Which one is right for my needs

[StevenEmes]

Hi guys, I'm in Australia and looking at buying a delica, it will be decked out for camping, so bed, kitchen and storage space required, I'd like a deisel and it will need to be able to do beach work and a bit of off-roading but nothing to serious. What do you guys recommend?

 

[JordanKstarwagon89]

Hey mate. I'm in Oz too. I've grown up with delicas. It kind of depends on how much storage you need, year models desired etc.

I've got an Australian release SWB 1989 Mitsubishi Starwagon. Its a petrol (and I don't think that they came in diesel). But it is great, goes everywhere I want (mainly on the beach is my preference) and plenty of space for me (I did one trip with 6 friends in my van, and about 7 medium sized suitcases in the boot). Not super cheap to run, but reasonable. My van corresponds with the L300 shape delicas. I believe this vintage came in diesel if you get a Japanese import. A lot of people uses these as campers.

My Dad used to have the newer L400 shape (a 1996 and a 2000) in a diesel model. They used to come in both a SWB and a LWB.
He says that this model had better 4WD capabilities. Not the cheapest to run though. But a lot of people use these as campers too.

And my Dad now has a 2008 Delica D:5, in Petrol (though you can get them in diesel).
Since he's had it, he has gone everywhere. We've been to several beaches with no issues and even the renound Perth Power-lines track. Space wise its ok, with the third row of seats out, the boot is massive. I don't know if they come in a LWB. But it is a very comfortable ride. And I haven't seen any as campers yet.

 

[StevenEmes]

Hey mate. I'm in Oz too. I've grown up with delicas. It kind of depends on how much storage you need, year models desired etc.

I've got an Australian release SWB 1989 Mitsubishi Starwagon. Its a petrol (and I don't think that they came in diesel). But it is great, goes everywhere I want (mainly on the beach is my preference) and plenty of space for me (I did one trip with 6 friends in my van, and about 7 medium sized suitcases in the boot). Not super cheap to run, but reasonable. My van corresponds with the L300 shape delicas. I believe this vintage came in diesel if you get a Japanese import. A lot of people uses these as campers.

My Dad used to have the newer L400 shape (a 1996 and a 2000) in a diesel model. They used to come in both a SWB and a LWB.
He says that this model had better 4WD capabilities. Not the cheapest to run though. But a lot of people use these as campers too.

And my Dad now has a 2008 Delica D:5, in Petrol (though you can get them in diesel).
Since he's had it, he has gone everywhere. We've been to several beaches with no issues and even the renound Perth Power-lines track. Space wise its ok, with the third row of seats out, the boot is massive. I don't know if they come in a LWB. But it is a very comfortable ride. And I haven't seen any as campers yet.

I'm definitely looking for it to go on beach trips, space wise as long as I can fit a double mattress and drawers underneath for some storage and a kitchen I'm happy. Would prefer the deisel but will look into petrol as well. What would you recommend? I'm thinking the L400 shape.

 

[JordanKstarwagon89]

I'm a bit biased because I own a L300 shape, which I LOVE. A double mattress and draws would fit easy (I've got a roof top tent that's just (and I mean just) narrower than a double mattress).
I do know that the L400s and D:5's are easier to find, a little bigger inside, and usually in better nick. And the L400 is probably easier to find parts for if needed, compared to a L300. (My L300 is pretty easy for general parts, but accessories and things like leaf springs are a little trickier.)

If your happy with the shape of the L400, then that would be a good option. They're a mean truck and will have NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER on a beach. And the L400s are pretty common to find as well.

The D:5 delicas are really good off road as well, good size inside and comfortable. They take a little getting used to to drive (as they have a funny gearbox), but are reliable and economical. They are becoming more common nowadays, especially over East.