Importing a South American/Central American Diesel 80 - Info

Ebag333 · 07-01-09, 04:52 AM

Note: This is a reply to a post, not the original thread. There was a goof with the server time when I posted this....the first post is actually the one below this one....

Quote:

Originally Posted by colsoncj

I'll look into titling it and see what I can do.

What legal risks are you referring to?

It varies from state to state. All I'm saying is do your research.

Where I live, I could get a PO box 15 minutes away from my house and not have to worry about emissions, meaning if I get the title that's all I need. Some counties/states you have to pass emissions every so often, which requires a visual inspection.

Should you do something like a VIN swap, they might be a bit surprised to pop the hood and see a diesel instead of a gasser.

Hmm...here in Oregon some people have registered their imported RHD vehicles as a "kit car." That may be an option, but again it will depend on where you live.

colsoncj · 07-01-09, 08:45 AM

I've been considering this for a while, and I really think I'm going to do it... or at least look into it enough to make the call.

I've considered importing one from Japan, but I think it will be logistically cheaper and easier to come from South America or Central America.

I'm starting to do my research on Non-US spec cruisers to determine exactly what I want... If anyone has some good info regarding engine choices (Diesel only), transmission choices, or other quirks, please post up. From what I can find I'm looking at either a 1HD-T or a 1HD-FT (or 1HD-FTE, not sure on the difference, i believe its an intercooler.) One thing I'd like to know is what are the differences between the T and FT (besides jumping from SOHC 12 valve to DOHC 24 valve) and which is regarded as a better engine choice from the following (in order of priority):

1. Dependability
2. Power
3. Fuel Economy
4. Parts availability
5. Ease to work on

I'm also interested in the tranny/t-case options. This truck, once stateside, will get restored and then used as a daily driver. Fuel economy will be important, so I think a manual may be the way to go. however, I dont know if its a deal breaker. However getting a part time transfer may be a deal break... the added simplicity and fuel economy may be worth it. Any info on these options would be nice.

finally how to get it here. I'm trying to avoid flying down there, shopping, loading it and flying back, but I have a feeling I may have to. I'm also curious on what kind of price I'll be looking at. The the logistics of shipping it, customs, etc... So any advice or knowledge on that would be nice. I've got a friend thats imported a mini from England, so I'll be getting with her to discuss which port she used and what other headaches I'll be dealing with.

firetruck41 · 07-01-09, 08:54 AM

There is a "sticky" thread on importing in the Diesel tech section. Last I read it, it wasn't easy or guaranteed ( I am assuming you want to import to the US).

Ebag333 · 07-01-09, 09:33 AM

Doing it "grey market" is the easiest. Before you bought anything, I'd go down to the DMV with a VIN number and ask them how to get it titled. Don't tell them it's an out of country vehicle, just say you need a title for it because the owner lost it or something. I'd play completely ignorant on it. ("Yeah, I'm buying this Land Cruiser and I don't know anything about it....")

If the DMV will let it get titled, then you should be pretty much golden. Some states are far worse than others, for example you'd never get it registered in California. A lot of states, once it's in the US they don't care too much (would rather get your money for it).

Be aware of the legal risks. You could have your truck impounded and huge fines levied against you. Not likely, but a possibility.

colsoncj · 07-01-09, 10:25 AM

I'll look into titling it and see what I can do.

What legal risks are you referring to?

colsoncj · 07-01-09, 04:12 PM

thanks for the info... and letting me know about the info in the diesel section.. it has been very helpful. it looks like for a vehicle under 25 years old... you gotta just use a registered importer. however it looks like there might be a loophole if you're in the military, so I'm going to check into that.

Tapage · 07-01-09, 07:26 PM

justn for reference my Marilu give to me around 25km/g .. with my manual tranny H150 but 315 and plenty of diesel available ..

billmiranda · 07-07-09, 01:33 PM

Some legal issues:
1. Importing into the country is a Federal, not state level thing. Doesn't matter if your state allows it,.. it will come into one of perhaps 5 ports in the country (East coast would be either Baltimore or New Jersey I think).

When it arrives, You will have to provide documentation to Customs on the legality (ie; Bumpers, Emissions, Glass, Seatbelts/Airbags etc). Without this, you will NOT be allowed to remove it. You could go through an importer that is certified to make these modifications but that of course will cost you.

Importing from Japan is stupid-expensive. They cost a ton to ship from there. Think $3000-6000. And then you are stuck paying all that nice n0n-refundable money for a vehicle that is right hand drive... and not US- Certified.

The best way would be to get a certified letter from US Toyota that the model you are importing has a "Functionally Similar" to a US -sold variant. I believe there are 1 or 2 years for this case (Of course,.. try and get that letter.. I did 4x and got nothing).

Of course, all this is moot as you are looking at importing a Diesel. Toyota never sold the Diesel in the US so there is no similar vehicle. You are also trying to import a federally Smog-exempt vehicle when none of the models sold in the US are exempt.

I went through all my trials and tribulations with the DOT, EPA etc when I tried to bring back a 105 serries... a South African 100 series with Solid front axle,.. factory lockers all the way around... factory winch,.. manual hubs... and a Diesel! woot!.. and it has the mandated bumpers, glass, airbags etc., along with being LHD. They said No. I whimpered and got all teary-eyed. Sob.

bruff · 07-07-09, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billmiranda

Some legal issues:

Importing from Japan is stupid-expensive. They cost a ton to ship from there. Think $3000-6000. And then you are stuck paying all that nice n0n-refundable money for a vehicle that is right hand drive... and not US- Certified.

