Vlog: The Delica may not have been my best purchase... 

Don't fret. I know of a man who bought a Yugo with no tailgate.

I've had a lifetime of running decrepit old cars, and have adopted a philosophical approach to expenses: look on oil, tyres, brakes as just part of the running costs which you will have with any car - if you keep the car you are unlikely to be spending money on them again for a good few years. Structural repairs and major replacements are capital costs which need to be considered against the value of the car, and even then you have to balance that against the unknowns of a replacement car. If the car is basically enjoyable and meets your needs, stick with it!

Mr Hubnut, you should keep it. Good Delica's seem to go for good money. They're either £400 for a scrapper or £4,000+ for a reasonable one and nothing in between. Definitely worth keeping yours going.

Triangle of inattention 😂

Ian, this is the perfect choice for a daily driver. Make it the number one priority in your fleet and get it MoTd and 100% sorted. Elly's now got an MoT so you can crack on with the Delica.

Only Hub Nut would cite wiper performance as the number one reason to keep a vehicle!

Sometimes it's just best to not look at the monetary value, but look instead at its' practical value, even if it does have a bit of a drinking problem... :D

Old South Wales "Green laning". New South Wales "Going to the shops"

For someone who once used a Swan Vesta matchbox tray and gaffer tape as a fuse-box cover on an Austin 1300, I could NEVER fault anyone elses attempts at bodgery!

Lovely Jubbly, always a pleasure to watch Mr HubNut.

I've always tinkered with my own cars - it gives me an understanding of how they work and what the different bits look like so when I take them to professionals I can speak with some knowledge, understand their diagnoses and reduce the possibility of being ripped off. I'm not a brilliant mechanic but I have a logical mind and spend time looking and planning before diving in.

Great video Ian I hope your pre inspection is not to bad good luck with her

*My ears also need cleaning* I thought for a moment you said you paid £1,200 for it !

stick with it once sorted you'll have a vehicle that will last for years

Your always good to watch, your like the rest of us when it comes to trying to fix things. I always look forward to your videos

I would stick with it, you've invested most of the money, you know its faults, and with a bit more work you'll have a really useful vehicle. And it's fun watching you work on it. All the best.

You can second-guess yourself all day! Shall I sell it, should I keep it, if I sell it, will I regret it, if I keep it, will I regret it. It's one of those old conundrums that'll keep you awake at night. While you've got it, enjoy it! And every good mechanic was once a bad one, so don't beat yourself up over that either! :-)

When the steering rack on my old 307 started leaking my garage sent it to a place in Neath to be refurbished. It was done same day. They also repair and refurbish propshafts. B.A.R. Propshafts in Neath.

I love the reality of this channel. Keep up the good videos. I truly approve of you working on the cars. There is nothing wrong with it!

Lucas power steering stop leak worked for me

The Delica is interesting and has a great room concept inside so yes it was worth a try!

Ian, this vlog charts you talking yourself into keeping the Delica. Thank you!

Looking forward to the continuing adventures of the Delica!

We all know your not a proper mechanic, but like most of us that watch this your doing what you can as best you can because atleast you know how it was done. Keep up the great work 👍

Triangle of inner tension. YOUR new ones are the best ones. Got me lol'ing!

That's the trouble with having your ears cleaned, you can hear a Delica depreciating.

i'm a mechanic , 20 plus years in and i think you're doing a wonderful job working on your fleet , as you say , we learn by doing and all the people who "expertly comment " need to remember we all started from somewhere . i hope the delica runs free for many years to come , a truly capable vehicle :)

I've had both ears hoovered out before it really is a revelation! You've got this far I think the car should be a keeper

I had found with my Delica 2.8 the turbo pressure relief valve/diaphragm was opening to early. I was not coming close the the boost I should have been, and this was with a new turbo installed. I had boost gauge installed and then fitted a boost control valve. With it now making full boost and also I did the fuel pump pintal adjustment it is much better when setting off and at full throttle. These old girls need abit of loving and thinking outside the box.

