Buying Advice

[Chunga]

Hi all,

I currently drive a 1992, 2.4, manual Surf and I am thinking of selling and buying something newer.

The two vehicles I am looking at are the 3.0l 3rd generation Surf and a Mitsubishi Delica L400 version.

The main reason I am thinking of selling is because I would like to have the option of permanent 4 wheel drive. Before my Surf, I drove a 92 Pajero and it was great in icy and snowy conditions. I could just throw her into 4x4 and forget about it. My work often takes me in and out of fields, so it would be nice to not have to worry about pushing a button every time I get traction.

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

[IanB2]

1st off, even 3rd gen surfs are 2wd unless you put them into AWD mode by pushing a button. You wouldn't want to leave it in AWD as it burns a lot more fuel than neccesary, but you could.

2nd, Delica's are ass-ugly compared to a Surf, no contest there.

[Chunga]

Thanks Ian,

Yes, I am aware of that. My Pajero was the same. If I wanted 4 wheel drive I still had to activate it. But the difference is that I didn't have to worry about trans windup and things breaking if I forgot to take it out of 4x4 when I hit a bit of normal road surface.

I agree with you about the Delica's being ugly looking, but they seem to be a bit more versatile when it comes to interior load and what you can carry be it gear or people...

I'm wondering more about things to look out for and common problems with each vehicle?

[Bogus]

I cant help you. Ive had Surfs for 7 years and have NEVER had a problem with any of them. My first one ( a 2.4) did pop its head a week after I sold it and I did help the guy I sold it to with a new head, but my 2nd gen 3 litre never gave a problem and my 3rd gen which Ive had nearly 4 years now has NEVER coughed or spluttered or broken in any way.

[tonupteabag]

Thanks Ian,

Yes, I am aware of that. My Pajero was the same. If I wanted 4 wheel drive I still had to activate it. But the difference is that I didn't have to worry about trans windup and things breaking if I forgot to take it out of 4x4 when I hit a bit of normal road surface.

I agree with you about the Delica's being ugly looking, but they seem to be a bit more versatile when it comes to interior load and what you can carry be it gear or people...

I'm wondering more about things to look out for and common problems with each vehicle?

Without causing any offence i find the vehicle is only as reliable as the mechanic looking after it in my experience

[Chunga]

Yes, I completely agree with you.

But are there any problems associated with the 3rd gen diesel? Anything I need to look out for before parting with the cash etc?

Many thanks

[tonupteabag]

TBH i'm on my first 3rd gen diesel and i am impressed with it, it's a lot sharper off the line than my 2.4 which i've had for 12 months, and even with the 2.4 i wouldn't worry about a journey from devon to lancashire without any mishap, as the trucks been very reliable even in winter running on WVO it never failed to start, yes they have faults but what vehicles don't? as far as reliability goes as long as you follow the buying advice and use common sense you won't go far wrong, or better still buy one from a forum member, at least you will know it's been looked after.