Any thoughts on Sean from SilverPeakTrading?

[LCdreamin]

Has anyone talked to him, baught through him? Any thoughts?

For what it's worth he doesnt seem to think the BEBs need replacing (as long as you use the right oil), likes to say it's smart to have things done in Japan before sending....like recharge AC/replace O rings, fuel pump replacement, and diff locks.

He is also paranoid about sending work history before a deposit or serious inquiry because he has had previous pictures and info of his trucks used to sell other lesser quality trucks by some other shady importer.

Otherwise seems like a normal enthusiest

Truck in Question:
http://silverpeaktrading.com/autoshop/product.php?productid=30&cat=3&page=1

 

[Martin White]

If a "great deal" has been for sale for a long time, and not sold, that raises many red flags. I have spent hundreds of hours reading about the 1HDT, JDM's and never heard any credible parties state that the BEB's should not be replaced. Just check the Aussie forums if you want to verify that statement, not to mention this one.

 

[jfarsang]

Has anyone talked to him, baught through him? Any thoughts?

For what it's worth he doesnt seem to think the BEBs need replacing (as long as you use the right oil), likes to say it's smart to have things done in Japan before sending....like recharge AC/replace O rings, fuel pump replacement, and diff locks.

He is also paranoid about sending work history before a deposit or serious inquiry because he has had previous pictures and info of his trucks used to sell other lesser quality trucks by some other shady importer.

Otherwise seems like a normal enthusiest

Truck in Question:
http://silverpeaktrading.com/autoshop/product.php?productid=30&cat=3&page=1

I was looking at that one quite a while ago as well.

I emailed Sean back and forth regarding that specific HDJ81 and I just didn't get the information and 'good' feeling about it.

This is not say that it would be a great truck or good company to deal with, but personally I didn't get a good feeling about it.

I couldn't put my finger on it but I guess that one was just not for me.

Looks very good, clean and well-kept, but who knows with pictures and the little video clip.

14,9k plus shipping/taxes/duty/import fees and you are looking at a very expensive rig.

I tallied it up when I was looking at importing that one and the cost was significantly greater than buying one of Wayne's luxurious HDJ81's.

Jesse

 

[crushers]

as soon as anyone says "no need to change out the BEB" i shiver...

that is the same as a dealer saying "there is nothing wrong witht he 2LTE heads" or "i have never heard of that issue"


i would walk away at that point...

refusal to post you a list of what has been done to the truck is questionable...i have had people use my listings to sell their own units, if the customer is smart they will check around before purchasing just to see if the same unit is posted elsewhere...

(i know of a Pajero that i own that another importer is misleading his possible customers by posting on his site as if he bought and sold it)

if that price is $15,500 to your door then it might not be so bad.

 

[canucksafari]

as soon as anyone says "no need to change out the BEB" i shiver...

that is the same as a dealer saying "there is nothing wrong witht he 2LTE heads" or "i have never heard of that issue"

Actually the Abby dealer and a few others are blaming it on the driving habits of their clients. I just spoke with the Abby dealer last week about it when I went to pick up some filters and noticed a few of the Prados sitting there waiting to be "prepared". When I asked about the head issues, they said the same thing I heard from a dealer in Surrey a month or so ago. I presume they are getting the same Bull & Cock story from the brokers in Japan. The one in Abby should know better, as he is a "licensed mechanic".

As crusher says, walk away and save your money for some other broker or dealer who will say it as it is - unless you got moeny to burn. If that's the case, I'll take some to keep me warm next winter.

 

[LCdreamin]

Ha, money to burn? More like I'm getting burnt from not having any money!

I can only spend 14-15max, and even then I can't afford that since it's money I dont even have.

I don't mind spend less for a truck with KNOWN issues....I just want to know whats real.

The guy said "the price is going to go up soon" and alas, the next day went up $500....I assume trying to get me to buy quick. If he calls me back, I'll offer $14,000 delivered....$3000 less then what he wants

He said it had the fuel pump replaced

 

[canucksafari]

Ha, money to burn? More like I'm getting burnt from not having any money!

I can only spend 14-15max, and even then I can't afford that since it's money I dont even have.

I don't mind spend less for a truck with KNOWN issues....I just want to know whats real.

Well, you aren't going to know the issues unless you can inspect it yourself or pay someone to inspect it (ie make them liable) for you. That is the chance you take with buying from a broker you don't know in Japan. Given what you have told me, IMHO I recommend you walk away with the money you don't have and start looking around in Canada for one you can inspect.

 

[Psilosin]

I can't remember where I read it but I have read a very hateful review of Silver Peak. When you mentioned the price hike baiting that triggered my memory.

 

[jfarsang]

I can only spend 14-15max, and even then I can't afford that since it's money I dont even have.

I would strongly recommend against getting into one of these HDJ81's if you do not have money to buy one, let alone money to repair unknown and upcoming issues.

I have looked at almost a dozen different one's priced from 10k to 22k locally and have taken the advice of others with regards to these being expensive machines to get into and repair.

Wish you the best of luck. I was in similar shoes very recently and decided against importing one for the very reason that the market here in BC is saturated with HDJ81's and it appears that not many of them are selling.

I assume the reasoning behind it is due to the fact that most people who wanted one, have already bought one in the last few years since it started becoming a 'trend'.

