Thanks Ross! LOL
To answer your questions as best I can:
- What do you think its worth?
I wouldn't want to pay more than £1,500 for that to be honest. I'm not saying it's only worth that, but that is the most I'd be willing to pay considering it's a 1994 model year. It's an Exceed (not a Super Exceed) with limited spec. If it had things like the Crystal Lite roof, curtains, digital climate control etc...then I would consider paying a bit more. As it is, it's a high roof but without the Crystal Lite which means you don't gain the benefits of the Crystal Lite (electric roof blinds and much, much better interior lighting) but you don't gain the benefit of the low roof (easier to get into car parks with height barriers)
Basically, if you're just looking for a Delica to use & abuse then you can pick a good 1994/1995 Exceed like this for anything between £1,200 and £1,500. Any more than that and you're into the Super Exceed territory or very well specced and well looked after Ecxceeds.
- What should I look out for?
Soopahfly is spot on. Make sure the engine is stone cold and not been started. The seller might have cheekily started it to ensure the battery isn't dead, but as long as it's not been run for more than a few seconds you'll still be able to look out for the dreaded pump seal probs. They usually cut out after a few hundred yards, you can get them started only to cut out again a few hundred yards further down the road. Not a cheap job to fix.
Cam chains are also the issue. Again, do what Soopahfly says and listen for a 'chuf chuf' noise (you'll understand what we're on about if you hear it) - Years ago, L400 owners used to laugh at us L300 because we have to change cam belts. I can tell you it's a lot cheaper and easier to do a cam belt than a cam chain!
Check the expansion bottle. In the pic it looks very dark yellow. Look for small cracks and crystalisation on the outside of the bottle. These get very, very brittle and will literally explode taking your bonnet with it if you're unlucky (I'm not exaggerating either!) These are about £120 new but can be sourced for around £80 from time to time.
Once it's warm, thoroughly check the temp of the radiator all over. The rads can block easily due to their microfine cores. This leads to water pumps becoming overworked and eventually overheating/cracked heads. A lot more common than you'd think too! A Delic with cam chain issues, cracked head and fuel pump seals gone is pretty much a breaker on a Delica of this value. Unless you can do all the work yourself but it'll still cost you a good few ££
Also look for flashing lights on the 4WD display on the dashboard. If the upper two (front wheels) are flashing then they 4WD solenoids are shot and will ideally need replacing.
Check that the 4WD works. Engage 4WD while driving and check that the front lights on the display come on (some people remove the bulbs for the front lights to hide the flashing!) Once engaged, drive around the block and then dis-engage to make sure the lights flash for a few seconds and then go out.
Check that the overdrive switch works OK. They have a habit of breaking and some people resort to wedging match sticks in them to get them to work. It's not the end of the world because they can be fixed (very fiddly!) or 2nd hand replacements can be sourced for around £40-£50.
While driving, get on a flat, even bit of road and check that the car doesn't pull to one side. Make sure there isn't a big camber in the road because Delica's will pull towards the kerb if there is! (they all do it, you live with it) but if the road is flat and it pulls then there is every likelihood of a sticking caliper. After a run, get out and check how hot the wheel is. If it's slightly warm then it's fine but if it feels hot at all then you've probably got a siezed caliper which could be something as simple as a stuck slide pin or possibly pistons sticking. If it's pistons, it's actually cheaper to replace the caliper than to get repair kits!!
Check the colour and smell of the AT fluid. It should be more red than dark brown and certainly not black. If it smells at all burnt or slightly fishy then the auto box has been overworked and might be heading for trouble.
There is more...but I think they are the main points!
Oh....and check the console around the stereo/heater controls/voltmeter pod. These can self destruct and are pretty pricey to replace. They get very, very brittle with age then simply implode! New ones are over £100 but good second hand ones can be found for around £60.
- Where can I get a decent insurance quote from?
I would start with somewhere like Lifesure. I have both my Delica's insured with them. Both highly modded and both around £320 fully comp. I do live in a ghetto too so prices tend to be a bit higher for me than a lot of people.
Any other Q's, just ask.
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