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1992 Mitsubishi Delica Exceed 4WD Star Wagon L300
- 4D56 2.5L Turbo Diesel engine
- 4-speed Automatic with overdrive
- 4x4 with Hi/Lo gearing, automatic locking hubs in the front
- 228,400 KM (141,900 mi)
- Right-hand drive
- No accidents
- Non-smoker
- Vehicle is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada
- $15,000 USD
- Owned for 15 years, 2nd owner (1st owner in Japan)
- Averaged ~11,000KM (6,800 mi) per year, mostly highway driving.
- Never off-roaded, but it’s amazing in the snow! This thing is unstoppable!
We purchased in 2008 from Japan Auto in Abbotsford, BC with 65,000 KM (40,000 mi). Owner Hiro was a Turbo Diesel mechanic from Japan who worked for Mitsubishi for 12+ years before arriving in Canada.
We work from home and home school our kids, so mileage is mainly from driving back and forth to Whistler from Vancouver and out to Chiliwack (parents live there).
We love our Delica and have done our best to maintain it both mechanically and physically. The main reason we are selling is we now have 4 vehicles between two drivers, so we’ve decided to sell one and unfortunately this is the one.
If you’re looking for a fun, versatile, go-anywhere vehicle to tackle all your outdoor activities, and much more, then look no further. It’s great on fuel and gets compliments everywhere it goes.
Before we originally purchased, we read all the online forums and searched for the right Delica for many months. Then, we found this one that ticked all our boxes:
- Low mileage.
- Pristine condition.
- Low roof (it fits into all underground parking lots, ferries. etc. The high-roof Crystal Lite is super cool, but they have notable leaking and condensation issues which often lead to extensive and expensive repairs
- Arguably one of the best paint colour combos and no decals. Super minimal.
- The “Exceed” level trim with nice interior colours and upholstery, captain’s swivel chairs, 3rd row bench (seats up to 7 passengers very comfortably), which folds forward to haul cargo.
- The captain’s chairs and 3rd row seats also fold flat to accommodate a queen-sized mattress for camping, or transport of 4x8 sheets of plywood. So versatile!
- Large moonroof (awesome for star-gazing) with a sliding blackout shade to block out morning light and afternoon sun.
Upgrades and mods:
- Double din Pioneer stereo w/ CD player, bluetooth, USB and 3.5mm aux input with handsfree mic + remote
- Nakamichi speakers
- 2” trailer hitch from E&H Hitch with wire harness for trailer lights - (mainly installed for use with a North Shore Bike Rack for hauling mountain bikes)
- ERG delete (keeps the turbo clean)
- Rear hatch struts reversed (allows hatch to open up higher to ~ 90 degrees)
Maintenance:
- Extensive service records available dating back 15 years, including extensive work undertaken by importer Japan Auto where we originally purchased.
- $16,000 in maintenance work alone since 2016 - All major items have been taken care of, including recent new cylinder head, 4 season tires, brakes, shocks, etc
Recent work - over $9,000 invested within last 3 years:
- Oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, coolant change, new thermostat - $300
- 4 New TOYO Open Country A/T III Tires (4 Season Mud + Snow with Snowflake) - $850
- All 4 shock absorbers replaced, power steering hose + belt - $1,200 (CVI Automotive)
- Major service: New cylinder head, new brakes, transmission service, 4WD service, new tie rods, boots, rad hoses, grease ball joints, alignment, etc. - $6,200 (CVI Automotive)
- Turbo rebuild, ERG delete - $350 (Rising Sun)
2018 - over $3,000 invested:
- New alternator and installation - $650 (Rising Sun)
- New battery (Costco)
- New brakes (labour): calipers, rotors, pads, drums, shoes, repack hubs, new inner and outer tie rods, alignment - $560 (Pemberton Automotive)
- Parts: T-stat, oil, brake drums, rotors, pads, shoes, tie rods - $930 (Lordco)
- Change oil, oil & air filters, flush coolant system - $210 (Pemberton Automotive)
- Oil, oil and air filters - $160 (Lordco)
- New exhaust / muffler - $440 (Midas)
2017 - $1,750 invested:
- New crank shaft pulley, crank shaft, harmonic balancer pulley - $950 (Crown Tech Automotive)
- Oil and oil filter, fuel filter, coolant flush, transmission fluid, A/C belt, power steering belt, alternator belts, twin pulley - $800 (Crown Tech Automotive)
2016 - $1,950 invested:
- Replace water pump, timing belt, balance shaft belt, tensions and seals, t-stat - $1,950 (Penticton Auto Service)
Other info:
- Engine starts up right away and idles smoothly.
