OT - Anybody Have a Full-Sized Van?

[Oregonic]

For quite a while, I've been interested in getting a full sized van. Seems like it would work really well for CX races, family camping, road trips (not to mention hauling stuff for work).

Lately, I've restarted the search, and I'm narrowing in on a Chevy Express.

Anybody else out there have something similar? Do you like it for a race "base", etc.? How about as a family vehicle?

[Ralph]

Have a friend with a Ford Transit (not the smaller Connect)....it's the wagon model with windows.

Has the 3.5 Eco Boost engine (way more TQ than a 5.0 V8) and he also pulls a trailer.

Has all the Ford electronic goodies. It's like riding in your living room. You need a big drive way to park it.

They come in many varieties...lengths and heights. Loaded to very basic. Engine choices are a 3.7 naturally aspired V6, Eco Boost 3.5, and a diesel option.

[onsight512]

We have a Ford E-350. It has four seats in it and nothing in the back (no rear bench). It gets used as a giant station wagon for family outings, camping trips, and the like. It's nice to be able to put four bikes and all of our gear for a week-long camping/climbing trip in it without too much thought as to 'will this fit'.
It all fits.

[seric]

I have a 5.9L Dodge 3/4 ton Cargo Van with a rhino-lined cargo area.. I find it rather indispensable for Kayaking, Moto trackdays, and dirtbiking. I've thought about upgrading to a Sprinter, but the Cargo Van seems to be better for my purposes. It's great with a couple of futon mattresses in the back for camping. I usually setup a tent outside the van to store gear, and I take along an EZ-Up, sometimes I'll put the EZ-Up over the van to help buffer the son.

[parris]

We've had van's from Chevy, Dodge, and Ford for transport and weekend worker vans. The Ford's and Chevy's have been neck and neck as far as service with the Dodge's coming in a bit behind.

I will say that the Chevy's seem to hold the road a little better than the Ford's. All of the vans are/were 3/4 or 1 ton models with various wheelbases. Even the Dodge products lasted into the 160k+ range.

[pdmtong]

i used to have a '79 Ford E-250 full sized van.

460in3 V8 four barrel carb dual tanks four captains chairs. no side windows. tow package so the bigger wheels/tires.

The beast was PERFECT for windsurf trips since you could sleep and change inside it. for the right application, nothing could beat it. the suburban that replaced it is nice, but it is no full-sized van

it's gone now because it didn't pass smog and was going to be too expensive to fix. also, at 7mpg it was expensive to run.

[avalonracing]

It's just looks wrong.

[11.4]

Don't forget a Mercedes Sprinter. It's not that crazy in price. The power isn't huge but it simply lasts forever. You can get a regular passenger van configuration or a cargo version or anything in between. Two rows of seating plus loads of room in the back is superb. They come in two heights, so you can get one tall enough to stand inside of when working with bikes and it's raining outside or when you want to hang bikes and have more on the floor of the van. And they come in varying length. You can also, if you're so inclined, get companies who customize them into different versions of mini-RVs so you have something you can actually live in while racing. The conversions are a bit pricey, but the van on its own is highly amenable to customizing.

[Oregonic]

Appreciate the responses, all! Really need an AWD or 4wd, for my work travel over the mountains in winter. Since I can't afford a Sprinter 4wd or a Quigley conversion, I'm in the market for an Express.

[carpediemracing]

*edit I was writing as you were replying, so skip the minivan stuff unless you want an AWD Sienna /edit

Consider parking/garage - do you want to be able to garage the vehicle? Otherwise it sits outside year round. If so you should factor in vehicle height. Edmunds is pretty good with specs, ditto Wiki.

Consider also weather. I don't know OR at all but I decided on snow tires year round because I wouldn't use my big vehicle much and a lot of the driving is in the late winter / early spring when there's still a high chance of snow. I just drove my vehicle Sept 10th with very nice snows.