I’m with you on the learning thing , slowly putting a mk1 CR-V back to some sort of usable state and wondering if it will get through the next MOT . Next up is tackling some rust ... good luck with the Delica 👍

Take heart Ian, I've been fiddling about with cars, old and not so old, since the early 70's and I've still not got the faintest idea what I'm doing! We just bumble along don't we. All the best

There is some thing about driving a car like a Delica you either like or not i think it is great and love the column gear selecter

Admire your honesty about car work - I think it matches the mindset of alot of Hubnutters.

I still believe this could be one of your best buys yet. Your tinkering is one of my fav Hubnut features, you hit all the same problems I do and have done.

I had a Mitsubishi Shogun 3000 V6, similar trim to your Delica and I loved it. Towed a caravan, went green laneing, hauled an extended family, with extra seats in the back. Then it started to show it's age. Replaced a rust holed, sump pan. Sunshine roof edges rusted and jammed, electric aerial seized and wouldn't come out to replace it, rust holes appeared in the floor pan behind the pedals. The final straw was the cylinder head gasket went on one bank. I could have replaced it, but a lot of work and expense and would still have a rusty vehicle at the end of it. Sold it as scrap. It even made it's own way onto the transporter, with no water in it. Broke my heart, but I feel your dilemma.

Ian, good frank stuff as always. I heard threads of Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance in your account of maintenance on your Delica.

When I was in the USA20 years ago I got some trick power steering fluid that stopped leaks and to my surprise it worked. - it seems to cause the rubber to expand. As for the ear issue, after finding that most GPs will no longer do de-waxing I bought a DIY syringe kit and that works well - it is just a big rubber squirter and you hold your head over a bowl !! }:-)

Glad your keeping the Delica. I think you need that type of vehicle on the fleet.

You reflect my sentiments about my 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero automatic which from time to time I keep thinking I ought to sell it on. But, like you, I enjoy driving it and your spot on in that you must adapt your driving style to the tempo of the vehicle. Trying to hustle it along just results in more volume and clag seen in the rear view mirror!

On a side note: do continue to be you Ian. It's these personal ramblings, struggling with choices on money, space and time, which almost every car enthusiast has to make, that I love this channel to bits.

Happy your hearing issue was not serious. Keep doing your own work,I used to do all my own and i the overall experience was quite satisfying. If you can find a mechanic friend to talk you through an issue,that can be quite helpful.

I had a Delica - but the older L300 variant. It had a 2" lift, big bull bars, ladder... it looked awesome and I loved driving it. However it cost me a fortune in repairs and there was always something wrong with it. The head gasket went on it (twice) and I had to have a reconditioned one....plus all manner of other expensive stuff over the three years or so I had it. I still miss it though.

The elevated driving position is great, eh? Probably why I've kept old Gloria the Transit all these years. These big old bruisers are a lot of (slow) fun. They help teach humility to the drivers of big shiny SUV type things too! :-D

Glad your learning not to thrash the bollocks off them all the time. I like it when you do mechanic type things in videos , you inspired me to have a go. Been going my own disks and pads, what I saved in labour I spent on getting fancy brembo grooved disks and brembo pads, don't know if they stop any better but there is a lot less brake dust generated .

To begin with the car had been sitting. It needs discs and pads and possibly new calipers all round. Your going to get that with nearly any car thats sat. But I think it's worth keeping and doing up. Good luck! :)

I can sum up why you like it: It's friendly. I can tell it's a friendly car and I've not even driven it, all the best cars I've ever had have been like that 👍

being a competent mechanic means knowing how to fix the problems and having the patience to keep going. be safe, have fun.

Great v log I'd take it for a pre mot & go from there it's an awesome fleet addition

Ooh Carms. you were close today! 😮😮👌👍 My lowly Alfa 166 4 cyl will be available for testing soon (after I change the variator) if you so desire!

It starts...it drives...surely that makes it a better decision than many - and the wipers are a nice bonus :-)

Just keep it mate.. Good work horse... once you sort it out you will not regret it.. They come in so handy.. Keep up the good work.. and yes ..also the fails... your honest.. which is such a great thing in this world...

