1988 US-Released LHD L300 (LS here in the US)

[nimows]

I hope this isn't the wrong place to post!

I'm pretty new to the Delica scene, aside from always loving the look and always wanting one.

I was browsing Craigslist for fun yesterday, and stumbled across this thing:
https://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/d/clearlake-1988-mitsubishi-ls-van/7738061649.html

It's been listed for most of the month (this is its second listing), and it seems like it's pretty slick. I don't see many of these left-hand drive US releases, and it's certainly the only one for sale near me. It looks pretty great, both exterior and interior.

However, I'm super new to the technical side of Delicas, so I'm wondering what some of you think about this, if it's a rare opportunity, if these late-80s US models are bang or bust, and why it might be taking so long to sell.

Any other input is welcome too, blessed stewards of the Library Delica.

Many thanks!

edit: title said 1998 when its really a 1988

 

[Sputnik]

That's a 1988. Looks like its in pretty good shape and relatively low miles, so the price isn't crazy. The US release vans are 2WD (unlike the L300s) so you won't be tearing up any trails, but if you like cruising in weird vans, it's probably an OK deal.

Parts are probably as tedious to find as L300 bits, and the potential for rust on any car that old is high- look carefully at every inch of the undercarriage for structural rust.

Here's a little article on those vans (only sold for a couple years in the US.)

Rare Rides: The 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon, Forgotten Long Ago

Rare Rides has featured a couple of JDM import vans previously, namely the Mazda Bongo and Toyota Town Ace. Today's van is of similar JDM fashion, except this Mitsubishi is one of the few examples actually sold in North America during the model's very short domestic offering.

www.thetruthaboutcars.com

 

[nimows]

That's a 1988. Looks like its in pretty good shape and relatively low miles, so the price isn't crazy. The US release vans are 2WD (unlike the L300s) so you won't be tearing up any trails, but if you like cruising in weird vans, it's probably an OK deal.

Parts are probably as tedious to find as L300 bits, and the potential for rust on any car that old is high- look carefully at every inch of the undercarriage for structural rust.

Here's a little article on those vans (only sold for a couple years in the US.)

Rare Rides: The 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon, Forgotten Long Ago

Rare Rides has featured a couple of JDM import vans previously, namely the Mazda Bongo and Toyota Town Ace. Today's van is of similar JDM fashion, except this Mitsubishi is one of the few examples actually sold in North America during the model's very short domestic offering.

www.thetruthaboutcars.com

Ahh ok that’s interesting and good to know! I really appreciate the reply! The interior looks so good and im so tempted by it, but i feel like eventually im just going to want a 4x4. Damn that boxy blue looks good though.

edit: shiiiiii i meant to write 88 now i look like an IDIOT