Finally consider gas-mileage and size. You can get virtually the same interior space with a minivan. I've driven various full size vans (E250, Dodge Ram, Express) as well as Odysseys and Siennas. Minivans are quite useful and generally get much better mileage. Can't load them as heavily and you certainly can't tow, but for races/etc unless you had a massive crew I think a full size van is a bit much.

A few years ago I was torn between a van and a 3 row SUV. I needed at least 7000 lbs towing capacity, I wanted a roof, and 3 row would be a bonus. Van would be cheaper but not garage-able.

I was coming off of a Dodge 15 passenger van which was starting to rust a bit. I decided to go tow vehicle + trailer instead of another "massive van".

I finally decided on an older (2006) Ford Expedition. The big bonus was it fits in a regular garage, something any van or even the Excursion wouldn't do. I preferred to park it inside, after parking various vans outside for about 15 years.

I'm disappointed in the Ford. Their 5.8 liter 3 valve engine has a couple known issues that in my haste/ignorance I didn't know about until after the fact. Also Ford is pretty well known for skipping galvanization on critical parts of the chassis/frame. In my case it's the radiator support (common apparently, based on all the stuff I've found after the fact).

I struggle to find similar issues with the Chevy Express van. The local coaching/promoting company has one and they've had it forever. Starting to rust a bit but it's still going strong. I'm considering selling the Expedition (for whatever it's worth, not much) and getting a Chevy Express 3500. I want the 6.2 liter so I can tow. I'd like at least four seats so I can take it to, say, the airport.

I'd also put only snow tires on it, based on the idea that I wouldn't drive it much more than 1000-2000 miles a year and much of that during snow season. The Express holds a heck of a lot more than the Expedition, which doesn't even hold a 4'x8' sheet of plywood flat. In the Dodge Ram I think I put 12' lumber without touching the front seat, the back extended 6 feet past the rear wheels. An extended Express would be similar, a full size couch just gets swallowed up.

The Express won't fit in our standard garage, it's a few inches too tall, and there is no lowering kit for it. I'd have to leave it outside, which I don't like but I can do, I'd just leave it next to the trailer.

I'd consider ditching both the Expedition and the trailer if I could get a tall and long Sprinter, dual rear axle. I think I could make that functionally replace the trailer. But right now that's not in the books.

[adamhell]

i snapped a pic of this van today because i felt it perfectly encapsulates the sort of vibe i want from the eventual van i buy

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/152D9932-318B-4A59-B6A0-C21634493893_zpshuslawgj.jpg

[Schmed]

I second the sprinter idea. Bought one last year, put a ton of miles on it so far and it's a SUPERB base station. Skiing, biking, work, family trips, etc. You can't fill it up, you can stand up straight, it tows 5,000 lbs, and gets 24 mpg.

It normally looks huge, but parking next to this guy this morning made it look small:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j192/schmed123/Sprinter/9CEBDEE4-47CB-43A5-B671-6477DB15873D_zpsx7strqf2.jpg

[Andy sti]

A van is a great idea for what you're thinking. I have a sprinter and use it for all my races and family vacations. We love it. A full size would work well too except you don't have the height that is so awesome in the sprinter. If you can find a good one go for it!

[svelocity]

i snapped a pic of this van today because i felt it perfectly encapsulates the sort of vibe i want from the eventual van i buy

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/152D9932-318B-4A59-B6A0-C21634493893_zpshuslawgj.jpg

I owned a 1970 Ford Econoline E300 like what is shown in your picture. Loved the look but sheeesh it's a beast. It was my surf loaf. I could load all my boards in there and putz down to the breaks. Since I had my full quiver, what ever was happening in the water, I had the right board! I wasn't all kittens and strawberries though.

No power steering made it tough to park. The suspension was lousy so forget about getting on any dirt road. Drum brakes all around so it took about a half a block to stop! And since the engine is inside the van (just a half shell cover) it got super hot and wow was it loud in the cabin!

Anyhow, with all that said I still loved it but I'm sure glad I don't own it any more!

I sure do like the new Sprinter 4x4 vans...

