I'm chasing a vehicle for carting windsurf gear and doing a bit of camping and off road to secluded locations stuff so preferably a 4WD version of????? Have considered the Subaru Outback but not sure if long enough in the back to fit boards ect and to sleep a person of average height, the Mitsubishi Delica, but not sure how it performs in the 4WD department or a 4WD ute of some sort, single cab, probably with a canopy on the back tray???? Too many options out there....would appreciate any information from anyone who has or has had any of these vehicles...good/points or further thoughts/recommendations....thanks
Hi,
I have a 1996 Delica. Its a SWB diesel. I bought it 4 years ago. Its a real 4WD, with low range and dif locks. I've taken it off road on bush tracks and on my parent's farm. The farm is quite hilly and its handled driving up and down greasy grassy hills quite well, something that can defeat AWD vehicles. As its a very comfortable van its quite a sureal experience 4WDing in it. However 99.9% of its time on the road is spent on the bitumen.
The van had a bit of mechanical issues with a cracked head. This is a common issue with the diesel motor. I had the head replaced along with a fair bit of other mechanical work about two years ago and since then its been going fine. The other issue the diesels have is a failed fuel pump. The the older Series one of the L400 Delicas generally are affected by failing pumps. I've read it costs about $1500 to fix.
For windsurfing I'd recommend getting a LWB version. The SWB is okay but a fraction short.
Go to the Delica Club website for a lot of excellent information about the Delica. Its helped me out a few times, ie last weekend I cleaned the van out and saw some dead bugs in the interior light. I searched the forums and found out how to disassemble the passenger light housing.
First bought a Delica for carrying the boards etc, then realised the lwb was a better option as the largest of my boards was too long for the back without having to move the passenger seat forward. I think it was 245 from memory, but definately go lwb instead of swb.
Also make sure they've done the fuel pump modification, Japanese use diesel with a higher sulphur content than we do and as a result when we start using the grey imports with our fuel, the fuel pump and fuel gaskets packs it in. This can result in a bill of around $1600.00. So ask the question!
Had mine for a number of years now and can honestly say I've got no complaints. An honest but ugly vehicle that will go forever and no-one will want to steal. What more could you want?
Hi Chilla,
An outback will not fit your gear in without laying the front passenger seat flat.
It is long enough to sleep in though, but not whilst you have your gear in there.
LWB landcruiser is long enough. Had and 1985 HJ60 and it fit all the gear easily. And as far as 4wd capability, could go anywhere i cared to go.
Had my Delica (SWB) for 5 years now but it has developed the problem Pepe mentioned.
In that time Ive taken out 3 roos with it 
and done heaps of off roading but mostly on sand /desert.
Just ordered a new car (Forrester) but gonna get the old beast fixed (even if it's $1500) so I can continue to cut fully sick off road. (Don't want to scratch the new car
)
Or get into kitesurfing and then you can fit all your gear on your back and ride a bike.
You're considering an Outback or Delica , but "not sure how the Delica performs in the 4WD dept" 
The Delica is no Landcruiser or Patrol, but it will crap all over an Outback offroad as at least it has a real 4WD platform.
There is no way you will sleep in an Outback with even one board in it unless it is a very short board (will have to go on a diagonal if over about 240cm)
So with the Delica you get - better 4WD ability, and can carry about 3x more windsurf gear, and can sleep in it at the same time. Hmmm hard choice
Another option is the Landcruiser troopy, seen a few gettin around that can hold a lotta gear and sleep, 4.2 diesel reliable and great 4wd capability, parts everywhere!
Fuel consumption consistently is about 11 litres per one hundred kms. This is with a big board on the roof and a fair bit of gear in the back.
Based on what I've read on the Delica Club forums fuel consumption varies a bit between vehicles. Some people complain of using around 20 litres per one hundred kms. Petrol Delicas use a lot more fuel in general but they can get them converted to LPG.
Delicas also are a great family vehicle too. Passenger accomodation in the back is pretty luxurious, actually better than in the front. From the Delica Club it seems that Delicas are mainly bought by either people with big families or those who want to go camping and do outdoors stuff.
Another Delica fan here.
Had my LWB (get one if you can) for 6 years now, done 120,000 Km in it.
Plenty of off road work (Not hard stuff, mainly beach/dune work) and untold trips on the Gnaraloo track.
I get 11l/100Km when fully loaded (gear for 2 people).
Bought it for $16k and could not be happier.
Check Delicaclub.com for more info and known gotchas. Fuel pump (Already mentioned), Radiator overflow bottle goes brittle after 10+ years and should be replaced.
The best windsurfing vehicle around (Also carries kites too ;)
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said...
You're considering an Outback or Delica , but "not sure how the Delica performs in the 4WD dept"
You'll just have to excuse my lack of encyclopedic knowledge of all vehicles I'm afraid!!
...read up on 4WD systems, there is a big big difference between a WRX and a Landcruiser or Patrol...
..no time for reading, too busy living life.....windsurfing....all good anyway think Delica sounds fine for what I am looking for, thanks for the info...
