The Delica Space Gear fills a gap in the American vehicle market that no new vehicle currently addresses: a full-height passenger van with genuine four-wheel drive, a front-mounted engine, and enough interior space to sleep two adults without a tent. If you are already in love with this vehicle, this guide is for you. The general process of importing a vehicle from Japan to the USA is covered separately -- what follows is specific to the Space Gear: its generations, its eligibility timeline, its quirks, and what to know before you commit.
The Space Gear is Mitsubishi's fourth-generation Delica, produced from 1994 to 2007. It was a significant evolution from the earlier square-body Delica Star Wagon (the third-generation, which ran from 1986 to 1999) -- more refined, considerably safer in frontal impacts thanks to its move to a front-engine layout, and more livable as a daily vehicle. In Japan, it occupied a rare space between a family MPV and an off-road capable camper, and that combination is precisely what makes it attractive to American buyers who cannot find an equivalent anywhere in the new vehicle market.
The engine story is important for buyers to understand before shopping. The 2.8-litre 4M40 turbodiesel is the engine most associated with the Space Gear among US importers, and for good reason: it appeared across diesel-equipped models from 1994 and has a strong reputation for durability. However, diesel production ended around 2002, when the Space Gear lineup was trimmed to gasoline 4WD specifications only. This means the 2002-through-2007 examples now crossing the 25-year eligibility threshold are petrol-powered -- a meaningful distinction for buyers specifically seeking a diesel. If diesel is a priority, focus your search on pre-2002 examples and confirm the engine type before bidding.
Petrol engines are perfectly capable for everyday use, and the later Space Gears in this configuration tend to be in better overall condition given the Japanese market's shaken inspection system. Just go in with accurate expectations about which fuel type is available in which model years.
Four-wheel drive was available across a wide range of trims, though 2WD versions also existed in the Japanese market. Most of the higher-specification examples that make their way to US buyers are 4WD. Higher-trim Space Gears featured Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system, which offers four distinct positions: 2H (two-wheel drive high for normal roads), 4H (four-wheel drive high with open centre differential, usable on paved roads), 4HLC (four-wheel drive high with locked centre differential for mixed conditions), and 4LLC (four-wheel drive low with locked centre differential for serious terrain). This was more sophisticated than what appeared on many dedicated off-roaders of the same era, and it remains a meaningful differentiator for buyers planning genuine off-pavement use. Not all Space Gears have Super Select, so verify the specific 4WD system in the trim documentation before purchasing.
Ground clearance sits at roughly 185 to 195mm depending on the variant. That is modest by lifted-truck standards, but the Delica's 4WD capability means it handles forest tracks, gravel roads, and moderate off-pavement conditions well. Its strength is versatility across conditions rather than extreme off-road performance -- an important distinction if you are planning serious use.
The cabin is, genuinely, the point. Japanese-market Space Gears were configured across a wide range of specs, from relatively plain passenger vans to fully converted camper builds with fold-flat beds, rooftop pop-up tents, built-in storage, and auxiliary power systems. Buying a well-equipped Delica from Japan often means inheriting a thoughtful camping setup that would cost real money to build from scratch in the US.
That said, condition varies enormously. Japanese vehicles often have lower mileage than their age might suggest, given Japan's vehicle inspection (shaken) system that encourages frequent turnover. But low mileage does not guarantee good condition on a 25-to-30-year-old van, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection -- conducted in Japan by a reputable agent before the vehicle is bought and shipped -- is worth every yen. Interior trim condition, roof mechanisms on pop-top variants, and the state of any auxiliary wiring should be on that inspection list.
Under the EPA and NHTSA 25-year exemption, vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago can be imported to the US without meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards or emissions requirements. For the Space Gear specifically, the eligibility timeline by model year looks like this:
| Model Year | Eligible From |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2019 |
| 1995 | 2020 |
| 1996 | 2021 |
| 1997 | 2022 |
| 1998 | 2023 |
| 1999 | 2024 |
| 2000 | 2025 |
| 2001 | 2026 |
| 2002 | 2027 |
| 2003 | 2028 |
| 2004 | 2029 |
| 2005 | 2030 |
| 2006 | 2031 |
| 2007 | 2032 |
Important: NHTSA uses the manufacture date on the Japanese title document to assess eligibility, not the listed model year. A vehicle described as a "2001 model" could have been built in late 2000 or early 2002. Always confirm the exact manufacture date on the Japanese certificate before assuming eligibility.