[rnhood]

Appreciate the responses, all! Really need an AWD or 4wd, for my work travel over the mountains in winter. Since I can't afford a Sprinter 4wd or a Quigley conversion, I'm in the market for an Express.

Stick with the Express or Transit. It is easier to find shops that will work on these and, they are just as reliable if not more so than the foreign vans like the Sprinter. If you plan on using it only in metro and urban areas it might not matter but, in the remote areas finding someone or shop with foreign van repair capability can be a challenge.

[geeter]

I don't think anyone mentioned the Mercedes Metris.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[William]

Personalize your Ford Transit...


http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Ford-Transit-woody-02-626x382.jpg


http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ford-Transit-Sportvan.jpg


http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18yc1lhz09o9ajpg/original.jpg







:D
William

[weisan]

Personalize your Ford Transi

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18yc1lhz09o9ajpg/original.jpg


:D
William

Van, what van??! I only saw a huge lion... Or was it a panther? :D

[azrider]

Brother in-law built one of the coolest Vans I've ever seen......then he turned into www.roamrentals.com

Lots of cool things you can do with these rigs

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/697e6155bafd8a27ca23cd886de152be.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/7d61668af7247d39f1d5884c23ca702c.jpg




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Oregonic]

Van, what van??! I only saw a huge lion... Or was it a panther? :D

I love this place.:beer:

[FlashUNC]

Had one for years now. Works great. My former military unit and I ride around the country helping people in need get out of sticky situations. Usually with helicopters and explosives.

The guy who drives it is kinda surly though.

http://www.myateamvan.com/images/complete_van1.jpg

[Oregonic]

A few other thoughts...

Garage space - after bikes, tools, workbench, etc., we have room for one vehicle. Preferably Mrs. Oregonic's vehicle.

Gas Mileage - Gas is covered for work, so it's not a huge issue.

AWD/4WD - I drive over the Cascades and Sierra Nevadas a lot in winter, so it's pretty much a necessity. I'm not a fan of putting on chains 10+ times a season. But the new 4WD Sprinters, nor the $10K Quigley 4WD conversion, are not in the financial equation, though I'd love to have one!

We currently have a Sienna and an Element. This year we picked up a small tent trailer, and the Sienna (the largest V6 and towing package they had in 2007) does fine with it. However, while the tent trailer is/was fun this summer, but it takes up the whole garage in the winter. And since we really don't cook, etc, or wash in it, it's really ends up just being a big tent on wheels.

Plus, it would be a pain to haul to a CX race just for a place to change clothes and warm up. The idea is to get rid of the trailer, and the Element, and get one vehicle to work / camp / race out of.

I appreciate all the thoughtful, as well as the humorous, responses, folks!

[Oregonic]

A van is a great idea for what you're thinking. I have a sprinter and use it for all my races and family vacations. We love it. A full size would work well too except you don't have the height that is so awesome in the sprinter. If you can find a good one go for it!

Sounds like we're neighbors! You racing RHFT out at Tumalo this weekend?

[William]

I've been a Landcruiser guy for years and have owned FJ40's and FJ60's, but lately the Mitsubishi Delica L300's have been on my radar. Family van, with lots of room and versatility for cargo or camping. 4X4 auto or manual, diesel and turbo diesel and very capable off road (though most folks don't tap the potential). Since you can bring them into the U.S now there are a lot of low mileage ones coming in and there are a few sources that will bring them in for you. If you don't mind right hand drive (which is actually easy to get used to) and getting lots of questions.

PDX CL
https://portland.craigslist.org/search/clc/cto?auto_make_model=mitsubishi+delica

Glenn Shelly
http://glenshelly.com/sales/1990-mitsubishi-delica

Bonsai Rides
http://bonsairides.com/search-car/?manufacturer=mitsubishi&body_type=any&min_price=0&max_price=50000&car_feature=4x4&transmission=any&min_mileage=0&max_mileage=250000&search_nonce=a2302dcdd8&_wp_http_referer=%2Fcar-listings%2F

Amazing Auto Imports
http://www.amazingautoimports.com/category/vehicles/rhd_vehicles/delical300/

Mendel's
http://www.mendelsgarage.com/categories/cars/






William

[Oregonic]

I've been a Landcruiser guy for years and have owned FJ40's and FJ60's, but lately the Mitsubishi Delica L300's have been on my radar...

