relay to cycle the fuel pump and you'll know when it's finished.

The various sensors have typical lifespans.

The rad will need replacing as will the AC condenser. Salt eats them up. So does parking an unused van in a grassy area. Ditto for the alternator in a unit stored outdoors for any length of time.

Tires are 15" units. I run the LT235's. Cheap and easy to find. Great truck in very cold snow, but poorer traction as it warms up.

More space than I need, but I'm 270 lbs 6-4. I use them as mobile offices. Second battery, rear heater, and inverter.

The body will last if kept rinsed and stored dry. The driver's door hinge will fail if you lean on the door to enter every day over the years.

Moral of the story: a great big, cheap box that's easy to fix anywhere.

Regards,

Gavin


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[MattyShmatty]

Thanks for the insight on that... It is no doubt that repairing the Dodge would be easier... Half the debate is that, once he gets out here... It'll be much easier to get out into the back country... but WILL it get him here...