Best place to source 70 series in the US

[Tex68w]

I am sure there are dedicated importers of the 70 Series Cruisers here in the states, but who are they and which are the most honest and reasonable? We've always considered a 70 Series build, most notably a troopy, to be one of the ultimate off-road/overland platforms, but sourcing one that isn't a $hit box or $20K over priced is another story. Is there a thread or alternate resource for reading up on the ins and outs of the different years and which are the most and least desirable?

 

[roscoFJ73]

Get to know your models first
Foreign Toyota 4x4s

The desirable models are based on what you want, they come in roughly 4 different lengths with wagons,cab chassis and the troop carrier. They are all fairly reliable but some more than others. And the main desire is to have something with some oomph, but none are straight line drag racers.
I have a troopy but I would not buy one again unless you really want the length. I am always kicking myself for selling my 73 series
Probably most people would want a HZJ73 HZJ77 or HZJ75 which comply with the 25 year old rule. Obviouly LHD is better for the US but they are slightly harder to procure.

 

[Tex68w]

Thanks for the reply. I am pretty certain we'd be leaning towards a 75.

 

[FJBen]

If you want one in the US, you are looking at importers, or for sale in the classifieds on here.

Land Cruisers Direct
Land Cruisers Direct - Home

@joekatana


There are other importers, but I'm drawing a blank. I've also heard quite a few good things about the above.

A 75 series troopy gets you either a BJ75, 4 Cylinder diesel, HJ75 2H 6cyl Diesel, HZJ75 Gets you a 1HZ 6cyl diesel, or FZJ75 which gets you the 1FZ like the 80 series. The turbo on a 1HZ seems to be a pretty good and reliable setup.

I think the main complaint is the power, or perceived lack there of in a non-turbo diesel. Finding one that isn't rusted a lot is going to cost $$$. Most will be Right Hand Drive.

Main choices are:
Engine type: 4cyl, 6cyl diesel or 6cyl gas
Manual vs auto
Right Hand Drive/ Left Hand Drive
OEM lockers
12v vs 24volt


If it were me, I'd go for the cleanest bodied 1HZ 5spd I could find with plans for a turbo.

 

[FJ73Texas]

My first 70 series is from down South (Colombia). The advantage of that is that you get LHD but they are usually more abused and used for what they are made to do down there in South America. Personally I would not get a cruiser again from South America unless you are really set on getting LHD and even then Europe is also an option for LHD. The importer I used for my Colombian FJ73 is no longer in business.

@joekatana is an great option for LHD from Europe as he brings in parts and cruisers frequently.

I got my second 70 series which is JDM market and is RHD. Condition-wise, the comparison between the two is night and day. Been really happy with it although it is a bit smaller than my FJ73.

If you are ok with RHD, then @SteveJackson is the man to talk to.

There are some other importers that seem reputable such as @Eco 45 on here.

 

[roscoFJ73]

A 75 series troopy gets you either a BJ75, 4 Cylinder diesel, HJ75 2H 6cyl Diesel, HZJ75 Gets you a 1HZ 6cyl diesel, or FZJ75 which gets you the 1FZ like the 80 series

Crime of crimes, you forgot the FJ75

 

[FJ73Texas]

Crime of crimes, you forgot the FJ75

A worse crime is recommending anything 3F powered.

 

[CRSWA]

Here in Seattle, this seems to be the go-to for JDM cruisers of all sorts. I haven't dealt with them personally though.

JDM Car and Motorcycle

 

[Tex68w]

Thanks for all of the input fellas. I could go either way in regards to the LHD or RHD, and at the end of the day I want the power plant that is the most reliable and easiest to get parts for. Power is nice but as long as it isn't underpowered for the payload I am ok with it being somewhat slow. You guys tell me where I can find one clean and in good shape that meets those parameters and that's where I'll look.

 

[TonyP]

but sourcing one that isn't a $hit box or $20K over priced is another story.

Choose the first option, build it into the second option...

 

[gilmorneau]

I want the power plant that is the most reliable and easiest to get parts for

1HZ. Hands down. They're all reasonably reliable, and the 1HZ certainly is no exception, but easiest to get parts for? 1HZ has been in constant production from 1990-present. There's boatloads of them out there.

I am ok with it being somewhat slow

Good thing! Lol...

You guys tell me where I can find one clean and in good shape

Good luck with that. They're out there, but they're not running thick anywhere. Finding a 25+ year old truck that was intended for work, and usually work in difficult environments, but that's still in good shape, is always a challenge. For reasons mentioned above, I'd recommend looking long and hard at any vehicles from Central or South America prior to purchase. They're often rode hard and put away wet. Caveat Emptor. Cleaner ones can be found in Australia (all RHD, of course), but stay away from any that have been near the ocean. Australians love to drive their cars on the beach (Fraser Island, anyone?) and it wreaks havoc with the bodywork (read: rust). Distances in Australia can be huge, so many vehicles end up with tons of miles after 25 years. Europe can be a good choice (I bought mine there), but try to stay away from northern Europe and Scandinavia, as they salt their roads heavily in winter, which rots old cars terribly. I've found central/southern France, Spain, and Italy to be good hunting grounds for clean(er) Euro Landcruisers. Note that Toyota didn't sell the Troop Carrier in all markets. Civilians in France got them, and I've seen lots that were former government cars in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. There's also the Middle East, but people don't tend to hold onto cars for 25 years there, so finding older ones is difficult. Most end up in Africa (same is true for the worst of the Euro ones, BTW).

I am sure there are dedicated importers of the 70 Series Cruisers here in the states

I wouldn't be so sure. Some who can help you have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but I think many have tried importing cars from overseas only to find that after all is said and done, it's just not profitable.

You might try scouring the classifieds and "for sale" listings in all the places I've mentioned above. Cast your net worldwide, as it were. You're far more likely to find something that way. If you do, import it yourself. Not that hard. Hell, if I can do it, anyone can.

 

[jmylie]

I'll assume you looked at the classified section on mud.

Here are some importers:

CANARY ISLAND ROVER - PURVEYOR OF CLASSIC CARS FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS SPAIN

CIR specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of classic 4x4 diesel vehicles of the Canary Islands with the rest of the world.

www.canaryislandrover.com

South to North Land Cruisers - Custom Land Cruiser Shop

Custom Toyota Land Cruiser shop in Boise, Idaho. From basic repairs to restorations. Diesels and V8 swaps, suspension and much more.

www.snlandcruisers.com

Delivering and importing Land Rover and Land Cruiser classic vehicles.

Landy Customs, importing, delivering, vehicles, legal, U.S., land rover, defender, toyota, land cruiser, 4x4, classic, off-road, diesel, turbo

www.landycustoms.com

Land Cruisers Direct - Home

landcruisersdirect.com

Good luck with your search.

 

[SNLC]

I am not really doing any importing at this time so I can’t help.

Cheers

 

[divemedic]

Your best bet is reaching out to a reputable importer and writing a check to get you what you want -or- watching eBay and classifieds for people who are selling -and- make friends. Word of mouth goes a long way with clean trucks for sale.