I'd never heard of these until last weekend. My buddy told me he has one on a boat from Japan as we speak! Looking forward to checking it out.

[William]

I'd never heard of these until last weekend. My buddy told me he has one on a boat from Japan as we speak! Looking forward to checking it out.

Ride report please! :)

I would be interested to know both of your thoughts on seeing one up close and personal. No one has one local to me and I would like to know about leg room in the driver's seat. Being a tall guy that one is important to me.





William

[ultraman6970]

Oh the mitsubishi L series of vans, those things were great, never see one here in the states.

Toyota had the ACE series of vans aswell.

Had the money I would get one like the A-team or one of those old dodge ones, always liked them. But before maybe a 5.7 litters V8 Station wagon :D

http://momentcar.com/images/ford-van-1965-7.jpg

[William]

Oh the mitsubishi L series of vans, those things were great, never see one here in the states.

Toyota had the ACE series of vans aswell.



Scooby Doo - They can be found here as well...


http://www.mendelsgarage.com/categories/cars/




William

[geeter]

Brother in-law built one of the coolest Vans I've ever seen......then he turned into www.roamrentals.com

Lots of cool things you can do with these rigs

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/697e6155bafd8a27ca23cd886de152be.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/7d61668af7247d39f1d5884c23ca702c.jpg




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Those are awesome!

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[goonster]

William, this should be about right for you:

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/vehicle/1991-mitsubishi-delica/

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_0292.jpg

[William]

William, this should be about right for you:

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/vehicle/1991-mitsubishi-delica/

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_0292.jpg


SOLD!!! :D:D







William

[William]

Your typical soccer mom, mini van, coffee run....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgXXhO51gM





:)

William

[1happygirl]

PLers
Don't wanna hijack the thread but Schmed, what is the turning radius on your Sprinter?

How do they operate in the/a city for all these vans?

[likebikes]

sprinters are pretty cool. we had a fleet of them at my old work. just bare vans, no interior.

[p nut]

I've been underwhelmed with the 4wd van selections out there currently.

You've got 2 other options.

1) Suv with a roof top tent.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/tents/ttop-1.jpg

2) e-camper conversion for your Elememt.

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/campers/element-camper.html

[Saxon]

We have a Ford E-350. It has four seats in it and nothing in the back (no rear bench). It gets used as a giant station wagon for family outings, camping trips, and the like. It's nice to be able to put four bikes and all of our gear for a week-long camping/climbing trip in it without too much thought as to 'will this fit'.
It all fits.

Same exact setup here. It's a 2003 E-350 and it's got over 400,000 miles on the original engine and tranny (knocking on wood). Great for bike trips. Here's a video I made a few years ago when we went triking...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfJrdHOWQM

[Louis]

I've been underwhelmed with the 4wd van selections out there currently.

You've got 2 other options.

1) Suv with a roof top tent.

2) e-camper conversion for your Elememt.


3) Flip Pac http://www.flippac.com/#page_1/

http://nonurbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC000841.jpg

[Schmed]

PLers
Don't wanna hijack the thread but Schmed, what is the turning radius on your Sprinter?

How do they operate in the/a city for all these vans?

Turning radius is surprisingly good. I'd have to look up the actual, but it's better than my old 3/4 ton Dodge Ram. I can make most u-turns on a typical road.

Mine is the 144" wheelbase, so it's the "shorter" version. No problems in the city, but most drive-throughs are a bit too short.

Mine is RWD, but good snow tires get me anywhere I need to go, including throughout the mountains all winter long.

[Schmed]

AWD/4WD - I drive over the Cascades and Sierra Nevadas a lot in winter, so it's pretty much a necessity. I'm not a fan of putting on chains 10+ times a season. But the new 4WD Sprinters, nor the $10K Quigley 4WD conversion, are not in the financial equation, though I'd love to have one!


