Is this normal?

[negativentropy]

Im dealing with an importer who has a good reputation according to this website. I put a large down payment on a Delica in mid April. The dealer has not been able to find a vehicle that meets my specs.

The only "unusual" thing I specified was a manual transmission. The rest of the specs seems like non issues to me (L400, 1995, ~100,000km)

I had hoped to have this vehicle for the summer and figured 2 months was enough time to have it imported - I know summer is no longer realistic but im starting to wonder when I will have it?!

Anyway, it has been 10 weeks since I laid down money and desired specs and still nothing has even been picked from the auction. Is this a normal waiting period? Should I be concerned or is this the usual?

[mararmeisto]

From what I understand, the manual transmission was less common in the L300s, and even LESS COMMON in the L400s (if available at all due to the AWD setting) - so you could be waiting a while.

Don't know, but if the manual L400 is geared similar to the L300, it's slower than the automatic.

Just my nickel's worth...

[Brave Auto International]

Yes..... at the moment.

The auctions are a little thin at the moment on vehicles in general and even thinner on good clean L400's. When you add "5spd" to the mix……. it really narrows it down.

So in short…… if it has been two months with nothing……,do not stress, just means nothing suitable has come up and I am sure your agent who ever he/she is will get there in the end.

However, the bad news is..... I have one (5spd) on order as well.

Cheers

MB.

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Yes. The wait is very normal. I have two customers who ordered 5 speed L400 as well.

[negativentropy]

Thanks everyone, so to sum up: the wait is normal, but there is 5 speeds available and it just takes time... Good to know.

I want a manual transmission for two reasons: I just prefer driving a manual over an automatic, and I will be using this vehicle on logging roads and 4x4 situations regularly and I feel a manual transmission is superior to an automatic in these circumstances. Also, as I understand that having a 5th gear would also make it better suited for highway speeds compared to a 4 speed automatic...?

I could possibly be convinced to buy an automatic instead if a valid argument can be made about the above statements... any thoughts?

[Luna-Sea]

For the l300 the 5speed manual is a slower highway cruiser than
the auto for the same RPM. I was under the impression that the L400s
5speed manuals were geared the same but my Delica-OCD does not extend quite
as much into the Space Gears,so I may be wrong.

Even with the lower gearing I myself have had 3 5sppeds and love them all.
The auto trannies do seem to be pretty strong and dependable however and
there is some value in not having to put down your coffee in stop and go traffic eh?

From what I have seen so far the Manual L400 is absolutely less common
than the autos,I actually have not seen one yet myself. Choosing an auto
would certainly open up some availability,but that tough choice is yours.

Right ON!

[fexlboi]

I hope you are not waiting for a l400 5spd long wheel base, cause this could take forever

[jessef]

Thanks everyone, so to sum up: the wait is normal, but there is 5 speeds available and it just takes time... Good to know.

I want a manual transmission for two reasons: I just prefer driving a manual over an automatic, and I will be using this vehicle on logging roads and 4x4 situations regularly and I feel a manual transmission is superior to an automatic in these circumstances. Also, as I understand that having a 5th gear would also make it better suited for highway speeds compared to a 4 speed automatic...?

I could possibly be convinced to buy an automatic instead if a valid argument can be made about the above statements... any thoughts?

I have driven both on/off road.

The automatic the way it is geared is better on logging roads, loose surfaces and definitely geared better for highway use with the overdrive than the 5-speed. The automatic is also overly built compared to the 5-spd, meaning it is more likely to last much longer without any issues.

I've done 4L, low with overdrive off and can crawl down/over things. The 5-speed is nice but not the best 5-speed trans mated with the 4M40 in the L400 unfortunately.

I have seen issues with two 5-speeds already.

In my opinion, and I love manuals and hate auto's, I would choose the auto over the manual for the L400.

For the L300, I prefer and would only choose the 5spd.

The L300 and L400 transmissions and gear ratio's are completely different.

Get the auto. You will not be sorry.

If you get the 5-speed, have it pulled and the seal replaced right away.

[roadie]

I've just returned from a 5000kms road trip to pick up my deli in Vancouver. It took over 2 months for my exporter to find the right one with low kms. The auto trans is fine, with enough power to climb the passes respectively. Spend more time trying to find one with the options you want, and you'll be a happy camper...