Lookin' to buy

[harleyboy]

Hello,

I have been reading up on many of the posts in the forum as I am in the market to buy a Deli in the next month. I was wondering if people had some insight into the top 5(or 10) features I MUST have in/on my Deli and the top 5(or 20) bugs I must watch out for on my Deli? For example, I have heard people say not to get a Deli with all the extra windows in the roof because they leak. Is this true or was it just one guy who had a problem? Wobbly seats?

Any advice would be appreciated.

FYI...my plan is to use the Deli as a surf / kitesurf machine. Probably fill the thing up with kites, boards and the like. Hit the beaches. Maybe sleep in it or bring a tent.

Oh and my last question....any recommendations on dealers? I see the dealers posting ads in the forums but I was hoping for references. Who has the best stock, most reliable etc. etc. If you are afraid to post anything negative on the forum PM me and give me your thoughts.

Thanks in advance for the help. Once I buy I promise I will come back and contribute!

Thanks

Mark

[jaggedfish]

Hey Mark!

Welcome to the site. Judging by your tag name and the fact you have a P51 in your avatar, you are a fellow gearhead and biker!

I went thru a lot of thinking before I bought my Delica as far as features go. In the end, I bought a low roof, 8 seater, automatic with a rear moon roof. It wound up having 2 tv's in it (tuned to asian channel) with what seems to be about 30 antennae (still finding them buried all over the place). I opted out of the hot/cold box (it's very small inside), would've liked a sun roof in the cockpit (not slashing my wrists over not having it tho), prefer the shorter side window visors (I'm 6'-2" so my head is high up the window and wouldn't like the bigger ones). Any of the add-on stuff is great (ladder, safari rack, lift kit, etc) but I would elect to add those later if you have to sacrifice quality of the base vehicle to get them). Haven't camped or slept in mine but I reckon the bench seats may be better than captains chairs for camping (tho I know some will beg to differ on that one). Rear spoilers could be helpful altho my short version does nothing to help prevent the back of the van from getting even a little less grimy.

I liked the crystal-lite roof originally (still do) but needed to be able to park in a parkade at my office. I like the low roof a lot too - a different look... means more business, less luxury to me. Perhaps the moon roof is good for standing inside and getting the wetsuit on or changing out of wet clothes - haven't tried that yet myself... I'm a diver so, soon enough I guess.

Mostly the decision is very personal and once you've really looked them over I think you will get a better idea. I hope that offers some insight anyway. Good luck with your search!

Cheers!
Ian

[Erebus]

Welcome! I can't really help with dealers since I'm in Alberta. Read the forum and you'll get a good idea of good/bad. And reading will also give you a good idea of some of the options, and whether you want them or not.

I love the crystal lite roof. Since they don't open (unlike the Toyota), leaking isn't much of an issue.

I like the 7 seater better than 8, but then there are only 2 of us in this gang. Cool box haven't needed much yet, only got it Aug 1st last year. Granted it was very hot, but didn't do any out-of-town trips in the hot weather where the cool box would be wonderful. But it will be soon enough.

Other than that, the big question is auto/manual tranny, than that is your choice. Auto reputed to be more reliable, and higher highway top speed.

[harleyboy]

Ya I guess I am a gear head. One thing for sure....the low pass in the P51 put a lot more G's on my body than the Delica ever will. But I will see what I can do! Can you do 4 point rolls in a Delica? <lol>

Thanks for all the insight....I will look at all of the features both of you have mentioned. One point that you made Ian regarding getting the Delica into a parking lot. I never thought about that. I might want to drive it into our lot downtown and the high roof may not fit. I am going to have to check the clearance. The higher roof is more appealing..... you nailed my habits. Putting on a wetsuit or drysuit while it is snowy and windy isn't fun when you are outside the car. I have dreams of sitting in a captains chair in the warmth of a van.

Thanks again.

Mark

[jaggedfish]

Okay.... you were IN the P51? Is there no justice in this world? This is still my all-time fav plane.

Oh yeah.... did I mention?... low roofs rock!

Cheers fellow gear head!
Ian

[Green1]

Can you do 4 point rolls in a Delica? <lol>

well you CAN... but the end result isn't pretty...

[harleyboy]

better yet...I was actually flying it. It is the ultimate airplane. If you ever get the chance to ride in one do it. My wife thought it was the most fun she ever had with me.... I says pardon.

[jrman]

Putting in my 2 pence - I love all forms of deli....but, I have a leak in my windshield. This would suggest there is a potential for leaks in the crystal roofs. I have a high roof. I'm not tall - but do enjoy the fact that when I'm inside cleaning or generally mucking about - I'm not that far bent over . My children have done road trips and much to my amazement - they LOVE the captains chairs in the back. In fact, they would prefer to have either very short trips so they can just "not be in the car" - or long trips so they can "sleep like babies" in the Cap'n chairs. So, I'm happy with my choice which was high roof, non cystal, with mid Capn chair seating (commonly known as 7 seater v.s. 8 seater). Also - I recommend auto just for the simplicity of it all a and the nominally higher top speed on the highway. Now, if you plan to do some heavy 4x4, then standard transmission is likely the way to go for you.....good luck! I'm almost a year in on ownership and still happy as hell!

I look at it this way...even if a major manufacturer came out with a vehicle that would be even remotely comparable to the Deli - with all the features it offers - I still wouldn't be prepared to pay the price they would want.....surely a turbo diesel SUV/Family Van offering real 4x4 in today's market would command a $40-50G price tag...would it not????

These are simple and reliable vehicles - a few quirks, and certainly have 15 yr old vehicle issues needing to be dealt with - but the money I've spent so far has been well spent and I'm happy every morning that I turn the key and drive to work....

Good luck to you!!!!

[Delicanagan]

jrman said it all.

More bang for the buck and plenty-o-smiles.

These vehicles are SO Canadian in all they do. Our gov't licks bung for not encouraging these vehicles and bringing in better choices for our lifestyles.

Go for the high roof model if you don't need parkade clearance...less rug burn on the knuckles from frantic waving when meeting another Deli! lol

[delicat]

In regards to leaky windows...

I've never heard or read anything on the crystallite leaking. The low roof with the big sliding sunroof at the back is another story... I guess the sliding tracks are the culprits.

As for windshield, that can happen on any vehicle. I've used silicone spray on all my seals to help them last longer. As for any of my windows including my crystallite, none of them leak even while using a hose with decent pression.

I'd go for the SuperExceed but just like some like blondes while other prefer brunettes... it's up to you!

Good luck!

[harleyboy]

I just saw a deli with sliding windows on the side door rather than the pop open type. Any thoughts on those? Do they work well? Leak? Seem like a nice feature to be able to open and have a chat with someone without opening the whole side door.

thanks

Mark

[Erebus]

The sliding windows are rare, and apparently they do have a tendency to leak -- so many rubber seals and tracks. I'd love to have them since they would be great for ventilation when camping, but I don't, and you aren't likely to find them either.

[harleyboy]

I just looked at one for sale that has them. I am gonna test drive it on the weekend.

Mark

[delicat]

Harleyboy,

If you do a quick search you'll see some post where they say they do add convenience but as mentioned above they seem to be more maintenance and have more chance of failure. It'd be worth for you to search it up, I think Bruce from the UK (MudMonkey?) did write up on them...

Good luck with getting a nice van!