What do you think of this van?

delicanter

delicanter

Member
Bumped into the folks selling this van: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/d/san-francisco-mitsubishi-delica-4x4-van/7665121242.html

I’m now seriously considering getting this ‘92 L300 and selling my ‘93 L300. Mine is great but it’s completely stripped on the inside and I’d love to be able to take the whole family around. This one also has the beautiful crystal lite roof (owner said no leaks), seems to have undergone meaningful mechanical work, has a back hitch and in general looks better kept than mine.

Mine is mostly comparable in terms of mechanics (93 L300, 220k km, turbo diesel automatic. No rust, low roof.

So long as I can afford the swap what do you think? Any difference between 92 and 93 L300? I haven’t tested this new one yet or looked underneath etc will do that.
 
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'93 is a changeover year... if it has a water cooled turbo there will be several small differences from your '92 (e.g. round tooth belts/pulleys, 12V glow system, etc).

Price seems high to me given the mileage. IDT white is particularly rare.

I would pay very close attention to any evidence of potential roof rust. If the crystal light roof isn't leaking now, it will be eventually. Mechanical work done is mostly just basic maintenance IMO; not much that particularly adds value; maybe a little if the stereo/speakers are to your liking, and if the radiator is an upgraded version... finally got another oil change at 18k?

But it does look quite clean...
 
Thanks. The one I have is the ‘93, the one I’m considering buying is the ‘92.

I’m wondering if their ‘92 is ‘inferior’ mechanically to what I have because I wouldn’t want to move over to less reliable car. I agree the maintenance is standard, but it’s also nice to know that it was all done. The main thing is just the mint condition, having all the seats and the skylight.
 
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No, IDT the 92 is inferior mechanically... Some might say the water cooled turbo and coolant temp based cold weather IP advance circuits are a significant advancement. IMO, it's just another couple potential failure points.

I know a lot think the crystal light is cool. I intentionally avoided getting one with it, and I would recommend others do as well.
 
We love our crystal lite roof (1990)… but I see how it’s another point of possible failure (maybe not quite such a worry in California, which seems kinder generally on vehicles)? I guess it’s like anything, it may end up taking maintenance to keep it in good shape, but everything about the Delica is kinda like that?

We love the crystal lite roof for the bright lightness inside during the day, and it’s nice for sight-seeing in the back, depending where you’re traveling. It can be fun at night too, especially at certain times of year (like when there are tour-able light displays).

Mine hasn’t leaked yet, even after a long winter spent outdoors with lashing rainstorms on the Oregon coast a few years back. Though the shades can go wrong after many years (the shades on one side of mine don’t function, needing the plastic clips replaced… that requires pulling the headliner, which we still haven’t done)!

Once we do get around to pulling the headliner, I’ve also been advised to spray something up in there to stop rust, as it’s a spot where condensation builds up, FYI.
 
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