Talk me out of this.  Please.

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori) 07/25/2018 at 12:21 • Filed to: unnecessary car shopping without E90M3

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Trolling craigslist for an off-road beater, like ya do, and this shining beacon of JDM 80s goodness showed up. The price is high, the condition is excellent, and the want is strong.

What we’re looking at here is a 1990 Mitsubishi Delica L300 Exceed Star Wagon, apparently. Rocking a 2.5L inline 4 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual transmission, and selectrable 4WD. Apparently this, a post-facelift 3rd generation model, is based on the Pajero underneath. Sounds like a good thing to me.

Inside you’ll find said engine under the passenger seat, rotating captains chairs, rear air, and that amazing panoramic roof.

Truly this is the thing Vanagons grow up to be.

Downsides? Price, mainly. Though prices for these things are certainly on the up as the overlanding craze reaches a fevered pitch . That said, I’d have a hard time parting with $16,000 of my hard earned cash unless I was certain I’d get it back down the road. While overlanding and off-road rigs are hot now, will they be in a year? Two?

Parking is another issue. While at one point my fleet was seven cars strong, I felt bad taking up that much street parking. Even at a modest six now (phrasing) playing car shuffle with my one car wide driveway is annoying, and I find myself driving my garage cars less than I would like.

Also I don’t really see anything this thing does that my Disco doesn’t do as well or better. Both have plentiful seating, buckets of style, offroad chops, and expensive, hard to source parts.

Also also: sixteen thousand dollars!

That said, this thing checks a number of boxes on the “cars I want to own” list. Specifically it checks the: diesel, 4wd van, and righ-hand drive boxes. (Yes, this is an actual list. It keeps me from buying every heap I see on Craigslist.)

Still, as cool as this is I can’t get over that it doesn’t really fill a gap in my lineup. It is way too nice, at least in pictures, to consider an offroad beater. It’s seating capacity is on-par with the Land Rover, though I imagine the Star Wagon is more comfortable.

Mostly the appeal is that it is very cool.

The boyfriend is pushing me to go take a look, because I’ll regret it if I don’t. He is not wrong.

What do you guys (and gals) think?

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:27

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It's amazing. However, I'd feel bad driving that, especially off road

Derpwagon > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:28

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If you can afford it ( financially as well as in space, attention, etc), buy it.

/nothelping

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:34

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My advice? Contact Derek at Pacific Coast Auto. I watch his videos on youtube and he’s imported a LOT of these, plus I’ve heard many good things about him. I’m sure you could import your own for a lot less than $16,000.

PartyPooper2012 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:34

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This thing is awful. It won’t get stuck in a giant puddle of muddy water

Stapleface > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:36

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Sell the Disco and buy this instead?  

PartyPooper2012 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:37

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Also stops on a dime. You don’t want this thing. You will spill beer all over you

nermal > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:48

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You’re not making a reasonable purchase decision here, but an emotional one. Nothing wrong with that, but there’s a reason why most every other overland-bro drives a Toyota, a Jeep, or pickup.

If you’ve got $16k on hand and you’re pondering whether to set it on fire or buy this, then buy this. The romantic nostalgia will wear off quickly once you realize how crappy and slow it is to drive.

If you actually want to be an overland-bro, and only have $16k to spend, go buy a Toyota, Jeep, or pickup for $10-12k. Add a rooftop tent, some externally mounted MaxTrax and a highlift jack, and some AT or MT tires. Maybe a made-in-China lightbar or six if you have some extra cash left. Then proceed to drive it places you could easily get to in a stock Subaru.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 12:54

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My buddy had one up in Canada. I wanted it real bad. DO IT! 

RT > PartyPooper2012 07/25/2018 at 13:03

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The van you posted was not a Mitsubishi Delica, it’s a Suzuki Every/Carry, which is a kei van. The Mitsubishi is much larger and more stable .

PartyPooper2012 > RT 07/25/2018 at 13:04

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I know... the one I was looking for had big wheels, when you hit the brakes, only the front ones locked up and it did a flip over the roof and landed on wheels again. But damn it. Work is getting in the way and I cannot spend hours searching for it. 

Spridget > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 13:13

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Remind me again what cars you own? I remember the Saab, Volvo, Alfa, and Disco, but I’m two short.

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 13:35

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$16K is Westy prices.. jdm Delicas are much less here in BC.. plus Space Gear!

AestheticsInMotion > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 13:38

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My last roadtrip in the Miata, I came across a young couple roadtripping through the company in one of those. After admiring each other's rides, I picked their brain. Sounds like a fantastic adventure-mobile, they certainly plan on keeping it forever. I hope to grab one someday as well. 

AfromanGTO > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 13:53

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Why haven’t you bought it yet?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 14:02

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I mean, you pretty much have to buy it, right?

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Spridget 07/25/2018 at 14:12

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Amazing recollection and that is my fleet. My partner owns a Cabriolet and a Jeep Renegade, which is how we get to the 6 car number.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 07/25/2018 at 14:12

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Ditto. It is too nice.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 14:22

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Occasionally I see this ludicrously clean FJ80 around town and I would feel especially bad about going off road with it.

