One of the more interesting trends over the last few years is how the world of JDM imports evolved to include funky 4WD vans that made it possible to go overlanding – and in doing so, spurred an entire industry of aftermarket equipment providers for anyone longing for life on the road. However, like most trends that bubble up quickly, they can flame out just as fast, and you start to wonder if some enthusiasts have realized the camping lifestyle isn’t what they expected. Translation: there are likely some deals to be had for 4×4 vans like this 1992 Mitsubishi Delica here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000.

Now, I have some personal experience with this fascination over Japanese market vans, having owned a 1981 Toyota Hiace that I found in a private salvage yard in Georgia. You can read more about my van here on Barn Finds, and I should note, I have since sold it. Part of the reason why is because it was a difficult vehicle to justify living with, owing to its diminutive powerplant (a 2L diesel with about 60 horsepower), column-shifted gearbox, lack of safety features, and borderline impossible spare parts availability. It was a labor of love, and one that I was ultimately glad to be done with. While the Delicas can face similar challenges (getting a new windshield isn’t exactly easy), there’s at least a robust aftermarket here in the states.

It’s more that anything that wasn’t originally sold here in some form can become a headache, simply due to the fact that there wasn’t another vehicle that shared an engine or transmission with your wild JDM-market adventure van. Now, the smart money is on the later Delicas, some of which shared major drivetrain components with the Mitsubishi Montero that was sold stateside. While this Delica is more desirable to many enthusiasts because it’s equipped with the optional turbodiesel, this engine is a bit more challenging to get components for since no other vehicle in the company’s U.S. lineup came with this engine.

I do think some of the hype and fervor around these JDM vans has died down, and you certainly see that in some of the asking prices which used to be comfortably over $20,000. Frankly, as much as I loved owning a van for the potential of it – I almost bought a fully built set of folding beds, cubbies, and a kitchenette from a converted Toyota Van from the late 80s to install in my Hiace – I had to face the fact that I wasn’t going to live off the grid anytime soon, as appealing as that was. My guess is many of these vans will continue to come up for sale as owners realize their priorities have shifted, and that the allure of the open road will still be there when life allows for wanderlust to take the wheel.