To qualify for 15yr import

[dfnder]

To meet the 15yr requirement does this go by date purchased or by date landed for Import. Thanks.

[TardisDeli]

Month and date of manufacture. If imported too soon (even by a month) back it goes to Japan, your cost, no you can't leave it on the dock here.

[Green1]

to add to that, although it is technically date of manufacture, it is often difficult to prove that with the paperwork as generally the only date you will have available is date of first registration, and the government won't just "trust" that the vehicle was built before it was registered!

[The Pinkfingers]

The Jammy Dodger (our delica) is a 94 model built in 93 (although we were originally told it was a 93 - surprise, surprise when we happily discover it is a 94). Hence it is in our driveway.

[loki]

I think that the OP wanted to know what date do they use as the cut off date, that I believe is the date it lands in Canada not the date purchased.

[Green1]

correct, the only date that matters on this end is the date the customs officer sees it.

[marsgal42]

The Jammy Dodger (our delica) is a 94 model built in 93 (although we were originally told it was a 93 - surprise, surprise when we happily discover it is a 94). Hence it is in our driveway.

I'm curious: does the serial number say it's a '94? Does the serial number look like P35W-040nnnnnn?

...laura

[The Pinkfingers]

The Jammy Dodger (our delica) is a 94 model built in 93 (although we were originally told it was a 93 - surprise, surprise when we happily discover it is a 94). Hence it is in our driveway.

I'm curious: does the serial number say it's a '94? Does the serial number look like P35W-040nnnnnn?

...laura

I'll check if you tell me where to look for the sticker.

All I know is it has all the features of a 94, including different glow plug set up, water cooled turbo, different injectors, and a cold start valve.

[marsgal42]

The serial number appears in two places: under the plastic cover right by the driver's seat, and the metal plate under the flap in the carpet, right behind the driver's knees. Details here: http://www.delica.ca/forum/l300-vehicle ... -2119.html

...laura

[The Pinkfingers]

The serial number is P35W-040nnnn.

[marsgal42]

So it is a '94. Cool!

I suppose our next Delica milestone is the first Canadian L400. There is goodness in the L400 (better brakes, slicker transfer case, coil spring rear suspension), but badness too (way more complicated, way more things to go wrong).

I sometimes wonder if the current rush of imports will slow down once we start importing stuff after the mid-90s. Current cars are very difficult to run and maintain without dealer support. And dealers do not generally want to know about private imports.

...laura

[Green1]

. Current cars are very difficult to run and maintain without dealer support

This is a very good reason NOT to buy a newer vehicle! (regardless of import or "domestic" (domestic is in quotes because the vast majority of domestic vehicles are not built on Canadian soil))

As for the L400... it seems to have it's advantages... but I just can't get over the 2 biggest disadvantages, the engine out front eliminates the extra room inside, and the new shape looks like every other mini-van on the road...

[jessef]

I suppose our next Delica milestone is the first Canadian L400. There is goodness in the L400 (better brakes, slicker transfer case, coil spring rear suspension), but badness too (way more complicated, way more things to go wrong).

I played around with an L400 for a week in England.

I didn't like it but that's my opinion.

It is a completely different vehicle than an L300. Light years apart, especially in looks, where the L300 (our Delica's now) are very 'unique'.

L400 is very similar to the Mazda 4whl drive MPV's.

Things I did like about it :

92+Pajero / SuperSelect Transfercase/drivetrain (shift on the fly 4 wheel drive / AWD like Subaru's)
Larger diff front/rear
2.8L engine (this is my fav)

Things I did not like about :

Coil suspension in the rear (I prefer leafs for heavier loads)
Flanges insead of auto hubs on the front axles (but I put manuals on anyways)
Looks, style
Interior wear(more 'fragile' plasticky)
Front engine placement
Handling
Interior room (lack of compared to L300)

When next year hits, I won't be getting one because I've already tried a pair out and have a friend who's owned both.

They are just different. But not my taste, which is something I think a lot of current Delica owner's will share.

My 2 cent$

[marsgal42]

My Mom prefers the look of the L300s as well. She thinks the L400 is ugly, but the D:5 looks neat. I'm inclined to agree...

...laura

[marsgal42]

. Current cars are very difficult to run and maintain without dealer support

This is a very good reason NOT to buy a newer vehicle! (regardless of import or "domestic" (domestic is in quotes because the vast majority of domestic vehicles are not built on Canadian soil))

Back when I was vehicle shopping the other vehicle on my shopping list was the otherwise-interesting Subaru Outback. A big strike against it was that as a more modern vehicle, you don't fix them when they break. You just throw them away and buy another one.

...laura