Just to clarify, unless things have changed significantly in the past 16 months the shipping cost quoted is not correct. I had my diesel 80 series shipped from Japan to Vancouver for $1700.00. That was with my truck taking up half of a 40ft shipping container.

Brad

citadel · 07-07-09, 03:44 PM

so this sounds like it is not possible/ feasible to import a diesel?

Ebag333 · 07-07-09, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by citadel

so this sounds like it is not possible/ feasible to import a diesel?

It's possible. Just depends on how fast and loose you want to play with federal and state laws.

Many states don't care how the vehicle got here, they just want their money for it. That's not true of all states, so it's up to you to figure out what you can get away with, and how comfortable you are with it.

If I were importing one, I'd just have someone drive it across the border then sell it to me. I would treat it just like I'm buying a vehicle from someone who's in th states and they've already dealt with "importing" it (which would be true).

You can get a replacement VIN (a club member has one...actually he has two VIN's...odd story..), so the lack of a (US) VIN isn't an automatic disqualification.

Once it's legally titled and registered your chances of any repercussions coming back on you drops, but you may not be able to move it to another state. There is a diesel 80 in Cali that's been on eBay a few times, the guy can't register it there. IIRC it has a Florida registration.

colsoncj · 07-07-09, 07:52 PM

ya.. it really looks like the easiest thing to do is pay a registered importer, deal with one thats legally here, or just wait until its 25 years old.

I am curious if anyone knows about any ease of restrictions for armed forces people.... i've heard they can import without all the red tape.

Ebag333 · 07-07-09, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colsoncj

ya.. it really looks like the easiest thing to do is pay a registered importer, deal with one thats legally here, or just wait until its 25 years old.

Easiest and most legal, yes. Most expensive, yes. Almost impossible, yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by colsoncj

I am curious if anyone knows about any ease of restrictions for armed forces people.... i've heard they can import without all the red tape.

I've heard the same, not sure on the details though.

billmiranda · 07-10-09, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruff

Just to clarify, unless things have changed significantly in the past 16 months the shipping cost quoted is not correct. I had my diesel 80 series shipped from Japan to Vancouver for $1700.00. That was with my truck taking up half of a 40ft shipping container.

Brad

then it maight have changed. I was in Okinawa last month. Perhaps being on the island makes it more but trying to ship back a Nissan Skyline was almost $6k... JUST for the shipping.

Bill

billmiranda · 07-10-09, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebag333

It's possible. Just depends on how fast and loose you want to play with federal and state laws.

Many states don't care how the vehicle got here, they just want their money for it. That's not true of all states, so it's up to you to figure out what you can get away with, and how comfortable you are with it.

If I were importing one, I'd just have someone drive it across the border then sell it to me. I would treat it just like I'm buying a vehicle from someone who's in th states and they've already dealt with "importing" it (which would be true).

You can get a replacement VIN (a club member has one...actually he has two VIN's...odd story..), so the lack of a (US) VIN isn't an automatic disqualification.

Once it's legally titled and registered your chances of any repercussions coming back on you drops, but you may not be able to move it to another state. There is a diesel 80 in Cali that's been on eBay a few times, the guy can't register it there. IIRC it has a Florida registration.

Well,.. the thing is that you can drive anything across the border. If you have a Canadian drive a diesel 70 serries across the border, then sell it to you, you still have to federalize it before you can register it. happened to a friend of mine who bought a diesel 40. He had to gt rid of it because unless that guy who sold it to you went through the federalization process and got a US title for it,.. it's illegal.

Bill

9180ltd · 07-10-09, 08:45 PM

X2 on shipping , 12 months ago ... was 1850 for me on a hdj81

9180ltd · 07-10-09, 08:52 PM

By the way to adress the question about the differences with the T, FT and FTE the T had con rod bearing issues on SOME, i found mine not to be a problem but replaced anyway, the FT yes has twin cam 24v with nearly identical performance specs (a lil more torque) but traded the bottom end problems for head problems (cracking between the valves from what i have heard) both engines are mechanical injection and are very easily tuned at a minimal expense to see the 220-250hp and mid 3's for torque. the FTE is a fully electronic engine i believe, so if doing a swap a half cut WITH trans and dash would be required.
I believe this is fairly accurate but double check with others.

9180ltd · 07-10-09, 08:54 PM

*note* possible mistake on my part , FT is single cam i believe

Tapage · 07-10-09, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9180ltd

*note* possible mistake on my part , FT is single cam i believe

but 24V ..

Ebag333 · 07-10-09, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billmiranda

Well,.. the thing is that you can drive anything across the border. If you have a Canadian drive a diesel 70 serries across the border, then sell it to you, you still have to federalize it before you can register it. happened to a friend of mine who bought a diesel 40. He had to gt rid of it because unless that guy who sold it to you went through the federalization process and got a US title for it,.. it's illegal.

Bill

Never said it was legal.

They can be impounded and crushed, it's happened to folks. A lot of it depends on how much your local DMV/police/etc cares. I know that folks here in Oregon have gotten RHD imports registered as "kit cars", but I don't know what went behind that, or how fast and loose they played with federal laws.

And if it's a 70's series, it might be older than 25 years which means you don't have to deal with any of that crap.