1994 Mitsubishi Delica Spacegear Super Exceed from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nothing so far in first year. Had to replace battery.

I bought a '94 Delica Space Gear 2.8l TDi Super Exceed in Queensland in December last year and am extremely happy. (You do need a mouthful to describe them with their full title tho) :)

These are a grey-import in Australia, but they are basically a Starwagon (released in Aus. as 2wd, petrol) body on Pajero running gear and motor.

Did a fair bit of research before and with 4 kids and an interest in 4WDriving... this is the one for us. Mainly because of low Klms, dual range 4WD, roomy 7+ seaters, Diesel motor (4M40) should last for ever, and they seem to have been immaculately kept! The one I got delivered here to Melbourne looked like it had hardly been out of the garage let alone off road! and it had 65,000klm on the clock. On top of that, I saved on stamp duty because Qld SD is half that of Vic SD, and then discovered a years Rego. down here in Vic is about $100 less than in QLD.

The only negatives I've heard have all related to the earlier - pre'94 models, which was a completely different design and 2.5l motor. Also the occasional expensive part that you can't replace with a Pajero or Starwagon part - but I guess the rest and the quality generally and savings on the original purchase price should make up for that.

To say nothing of 'cult' type following they're starting to attract - well they are something a bit different, and quite a head-turner.

Speaking of that, I set-up a quick MSN Group/community web-site the other night for Delica Owners in Australia - http://groups.msn.com/DelicaOwnersAustraliaInternetClub - it's very basic compared to sites like this, but I'm not trying to compete, just share some info. with other like-minded Delica owners, and maybe save the occasional dollar on locating parts and services for members. Have a look and join if interested - the more the merrier!

New website I also started with help from other on-line club members is: www.delicaclub.com.

By the way, the car is still going very well and continues to impress!

Cheers,

Hi we have a Delica 94 2.8 turbo deisel and find it really good. However we have had a few problems getting parts. Thought it would be easy as the running gear is Pajero, but haven't found a dealer in SA that can provide us with suitable part numbers for lower front ball joints any direction would be good.

Hello, I live in England and have a Royal Delica. They are a fantastic 4x4 and family car. There will always be problems when trying to get parts for 'Grey' imported cars. There are many clubs all over the world who have members who may be able to help you find parts or just information that you need. Two of which are: www.aimoo.com/delica-friends/ also www.mdoc.co.uk.

We've just purchased a 1994 model - 8 seater, 2.8 turbo diesel/inter cooled engine with heaps of power for it's size. Would you believe it only had 28500kms on it and is as brand new! Like the previous writers on this site, I share the view that the Japanese must take special care of their cars before they are imported to Australia. I disagree with the mileage figures quoted though. On the open road, mine only does 23MPG sitting on 110KPH with the dual air conditioning cranking, however, strangely enough it seems to get a better mileage around the city. Churns through the sand like a beauty and in low range it'll climb anything. All said and done, the family absolutely love it to bits!

I have just bought a 1996 model space gear and just love it, everyone in my street wants one,just need to get the injectors cleaned it's not doing so well on diesel, will let you know how it's goes after the injectors are cleaned.how much should it do on a full tank of diesel?

I bought a 1995 Delica Exceed in October 2006. I, unlike everyone else appear to have a very large Lemon. Within 8 week of taking ownership the problems started. Firstly the transducer in relation to the speedo died, 14 days later the calipers seized in the braking position, 30 days later the electricals decided it was time to fail. I have an extended warranty on the vehicle, but for some reason each claim is just not quite covered. I love the car as it suits my needs to a T, but could really do without the stress and not knowing if I will get to drive it home today.

Hey, my name is deb. I live in Bulgaria now, but bought a Super Exceed turbo diesel 7 seater, to drive through Europe over to Bulgaria.

I have had no problems whatsoever with the car, or the BUS as people over here call it. It has travelled thousands of kilometers with no problem, and amazingly enough, used no oil whatsoever. Have changed it, which seemed pointless.