- A/C and heat in both front and back area (2nd set of controls) - everything working
- Defrost - works great
- Power windows and central door locking system - both working great
- Rear hatch lock/unlock (toggle switch on front dash) - working great
- The Delica was undercoat protected by Japan Auto at time of purchase. We have done our best to maintain the undercoat in wheel wells and underbody.
- Wheel wells always thoroughly washed out to remove trapped dirt/sand to prevent potential corrosion.
Needs attention:
- Sunroof seal could be replaced at some point (not urgent, not leaking or anything)
- Sunroof motor may need a refresh. We haven’t operated it in years, but it was starting to sound tired then, so just left it alone. May just need a new sunroof seal and tracks lubricated. Haven’t really missed it, but could be a worthy project to get working smoothly again.
Flaws:
- Several small dents on doors, etc. (a paint-less dent repair service can remove easily)
- Rock chips have been touched up with colour match paint and clear coat to prevent corrosion.
- Clearcoat on roof is fading. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to apply a coat at some point.
- “Exceed” badges fell off.
Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking
Buying a Delica in Canada and importing to the US:
Here’s an informative thread from Delica Forum. The process seems straightforward:
“I imported the car yesterday and it couldn't have gone any easier. Surprisingly not all of my documentation was needed which was interesting but I guess it is all who you get. Here's the long short of it.
In British Columbia:
Went to a local ICBC with the seller. The teller knew exactly what needed to happen so it was quick and easy. They needed to fill out a Bill of Sale which took ownership away from the previous owner and left it open for import to the US. It's a 1 page form that you walk away with. She provided both myself and the previous owner with the original documents. I was told do not accept photo copies for import. DO NOT TITLE IT IN BC!! Also, next to the price ask if they can write CAD next to it. I'll explain later. They also needed 2 forms of ID to process things.
You want to pay the $29 to get the Temporary Operating Permit and Owners Certificate of Insurance. That's just one thing not two...aside from it letting you drive legally in Canada, it will help expedite things at when you register in WA or elsewhere.
For the insurance I just got the most basic offering but for $7 more they offered comprehensive and collision. I think you can get this for multiple days if you need but I only needed it through midnight. So $29 it was. Since you are not in the BC system it will take a few minutes to get you all entered.
I did not pay any BC tax. The clerk said "it's getting exported so there is no need". One of the other users here mentioned having a tax exempt form ready, which I did but they didn't want anything to do with it.
At the Border:
If on the I-5 corridor go to the commercial truck crossing. They deal with commercial goods being imported and exported all day. I was there maybe 20 minutes. Drive the car through the border and let the guard know you need to import the van. They will send you off the side to head in the office. Make sure you have your license and passport.
I handed the guard my keys, bill of sale, license and passport. He did a quick inspection, filled out an import form then had me pay the import fee which was $65 + $12 processing. I think I paid on the Canadian dollar amount not the US conversion which is why I mentioned earlier to ask the ICBC to write CAD next to the amount. Not a big deal as it was only like $10-$15 more. I didn't pay much at all for the van.
I had both the EPA and US Customs forms but the customs agent wanted nothing to do with them. He just said," it’s over 25 years old, I don't care about those forms" and that he'd fill out the paper work. Not at all what any of us have heard but that's what this guy said and I was in no place to argue. Anyway, away I drove back to Seattle.
At the Licensing Agent:
With only a few minutes before closing I hit the Ballard Vehicle Licensing Agency. Esta was super dialed and knew exactly what needed to happen. I handed her my license, Bill of Sale and even the Temporary Operating Permit as it contained all the vehicle information like VIN, Weight, Color, Fuel, etc...which does not exist in the WA database. Otherwise she is scouring the internet. Make it easy on them.