I'd probably like to have a dialogue with you about the necessity for 4WD....

My sprinter is 2wd. I drive all over the rockies all year round. Denver to Durango 1x/month. Good snow tires.

Also - your FedEx driver drives all over the place in his 2WD sprinter. All year long.

Colorado Mountain Express runs a shuttle service from most CO ski areas to Denver MANY times per day (60 trips? More) running a massive fleet of RWD sprinters.

No chains. Just good snows.

It's hard to underestimate how nice it is to be able to stand up tall in a van.

[malcolm]

I've been a Landcruiser guy for years and have owned FJ40's and FJ60's, but lately the Mitsubishi Delica L300's have been on my radar. Family van, with lots of room and versatility for cargo or camping. 4X4 auto or manual, diesel and turbo diesel and very capable off road (though most folks don't tap the potential). Since you can bring them into the U.S now there are a lot of low mileage ones coming in and there are a few sources that will bring them in for you. If you don't mind right hand drive (which is actually easy to get used to) and getting lots of questions.

PDX CL
https://portland.craigslist.org/search/clc/cto?auto_make_model=mitsubishi+delica

Glenn Shelly
http://glenshelly.com/sales/1990-mitsubishi-delica


Bonsai Rides
http://bonsairides.com/search-car/?manufacturer=mitsubishi&body_type=any&min_price=0&max_price=50000&car_feature=4x4&transmission=any&min_mileage=0&max_mileage=250000&search_nonce=a2302dcdd8&_wp_http_referer=%2Fcar-listings%2F

Amazing Auto Imports
http://www.amazingautoimports.com/category/vehicles/rhd_vehicles/delical300/

Mendel's
http://www.mendelsgarage.com/categories/cars/






William


William you've had that 60 long enough to know once infected with land cruiser there is no turning back.
Should you decide to test the above theory let me know as I've usually got room for another cruiser.

[carpediemracing]

Also - your FedEx driver drives all over the place in his 2WD sprinter. All year long.

Although I agree that standing up in a van is nice, and snows are great... you should see our FedEx driver when it snows. It takes a running start to get up the hill to leave our complex, I've watched them do 4-5 runs unsuccessfully (then I'd sneak up after s/he backed down past the intersection where we come out).

Granted hill is worst case scenario, unplowed in this case, shade side of the hill, etc.

From Strava/etc it seems that it's a 10% hill. I know it's not easy for me to ride up the thing.

Also AWD or 4WD is amazing for getting underway when going up a hill. Just floor it and the thing just moves.

I preach snow tires but I understand when people say, yeah, well, I still want AWD.

We have two FWD cars with snows for winter. We also have an almost-never-driven 4WD, shod with snows only (we rarely drive it so I got tires for worst case scenario stuff). It's amazing in snow even in RWD but in 4WD it's crazy good in snow, at least at the lower speeds that's okay in 4WD.

[p nut]

3) Flip Pac http://www.flippac.com/#page_1/

Good one. There are also some used Wildernests floating around.

[p nut]

I'd probably like to have a dialogue with you about the necessity for 4WD....

My sprinter is 2wd. I drive all over the rockies all year round. Denver to Durango 1x/month. Good snow tires.

Also - your FedEx driver drives all over the place in his 2WD sprinter. All year long.

Colorado Mountain Express runs a shuttle service from most CO ski areas to Denver MANY times per day (60 trips? More) running a massive fleet of RWD sprinters.

No chains. Just good snows.

It's hard to underestimate how nice it is to be able to stand up tall in a van.

Schmed definitely has been selling me on the merits of a 2WD Sprinter. I looked at the times I actually needed to engage the 4WD in my truck last few years (on-road), and I could probably count it on one hand. Is not having to pull out the chains a couple times a year worth the premium of the 4WD option? (And having to go diesel). And with studded snow tires, chains may not even be necessary (also considering the sprinter is a heavier vehicle than my truck). It's definitely something I'll consider when we get a van.

