StarWagon vs SpaceGear

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New Delica Dude

New Member
Hey dudes, I'm new here and trying to suce out what is good and what I should avoid when purchasing a Delica. I'm up in Canada right now, be here for another couple of weeks, and there is a dealer here on Vancouver Island that has several different models. The one that I'm possibly gonna pull the trigger on is a '94 (yea, I know, I can't register it quite yet) SpaceGear diesel LWB Crystal Lite Automatic. This has 131 clicks on it but due to a motor issue caused by shop the previous owner used, it is getting replaced with a low milage used engine, diesel. It is also getting a fresher tranny and a good going over. Has a couple of rust bubbles, nothing fierce, but they are there and should be dealt with I guess.

I know a lot of people dig the L300 model, and they do have a higher milage Chamanoix for a fair chunk less, but I prefer the newer body style. So now the questions for which I'm sure y'all have answers: what are the benefits or the ride of one style verses the other?

Thanks
 
New Delica Dude said:
I know a lot of people dig the L300 model, and they do have a higher milage Chamanoix for a fair chunk less, but I prefer the newer body style. So now the questions for which I'm sure y'all have answers: what are the benefits or the ride of one style versus the other?
Click to expand...

So you're looking at an L400 which is likely beyond the ken of most here. Different engine with an intercooler, different turbo, different suspension etc. Personally, I think the newer body style looks an awful lot like a Plymouth/Mercury minivan while the L300 reminds me of something you might find roaming over the uncharted surface of Mars. I realize all of this is an element of personal taste, so do what you like. Personally, I'd go for the Chamonix each and every time the choice might come up.
 
Thanks, gonna go this afternoon and kick the tires plus see what else is coming in. Personally, I'm not offended by the newer body shape and odds and ends associated with the L400 but then again, it's for beat'n around in, not a fashion show.
 
FWIW there are definite benefits to the L400. It's faster, doesn't have overheating issues, and is generally easier to find parts for and cheaper to modify. For example, the L300 snorkel is about $400 minimum to $650 depending on where you purchase. The L400 snorkel can be had on Amazon/eBay for $170 shipped.
 
Went and looked at the L400 today, not in bad shape at all. It does have a few rust spots and one of the arms for the step on the passenger side has a big rot hole but nothing else glaring. The guy that will be swapping out the transmission is gonna give me a heads up as to any other situations and as I sit here writing this I realize I should have offered him $100 to give it a good going over and provide me with an inspection report.

It has had the engine replaced (again, due to a bad mechanic) with a used 130K one, radiator, front and rear rotors and pads, rear calipers, alternator and belts, water pump, thermostat, injector seals, as well as all fluids.

Hopefully it is now good to go and doesn't have any demons that will be chasing it down the road.
 
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