I have some Wynn's stop leak if you want Ian, unopened, but agree with getting it in for a pre-check to see what needs doing

The wipers work well, a good reason to keep a car ,😂😂👍

What I love about your videos... how you fail with your purchases... you more than make up for by vlogging about it 😎 !

Honest as always that’s what I like hubnut well done Ian 👍

Stick with it, it's your work horse and a great family vehicle, so versatile. Sometimes we make these possibly bad choices, but once all the work is done and you have spent the money you will have a top notch vehicle that will be your fall back for all the other projects. The reason we watch you with your amateur mechanics is because most hubnutters are just like you, learning as we go along. Bugger anyone who leaves nasty comments, remember the bible quote, "He who casts the first stone", some of these people are so far up their own arses they forget that some of us just have to get on with it with the budget and ability we have. Your sound Ian.... You're just like us.

Don't lose the Delica, bruh - we love it - it's got character, and it gathers pace by itself - no need to rush things!

If all else fails, they do make very good sheds!

The leak is usually the metal pipe under the front drivers side,you can get a rubber pipe made up with a new fitting on,quite an easy repair.

I've recently bought her Korean sister, the Hyundai H1, and I'm in love with it. It's true that it's painfully slow (and thirsty), but it's one of the most versatile vans I've ever seen and the space inside is huge.

i feel the same about my discovery decided to stick with it it is just to useful

I would say you should keep the Delica as you've spent a reasonable amount on it so far. I agree with you when you said you should get it pre MOTed to see whats shown up there. It might not be as bad as you think. Every car has maintenance costs, but if you get another MOT on it you have at least another year to work on this particular project. I also think if you like the car then you should keep it. It would definitely give you a lot more video content for your channel. Didn't realise you lived so far away from your Unit! Now thats what i call devotion for you! Well done sir! Still liking the channel content. Keep up the tinkering. Cheers.

There are neoprene foam tiles with a selfadhesive backing available which make exceptional soundproofing, branded versions are expensive, your 2CV can be quiet.

Everyone needs a flouncy velour 4 x 4 MPV.

It is a cute vehicle, I think it makes a unique addition to the Hubnut fleet.

Definitely worth spending a bit on it to put it right. As you say it is unique in your collection and it is an interesting vehicle in its own right. I have an old 6cylinder E46 BMW because I like the engine and the styling of it. Took 6 months of tinkering and fettling last year (including new brake lines, all new suspension and rebuilding all the calipers) to get it on the road, but it's worth it to have something fun :-) Still has things that need attention, but that's half the fun 😁 About to do the same for my dad's old Berlingo so it's tip top come MOT time. Just a driveway tinkerer, but not too bad with the spanners ;-)

I got one now hope it's better with no issues lol

Having non-binding brakes will seriously enhance fuel economy as well !

Could be worse, A Rover convertible (permanant) spec. 🤣 at least the Delica moves.

Apart from the obvious lack of maintenance (wipers, brakes and tyres) it really isn't that bad. If you buy cars cheaply, you end up doing those jobs. I'd keep it and fix it. It may turn out to be a keeper since it is so practical.

Keep up the great videos

You have my sympathy! Many examples of the so-called professionals making an expensive mess of things. Working on old cars is really tough.

Used to see these everywhere here in NZ. Hated doing wheel alignments on them, needed 27 different spanners....

funny you should mention greenlaning Ian, I've just got myself a partially kitted out discovery 3 for some future greenlaning in Wales, would love to hook up sometime on a day out, hat off with your honesty mate ;)

Keep it ! Its a great family work horse !

Stick with it Ian. It provides you with content, provides us with entertainment and it's a quirky vehicle - essential hubnut.

I think your plan is sound. As you note it's the most useful vehicle you own or are likely to. If your woes should extend to the steering rack there must be online groups for these cars who may have solutions. It may be that the rack is shared with a more common model. On ears, I've had mine blasted out a few times and the sudden return of high frequency response is indeed amazing! Cheers.

Also should be useful when the snow comes to the Valleys.

The fuel consumption that you get from the Delica makes me feel better, having spent the last year coming to terms with the healthy appetite of my S4. Technically reasonable figures can be achieved, but the willpower and restraint required is massive.

