Looking to buy a L300

[EthanReeves]

Hi all! I’m currently looking at this 1993 deli L300 turbo diesel. It has 180000 miles on it and the owner claims it to be mechanically sound. Went to test drive it today and the only noticeable problem was the power steering is very tight and difficult to turn. I’m 19 and currently have no experience working on cars but I’m willing to try my best and learn from forums and YouTube and such. Should I run the other way and get a minivan like my original plan? Is 180000 miles too much? Am I walking into a money trap? Only reason I want the Delica over the minivan is because of the 4x4 since I go skiing often in the winter. The van is $2200 btw.

 

[bslteknique30]

thats a steal brotha

 

[Marmot]

If it drove around and was able to stop, $2,200 is a small price for a van that might need some wrench turning.

 

[bslteknique30]

I'd buy a delica if I were you tho.

 

[Krazykraut]

$2200 is really a decent price, but I would caution you that you will most certainly pour money into it. Even if the engine runs well, don't assume this can be your daily driver, and be prepared to wrench on it a lot. 180000 miles isn't necessarily bad for a diesel, but there must be a reason for the seller to give it up so cheap. I've seen rust bucket Delicas going for 4 times that price, so there is something fishy about the deal. My advice would be to take it to a reputable mechanic (I see you're in Victoria BC, so there are options) and have them check it out. They will be able to tell you a lot. At the very least take a mechanically savvy buddy with you (as you say, you don't wrench, yet), have them crawl around underneath and look for rust. There are a few posts here on the forum that list pre-purchase checks, do at least these.
I sold mine, with tons of work done to it, but a dead engine for more than that.
Best of luck,

- Fabian (aka Krazykraut)