Mitsubishi Delica L300 - I think I like it!

[Peter C]

I've been offered one of these in exchange for my Merc.

 

 

In accordance with my requirements:

 

4x4 - YES

Manual - YES

Diesel - YES

Big enough to take the family - YES

Suitable for my wife - NO

Do I give a shit - NO

 

Far better looking than the L400 that replaced it.

 

More details to follow from the owner, but this looks proper van/people carrier/4x4 shite to me.

 

I really like it.

 

Any comments or advice?

[pogweasel]

GR8 4 HGF.

 

Though on the plus-side that one does look fairly un-pikey.

 

PS. My dearly belov'd has just opined on it as we browse A-S together, she says there's not a good thing about it, so that must make it suitably shite.

[ashmicro]

There's a guy on RR drives one of these. I seem to recall pics of the Delica towing an artic!

[wuvvum]

I think that shape have the old 2.5 diesel, so not quite so prone to HGF as the later 2.8s. Apart from having about the worst turning circle of any vehicle known to man, they're not a bad old thing, and good ones still seem to hold their money quite well. I'd be tempted if it were me.

[scooters]

I've been offered one of these in exchange for my Merc.

 

 

In accordance with my requirements:

 

4x4 - YES

Manual - YES

Diesel - YES

Big enough to take the family - YES

Suitable for my wife - NO

Do I give a shit - NO

 

Far better looking than the L400 that replaced it.

 

More details to follow from the owner, but this looks proper van/people carrier/4x4 shite to me.

 

I really like it.

 

Any comments or advice?

 

 

 

GR8 4 towing a chip van. Also lotz of space for bull terriers!

 

I secretly like em true nipponese shite!

 

But......yes....watch the hg...you need to ensure coolant is pukkah at all times. Engine is also not the easiest to access. Other than that id love one to pissed the neighbours off with and park next to the wanky audi 4*4 s on the school run.

[mk1_4dr]

As said, I know some L300's are prone to HGFs, but Im not sure about the details of whats-what.

 

I do know they're a GR8 place to be in the back, not the easiest thing to get in and out of though...

 

Personally, I'd be keeping the Merc.

[Peter C]

This has the same 2.5 turbo diesel engine as Mk1 Shoguns, which I have experience of and quite like. I am not aware that these engines have any siginificant HG issues.

 

I fully appreciate that the L300 is basically a 4x4 van with seats, but I like it. If I need sensible and comfortable, I'll take my 230E out for a spin. A poor turning circle is not an issue for me as I don't EVER spend time in central London or similar, equally horrible, locations.

 

The owner has given me (verbally) a list of what he's done to it during his ownership and it sounds pukka. New exhaust, fully cleaned and undersealed underside, new this and that, he really has made it perfect. Or as perfect as a 20 year old 4x4 van can be. I look forward to receiving more pictures.

 

Not being a fan of ordinary cars and wanting something utilitarian, this is right up my street.

[Guest Leonard Hatred]

Grey imports seem to be more prone to cooling issues than UK cars with the same engines. I'm not sure if it's the ownership profile here after they hit the docks or a stressed cooling system from living in a humid country.

 

That Delica L300 is mega appealing though, especially if it's had a caring UK owner.

[pogweasel]

Want a utilitarian 4x4 van with seats?

COMMUNISM RULES*

[Peter C]

I've sold the 300TD and the Delica is not for sale, only swaps. Bugger. I really wanted this.

 

Still, £1,600 feels good in my back pocket.

[mk1_4dr]

I've sold the 300TD and the Delica is not for sale, only swaps. Bugger. I really wanted this.

 

Still, £1,600 feels good in my back pocket.

 

So buy something the other guys fancies and then swap ?

[barefoot]

Aren't they only designed / geared for about 60mph & fall over in the merest gust of wind?

[garethj]

Want a utilitarian 4x4 van with seats?

COMMUNISM RULES*

UAZ FTW LOL

 

What's one of those Delica's worth? I remember seeing them in Taiwan quite a lot, the short wheelbase means that they bob around on undulating roads, looking like a nodding dog.

 

Blacked out side windows, chrome wheels & arches and one of those mirrors on the bootlid that lets you see what you're reversing into and you could be in the far east.

[Station]

I had an Estima - they have a reputation to develop HGF due to poor maintenance because the engine was 'hidden'. Is this the case with the Delica?

 

I like them, but average 20mpg on a diesel is isn't appealing.

[Peter C]

I use my car for work.

 

I have to create a certain impression

 

My employers give me an allowance and have been happy with all the BMWs and Mercs.

 

 

 

How does a pikey import van fit into this?

 

Less than suitable for daily use? - YES

Van? - Probably

Import? - YES

Pikey? - Not really

 

I know, you're right. The trouble is that I don't want an ordinary car and the Delica is certainly different!

[Peter C]

I've sold the 300TD and the Delica is not for sale, only swaps. Bugger. I really wanted this.

 

Still, £1,600 feels good in my back pocket.

 

So buy something the other guys fancies and then swap ?

 

Has already been suggested, but matey with the Delica is a bit pissed off that the swap fell through. I think he wanter my Merc.