Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

Just returned from sea kayaking in the Broken Group and of course while in Tofino learned there was such a thing as a Delica, now I'm hooked and I've never been near one physically. A friend tells me he often sees one in Banff however, Green1 would that be you?

I'm just trying to get a handle on the process of doing it yourself versus using a service, or a compromise wherein you make your own purchase in Japan but use a Vancouver broker to do the paperwork. I thought I should do up a spreadsheet that will help me calculate landed costs based on various variables, which I would be happy to share when it is at a useful stage.

Here for example is something I noticed yesterday. THere is a wheelchair accessible Delica listed on the Terra2 site for $7,990.00 CDN. That same unit is listed on the Japanautodirect site for about $3,800.00 CDN, FOB Japan (and the pictures here are much more detailed than the Terra2 site). So there is a difference of approx $4190.00. So for my spreadsheet the known factors for the Terra2 costing are $1000.00 for their fee. So that leaves a difference of $3190.00. I've seen from other posts on this site the following costs can be expected as factors:

-Vehicle compliance conversion (lights, etc) $700.00
- Ship via container (this is where I am confused, I've seen costs ranging from $900 - $3,900.00 posted here).
-Unpacking the container
-Various processing fees and taxes: $1,000.00

Other questions I still have:
a: I've seen service providers like Courtney Agencies recommended in this forum. I'll have to do more research to determine exactly what parts of the process they cover off, and what their fees are so I could factor them into the spreadsheet.

b: As I'm in ALberta I have not been able to determine if I could go to Vancouver myself and drive the vehicle back "in transit" or tow it with a Tow Bar, without having to register it in BC or pay PST, or whether I need to have it transported commercially to ALberta (I suspect the latter, as I assume the inspection would have to be done in ALberta as well? Does the vehicle have to be kept in Bond until it is inspected, or is it just kept in Bond until it is cleared and then registration is allowed by Provincial authorities after it is inspected? ).

c: Haven't seen Japan Auto Direct mentioned in the posts that I've read so not sure if they may fit into the category of undesirable companies to deal with, as I did note that there is a post warning that there are a number of agents or companies to be beware of. (Some others I have seen: "Direct Imported", "Auto Direct", and "Auction Direct").

So there are a few examples of my outstanding questions at the moment, indeed it is not a process for the light hearted. I've suggested to my significant other that maybe I could buy the item, and then she could go to Japan, pick it up, take the ferry to S. Korea, drive through N. Korea, then through Russia to Petropavlosk whereupon she could probably get a real cheap ferry to ALaska, then down to ALberta. If I can just convince her about the N. Korea part I think I'll have her convinced and I'll get some peace and quiet to watch the Canucks win the cup this year and next year, anyone want to go? BTW, I sent Terra2 questions early yesterday and still no answers. I guess I'm old fashioned but I'm pretty nervous about sending a $1,000.00 deposit to someone I cannot call on the phone and takes more than 24 hrs to answer mail.

Links referenced above:
Wheelchair unit at Terra2: http://www.terra2imports.ca/import-japa ... 771620.htm
Same unit at Japan Direct: http://www.japanautodirect.com/auto.spe ... fm?id=1811

Other sites referenced:
Auction Direct Japan: https://www.auctiondirectjapan.com/index.php
Auto Direct: http://www.autodirect.jp/
Direct Auto Importers: http://www.directimported.com/importing-to-canada.php

friend tells me he often sees one in Banff however, Green1 would that be you?

nope, Delica hasn't been to Banff yet... but I'm around Calgary a lot...
don't know where in Alberta you are, but if you're in Calgary I can arrange for you to get an up-close look at my beast...

As for the rest... importing can be complicated, there are lots of options, you can definitely save some money if you do it yourself instead of using an importer, however there is a lot more work involved and higher risk.

I chose an importer, (JDM Wholesale in BC) and was happy that I did as the vehicle came with a warranty and everything was taken care of for me.
**** EDIT: removing my recomendation for Luxury imports due to their recent change in attitude slandering the entire import process, flinging baseless accusations at other importers and exporters, and admission of illegal importing ****

As for driving it back, I did, and I don't regret it, however it was quite the adventure, I broke down on the Coquihalla and had to be towed back to hope, and eventually Vancouver... Importer covered it all under warranty though. my second attempt to drive home was more successful...

Everything is a trade off, you can get amazing vehicles, but they cost more than simply "good", you can do things yourself and save money, but the risk is higher and so is the work required. It all boils down to how much money you are willing to spend, how much work you are willing to do, and how much risk you are willing to take.

