Hi
After a departure from the JDM world a couple of years back (L049 LWB Palero) it is time to jump back in.
In short, I ran the search gamut from cheap sub 10K pickup up to an amazing 2017 Tacoma 6spd king cab in blue. But because of other vehicles, I need to buy, I turned again to JDM. The Tacoma would have killed the budget.
I am located in Ontario Canada where the import of vehicles, not originally destined for Canada or US, can be imported to Canada 15 yrs after the date of manufacture.
In 2005 I did import a diesel Montero (Pajero) and ran it for 12 years. The largest issue was running gear parts that I typically brought in from the UK and mechanics to do the big jobs (Timing belts, water pumps et al) was hard to find.
So this time I decided to stick with something as close to NA running gear as possible.
Choice #1 was a Hilux Surf with an easy choice of a '98
It only had 122k/km and some clear coat peel - It was the 2.7l w ith an auto - So checkbox for maintenance with easily available parts here and no fear factor for my Mechanic should a serious issue needed to be done that could not wait for a weekend with good weather to do the work. But it was still in need of work for the clear coat. It would have landed to my driveway in Ontario at $7800.
Then I found this gem on Japan Auto Partner - I have had Japan Auto Partner on my bookmark list for over 15 yrs. It became apparent for a couple grand more I could get a 90series.
My broker was familiar with Japan Auto Partner and thought it was a clickbait listing and in the end, it was. But it had instilled in me the LC bug
A few auctions transpired (Loosing just barely) until this one popped up from an automated alert I set up. My broker got the same notification by different means and within 20 min a hold was placed.
A 1998 with 106,000km - 5VZ-FE - Blue and other than aftermarket wheels and stereo appears stock.
All in, it is $8800 to Vancouver . It should be on a boat within 12 days and in Vancouver early March.
From Vancouver to Ontario is an additional $1400 (or less)
For sure tires will need to be swapped for DOT approved (and they are bald as well) - The curtains need to go as well. Funny thing is that my old Pajero arrived with curtains as well all those years ago.
Here is a link to the full listing - I found it via beforward.jp, but broker found it via another listing house.
Once everything works out (Good or Bad) I will link to the broker - Up to now, I have had a very pleasant experience working with them.
Shortlist for parts are...
Rock Auto has Lower Ball joints with a grease nipple, so those go in for sure.
Rubbing my chin on Calipers - They are probably fine, but 22 years and only 106K/km means lots of sitting so I may just swap them out with pads , rotors and the entire load of brake fluid.
The most perplexing thing at the moment is a trailer hitch. I may have to have one fabricated as online searches are coming up empty for a standard Type 2 or Type 3 hitch. Quite a few hits for EU spec hitches but monkeying with them I would probably be throwing good money after bad...
Replace the Stereo
A good, good, cleaning.
Auction sheet listed only one deficiency as an oil leak. I bet it is the valve covers time will tell if they need to be swapped.
I drop bits and pieces here as they come up - Now to read up on best fluids for the rest of the truck.
Cheers
Bill
After a departure from the JDM world a couple of years back (L049 LWB Palero) it is time to jump back in.
In short, I ran the search gamut from cheap sub 10K pickup up to an amazing 2017 Tacoma 6spd king cab in blue. But because of other vehicles, I need to buy, I turned again to JDM. The Tacoma would have killed the budget.
I am located in Ontario Canada where the import of vehicles, not originally destined for Canada or US, can be imported to Canada 15 yrs after the date of manufacture.
In 2005 I did import a diesel Montero (Pajero) and ran it for 12 years. The largest issue was running gear parts that I typically brought in from the UK and mechanics to do the big jobs (Timing belts, water pumps et al) was hard to find.
So this time I decided to stick with something as close to NA running gear as possible.
Choice #1 was a Hilux Surf with an easy choice of a '98
It only had 122k/km and some clear coat peel - It was the 2.7l w ith an auto - So checkbox for maintenance with easily available parts here and no fear factor for my Mechanic should a serious issue needed to be done that could not wait for a weekend with good weather to do the work. But it was still in need of work for the clear coat. It would have landed to my driveway in Ontario at $7800.
Then I found this gem on Japan Auto Partner - I have had Japan Auto Partner on my bookmark list for over 15 yrs. It became apparent for a couple grand more I could get a 90series.
My broker was familiar with Japan Auto Partner and thought it was a clickbait listing and in the end, it was. But it had instilled in me the LC bug
A few auctions transpired (Loosing just barely) until this one popped up from an automated alert I set up. My broker got the same notification by different means and within 20 min a hold was placed.
A 1998 with 106,000km - 5VZ-FE - Blue and other than aftermarket wheels and stereo appears stock.
All in, it is $8800 to Vancouver . It should be on a boat within 12 days and in Vancouver early March.
From Vancouver to Ontario is an additional $1400 (or less)
For sure tires will need to be swapped for DOT approved (and they are bald as well) - The curtains need to go as well. Funny thing is that my old Pajero arrived with curtains as well all those years ago.
Here is a link to the full listing - I found it via beforward.jp, but broker found it via another listing house.
Once everything works out (Good or Bad) I will link to the broker - Up to now, I have had a very pleasant experience working with them.
Shortlist for parts are...
Rock Auto has Lower Ball joints with a grease nipple, so those go in for sure.
Rubbing my chin on Calipers - They are probably fine, but 22 years and only 106K/km means lots of sitting so I may just swap them out with pads , rotors and the entire load of brake fluid.
The most perplexing thing at the moment is a trailer hitch. I may have to have one fabricated as online searches are coming up empty for a standard Type 2 or Type 3 hitch. Quite a few hits for EU spec hitches but monkeying with them I would probably be throwing good money after bad...
Replace the Stereo
A good, good, cleaning.
Auction sheet listed only one deficiency as an oil leak. I bet it is the valve covers time will tell if they need to be swapped.
I drop bits and pieces here as they come up - Now to read up on best fluids for the rest of the truck.
Cheers
Bill
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