It has been offroading in the snow, and we have all had fun with it. It is a great 4x4 for picking people up from the airport with comfort. Unfortunately, I am going to have to sell it now, as it is slightly difficult driving a right hooker over here. If you know anyone interested in buying it, it is in good order.

My name is Henry, and I live in Zambia, Southern Africa. Have just received my '94 Delica Exceed from Japan and hey!!! what a machine! I mean the acceleration like that of a 16 valve Corolla! For a speed fanatic this vehicle is bad news!

The shorter wheel base meant I had to take care on curves.

I am fixing an oil leak from the crankshaft seal, but this vehicle has been looked after very well and the interior is like new. I intend to stay with this car forever as it suits our harsh African rural roads where I frequent.

Thanks to my wife Abby who stood against the wall for this one, otherwise I would be driving a sedan!!!

In the past I have owned four Mitsubishi 4X4 Vans. The first was a conventional Australian Local vehicle with a petrol 4G64 motor. It was ferociously heavy on fuel getting 14 litres per 100Km, giving it a range of only 400 Km; nowhere near enough. I was going to convert it to diesel when the first engine died at 250,000 Km, however it ended up on gas (gas is for BBQ's).

In the end, the car had done 650,000 Km, all of which was either long distance and off road. I was driving 150,000 Km per year. The van had gone through 3 engines, 4 gearboxes, 2 front cross members, no idea how many shock absorbers, and the fuel tank had stress cracks around the welds, the roof rack had punched itself through the roof, and the only original item was the rear axle.

For all that, it had a pet name (Vincent) and only really dropped me in it twice, once with a dropped valve, and the other time a badly honed bore causing lost compression.

I replaced that van with a low mileage L300 Delica, and that was a mistake that I didn't repeat. Low mileage usually means that the vehicle has done very little work, and this becomes a problem. Seals become hard and wear quickly, likewise suspension bushes which will hammer out the first time you work it. Also, other unseen parts suffer such as timing belt tensioners, which will seize and cause much grief in the top end (be prepared to replace the entire head). Lastly, because the vehicle never warms up, moisture collects in the upper parts of the crankcase, causing the balance shafts to seize. I only kept this one for 6 months and it cost me a fortune.

The second to last was a moderately high mileage and was wonderful.

The one I have just bought, a PF8W series 4 is also relatively high mileage (nothing under 10,000 per year thank you) and the paint is not perfect, which means it is relatively straight and original. Like the first one, I intend to do at least 400,000 Km over the next four years, encompassing most of continental Australia.

Jon Armstrong

http://www.nildesperandum.tv

I purchased a 94 4X4 Delica Spacegear with a manual transmission late last year from a dealer, I was the first New Zealand owner & bought it before it landed in the country.

I paid a high price for what I believed were good features - 80 000ks, (low for a 94). It was manual (rare also) & from what I thought was a great dealership.

Sadly this car has given me nothing, but grief, first problem from delivery was a fuel problem that is still ongoing, suspension bushes have all, but disintegrated in the 5000 ks that I have owned it, The best fuel economy I have gained so far is 500ks from a full tank of diesel (even with conservative driving).

However even with the above problems I will not sell this vehicle, I will replace the whole suspension and replace the whole fuel system if I have to, as these are great vehicles.

The van goes anywhere in luxury (I love the arm rest lazy-boy style chairs). I go surfing, snowboarding, kitesurfing and mountain biking with all the gear I need for 5 friends and myself with room to spare.

In conclusion I would agree with the post from '1st Dec 2007, 03:13'

Low mileage older vehicles come with many things that need replacing (as above) It will be a compromise between wanting a less "used" vehicle with great condition interior, panels & engine life, or one with constant use that will be more worn.

Good luck, and make sure if you buy from a dealer, they will back you up!

How zit guys, just replying to the Feb 2 posting,

i too have the 94 model, but 3ltr V6. It too, needed all the suspension bushes, and links done, (at 101,000kms) after fixing those, I now find the motor is "missing". after many hours of fault finding, I still haven't found the cause, and its starting to look like its electrical.

It idles fine, but give it some "herb" and she spits and splatters!

Anyone had this problem? got some advice?. if I find the solution before anyone replies i'll post it here

Cheers.