[cnighbor1]

Don't forget a Mercedes Sprinter. It's not that crazy in price. The power isn't huge but it simply lasts forever. You can get a regular passenger van configuration or a cargo version or anything in between. Two rows of seating plus loads of room in the back is superb. They come in two heights, so you can get one tall enough to stand inside of when working with bikes and it's raining outside or when you want to hang bikes and have more on the floor of the van. And they come in varying length. You can also, if you're so inclined, get companies who customize them into different versions of mini-RVs so you have something you can actually live in while racing. The conversions are a bit pricey, but the van on its own is highly amenable to customizing.

Power is up now a v-6 Diesel available

[PaMtbRider]

The new Ford Transit is out selling all other vans combined by a huge margin. It is the most configurable with 3 roof heights, 3 different lengths and 3 engine choices. It can be worked on at any Ford dealer. The only drawback is if you need to tow. Like the Sprinter van, it is a unibody construction. That means no weight distribution hitch, which is necessary for a heavy trailer. If towing is a concern, you are pretty much stuck with the Chevy / GMC which has a full frame underneath and a 10,000lb tow rating.

[p nut]

The new Ford Transit is out selling all other vans combined by a huge margin. It is the most configurable with 3 roof heights, 3 different lengths and 3 engine choices. It can be worked on at any Ford dealer. The only drawback is if you need to tow. Like the Sprinter van, it is a unibody construction. That means no weight distribution hitch, which is necessary for a heavy trailer. If towing is a concern, you are pretty much stuck with the Chevy / GMC which has a full frame underneath and a 10,000lb tow rating.

Don't forget the NV with 8700lb tow rating.

[ultraman6970]

Man im in love with those delicas now, looks like are still being sold in the canada and as usual we dont have them here. Mitsubishi has really nice cars but for some reason we only see the worst ones in the states, sucks.

How hard is to import a delica from canada? anybody knows? Totally see me driving one of those here during the snow season :)

[Louis]

How about a little DIY project?

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rebuilding-a-class-a-motorhome-scamper-the-smashed-camper.1169693/

[estilley]

I ride past this thing on a lot of my morning rides. Envy.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160918/c1f2dd3e15ab13971c8f566822b65293.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ultraman6970]

3 things... if engine and transmission are good, aka.. the engine fires up and the thing can driveable, and that thing for almost nothing... it can become a great project.

Great pictures, thought they were going to use metal for the roof, interesting choice tho, easier to work with wood i guess.

How about a little DIY project?

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rebuilding-a-class-a-motorhome-scamper-the-smashed-camper.1169693/

[mg2ride]

Nothing to add except to say go for it.

I put myself thru college installer carpet with my Brother, Brother inlaw and his brother. All had vans and there is nothing more versatile.


As a kid our family had a 15 passenger Dodge van that we traveled in. It was amazing. My parents could switch drivers on the interstate with out stopping.

Took many trips my wife and kids traveling in my Dad's Dodge and then Chevy conversion vans. There is no Better way to travel.

I make due now with a Minivan but would get something like you are looking at in a heartbeat if I had the funds.

[carpediemracing]

how about a little diy project?

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rebuilding-a-class-a-motorhome-scamper-the-smashed-camper.1169693/

omg

[oldpotatoe]

omg

Some pix of the very definition of an 'understanding wife'..

[malcolm]

How about a little DIY project?

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rebuilding-a-class-a-motorhome-scamper-the-smashed-camper.1169693/

ADV rider and expedition portal have some insanely talented fabricators. The projects these folks tackle just amazes mere mortals. Caution both sites have the potential to induce an outflow of cash even greater than here.

[William]

Man im in love with those delicas now, looks like are still being sold in the canada and as usual we dont have them here. Mitsubishi has really nice cars but for some reason we only see the worst ones in the states, sucks.

