QUESTION
Is a Mitsubishi Delica worth importing for camping?
Yes — a Mitsubishi Delica can be worth importing for camping if you want a compact, rugged van with lots of interior space and you’re comfortable owning an older imported vehicle.
Why people like them for camping:
- They have a strong cult following in the overlanding and van-life world.
- Many Delica models are capable off-road, with available 4WD/AWD setups, decent ground clearance, and a short wheelbase that helps on tight trails.
- The boxy shape makes them easy to convert into a camper with a bed, storage, and gear space.
- There’s a decent community around parts, repairs, and camper conversions.
The tradeoffs:
- In the U.S., import legality usually depends on the 25-year rule, so you need an eligible model year for normal road registration.
- Most imports are right-hand drive, which takes adjustment.
- It’s an older vehicle, so maintenance, rust, and parts sourcing matter a lot.
- They’re usually not ideal if you want quiet, fast highway cruising or low-effort ownership.
Bottom line: if you want a unique, trail-capable camping van and don’t mind some quirks, a Delica can be a great choice. If you want easy parts availability, modern safety, and effortless interstate driving, a newer domestic van is usually the better fit.
If you’re in the U.S., double-check the exact model year and import paperwork before buying, since rules and paperwork details can affect whether it can be legally registered.