Looking for a Delica and have some questions...

[parv0]

OK, folks, I'm not new to RHD vehicles, I have a HDJ81 (and buying a second one to eventually part out) and I've had a couple of Terrano's (don't buy automatic). My wife and I are looking to off load our '09 Tacoma in favour of a Delica (kids, dog, camping, groceries etc). Anyhow, my question is, why are there so many Delica's for sale in the private market? IS the trend over, or slowing like other models? Are people running into large bills and regular maintenance and having their vehicle down for a while while waiting for parts? What is the general consensus on the engine life of them and what are the most common problems people are facing? What are they like in cold winters? Do they produce enough heat? Do they start easy?

That's a lot of questions but any help, advice is appreciated.

cheers and thanks for your time in advance.

Greg

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Anyhow, my question is, why are there so many Delica's for sale in the private market? IS the trend over, or slowing like other models?

Definitely too many businessmen looking for profit import lots nowadays.

Are people running into large bills and regular maintenance and having their vehicle down for a while while waiting for parts? What is the general consensus on the engine life of them and what are the most common problems people are facing? What are they like in cold winters? Do they produce enough heat? Do they start easy?

When the spacegear came in Japan, Japanese economy went bad.
So car makers were trying to cut cost down, that's why L400 relatively has more problem than L300 mechanically.
But generally speaking, both models are next to none in Canada.

[jessef]

OK, folks, I'm not new to RHD vehicles, I have a HDJ81 (and buying a second one to eventually part out) and I've had a couple of Terrano's (don't buy automatic). My wife and I are looking to off load our '09 Tacoma in favour of a Delica (kids, dog, camping, groceries etc). Anyhow, my question is, why are there so many Delica's for sale in the private market? IS the trend over, or slowing like other models? Are people running into large bills and regular maintenance and having their vehicle down for a while while waiting for parts? What is the general consensus on the engine life of them and what are the most common problems people are facing? What are they like in cold winters? Do they produce enough heat? Do they start easy?

That's a lot of questions but any help, advice is appreciated.

cheers and thanks for your time in advance.

Greg

There are so many Delica's on the market because there have been thousands imported over the past 6-7 years and people recycle them just like any other used vehicle.

Bills for Delica's are no different than bill's for other similar Canadian-spec'd vehicles.

Engine life on both the L300 (4D56T) and the L400 (4M40) should last, if proper maintenance is done, at least 500-700,000 km's.

L300's have a harder time starting then L400's. read below on engines.

that's why L400 relatively has more problem than L300 mechanically.

I beg to differ.

I prefer the 4M40 over the 4D56T with the larger cooling passages, timing chain and oil capacity.

There are many reports of the L300 4D46T engine grenading because of the poorly cooled rad/water pump system from the factory. There are also many reports of the timing belt skipping a tooth and grenading the engine.

These are not factors on the L400 4M40 since the cooling system has been redesigned / larger capacity / looped system and the engine uses a timing chain which does not break or stretch like the timing belt.

Larger axles, hubs, brakes, CV's, driveshafts, transmission, transfercase are advantages that the L400 has over the L300.

The only place where the Japanese skimmed on the L400 was the chassis. It's thin in areas where the L300 is thick.

Mechanically, the drivelines are similar and the L400 has the mechanical advantage of larger/stronger components over the L300.

Bodywise, they are different and the L300 has the physical advantage of heavier steel/pinch welds/plating over the L400.

There are advantages to the L300 and to the L400. Comparing them is like comparing apples to oranges. They are a different fruit.