A new Delica is cheap, in excellent condition, and easy to obtain, pick any 2... ;)

HiYah John,
it a nice chatting away it you today, you have to orgive y rushin the conversation i was loading a psrts rg and it was a bit more complicated than i was hoping for...
good luck in your search.

my suggestion is this, ask questions. lots of questions. if you feel comfortable then go for it, if not walk away...there are a lot of importers these days.

should you feel you need to pay someone to supply you a Delica with no warranty then use this link:
http://www.luxuryimports.ca/faq/importinfo.php
i used Rizvi for a couple years, he is honest and will get the unit to Vancouver dock for you. he does not inspect the units personally but then neither does most of the importers that work on commision only...

he will translate the inspection sheet for you.

with this link i do not know why anyone would use a commission based importer...

just my opinion
cheers

Thanks guys, both of you for the great info. The only other one I talked to today was AL from Courtney who gave me some good cost breakdowns. So I'll keep working on a spreadsheet and collecting info. Crushers, that unit that you are getting into transit right now has got to be the nicest I've seen, looks like a rare find.

it's pretty nice, i am sure it will make a happy custmer of someone...
thanks for the compliment.
cheers

Hey there,

I went with an importer. I can see that you can save money and get a nice vehicle if you do it yourself. But in my case I have a family, own a business and have a project that is 80 years old I call my home. So yes you can get a vehicle for cheaper but like green1 says, it all depends on how much energy and time you can put in.

I got my delica for $2800 at the auctions but my cost in the end is much higher. Container shipping $1800. Fees etc. Terra 2 is who I used and have nothing but good things to say.I was happy to pay a service fee of $1000 to have everything taken care of. They broke down the whole cost and in comparing to say courtenay brokers, Terra2 did no mark up of anykind. The $1000 service fee is their fee. Straight up.

So I go to Vancouver in 4 weeks and drive away with a Delica, everything is taken care of. I had no problem depositing $1000. It just helps them determine who is serious and who is a tire kicker. It seemed to me that the are extremely busy but their service and prompt attention to my questions and concerns was fine. I may not have as high expectations though, of having a response in 24 hours.

But saving a few thousand is important, I understand. It can pay for some good trips in your delica. Good Luck deciding.

On another short note. I used to sea kayak guide in the broken group. You picked a great time of year to be there. Less people, whales, good evening light.:D Haven't been paddling out there in few years. Now I just go to that Pac Rim Park to surf kayak or surf. Can't wait to take the deli out there.8)

Sean

Thanks Sean,

Good to hear the positive feedback on Terra2. The brokerage fee from Courtney is $250.00. Of course that does not include the cost of preparing for compliance, getting the vehicle to and onto the ship in Japan (apparently about $350.00), getting it off the ship in Canada (drayage fee: $170.00), and unpacking the container (??), terminal fee $150.00, abstract fee $25.00, CFIA CLearance $43.00, etc.

It would be helpful to determine which of the above, if any, are covered in Terra2's fee. If they all are, then their fee is not a bad deal at all. Perhaps you could elaborate if possible?

I've used Japan Auto Direct (JAD) for 2 vehicles and was happy with the service and the vehicles. Just make sure you get full insurance coverage on the shipping...one of mine got damaged along the way and I then found out i only had total loss coverage.

Personaly I wouldn't bother with using Terra2 since they are just another middleman and don't offer any additional servicing or warranty (correct me if things have changed). That said, one thing to note about Japan Auto Direct is that their prices listed for individuals are significantly higher than what are listed to dealers (ie listed $3,800 to you but $3,000 to a dealer). So if you are not a good wheeler dealer over the phone/email then your end $$$ result might be the same going on your own with JAD or with using Terra2 as the middleman dealer between JAD.

Using Terra2 should take some of the stresses off of you (but also the adventure). For myself, of the whole import process, dealing with local shops for the OOP inspection was by far the most frustrating portion...if Terra2 takes care of the compliance and inspection properly thats one less agrivation and might also be worth the extra money to you.

Thanks psilosin, some good points worth considering. I asked Terra2 on Monday about inspections for Alberta, no reply as yet so this aspect is still an unknown for me. I'll have to ask Green1 to shed some light on that aspect of it if possible.

So far I have had recommended Japan Auto Direct, Braveheart Auto, and Japanese Used Cars.com as Japan based agents with a proven track record. Now it seems to me that a buyer may in fact find that one of these agents may be able to access a particular sale or source that has the vehicle you want whereas another may not so in the end you may end up using one based on which vehicles they have found.

This morning a friend has now become interested as well in one after I directed him to the Luxury Auto site as having probably the best example of one that is about as good as they come right now (if you haven't seen it yet you should have a look). He indicated an interest in getting together on purchasing and sharing a container, etc. I'm still not real clear how many of these we can get into a container, but it appears to be obvious that it is critical to fill a container.

Following the lead of other posts I also contacted Courtney Agencies and I would concur that my initial impression has been high, in fact every expert that I have contacted in this field (Luxury Auto, Courtney, etc.,) have been very selfless in the giving of their time and expertise making the pursuit so far very enjoyable and educational. All this should end up in a spreadsheet that will help break out all the costs along the line which I would be happy to share with anyone from the forum.