As of 2026, Space Gears through the 2001 model year are fully eligible. The currently available range covers some of the most interesting early Space Gear configurations, including the first Super Select 4WD models and the 4M40 diesel variants. Buyers who move in the next few years are likely accessing better value than those waiting for the later examples to clear the threshold -- prices tend to rise as eligibility approaches.
One consideration specific to the Space Gear's production history: the 2002-onward examples now approaching or crossing the threshold are petrol-only, since diesel production ended around that year. If the 4M40 diesel is a requirement, the eligible window for that engine runs through approximately 2001 build dates.
This is worth addressing clearly because it comes up often in JDM import communities. The 25% Chicken Tax tariff applies to light-duty trucks and pickup trucks imported into the US. The Delica Space Gear is a passenger van. It is classified under a different HTSUS tariff code, and the applicable import duty rate is 2.5%, not 25%.
This distinction matters financially. On a Space Gear valued at $15,000, the difference between 2.5% and 25% is roughly $3,375 in duty alone. If you have been researching JDM trucks or read general JDM import content that quotes the 25% figure, set it aside for the Delica -- it does not apply here.
The total cost of importing a Space Gear to the US has several components, and it is worth understanding each one separately before running the numbers on a specific vehicle.
Clean diesel Space Gears in good mechanical condition have been rising in price as the JDM import market has matured and more buyers have entered. Mid-1990s examples with the 4M40 turbodiesel in solid condition typically trade in the $8,000 to $15,000 range at Japanese auction, though well-configured camper builds with low kilometres can go higher. Petrol-only examples from the post-2002 period tend to trade at somewhat different price points and are worth considering for buyers who prioritise condition and recent serviceability over the diesel drivetrain. The gap between Japanese auction prices and what similar vehicles sell for in the US has narrowed, but arbitrage still exists for buyers willing to do the sourcing work.
Container shipping from Japan to the US West Coast for a standard Space Gear typically runs in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the origin port, container type, and current shipping rates. More on container selection in the next section.
Shipping rates are subject to change based on market conditions and vessel availability. Contact WCS for a current quote for your specific vehicle and destination.
As noted above, the applicable duty rate for the Delica as a passenger van is 2.5% of the vehicle's customs value. On a $12,000 vehicle, that is $300. Keep your documentation of the purchase price accurate and complete.
Under the 25-year exemption, the Space Gear does not need to meet FMVSS safety standards or EPA emissions requirements, which eliminates the most expensive compliance costs that apply to newer imports. State registration requirements vary -- some states require additional inspection or documentation for grey-market imports. California in particular has its own emissions rules for vehicles registered there, so confirm requirements with your state's DMV before completing the purchase.
For buyers ready to run numbers, the car import calculator on the WCS site is a practical starting point for understanding the full cost structure before committing.
Most JDM imports do not present unusual container challenges. The Space Gear is an exception, because height matters here in a way it does not for most cars or trucks.
A standard Delica Space Gear with its factory roofline sits at approximately 1,985mm tall. That fits comfortably inside a standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container, which has an interior height of around 2,350mm. But pop-top camper variants add height when the roof is in the lowered position for shipping, and some high-roof factory configurations sit closer to the limit. It is not typically a problem, but it is the kind of detail that needs to be confirmed before the container is booked rather than after.
High-cube containers, with an internal height of approximately 2,700mm, are available for taller configurations if needed. Your WCS coordinator will ask about the vehicle's specific dimensions as part of the quote process -- have the roofline height and any roof rack or top configuration ready for that conversation.
The Space Gear ships most commonly via container rather than RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off), primarily because the vehicle's age and the enclosed protection of container shipping is better suited to a vehicle you are paying meaningful money to import. RoRo is exposed to the elements for the full ocean crossing -- acceptable for some vehicles, less ideal for a 25-to-30-year-old van you plan to keep.
Container specifications and availability are subject to change. Contact WCS to confirm current options for your Delica's specific configuration.
The sourcing process deserves its own honest discussion. Space Gears are typically purchased through Japanese vehicle auctions, either directly through an auction agent or via a dealer who sources from auction. Auction sheets are the primary due-diligence tool -- they provide a condition grade and a written description of defects, but they are in Japanese and require translation and interpretation.
A few things that matter specifically for the Space Gear:
Diesel or petrol: Diesel Space Gears use the 4M40 2.8-litre turbodiesel and were produced through approximately 2002. Post-2002 examples are petrol-only. Confirm the engine type early -- the 4M40 has a reasonable aftermarket support base in the US through Pajero and Montero cross-compatibility, while petrol engines have different maintenance and sourcing considerations.