How hard is to import a delica from canada? anybody knows? Totally see me driving one of those here during the snow season :)

There are a few dealers bringing them in to the States. I postsed a few links to them back a page or so. Also, there are a few brokers like Bonsai Rides who will bring them in for you into Canada and then arrange the paperwork so you can drive them back into the States.




William

[ultraman6970]

Thanks a lot, will check it out, I never saw that 4x4 before but the L400 was really popular in my country, not too big, not too fancy and pretty much got the work done. Still people using the L100 for example that was and still is super popular in south america.

4x4 mitsubishi? between you and me sure is a lot more reliable than a new car, Mitsubishi engines are excellent.

[William]

Thanks a lot, will check it out, I never saw that 4x4 before but the L400 was really popular in my country, not too big, not too fancy and pretty much got the work done. Still people using the L100 for example that was and still is super popular in south america.

4x4 mitsubishi? between you and me sure is a lot more reliable than a new car, Mitsubishi engines are excellent.

The L400's look nice, but I don't think you can bring those into the States yet.




William

[Gummee]

ADV rider and expedition portal have some insanely talented fabricators. The projects these folks tackle just amazes mere mortals. Caution both sites have the potential to induce an outflow of cash even greater than here.

...and then some!

There's a few van builds down in Shiny Things. A separate vans thread. ...and a buncha guys doing awesome things with Blazers, old trucks, and even a Spridget full-on custom chassis/engine swap

WAY beyond my skill level, but one can dream

M

[AngryScientist]

There are a few dealers bringing them in to the States. I postsed a few links to them back a page or so. Also, there are a few brokers like Bonsai Rides who will bring them in for you into Canada and then arrange the paperwork so you can drive them back into the States.




William

Those do look awesome, but i'm not sure if my brain could get down with driving a right hand drive manual vehicle a few days a week and a left hand drive manual the other. seems maddening!

[jh_on_the_cape]

I have a 97 ford e150 cargo van.
Originally purchased for windsurfing.
Much more useful than a pickup which I think people get because it's cool which my van is not.
Now used to tow boat and leaf dump runs and haul a moto.
It's a 3rd car so does not get much use but we lend it out all the time. I just wish it had more than 2 seats and used less gas. Resale is so low we just keep it for occasional use.
My buddy just bought a Mercedes metris and it looks sweet.
I should really put some plywood up inside or something like rhinoline

[William]

Those do look awesome, but i'm not sure if my brain could get down with driving a right hand drive manual vehicle a few days a week and a left hand drive manual the other. seems maddening!

As one of my early instructors used to say... "YOU CHAAN DEW IT!!!" :)





William

[azrider]

4x4 mitsubishi? between you and me sure is a lot more reliable than a new car, Mitsubishi engines are excellent.



Hear, hear!! Loving mine [emoji41]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160919/bae15e40876bf8d3c71d8b52f1ab3e15.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[azrider]

I've been a Landcruiser guy for years and have owned FJ40's and FJ60's, but lately the Mitsubishi Delica L300's have been on my radar. Family van, with lots of room and versatility for cargo or camping. 4X4 auto or manual, diesel and turbo diesel and very capable off road (though most folks don't tap the potential). Since you can bring them into the U.S now there are a lot of low mileage ones coming in and there are a few sources that will bring them in for you. If you don't mind right hand drive (which is actually easy to get used to) and getting lots of questions.

PDX CL
https://portland.craigslist.org/search/clc/cto?auto_make_model=mitsubishi+delica

Glenn Shelly
http://glenshelly.com/sales/1990-mitsubishi-delica

Bonsai Rides
http://bonsairides.com/search-car/?manufacturer=mitsubishi&body_type=any&min_price=0&max_price=50000&car_feature=4x4&transmission=any&min_mileage=0&max_mileage=250000&search_nonce=a2302dcdd8&_wp_http_referer=%2Fcar-listings%2F

Amazing Auto Imports
http://www.amazingautoimports.com/category/vehicles/rhd_vehicles/delical300/

Mendel's
http://www.mendelsgarage.com/categories/cars/






William


William this is all you...................

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/5907201566.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_debLepLC6jI_600x450.jpg