- 4D56 2.5L Turbo Diesel engine
- 4-speed Automatic with overdrive
- 4x4 with Hi/Lo gearing, automatic locking hubs in the front
- 228,400 KM (141,900 mi)
- Right-hand drive
- No accidents
- Non-smoker
- Vehicle is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada
- $15,000 USD
- Owned for 15 years, 2nd owner (1st owner in Japan)
- Averaged ~11,000KM (6,800 mi) per year, mostly highway driving.
- Never off-roaded, but it’s amazing in the snow! This thing is unstoppable!
We purchased in 2008 from Japan Auto in Abbotsford, BC with 65,000 KM (40,000 mi). Owner Hiro was a Turbo Diesel mechanic from Japan who worked for Mitsubishi for 12+ years before arriving in Canada.
We work from home and home school our kids, so mileage is mainly from driving back and forth to Whistler from Vancouver and out to Chiliwack (parents live there).
We love our Delica and have done our best to maintain it both mechanically and physically. The main reason we are selling is we now have 4 vehicles between two drivers, so we’ve decided to sell one and unfortunately this is the one.
If you’re looking for a fun, versatile, go-anywhere vehicle to tackle all your outdoor activities, and much more, then look no further. It’s great on fuel and gets compliments everywhere it goes.
Before we originally purchased, we read all the online forums and searched for the right Delica for many months. Then, we found this one that ticked all our boxes:
- Low mileage.
- Pristine condition.
- Low roof (it fits into all underground parking lots, ferries. etc. The high-roof Crystal Lite is super cool, but they have notable leaking and condensation issues which often lead to extensive and expensive repairs
- Arguably one of the best paint colour combos and no decals. Super minimal.
- The “Exceed” level trim with nice interior colours and upholstery, captain’s swivel chairs, 3rd row bench (seats up to 7 passengers very comfortably), which folds forward to haul cargo.
- The captain’s chairs and 3rd row seats also fold flat to accommodate a queen-sized mattress for camping, or transport of 4x8 sheets of plywood. So versatile!
- Large moonroof (awesome for star-gazing) with a sliding blackout shade to block out morning light and afternoon sun.
Upgrades and mods:
- Double din Pioneer stereo w/ CD player, bluetooth, USB and 3.5mm aux input with handsfree mic + remote
- Nakamichi speakers
- 2” trailer hitch from E&H Hitch with wire harness for trailer lights - (mainly installed for use with a North Shore Bike Rack for hauling mountain bikes)
- ERG delete (keeps the turbo clean)
- Rear hatch struts reversed (allows hatch to open up higher to ~ 90 degrees)
Maintenance:
- Extensive service records available dating back 15 years, including extensive work undertaken by importer Japan Auto where we originally purchased.
- $16,000 in maintenance work alone since 2016 - All major items have been taken care of, including recent new cylinder head, 4 season tires, brakes, shocks, etc
Recent work - over $9,000 invested within last 3 years:
- Oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, coolant change, new thermostat - $300
- 4 New TOYO Open Country A/T III Tires (4 Season Mud + Snow with Snowflake) - $850
- All 4 shock absorbers replaced, power steering hose + belt - $1,200 (CVI Automotive)
- Major service: New cylinder head, new brakes, transmission service, 4WD service, new tie rods, boots, rad hoses, grease ball joints, alignment, etc. - $6,200 (CVI Automotive)
- Turbo rebuild, ERG delete - $350 (Rising Sun)
2018 - over $3,000 invested:
- New alternator and installation - $650 (Rising Sun)
- New battery (Costco)
- New brakes (labour): calipers, rotors, pads, drums, shoes, repack hubs, new inner and outer tie rods, alignment - $560 (Pemberton Automotive)
- Parts: T-stat, oil, brake drums, rotors, pads, shoes, tie rods - $930 (Lordco)
- Change oil, oil & air filters, flush coolant system - $210 (Pemberton Automotive)
- Oil, oil and air filters - $160 (Lordco)
- New exhaust / muffler - $440 (Midas)
2017 - $1,750 invested:
- New crank shaft pulley, crank shaft, harmonic balancer pulley - $950 (Crown Tech Automotive)
- Oil and oil filter, fuel filter, coolant flush, transmission fluid, A/C belt, power steering belt, alternator belts, twin pulley - $800 (Crown Tech Automotive)
2016 - $1,950 invested:
- Replace water pump, timing belt, balance shaft belt, tensions and seals, t-stat - $1,950 (Penticton Auto Service)
Other info:
- Engine starts up right away and idles smoothly.