Super Select vs standard 4WD: Not all Space Gears have Super Select. Verify the specific 4WD system in the trim documentation.
Roof configuration: Standard roof, high roof, pop-top camper, and fixed-top camper variants all exist. Each has different interior implications and shipping height considerations.
Camper conversion quality: Purpose-built Mitsubishi camper conversions and third-party Japanese conversion shops produced very different results. Inspect photos of the interior carefully and ask for documentation of any conversion work.
An independent inspection in Japan before purchase is strongly recommended. Several Japan-based inspection services work with overseas buyers and can physically assess a specific vehicle before your bid is placed or your funds are committed.
Importing a Space Gear is not quite like importing a sports car or a standard JDM 4x4. The vehicle’s size, configuration, and engine type all affect how it needs to be shipped, which is why choosing the right shipping partner matters.
West Coast Shipping is the company that handles your shipment from end to end. WCS manages export documentation, container selection and loading, customs clearance, and delivery to your destination port. Each shipment is handled in-house by a dedicated account manager, so you are not dealing with multiple companies or gaps in the process.
With over 17 years of experience importing cars from Japan, including vans and off-road vehicles, WCS understands the details that impact shipping and helps ensure everything is handled correctly from the start.
The WCS port facilities in California, New Jersey and Florida handle incoming Japan-origin shipments regularly, with dedicated coordinators managing customs clearance and documentation on the US arrival side. Container selection, height verification, and transit coordination are handled as part of the quote process, rather than left to the importer to figure out independently.
Container options are selected based on your specific vehicle. Standard models can often be consolidated to reduce costs, while high-roof or pop-top versions may require high-cube containers. WCS confirms the right setup before shipping to avoid delays or unexpected issues.
For buyers also looking at other JDM 4WD vans and trucks alongside the Delica, the JDM SUVs and trucks import guide covers the broader category with model-by-model detail.
The Space Gear is not a vehicle that hedges its bets. It is a full-height van with van driving dynamics -- a wide turning radius and fuel consumption that reflects its size and weight. The petrol variants in later production years are perfectly livable but not especially economical; the diesel variants in earlier models are better suited to serious use but add complexity around cold-weather starting and parts sourcing in areas away from specialist shops.
For the right buyer, none of that matters much. If you want interior space, genuine 4WD, and the ability to park somewhere remote and sleep in your vehicle without setting up a tent -- there is genuinely nothing else available at any price in the current US new vehicle market that does all of that. That specificity is the whole point.
The community around US-spec Space Gears has grown meaningfully in the last few years. Online forums, Facebook groups, and overlanding communities now have enough experienced owners to make parts sourcing, mechanical support, and build advice accessible in a way that was not true a decade ago. That matters for a 30-year-old Japanese van. The Delica is not yet a mainstream import, but it is no longer an isolated curiosity either.
Yes, provided the vehicle meets the 25-year exemption threshold. Space Gears from 1994 onward have been crossing the eligibility line progressively since 2019, and as of 2026, models through the 2001 production year are eligible. Vehicles must be at least 25 years old from their date of manufacture, which is confirmed via the Japanese title document rather than the listed model year.
The Space Gear is classified as a passenger van, not a truck. The applicable US import duty rate is 2.5% of the vehicle's customs value. The 25% Chicken Tax rate that applies to pickup trucks does not apply to the Delica.
Federal import eligibility under the 25-year rule covers NHTSA and EPA requirements, but state-level registration rules vary. California has its own emissions standards that can affect grey-market vehicle registration. Check your state's DMV and, if you are in California, the CARB (California Air Resources Board) website for current rules before purchasing.
Ocean freight from Japan to the US West Coast typically takes three to five weeks. Factor in time for Japanese export procedures, US customs clearance, and any state registration processing on arrival. From the point a vehicle is purchased in Japan to the point it is registered and drivable in the US, a realistic timeline is eight to twelve weeks for a well-prepared import.
Transit times are estimates and subject to change based on vessel schedules and port conditions.
A standard factory-roofline Space Gear at approximately 1,985mm tall fits within the interior height of a standard shipping container (around 2,350mm). Pop-top and high-roof variants should be measured and confirmed before booking. WCS coordinators will ask about your vehicle's specific dimensions as part of the quote process.
Calculate Your Import Costs
Use the WCS car import calculator to get a clear picture of shipping, duty, and logistics costs for your specific Delica configuration before you commit.