Import Delica vs Estima...

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Mon 19 Jul 2004 18:16
Import Delica vs Estima... - Freewheel
Hi,

Have the following:

* 4 large growing kids
* Need to do long journeys, not short ones, in comfort with more luggage than a Sharan/Alhambra etc can cope with
Budget £6000 - £7000

Seriously considering the following:
* Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 TD 2.8 diesel
* Toyota Lucida 2.2 TD Estima

Does anyone out there own one/ have any experience of the running costs, maintenance and what to look out for when buying? Is buying from an import auction to dodgy (am happy with auction buying), or is it best to buy from an importer? Is the Delica really as thirsty on a run as I think it might be?!
Want a 96 P with 30k if poss. Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Freewheel
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Mon 19 Jul 2004 21:22
Import Delica vs Estima... - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
The Estima is narrower than a UK Previa and the Delica is an L300 van with seats. You take a risk with both with unknown origins and difficulty with spares plus both are absolute swines to work on.
Consider a VW T4 Caravelle, still a van with windows but has proper seats for people with legs and you can get 6 people in two rows and whip the rear three seats out for the luggage if need be.The 1.9 turbodiesel is quick and frugal on fuel, easy to work on. The 2.4-5 cyl is a bit more gutsy and smooth but thirstier and not so mechanic friendly.
Andrew


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Simplicate and add lightness!!
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Mon 2 Aug 2004 01:19
Import Delica vs Estima... - nk
We have a Delica although ours is on a J 92 plate, it has made regular runs to London from cornwall and back, and is very economical, the parts are easy to get Mitsubishi can get any part just need the info from the V5 which you should get with the motor, The handbooks have all been converted to english oh and the 4x4 is great in the snow.

The other useful feature is that it's height means on narrow roads you can see above the hedges.
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