1990 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon Super Exceed 4WD
S/N P35W0104942. 249,500 km (155,100 miles). “2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, 4-speed automatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case, producing 85 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, 15-inch wheels, a bull bar with auxiliary lighting, front and rear parking mirrors, a Crystal Lite roof, cloth upholstery, configurable cabin seats, a cold/hot box, front and rear air conditioning, Oregon title.” Condition: 3. SOLD AT $17,432. Cars & Bids, 8/15/22.
The Delica is now a staple for Pacific Northwest overlanders, as well as in other parts of the country. While Mitsubishi didn’t sell the Delica in the U.S. originally, we did receive a similar vehicle named Mitsubishi Wagon. The Wagon had to compete with the Toyota van and the Nissan van before being recalled for engine fires. Sales were poor and it drifted away into obscurity. This four-wheel-drive Delica has all the high-end creature comforts of the late ’80s, like rotating and flat-folding seats, cold/hot box, rear A/C and a moonroof. Because of how impressive these vans are, there have been many imported to the U.S. in recent years. There are even U.S.-based shops that specialize in Delica parts. While it wasn’t a popular van initially, it was given a second chance in America when early examples became available for import in 2010 under the 25-year rule. This particular Delica appears to be in fairly good condition and sold at a lower price than many similar vans are listed for. Well bought.
2004 Honda Civic Si hatchback
S/N SHHEP33514U502497. 37,500 miles. “2.0-liter inline-4, 5-speed manual transmission, Nighthawk Black Pearl, two-tone cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda Performance Package.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $20,378. Cars & Bids, 7/10/22.
Honda’s seventh-generation Civic is the first after Honda’s 1988-2000 golden age. The coupe and sedan were still using the D-series engine, similar to those found back in 1988. The hatchback body style was only offered in America with the higher Si trim level, equipped with the new K20A3 engine. It was originally designed for the European market, with production based in the U.K. Golden-era Honda fans are divided on the looks of this car, with the console-mounted shifter being a highly debated topic (owners state that it’s comfortable to use, but it is confusing to many drivers). In just this past month, two other examples sold for $11k and $14k, although this is in better condition. A Honda Civic Si hatchback with low mileage along with the roughly $5k factory aero-kit package added seems to be rare, which is why I consider this example both well bought and sold.
1997 Toyota Century
S/N GZG5000001041. 133,600 km (83,100 miles). “5.0-liter V12, 4-speed automatic transmission, 276 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, adjustable air-suspension system, soft-close trunk, wool cloth upholstery, wood interior trim, digital instrument panel, heated front and rear seats, front passenger’s seatback pass-through, massaging and reclining rear seats, automatic climate control.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $25,863. Cars & Bids, 8/18/22.
The Century is Toyota’s flagship vehicle for the Japanese domestic market. Think of it as a Japanese Maybach. Production of the first generation lasted 30 years, starting in 1967. Our subject car is from the first year of the second generation, only recently available to import under the 25-year rule. Although not a typical mass-produced vehicle, over 8,000 of these cars were built, so it’s not rare. This is an exceptionally luxurious car and would be interesting to own. However, it was built for passenger comfort, not so much for the driver. Someone with the money to afford a chauffeur probably wants something newer than a 25-year-old car, bringing prices down in Japan. That makes this car more of a Cars & Coffee showpiece, whether modified or stock. With this being a second-gen Century, the sale price seems fair considering that prices for first-gen Century sedans in the U.S. range from about $8k–$18k ♦