- A/C and heat in both front and back area (2nd set of controls) - everything working
- Defrost - works great
- Power windows and central door locking system - both working great
- Rear hatch lock/unlock (toggle switch on front dash) - working great
- The Delica was undercoat protected by Japan Auto at time of purchase. We have done our best to maintain the undercoat in wheel wells and underbody.
- Wheel wells always thoroughly washed out to remove trapped dirt/sand to prevent potential corrosion.
Needs attention:
- Sunroof seal could be replaced at some point (not urgent, not leaking or anything)
- Sunroof motor may need a refresh. We haven’t operated it in years, but it was starting to sound tired then, so just left it alone. May just need a new sunroof seal and tracks lubricated. Haven’t really missed it, but could be a worthy project to get working smoothly again.
Flaws:
- Several small dents on doors, etc. (a paint-less dent repair service can remove easily)
- Rock chips have been touched up with colour match paint and clear coat to prevent corrosion.
- Clearcoat on roof is fading. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to apply a coat at some point.
- “Exceed” badges fell off.
Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking
Buying a Delica in Canada and importing to the US:
Here’s an informative thread from Delica Forum. The process seems straightforward:
“I imported the car yesterday and it couldn't have gone any easier. Surprisingly not all of my documentation was needed which was interesting but I guess it is all who you get. Here's the long short of it.
In British Columbia:
Went to a local ICBC with the seller. The teller knew exactly what needed to happen so it was quick and easy. They needed to fill out a Bill of Sale which took ownership away from the previous owner and left it open for import to the US. It's a 1 page form that you walk away with. She provided both myself and the previous owner with the original documents. I was told do not accept photo copies for import. DO NOT TITLE IT IN BC!! Also, next to the price ask if they can write CAD next to it. I'll explain later. They also needed 2 forms of ID to process things.
You want to pay the $29 to get the Temporary Operating Permit and Owners Certificate of Insurance. That's just one thing not two...aside from it letting you drive legally in Canada, it will help expedite things at when you register in WA or elsewhere.
For the insurance I just got the most basic offering but for $7 more they offered comprehensive and collision. I think you can get this for multiple days if you need but I only needed it through midnight. So $29 it was. Since you are not in the BC system it will take a few minutes to get you all entered.
I did not pay any BC tax. The clerk said "it's getting exported so there is no need". One of the other users here mentioned having a tax exempt form ready, which I did but they didn't want anything to do with it.
At the Border:
If on the I-5 corridor go to the commercial truck crossing. They deal with commercial goods being imported and exported all day. I was there maybe 20 minutes. Drive the car through the border and let the guard know you need to import the van. They will send you off the side to head in the office. Make sure you have your license and passport.
I handed the guard my keys, bill of sale, license and passport. He did a quick inspection, filled out an import form then had me pay the import fee which was $65 + $12 processing. I think I paid on the Canadian dollar amount not the US conversion which is why I mentioned earlier to ask the ICBC to write CAD next to the amount. Not a big deal as it was only like $10-$15 more. I didn't pay much at all for the van.
I had both the EPA and US Customs forms but the customs agent wanted nothing to do with them. He just said," it’s over 25 years old, I don't care about those forms" and that he'd fill out the paper work. Not at all what any of us have heard but that's what this guy said and I was in no place to argue. Anyway, away I drove back to Seattle.
At the Licensing Agent:
With only a few minutes before closing I hit the Ballard Vehicle Licensing Agency. Esta was super dialed and knew exactly what needed to happen. I handed her my license, Bill of Sale and even the Temporary Operating Permit as it contained all the vehicle information like VIN, Weight, Color, Fuel, etc...which does not exist in the WA database. Otherwise she is scouring the internet. Make it easy on them.
