[Ebag333]

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....

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

What legal risks are you referring to?

[colsoncj]

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]

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

[billmiranda]

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]

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]

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

[Ebag333]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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

[9180ltd]

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]

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

[Tapage]

Originally Posted by 9180ltd

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

but 24V ..

[Ebag333]

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.

[Brian894X4]

Diesel swap? If it's diesel you want, that sounds like the FAR easier option. Import just the engine/tranny and swap it into a good used 80..maybe one really cheap with a blown headgasket.

I've always wondered about insurance too. I think I asked before and someone said no big deal, but I just can't see how it wouldn't be a big deal as insurance companies always run the vin and quote you prices based on specific info form the vin. It's a vin they don't reconized...how are they going to insure it?

I think Oregon is pretty easy to register. The hard part is passing DEQ, but then that's only for the big cities and even then, I think diesels are specificly exempt...even swapped diesels...if I understand correctly.

You might also search ebay and other classifieds for one that's already been imported and registered here in the states. Might save you a lot of hassle.

Thing is...I used to lust after 70 series and all the Toyota diesels. After getting my 80, there really isn't a foreign Land Cruiser that I'd rather have, except for the crazy V-8 diesel new ones. And created a whole website over the darn things, because I wanted one so bad. The 80s we get here are just about as good as it gets even compared to the overseas rigs as far as I'm concerned. When it comes to diesels, I can barely live with the power of the 1FZ. I couldn't imagine less power than I have now. It would drive me nuts. And lived those days with a 100h.p. 22RE pushing around a 2.5 ton loaded rig. No thanks.

[Ebag333]

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

I've always wondered about insurance too. I think I asked before and someone said no big deal, but I just can't see how it wouldn't be a big deal as insurance companies always run the vin and quote you prices based on specific info form the vin. It's a vin they don't reconized...how are they going to insure it?

Insurance doesn't much seem to care. They just want your money.

[IronYuppy]

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

...

I've always wondered about insurance too. I think I asked before and someone said no big deal, but I just can't see how it wouldn't be a big deal as insurance companies always run the vin and quote you prices based on specific info form the vin. It's a vin they don't reconized...how are they going to insure it?...

One more thing to keep in mind - the domestic and domestic/import powers that be here in Canada have lobbyists who are using everything they have to fight RHD importation.

One of the arguments they have used is that RHD vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents (based on some pretty spurious research). RHD vehicles are now more expensive to insure in some areas here now. I have heard (but don't know for sure) that at least one private insurer in Ontario refused to cover RHD vehicles. At some point that will happen in the US, too.

[wheresmikeys]

Another option...If you have a friend or family member who is a Canadian with dual citizenship, they can purchase it with there Canadian address and then drive it to their U.S. Address. Title it and then "sell" it to you. I live i Montana and have a good friend here that is going to help me that way when I am eady

[cody c]

Originally Posted by Ebag333

Insurance doesn't much seem to care. They just want your money.

the only thing is if you were in an accident with an illegally imported and titled vehicle they may try and weasel out of replacing the vehicle. Or not. But a possibility.

[cody c]

Originally Posted by wheresmikeys

Another option...If you have a friend or family member who is a Canadian with dual citizenship, they can purchase it with there Canadian address and then drive it to their U.S. Address. Title it and then "sell" it to you. I live i Montana and have a good friend here that is going to help me that way when I am eady

my wife is a dual citizen, I dont know if there really is a loophole there to do that, the risk being an illegally imported vehicle can be seized and destroyed (in canada at least)

If you can find info to back that up, the dual citizen needs to own property on both sides of the border in order to title it?

I have heard of dually's bringing vehicles from the states to canada this way then selling to their friends without a problem, however there are risks.... Ask Bruce, he had a cruiser seized and crushed that was a previous owners illegal importation.

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

Diesel swap? If it's diesel you want, that sounds like the FAR easier option. Import just the engine/tranny and swap it into a good used 80..maybe one really cheap with a blown headgasket.

.

This is really the easiest,cheapest and most sensible way to get a diesel.
The most you could lose is the work you put into the swap.

After getting my 80, there really isn't a foreign Land Cruiser that I'd rather have, except for the crazy V-8 diesel new ones. And created a whole website over the darn things, because I wanted one so bad.

Got a link to that Brian?I cant find it

[Brian894X4]

Sorry, I meant I created a website about Foreign Toyotas. I haven't gotten around to updating it with the new V-8 diesel Land Cruisers. "Foreign" meaning the Land Cruisers that us poor slobs in the U.S. don't get.

Foreign Toyota 4x4s

Haven't had a chance to update it or fix some of the broken links and pictures in several years. Too many other projects.

Also have one about military related Toyotas...again, no updates or fixes in a few years....

Military Toyota 4x4s

I really lusted after the 70 series so much that compiling all the information I could into one site was my way of having one vicariously. I still think they are coolest rigs on earth, but the thing is, I'm not sure I'd trade my 80 for one. They're roughly the same size and I prefer the interior of the 80 and what I assume to be the nicer ride and better handling of the coil spring suspension. The utility of the 70 with a troopie, however, would be hard to beat and the 70 does look better on the outside. It definately has a serious cool factor.

Whether to go diesel or not is a hard one. I know most of the toyota diesels make less power on the high end than the 1FZ. Some make more on the lower, but not all. Diesel used to be more expensive that gasoline here for many years. For some odd reason that's changed and now it's cheaper again, but how long will that last. On the other hand, my 1FZ gets between 10-13 mpg. And that affects a lot more than just the pocket book. It affects the range too and I have to carry extra fuel and I still worry about running out on the more remote trips. Diesel is also not as easy to find here as it not at every gas station. Everyone has gas, so there's no worry about not finding it, assuming some kind of fuel available where you're at.

I've talked to a lot of people from all over the world and they are universally baffled about why the U.S. is adverse to diesel when for the rest of the world, it's nearly the primary fuel of choice.

[IronYuppy]

Originally Posted by cody c

my wife is a dual citizen, I dont know if there really is a loophole there to do that, the risk being an illegally imported vehicle can be seized and destroyed (in canada at least)

If you can find info to back that up, the dual citizen needs to own property on both sides of the border in order to title it?

I have heard of dually's bringing vehicles from the states to canada this way then selling to their friends without a problem, however there are risks.... Ask Bruce, he had a cruiser seized and crushed that was a previous owners illegal importation.

I'm a dually. I can confirm that you must have a legal residential address in the country in which the vehicle is titled. Also, depending on where you are, the vehicle has to spend "X" time in the jurisdiction to remain "legal". In most Canadian provinces, for example, if the vehicle is out of the province for more than 90 days, it is no longer insured. You have to either bring it back for a day, or have it re-titled where you've taken it.

This seems to be rarely enforced - My mom and all her snowbird friends spend six months in the US every winter and drive back without any problems.

Plus with a vehicle that wasn't specifically built for the North American market, I bet there are many more hoops to jump through than just bringing a US vehicle into Canada or vice-versa. Like, all the lights have to be DOT approved, exhaust must meed the codes, etc. Without knowing, I bet Central/South American vehicles don't have everything that is required here.