US Version '87 Van Wagon (?)

[Allonsea]

Hey All! Recently have become mildly obsessed with getting myself in the Delica club (crazy right?) Anyway, I am looking for opinions on this 1987 Van:

1987 US Version
Left Hand Drive
2wd / RWD
185k miles (= 297km)
Regular Gas, 4 cylinder automatic
Originally from California
Asking 4500 obo
Pictures attached.

I took it for a quick test drive, seemed smooth with good acceleration, did not take it on the freeway though so not sure of how it feels above 40mph.

My main questions are in regard to anyones experience/opinions on the van wagons, what they're worth at this mileage, etc. The body and interior are in pretty good shape, I'd be planning to rip out the rear carpet at least and do a light camping build. No known mechanical issues except the 'AC probably needs to be recharge'...

Is it worth it to make an offer at this mileage? Or would I save myself lots of trouble by spending 2-3x more on a 'regular' L300 with lower miles, Turbo Diesel and 4wd...

Thanks for any and all thoughts on this! One way or another I hope to be a Delica (or vanwagon) owner soon!

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[deskinthewoods]

"Hmmmm, might be hard to drive with the steering wheel on the wrong side..."...

[philmeup1]

I've always loved these Vanwagons. I remember I'd see the odd one as a kid and thought it was imported from some other country. I don't think these were ever offered in Canada, but I might be wrong about that.

Anyway, the pictures on this van look great!! It appears to have no rust issues, and that's a big deal because bodywork can be very expensive. As far as the mechanics go, the mileage is up there. But if it's been properly maintained, you could potentially get many more miles out of this van. I'm not sure what parts would be like to source for this vehicle, but I've never had a problem with my '93 L300.

There's a dedicated spot on this forum site for the Vanwagon. You should have a poke round there before you potentially make this purchase.

Love the pics!!


Cheers, Phil

[Growlerbearnz]

It does look very nice, though the silver paint looks suspiciously shiny. Just check that there's no filler in the A-pillar or roof nearby, the front floor, or the wheel arches- those are all rust spots.

[teamtestbot]

Wow, that thing is clean. As someone who has the unfortunate luck of living in the northeast, I envy anything this old which isn't riddled with rust.

My short assessment based only on the photos and information presented:

- 3.5 to 4 is fair for this body and interior condition plus a conclusive test drive
- USDM parts are still reasonable to find for wear items (brake pads, shocks, ball joints, fluids, etc.)
- I agree with the rust-check assessment around all the wheel arches and lower rocker panels and lower portions of door panels
- Also check for damage from people using jacks on anything but the frame rails and suspension anchor points. This is most commonly found as crumpled rocker panels and lower body seam (lower pinch-weld) along the bottom. If this happens up front, right behind the front wheels, it will often break the rear climate control mounting brackets. Not the end of the world (mine are broken) but a bargaining point and an aesthetic mark if you are a perfectionist.
- Timing belt service interval per the book is 75K. If there are no service records, expect to do this. 8-10 hours for newbies and 3-4 hours for veterans and around 100 cost of parts and materials. Engine is non-interference, so not the end of the world fortunately even if it suddely breaks.
- I would consider lack of service record to be worth an extra 500-750 off. Being 80s Japanese trucks, they will run until something becomes too broken to run any more. Then it becomes More Expensive, and often people will ditch them when signs show up (e.g. rod knock from the engine, suspension noises, difficulty running)
- At 185K, expect to be doing suspension parts and linkages/bushings in the near future. Mine is 230k and purchased at 151K. Operations are not difficult or weird.
- I envy this clean interior and exterior.

[Yokohama]

I second all the suggestions above. Also inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks and expect to have it welded; this is not that hard to deal with and may have to wait until you buy it. But yeah, they all crack.. always