One of the best MPV’s from that period was the Citroen/Peugeot 806. Buy them for £500 and get 40mpg off the HDI version. Nobody wants them but they are just brilliant. Even seen one on eBay for 99p which didn’t sell

Classic hubnut. Rescues a lost cause on the basis of the wiper pattern.

Thank you for the quality content good sir

Don’t worry about a purchase or decision that didn’t go well, there is always better out there, got to go through the sea of rubbish and have a good eye and you will have something to cherish for life!

Fit the brakes, do anything else you spot that costs little to no money, then stick it in for test to see what it needs for MOT, then if it's not a terrible list, do what you can (if it's low cost) to secure a ticket and then sell sell sell, I just did the same with a mid 2000s fiesta.

Hi ian. you should keep the l400 delica, They are very popular here in australia i myself had 3 of them, Your correct the power steering pump runs off a gear drive which bolts to the right front of engine near the brake vacuum pump. also most mitsubishis including triton' pajero that run the 4m40 t/diesel or non turbo diesel all run the gear drive,They are quite easy to work on iv had the whole front unbolted front bumper, factory bullbar grill, radiator, radiator support, etc yep all unbolts for easy removal of the engine to do a rear main seal, anyway enjoy.

I get 29mpg around town with my 1999 astra 2.0 16v sri. About 38mpg on the motorway. @ 8:53 I thought you said you were continuing to drive home with my new wonderful earing lol. I think i will have my ears sorted out haha.

Maybe just look at it as a tool for the job? Let's be honest, we've all done this at some point. As for your mechanicking skills, you are one of the most honest of the RU-vidrs in that respect. And more power to you for that. Thanks for being you Ian, it's exactly that that makes your channel one of the best.

Stick with it Ian, you’ve made good progress so far and Delica is a practical vehicle. You are thinking of moving house, it’s useful for the move and the 4x4 would be useful if you move away from the warm climate of New Quay and come back to the hills and snow. Don’t be too hard on yourself re your mechanic skills, many of us are self taught and we ain’t doing too bad. I admire the way you tackle most things...

3 things on a auto, interior, bodywork and mechanics, 2 out of 3 are ok, 3 is hard work and little profit. A tip to clean the injectors put the cleaner in the fuel filter housing then pump up and go for drive, new oil and filters will also help with miles per gallon. Removing the back seats will help no end, thanks for the vid.

I agree with others on here Ian, stick with it. It'll be worth it. We follow you because we know you are not a mechanic, but neither are a lot of us. We a tinkerer's! What your channel does is show others, that a lot of jobs you can tackle yourself. Keep up the good work 👍

You're getting about the same MPG I'm getting out of my V6 Mondeo with a slippy auto box, so that's not too bad.

Stick with it, see it through for a year.. you'll enjoy it😊

I think the most important thing to maintaining a vehicle well is how much you love the vehicle. I've just got rid of a Smart 451 convertible which the wife loved and I hated and I hardly touched it. Just bought a Freelander 2 and I'm buying tools, service kits, part and cleaning products like they are going out of fashion. Love Land Rovers, hate Smarts, simples!

Just keep it nut hub it’s a mitsy and with a bit of love will go forever 😍😍👍👍

Im a mechanic Ian, and believe me you do very well given available working conditions and the variety of vehicles you have to juggle between. I suffer those same two problems, and even as a qualified spannerer, its really no easier, other than maybe being better prepared with the tools for the job (though hampered equally by no mains electricity available, so welding requires cranking up a generator - which the neighbours love.... ahem).

I need my ears cleaned out too. Now you can enjoy those dieesly dulcet-tones all the more!!

They are probably going to fill that tractor trailer full of the soil that's behind The Wall....... looking forward to the next video great job

I like the Delica 😀 Hope thing's work out .

Stick with it such a useful vehicle and not many about. I've sunk a bit to much into my 2000 pajero because I like it.

As someone who has had a HubNut fleet in the past, picking 1 car to be fully sorted is, to me, the most important thing to do. Sort out the Delica, now that Elly is legal, and you'll be happy you did.