It's a shame...

[Jaz]

So Nat and I have come to a realisation that it's going to be another year or so before we can afford to get a Delica... I know I know, we could just borrow cash, but I don't want to do that. So, we've decided to purchase a japanese SUV instead, something cheap, that will get us out in the forests in between times.

I hope you guys don't mind me asking this here, but I've come to trust and seriously respect the minds and talents on here.

I've narrowed it down to either a 4runner or Isuzu Trooper, both of which an early 90's model can be had for under $3k. I'm thinking these ones because they've got enough room to set up a bed in the back for reasonable car camping, plus decent 4x4 ability. I've found a reasonable seeming 95 Trooper for a good price, but I'd like to get it put over the pits for a proper checkout, plus it's not been serviced for 25k km and it's going to need a 300,000km service, so that could get expensive.


So can anyone recommend a good garage in the broadway/granville area of Vancouver for an inspection? Or within an easy drive?


Thanks in advance! I also hope you wouldn't mind a couple of Aussies tagging along on a camping trip or two, even though we're in the wrong vehicle

[FalcoColumbarius]

Take them for a test drive to CVI. It's not really that far from the point you mentioned, Jaz.
I understand that the 4Runner is quite popular with the BC off road people, but I would think that the Trooper would be better on fuel and I believe it has a shorter wheel base, which would be better in the toolies. Although I must say that I know little about either of them.
Perhaps Jessie would have good input. Another would be Sasquatch Hunter.

As far as tagging along in a non Delica vehicle.... well okay ~ just don't tell anyone. Of course it would be good to have you along!

Falco.

[Jaz]

Thanks Falco :) We'll hide around the corner in the bushes so we don't ruin the delicatessan shots!

I thought CVI was more interested in Diesels?

The Trooper did feel "right", but the potential servicing required has me a bit worried...

[kidwrecked]

pm sent

[konadog]

How about a Nissan Pathfinder from the early 90's? I had a 91 pickup and it was super reliable and a first rate 4x4. Too bad you can't get a delica yet, but hey, it'll be all the more fun when you finally do! Good luck with your current hunt

[Jaz]

Thanks Kona, we still want to get up to Alaska while we're here, and a Deli is a key part of that plan, so it will be awesome when we finally get into one!

I did have a look at the Pathfinders, but I thought they might be a bit short for what we need - we're both 6ft, so need a bit of space in the back to set up camp. The Trooper I liked because it seems to have a bit of interior roof height, whereas the PF and 4runner are perhaps a bit lower.

It's funny, everytime I think about it, I always come back to how perfect the Deli's are for doing this sort of thing! That and they've got the steering wheel on the proper side

[FalcoColumbarius]

I knew a girl from a film gig who drove a pathfinder. She referred to it as the "gas-finder", just an observation.

CVI works on all manner of vehicles. I would give Butch a call and ask him yourself, then you know for sure... smiles. As far as hiding in the bushes ~ we can help .

Falco.

[Firesong]

In case you are still looking for a vehicle.
Stay away from the Troopers and Rodeos.
Unless it's an old old one you are asking for some troubles.
There is a very common problem of them blowing oil out
the manifold causing a quick drop in oil. What usually results
is damage to the motor and poof. Toast.
I had my rodeo (same motor) 1998 and had a new motor
put in under warranty (at less than 40,000 km). It was using a liter of oil every 2-300 km's
and a nightmare. With the new motor in it, I was meticulous..
Ended up selling it with about 20,000 km on it. The next owners
blew the motor within 4 months. My friend bought a 1999 cause he
liked the looks of mine. Unknowingly his was on the way out when he
got it. Another Nightmare.

One of my clients had both the trooper and a rodeo. Same thing happened to him.
Got talking to him because I noticed a nice Red Trooper in one of the
small towns I work in and asked him why it's been sitting in this workyard
nearby. Same problem.. wrecked motor.

Im trying to remember the exact motor in them. V6 32 valve?.. can't remember
exactly. I think it was the 3.2 liter and the 3.5 liters that got the brunt of issues.

Go for a 4runner, pathfinder.. Although I love the style of those older Isuzu's don't
get one.

James
I added a few links to posts with these problems:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automoti ... ngine.html
http://www.motortrend.com/used_cars/11/ ... index.html

[bassnailer]

I feel your pain, Jaz. I test drove a really nice Delica at Mardy's last month. I was super excited. Then I got laid off. In a way, it's a good thing I didn't buy when I wanted to, or I would be in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Anyone need a Carpenter?

[Adrock]

4 runner. Only the 4 runner. I see 4 runners on the road with 450k on them. My buddy has a 1st gen with 389, and it is a beauty. You will have no fuel issues with the 22re. and it is the most bulletproof 4 cylinder. All you have to do is look up 22re videos on youtube The SR5 is a nice vehicle, but any V6 is going to eat gas. The 4 runner is so fun to drive, like a lifted go kart. (the 1st gen, 2nds get a bit cushier) But that 1st gen removable canopy is basically the coolest thing i've seen on an SUV, not to mention the power rear window, which is so amazing for dogs, or just the fact that the americans are just catching on to that with their pickup trucks. Also, because of the 4x4 following of the 4 runner, there is a fairly steady stream of decent used stock parts being taken off to be replaced by bigger stronger parts.

Honestly, if you get the toyota, you probably wont feel the need to go to the delica in a year.

if you dont need tons of space look into a samurai. but definitely ditch the isuzu.

[Jaz]

Thanks guys!

I actually had an excellent chat to a member from here the other day, and got some really valuable advice, similar to what you mentioned Firesong - the 3.2 in the 2nd Gen Trooper has it's issues if it's not looked after, and most of the ones in this town aren't looked after. So I'm definitely going to get a 4Runner, and hopefully a 22re if I can find one that's in decent enough condition for the right money.

I'd rather go a 2nd Gen 4Runner because they're a little more comfy. If it was a designated 4x4 (one day!) I'd definitely go the 1st gen, like you said Adrock, that lift off top is rockin.

Now it's just a matter of finding the right one... anyone know of an early 90's 4Runner with 22re going for less than 3 to 4k?


Bassnailer, I'm sure you'll get into a deli eventually, and as someone mentioned earlier, it'll be so much sweeter when you do!

[Todd64]

4Runner all the way. I had a '92 Trooper and it had it's issues. But man it was an absolute pig on gas.

[Meanman]

4 runner...no question. Parts are readily available, thousands of them around. Check out www.bc4x4.com lots of good tech, lots of parts, lots of stories.

Good luck.

[39Ronin]

I would scoop this one up. It is a balance between not having the Delica and having a Japansese Domestic SUV.

1990 Diesel Pajero. Only $4000 and you can get used to RHD.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/1062517479.html

[freestyler]

So Nat and I have come to a realisation that it's going to be another year or so before we can afford to get a Delica... I know I know, we could just borrow cash, but I don't want to do that. *snip*

Good on you. More people need to think like this, so don't think that you should feel bad for it. Plus, delica.ca isn't a bunch to be judging on this anyways. Your here and you like the van... 'nuff said.