Introduction by a long time listener, first time caller.....
Have owned a bunch of new and used 4WD Toyotas over the last 45 years, including 40, 62, 73, 75, 77, 79 and 80 variants, plus a couple of US spec Prados. Liked them all loved most and always had an itch for a 100 as a daily driver, but just couldn't get comfortable with US fit, fixtures and options. Looked often, made an offer or two, just could not go there, until recently.
With the launch year models in 1998, the 100s became legal for import for foreign spec models and I got serious early this year.
With the help of @wngrog and @Meshal, I purchased the vehicle described in thread title. It sold new in Riyadh it was an "old man car" gently driven by three owners over 26 years, and 42,000 miles of use. Clean Carfax type report, original factory markings on hoses, labels, suspension bits and a clean bill of health following an exhaustive inspection.
Figured it was time for its first timing belt, water pump, thermo replacement - along with starter rebuild, ignition coils, Dobinsons suspension and ball joints plus lots of other mechanical service items. Also new rubber seals, paint correction, mirrors, door handles (front), exterior trim, bumper cover respray, new side trim, Saudi Stipes, etc. - all OEM.
I wanted as close to new OEM as possible as my daily for the next ten years - price comparable to a base LC250 or loaded Tacoma (new).
Key elements in addition to condition and trusted Saudi partners: it has the early 2UZ, 5 speed manual transmission (H151), OEM sub tank, Alcantara seat coverings, console beverage cooler and old school radio/CD with volume knob - I am going for stock retro vibe. Things I did not want: no power vent windows in rear quarters, no ABS or AHC suspension, no sunroof or roof rack, no. rust. Also preferred not to have ambo (split) doors, spare tire carrier, etc. I got exactly what I wanted at a fair price with great value for my needs and budget.
It is in a container, departing Saudia next week....it has another 100 as a companion - FZJ100 GX model rig without some of the bling, but an awesome truck powered by the coil pack version of the 1FZ-FE producing 240 hp versus the 212 hp of the US spec FZJ80 series. That is actually 5hp more than the 2UZ in my truck.
Short video here: Whitey's Saudi test drive.
More to follow. Hope you all enjoy and please feel free to ask any questions.
Ward
Have owned a bunch of new and used 4WD Toyotas over the last 45 years, including 40, 62, 73, 75, 77, 79 and 80 variants, plus a couple of US spec Prados. Liked them all loved most and always had an itch for a 100 as a daily driver, but just couldn't get comfortable with US fit, fixtures and options. Looked often, made an offer or two, just could not go there, until recently.
With the launch year models in 1998, the 100s became legal for import for foreign spec models and I got serious early this year.
With the help of @wngrog and @Meshal, I purchased the vehicle described in thread title. It sold new in Riyadh it was an "old man car" gently driven by three owners over 26 years, and 42,000 miles of use. Clean Carfax type report, original factory markings on hoses, labels, suspension bits and a clean bill of health following an exhaustive inspection.
Figured it was time for its first timing belt, water pump, thermo replacement - along with starter rebuild, ignition coils, Dobinsons suspension and ball joints plus lots of other mechanical service items. Also new rubber seals, paint correction, mirrors, door handles (front), exterior trim, bumper cover respray, new side trim, Saudi Stipes, etc. - all OEM.
I wanted as close to new OEM as possible as my daily for the next ten years - price comparable to a base LC250 or loaded Tacoma (new).
Key elements in addition to condition and trusted Saudi partners: it has the early 2UZ, 5 speed manual transmission (H151), OEM sub tank, Alcantara seat coverings, console beverage cooler and old school radio/CD with volume knob - I am going for stock retro vibe. Things I did not want: no power vent windows in rear quarters, no ABS or AHC suspension, no sunroof or roof rack, no. rust. Also preferred not to have ambo (split) doors, spare tire carrier, etc. I got exactly what I wanted at a fair price with great value for my needs and budget.
It is in a container, departing Saudia next week....it has another 100 as a companion - FZJ100 GX model rig without some of the bling, but an awesome truck powered by the coil pack version of the 1FZ-FE producing 240 hp versus the 212 hp of the US spec FZJ80 series. That is actually 5hp more than the 2UZ in my truck.
Short video here: Whitey's Saudi test drive.
More to follow. Hope you all enjoy and please feel free to ask any questions.
Ward
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