Brand: Mitsubishi

Model: Delica D:5

Body type: 4WD MPV

In production: 2006-present

 

Nothing looks quite like a Delica D5; it’s aggressive stance makes it look at first glance like a skinny Hummer. In fact the D5 is the latest iteration of a name that goes all the way back to 1968, when the Mitsubishi plant in Nagoya came up with an everyman cab-over workhorse as another use for its T-100 Canter truck chassis. Delica is a portmanteau of ‘delivers cargo’, and since 1968 nobody has quite settled on how to pronounce the word (strange, as nobody seemed to have that problem with the Toyota Celica!)
 

The best-known version in the UK is the fourth-generation L400 Space Gear (1994-2007) which became massively popular in the early 2000s simply because there was nothing else quite like it. A van with monster-truck stylings and tonnes of torque, the L400 pulled like a train and could move just about anything to just about anywhere. Enthusiast videos on YouTube show these monsters in off-road competition and leaving others – Land Rovers and even Land Cruisers – stuck in the mud behind them. Eventually though, these have disappeared from our roads as the cost of welding them back together became prohibitive. Today you’re just as likely to see an even older L300, as only true aficionados can now hold these things together.

 

To some hardened off-roaders, then, the D5 seemed an unworthy successor to these splendid beasts: too car-like and without the 1990s testosterone. That is, until they actually get inside one and find they have almost all the capabilities of the old bus with far fewer problems. The six-gear automatic box and Mivec petrol engine also offer a new experience for Delica L400 owners – overtaking other cars on the motorway!

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For active families the D5 offers it all really. If you hook up the stowable third-row seats you can get three kids in the back along with four bikes without even having to take the wheels off. You can get eight people to the beach with all your towels and beachballs and buckets and spades. Put a rack on the roof and you can carry kayaks and canoes with ease. Like the L300 and L400 before it you can effortlessly haul cinder blocks and bags of cement if you really need to and don’t mind messing up the upholstery (which, it must be said, is very nice). The seats in the D5 are second to none in terms of comfort and the high driving position makes it an effortless joy to navigate around town. Like all JDM models it’s a good three or four inches narrower than the equivalent domestic van, which pays real dividends on Devon’s narrow rural byways.  

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We import clean, high-grade 2400cc D5 models from 2007 to 2012, all petrol automatics in both fully automatic and CRV semi-automatic versions with paddle gears behind the steering wheel. Most D5s are 4WD although there are 2WD and low-clearance ‘Roadest Roar’ versions with larger engines which we tend not to bother with – if you want a car with highway performance there are far faster and more fuel-efficient options, or if that doesn't bother you there's the 3.5 V6 Elgrand which can do it with a Bose speaker system and a fridge. As of 2013 Japan introduced a ‘clean diesel’ version of the D:5, but there seems little reason to import this either as the UK government does not recognise clean diesel, and the model would be penalised in ULEZ areas.

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You simply can't get a safer car than a Delica D5. It scores 5/5 in most safety tests, as this video makes clear!

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The D5 is a solid JDM favourite with a very active and supportive community of UK drivers on Facebook, so you can always count on advice and support.

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When buying your D5: Check for the 4WD switch to the left of the drive mode selector as, without this, it loses a lot of what really makes it special and you may as well buy a car with similar good looks and space capabilities but lower running costs such as a Honda Stepwgn.

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ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE AUCTION SHEET
Private sellers may not have it, but an importer/dealer should ALWAYS have retained this in order to prove the vehicle's grade, along with any other important documents. We sell only 3.5 (good), 4 (very good) and 4.5 (excellent) grade imports. Be aware that anything rated RA has been repaired, and that anything rated R or unrated is equivalent to UK grades A,B,C or D (scrapped, insurance writeoff or what used to be known as class N).

 

A vehicle's history is effectively erased upon export, but most of it is there on the auction sheet. Make sure you see it, and ask for a copy if required. A dealer/importer reluctant to let you see the auction sheet on request should be a red flag!

 

Insuring your D5: Delica insurance is offered by the following companies, but your circumstances will affect what you’re offered so shop around: Mark Richard (recommended), Adrian Flux, Admiral, LV, Direct Line, Lloyd Latchford
 

Battery: The car comes supplied with a Mitsubishi MZ690409 but these can be pricey to replace. You can use any standard 12V battery of dimensions  L: 232mm, W: 173mm, H: 202mm (225 with terminals); 60 Ah or greater, right-hand terminal positive. Get one with a high CCA if you expect to be starting it in the snow.
 

Parts: Parts are easy to come by on Ebay, with several local breakers and Japanese dealers. Mitzy Bitz are an invaluable resource for parts that aren’t standard. Front fascias and headlights tend to be pricier than internal bits, so try not to crack them! Also don’t forget Croooober.
 

Tax: The D5 is taxed at the PLG rate of £325 a year
 

Communities:  On Facebook the Delica D5 Owners Worldwide group is very good and can assist with most issues although most users are from Australia and New Zealand. There is a Delica D5 Owners Club (UK) too but it has very few users at present. The owner of this site drives a D5, so feel free to send an email this way with any questions!