It's the same reason with this Mitsubishi. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 14:26

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I have always had one of those at the top of my list to replace my CRV if anything happens to it. I always look at the import companies, my wife is from J apan so I could always enlist some family help, also Flavian Videl exports cars right? I would love a sweet Delica with sexy graphics. Getting a Vanagon with a diesel or subie swap is more expensive that importing one of those. 

WhiskyTangoFoxtrot > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 14:45

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Owned an 86 while I was in Okinawa (paid $250 on the lemon lot) . Be forewarned of pillar rot, and oil consumption . B ut it went places I didn’t think it would make it to (45+ degree slopes , on wet clay/soil) . Comfortable ride, and the interior is cavernous.

RPM esq. > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 15:19

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diesel, 4wd van, and righ-hand drive

I have these boxes too, except maybe the van part. It’s a disease.

RPM esq. > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 15:20

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Why would you not buy this delightful thing immediately? That interior shot will have me shopping for Delicas on my lunch break now.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > RPM esq. 07/25/2018 at 15:32

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Right?  All that space and a roof that looks straight of the Enterprise D. :swoon:

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > RPM esq. 07/25/2018 at 15:35

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My list is longer than I’d like, but I’ve been able to check two things off it recently, so at least there is that.

HammerheadFistpunch > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 16:28

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They are super cool, but I understand they are a PAIN to work on, and getting parts can take a long time, if you can find them at all.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 07/25/2018 at 16:36

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Seems like the perfect car for me.

RPM esq. > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 16:52

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I’ve been eyeing this be- flared beauty of late.

If they weren’t asking $16k it would already be mine.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > RPM esq. 07/25/2018 at 17:02

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What even is that?  I like it.

RPM esq. > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 17:51

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Japan-market short-wheelbase Nissan Patrol. RHD, manual, 4WD, diesel two-seater.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > RPM esq. 07/25/2018 at 17:59

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heavy breathing.gif

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > RPM esq. 07/25/2018 at 18:12

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Note to RPM... that’s actually a bargain. Even in a Patrol soaked Australia...

RPM esq. > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 07/25/2018 at 18:15

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Well shit, now I have to buy it.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 18:25

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I’m not going to talk you out of it. Only you can do that. But I think your Disco comparison is valid.

I should also point out that these things do not make ideal long distance haulers. Flat seats on top of a diesel engine do not make for peace, relative quiet and, most of all, comfort.

The other thing to point out is they are not that remarkable as off roaders ... especially in this format. Certainly no better than an other vehicle with similar underbody clearance . And I’ve seen a couple bought undone off-road by their high centre of gravity. This one will have a high CoG and body flex simply because of that roof.

If you want one, buy one. But be very realistic about what part it will play in your fleet. Whilst I'm a fan of them and have enjoyed them in the past...I can't see how this would add anything practical to your fleet. And looking good in your driveway is not that practical.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 07/25/2018 at 18:33

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And looking good in your driveway is not that practical.

Strongly disagree.

Nah, I was talked out of it by writing the article. It is awesome, but too nice to use for light trail bashing and a little too nerdy overall to fit into my self-image.

If it were $6000, I’d buy it for a season and then ditch it, but at $16k it just isn’t a fit.

Then again, a Peugot wagon I was eyeing was initially offered for $18k and eventually sold for $4 k (which is closer to its value), so stranger things have happened.

Stuttgart_Jon > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/25/2018 at 21:37

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I have been seriously considering getting one of these! Very cool to haul a large family into the back country with plenty of camping gear, but they sound like they would be just too slow on the freeway.  Like 45 mph up hills slow...

The price also sounds a bit high for a Deli. There is a company in the US that imports, refreshes them, and then resells them. The ones with the cool sun roofs come up from time to time. I have no affiliation with them and cannot vouch for them either as I have not purchased from them myself . T he website to delica usa is below.

https://www.delicausa.com/inventory/

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Stuttgart_Jon 07/25/2018 at 22:04

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Good link.  Weirdly to me that establishes the price for this one as pretty good compared to those.  Still not going to buy it but happy to know I have options if I turn out to regret not doing so.

Rugged Simplicity > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/26/2018 at 00:09

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Let’s be real. You came here for us to convince you that your want is justified. Go on, live your best life.

Rufant > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/26/2018 at 06:17

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s eating capacity is on-par with the Land Rover, though I imagine the Star Wagon is more comfortable.

Yeah, no way this is more comfortable than the Disco. Have driven both, one i s based on a commercial vehicle, comfort is  not a priority. Functional at best, but still cool, agreed.

Rufant > RT 07/26/2018 at 06:18

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You sure? Those Suzuki vans are tiny.

Rufant > RT 07/26/2018 at 16:40

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Ah whoops, I see you were replying to the comment not the main article. Don’t mind me, carry on...