Luxury Auto??

Sorry about the mistake, Luxury Imports.

Anyway, this may be of interest. My initial spreadsheet example is for the wheelchair unit that is listed at japan auto direct FOB Japan for 400000 Yen and Terra2 FOB Vancouver for $7990.00 CAD. Based upon a fee breakout I got from j-cars.com, it would appear if you did it yourself it may cost $1,000.00 more:

I tried to paste it here with HTML formatting but had no luck so put it on our own server here:

http://www.deetfree.ca/delica.htm

When using a 'middle man' service make sure they list everything thats included. Some I have talked to say they include everything up to getting the car in your driveway (meaning any compliance modifications/repairs, inpection (fee) and registration (tax, more fees) is up to you). Some only quote to the port in Vancouver so you still have the many many delicious fees still to pay at this end that are not included in the quote. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

BTW that wheelchair unit looks pretty cool. I was looking at that a while back and thought that would be sweet to modify into a motorbike loader!

Regarding your work sheet. If you are buying it from vehicles in stock at JAD you do not have to pay any of the fees you have listed from pre-bidding fee to customs clearance charge...just the FOB price (which you should haggle a bit on) and shipping (and shipping insurance). Best of luck.

jkellas wrote:Sorry about the mistake, Luxury Imports.

LOL!!
that was what i thought...

I asked Terra2 on Monday about inspections for Alberta, no reply as yet so this aspect is still an unknown for me. I'll have to ask Green1 to shed some light on that aspect of it if possible.

Alberta inspection is pretty easy, Delicas are basically ready to go when they arrive (assuming in good shape) I believe the only mandatory change is the addition of daytime running lights (which if you do it the way my importer did is as simple as one fuse connected between 2 wires inside the steering column)
You'll also need to verify that the tires have the ratings stamped on them and are in good shape (these often need replacing)
The following list may not be mandatory in Alberta however I would say the following things really need to be done:
-LHD headlights, there's a rumour that Alberta doesn't really care, but just get it done, most importers will include them and if not they are available relatively easily (there are threads on this site about it)
-3rd brake light, now there's an ongoing argument about whether or not they are required on a Delica, however they're cheap and easy AND make your vehicle safer, just do it.

The only other thing needed to make these things meet BC regulations (I know you're talking Alberta, but if you ever want to drive to BC it might be worth just meeting their regs rather than be hassled by their inspectors) is side markers/reflectors. The tail lights are already visible from the side, so I don't think anything needs to be done there, the front ones aren't though, so I modified mine by wiring the side turn signal repeater in to the front parking lights, I think it looks better, and it gives you that front side marker light, that leaves only reflectors, these can be picked up at most auto-parts stores pretty cheap.

beyond that, you just need an inspection facility with a brain and it's easy.

Hey jkellas,

I can elaborate. Once I place a deposit with them, they would email me with vehicles that would be of interet to me based on a custom vehicle order. They asked what my maximum bid based on total landed cost. Which includes:

Vehicle Cost
Shipping Cost
Terra2 Importation Service Fee
6.1% Duty/Customs
Air Conditioning Excise Tax
CFIA Inspections
6.0% GST
Provincial Safety Inspection
VIN application fee
94 Octane Gas
2 Battery Jump Starts: Complimentary
7% PST
They also threw in 4 Oil filters,1 Fuel Filter, 1 Airfilter, Diesel Fuel Conditioner and 4 Accessory Belts. I Also went with the registration assistance package. So that is how I can arrive in Van and drive away. They also take care of all the compliance issues with that option and they threw in the DOT compliant lights. Northvanmatt say the inspection shop they use are great.

I hope this helps. I agree with all the info posted on this tread so far that importers like Terra2 are middleman and may be unneccesary to some. The resources are there to do it yourself. But middlemen do have their place when they have a good service to provide that is honest and upfront.

I also searched the auctions on my own and found a few that I ask them to bid on. They were very receptive to that. Another thing I liked was that the first 4 deli's I wanted to bid, their inspector backed out due to certain issues with each vehicle. Each and every one was thouroughly looked at and started (not driven as that is not allowed at the auction). The 5th deli was a succesful bid and I received a report from the Terra2 inspector in Japan. Granted, until I actually see it with my own two eyes and drive away, I really do not know if it is as good as they say it is. Only time will tell.

In comparision to buying privately here in Canada, or from a dealer here or in Japan, the savings are great. I personally would not buy a dealer vehicle through Terra2 because you are now paying 2 middlemen(even they say that). The auctions are the way to go and Terra2 seems to be good at getting vehicles, but you have to pay for the service.

Ok I am now rambling as I do at this time of night. For my next one I might venture doing it myself. Never know, but hopefully we will all be able to keep doing this for a long time. As long as TC keeps their interest were they should be, on safety, not as a tax payer lobby for big business. I digress. Good night.
Sean