It appears that the 'trend' is dwindling and the simple fact that for 15-20k, most people (lack cruiser knowledge) wouldn't even consider buying a 15 year-old vehicle for that amount as they can easily get a much newer, decent comparable rig that's local and much less hassle in their eyes as far as RHD/JMD rules/maintenance is concerned.

These are definitely specialized vehicles and they belong in a certain niche. Just seems that this 'niche' has already been fulfilled and that may account for the large number of them on the current market in the last 6-12 months and not moving.

Regardless, good luck with your decision and I hope you the best. I'm still looking for 'the' one that gives me a good feeling when I sit behind the wheel. So far, I haven't gotten that.

Call me picky.

Jesse

 

[prado t]

I think the niche has been filled alot dont move or are junk
aaron

 

[prado t]

Actually the Abby dealer and a few others are blaming it on the driving habits of their clients. I just spoke with the Abby dealer last week about it when I went to pick up some filters and noticed a few of the Prados sitting there waiting to be "prepared". When I asked about the head issues, they said the same thing I heard from a dealer in Surrey a month or so ago. I presume they are getting the same Bull & Cock story from the brokers in Japan. The one in Abby should know better, as he is a "licensed mechanic".

As crusher says, walk away and save your money for some other broker or dealer who will say it as it is - unless you got moeny to burn. If that's the case, I'll take some to keep me warm next winter.

alot of those machines are 3 out of 5 SHINGE does a good job at prepping . I have talked to a few customers and they say what problem. SOME of those prados have gone non stop to MEXICO
,NEVADA etc
aaron

 

[Martin White]

Maybe, but a lot of trucks with the 2LTE have gone straight to the repair shop behind a DOMESTIC towtruck...not ALL toyota product is perfect.

 

[crushers]

Ha, money to burn? More like I'm getting burnt from not having any money!

I can only spend 14-15max, and even then I can't afford that since it's money I dont even have.

for that money i would look at a Pajero or a Delica... not as powerful but nice rigs all the same...

 

[jmika]

i have to say i was nieve, when i purchased my hilux from sean.
I got hosed.
i think they are way over priced.
But my truck runs like a top with 35k more kms on it.
i think odometer wsa rolled back to 67k km. but have no way to prove it.
the truck cost about 17900 landed before taxes and including a 3600 dolar repair bill from tecno toyota before shipped.
If i had known better nad looking back I would have ordered and waited for a truck through wayne or my local toyota dealer.
just my 2 cents.
mika

 

[bubbas_kdj]

Nice. Al the mud slinging is from guys who've never bought a single thing from SilverPeakTrading.com. We buy from them regularly for resale and they are a great partner. They provide all the paperwork to verifiy mileage. Say, Mika we asked them about your supposed 'hosing' as you say and they said you had all kinds of Toyota work done as well as your choosing and got paperwork in that too. They have helped our business a lot. Why don't you guys that have actually bought something speak up -- or I guess it's like our customers, they just get in and drive good trucks and have things to do.

 

[canucksafari]

Bubbas. You're right I never bought anything from them and probably wouldn't if they were not willing to address a known issue such as the BEB. If it is true what LCDreaming says that they don't want to provide the truck's history without a deposit - then that stinks. Maybe you have a nice cosy relationship with them or money to risk but most people don't. A deposit on a used JDM is not like a deposit on a home. There is no lawyer holding onto the deposit until all the subjects are removed. So IMHO if they want to stay in business, then they need to show potential customers why they should be trusted. Your post doesn't give me one solid reason why I or anyone else should trust them to deliver a trouble free vehicle. A customers trust has to be earned. If you are selling LCs without changing out the BEB than I would be telling people to not trust you as well.

 

[LCdreamin]

Hmmm, how interesting it is that this new conversation started the same day the price on the truck I'm looking at fell to an all time low!

Is it some sign?.... because now the price is within my upper reach, which is ovbiously good, but then I come accross these new posts...which make me worry about who I might buy from

I wonder how a newbie would know when the price is right and when it outweighs the unknown.

I mean it looks like a nice truck, and if everything is legit it could be a good deal for me, but at the same time, if it needs work once it gets here, it'll be sitting in my driveway for some time....a very big risk as it would have to be my DD for the next few months

 

[Martin White]

Get it inspected independently!!!!!!!!!!!! If they won't allow it, be afraid. Be very afraid.

 

[jfarsang]

Get it inspected independently!!!!!!!!!!!! If they won't allow it, be afraid. Be very afraid.

Agreed.

And try to buy locally. You will probably save $$$ and headaches in the long run.

To be honest, if I had the money, I would jump on Martin's rig for $20,000.

The money that he has invested in that rig ....

Anways...

LCdreamin, that truck has been sitting there for a LEAST 7-8 months.

If you have a brain, which I'm sure you do, think about why it has not sold yet.

That alone should give you an indication of the 'risk' involved.

Good luck in your search. It's rough out there.

 

[jasonmt]

Hmmm, how interesting it is that this new conversation started the same day the price on the truck I'm looking at fell to an all time low!

Is it some sign?.... because now the price is within my upper reach, which is ovbiously good, but then I come accross these new posts...which make me worry about who I might buy from

I wonder how a newbie would know when the price is right and when it outweighs the unknown.

I mean it looks like a nice truck, and if everything is legit it could be a good deal for me, but at the same time, if it needs work once it gets here, it'll be sitting in my driveway for some time....a very big risk as it would have to be my DD for the next few months

-Winch remote sold separately $450

Sounds like a nickle and dime curber to me.