Hello

[Rain]

Hi, another Victoria member. I'm currently 'thinking about' getting a Delica. My husband and I managed to corner some poor guy at the ferry lineup and ask a bunch of questions.

My main concern is that I'm currently driving a 17 year old van which is falling apart, and I'm worried about trading it in for a 15 year old van which may be ready to fall apart at any moment.

So, what are the downsides? What are the common problems? I'm not looking to be talked into buying a Delica, I just want to make a decision with eyes open, if you know what I mean.

[jrman]

The downsides are basically fewer than the up...but I'll give it a shot;
- slightly more difficult to find parts. But, with a little research, generally no problem for vast majority of consumables.
- slightly more difficult to find mechanic. But, seems the island and lower mainland has enough with familiarity now that for mechanically dis-inclined, there are good options. General reliability of the vehicles is very high, and electronic bits are few, so in combination with the diesel simplicity - not much of a calling for the old mechanic required anyway.
- oil changes - I prefer to do my own and familiarize myself with other goings on with my vehicle at the same time so not a concern. But, if you wish to drop by the Lube Shop - you best have a filter in hand.
- Diesel - slightly more difficult to find at the pump. And if you have not driven one before, then you have to get familiar with the startup (glow plug) / shut down (turbo cool down) procedure, as well as the slightly rough idle that is just "nature of the beast". You'll also need to get familiar with adding a fuel conditioner (including some lubricity factor) as the new ULSDiesel fuel will shorten the life of your engine without it.
- Power - my motorbike puts out more power than this uber wagon - but it still keeps up with traffic just fine for my driving style.

Non of the above have deterred me at all - and in fact, have sort of endeared me to this wonderful vehicle. I say wonderful based on the long list of Upsides that I won't go into, but do exist - at least for me. But, my wife just about shot me when I suggested we replace her 2000 Toyota Sienna with Deli-a-Deux.....so, clearly they are not for everyone!

I have had mine now over 6 months - nothing to complain about except for a few famous fixes that were needed (leaky quarter panels, rocking captains chairs, etc), running strong and feeling good. Regardless, I'm realistic and have spent some time accumulating resources for the day that something expectedly unexpected does happen....as of course it will in a 15 year old vehicle.

Good luck in your decision and all the best!

[Rain]

Thanks.

We already have a diesel truck, so the whole warmup/rough ride is familiar to me already. And from what I've been reading Marigold is the place to go for work. They're relatively close to where I live, so that's good. My husband has a commercial account with Columbia fuels, so he gets a biodiesel/petrodiesel blend for his truck. Thinking I could do the same for the delica. (see, look at me talking like I already made a decision and everything... )

My biggest problem is that 'they' just don't make the kind of vehicle that I need. Which would be big enough to seat 6 (I have 4 kids, plus husband), 4wd - I have a steep, long gravel driveway, and my current fwd minivan CANNOT make it up when there is even an inch of snow, and a hybrid or fuel cell, and of course, affordable. Not asking for much, am I? So, the delica seems to fit my needs and such better than a newer North American available vehicle.

[TardisDeli]

Hi Rain, get a Deli now. I love it.

My name is Christine, had ours just over 3 months, bought privately. Spousal Unit Jay and I bought it just for weekend toy, but I also now use it all the time in heavy city traffic instead of my little car (Hint, leave for work before the spouse, so he can't borrow the Delica). So much better visibility and comfort. And the Cool Factor. Since you will load the van with people instead of camping gear, ensure you get a model with Shoulder 3 point seatbelts (it was an option that became standard in 1992 - I think, but CHECK & ENSURE).

We have loaded many bodies in, even my 85 year old mum, everyone can get in & out much easier & quicker than most other vans (nice built in step too). One buddy of ours is over 6'6 and generously wide, he fits happily in the rear Captains chair by the door better than the passenger seat.

Tall guys fit happily in the rear bench seat, as the captains chairs can slide forward for leg room, and good ceiling height, if you get the P35W model which is the tall roof (not the Crystal Lite window roof, as it is much lower due to the crap of window rollers and air .vents mid ceiling).

The captain's chairs are comfier than the bench (the Chamonix has the middle row a bench), and kids fight less. Then the DVD player you attached aft of the mug holder/centre console can be seen by all.

Apparently on some Super Exceed models, you can get karaoke built into the radio, the rear radio controls override the driver. Excedrin Headache Number 1. Cool.

Buy from whichever dealer gives you the longest warranty, things don't go wrong right away. Buy from someone who loves Delica's (if they can't stop talking for an hour about them you know they love em). Read the advice here, but don't worry abut the reliability, remember most of only post when we have a problem.

If you're doing a lot of city driving rather than off-roading, try to get one with rear anti-sway bar (no, honestly folks, they are NOT on every one, ours and some others I have snooped at). Anti-sway bar Smooths out the sway in the rear (or just drive the posted speed limit), but can make your off-roading a bit bumpier.

Mirrors : as I am shorter, I added another mirror on the "Mirror Tree" on the passenger side. Turn the existing side mirror on its side, so could fit another smaller convex mirror above, now the original sideways mirror allows me to see low slung cars hiding beside the side door in traffic.

Now to the fancy stuff, we put an inverter on hump behind the driver seat, and strapped a small microwave on the shelf behind the driver seat, and put a square basket atop the microwave, and load up with microwaveable drinks and snacks for cranky passengers. Or as Spousal Jay does, sit there for lunch break at work and watch DVD's with your hot lunch.

Camping : fits the queen size (not double size) air mattress, so put the kids out in the tent and LOCK the doors. Installed brighter lights in the ceiling for reading.

That's it for now. Summary wish list: Seatbelts, tall roof (not Crystal Lite), Captains Chairs for middle row, rear anti sway bar. Karaoke??
Cheers, Christine Of The Tardis Deli.

[twnavin]

Hi Rain. I too think you should jump on the Delica bus. As all of us will.
I've got a buddy in Squamish that has a good one for sale now and only
$8900. He has lots of pictures and it's very clean.

http://www.delica.ca/forum/1991-high-ro ... -1740.html

I hope you find what your looking for.
Have fun... TW