Asking for feedback on a 1997 Mitsubishi Canter Van?

[oakland]

Hi All,

I'm considering purchasing this van, and wanted to ask for this forum's feedback on a few things:

1. Relative Value? I noticed that there was very little interest in the BAT Van that was very similar, had bids under $5k, and maybe an erroneous bid at $14k. This coming in at $25k doesn't seem out of line necessarily with such a rare van, but nonetheless I really have no idea.
   
   
2. What to watch out for wrt these vans? It looks like the engine access isn't through a tilt cab, but by lifting a fireblanket from inside a box. Wouldn't this maybe ... fill the cabin with fumes? Registration in California would that be a big issue or no?
   
   
3. Electrical Issues? What would I need to consider in terms of running power? The generator in the back looks enormous for typical van needs, but I do wonder if I would run into voltage issues if I tried to swap out some of the components (and entirely junkyard a bunch of the A/V broadcast stuff).

Anywho, would love some input from the awesome people of this forum. Talk me into it? Talk me out of it?

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[gator70]

In good condition BUT Japanese import.

IMHO

Resale value will be capped. As not all buyers want that. I've see very used 1997 4wd American single cabs selling as low as $8k.
If you need to invest money in this. Think about it. Builds cost the same no matter what year the platform is.
Some folks build on very old unimogs from the USA military. The cost of build materials is not cheaper.

 

[mog]

Besides it's breakover angle (β°) of 16° +/- you should be aware that the 4D35 engine (138hp, 245 lb-ft) in the 'TV Van' is not the same engine as in the Fuso we are more familiar with, the 4D34-3AT3A (145hp, 275lb-ft) or the 4M50 (147hp, 375lb-ft) so down on 'power'. Not by a huge amount, but 'regular' Fusos are not power-houses, so even 10% hurts.

Can you live with driving a RHD TV Van? RHD takes some getting used to in a 'normal' car with good visibility, so with this van, more adaptations? Not saying you can't, just plan on that.

And 'rare' does not necessary equal desirable (valuable). I agree, that the $14,250 bid on the BAT van, was meant to be $4,250. Given that weird (and wonderful) stuff usually commands good (or crazy) prices on BAT that is probably a good market indicator.

Seeing that it is in California, but on Arizona plates, that might answer your Cali Smog question??

 

[gator70]

This will not pass California emission standards

 

[Fenderfour]

I've got a hiace truck and put a solid box on the back. Visibility isn't great, but a rear view camera/mirror fixed that easily enough. RHD isn't that big of a deal once you get used to it. The stock truck is slow with that HP and I assume low gearing. You may have to regear ($$$) and i've read that there is a reliable turbo set up for that engine. These trucks can be lifted and I've seen big tires on them.

I think the major issues are the fixed box and what that brings. Low headroom, etc..

Rare != more valuable. In vehicles, it means "Hard to get parts" and "will need expensive work"

If I were in the market, I would consider this truck, but I'm a bit ambitious and would plan to chop the roof into a popup, regear, fit a turbo, go with super singles, shorten the rear, etc...

 

[oakland]

This will not pass California emission standards

Could you say more about this?

From the CA DMV website, smog exempt includes:

• "Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds."

 

[mog]

• "Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds."

You might want to request a photo of the data plate for the TV Van as Canters had/have GVWR ratings both above 14k and under 14k

2008-2010 Body Builder Manual


earlier ones had an even lower GVWR
1998 sales brochure


Disregard as I missed the 'OR' in the exempt specs

 

[gator70]

Could you say more about this?

From the CA DMV website, smog exempt includes:

• "Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds."

California is the worst for emissions on diesels. Does it have a ad blue system, I guess no