Buying Thoughts (and RHD)

[rstl99]

Hi all, my first message here. I live in Ottawa, Canada.

Owned an early 80's BJ60 a few years ago. Liked it a lot (I'm not into off-roading per se, but like a solid, simple, well-designed and easy to maintain vehicle), but it was starting to rust and the transmission had a vibration in it, so I sold it and moved on.

Looked for another one a couple of years ago, came very close to buying a nice HJ60 locally (one owner, rust-proofed regularly, A/C, auto trans, etc.), but he desisted (turned out it eventually needed a $3000 transmission repair, so it was good for me). Ended up buying a 1987 Land Rover 110 diesel from up North (only 80,000 kms, absolutely no rust, very cool). Sold it last Fall because I wasn't getting enough use, it wasn't very suitable for city driving (most of my driving), and I wanted to use the money to pay down a debt.

Now I'm thinking of getting into diesel TLC ownership again. I like the roominess of the wagon, and the reliability/longevity. In my parts, rust-free BJ60's and HJ60's are very rare. Too often the truck has been left untreated to the salt roads in winter. There are probably some good ones left in Western Canada, but that's kind of far.

I'm looking at all the Japanese imports kicking around (Prados etc.). Other than the RHD aspect, they are extremely inviting, and offer a lot of truck for the money, if one can get a good one from a reputable importer etc. (I know this has been discussed before on this board, from looking at the archives).

One question I have is this: I see a lot of these RHD Japanese Cruisers for sale all over the place: from import companies, Toyota dealerships, used car dealerships, private individuals. I get the feeling that these trucks (perhaps because of the RHD) don't stay with the same owner for long, and end up on the market again. Is there truth to that? Are many owners turned off by RHD or other aspects and put them back for sale? I suppose there is only one way to know if one can live with something like RHD (in spite of the fact that importers tend to greatly diminish the issue).

Anyways, thoughts appreciated. THanks!

p.s. another thing to consider for me is getting a used Lexus LX450 or similar truck. Not a Land Cruiser, but probably more suited to my on-road driving, and hopefully sharing some of the qualities of the LC (reliability, longevity).

 

[dblugly]

I have only had my rhd for about a month, but after the first few times of looking for the turn signal switch and trying to down shift via the window handle, no problems. It is my daily driver, I spend 10 hours a day driving a LHD and hop right back into my RHD for the drive home. My wife keeps trying to get behind the wheel when I am driving her somewhere, but she's getting used to it.

 

[lshobie]

I have a 1989 BJ74 arriving in Ottawa next week, if you want to come and drive a RHD then this is a good opportunity for you. These trucks don't last long and are usually sold before they arrive.

You see alot of trucks for sale - but they aren't the same ones. I haven't seen anyone get rid of their JDM, they love them too much.

I had a 1996 FZJ80 (lexus 450), nice truck but horrible on fuel - I'd never get another gas model again.

Feel free to call anytime 614-7852

Regards

Louis

 

[Stone]

I've had my BJ74 for three years...and I have no plans on selling it. Have you considered the HJ61? They have come down in price significantly since the HDJ81 has been hitting our shores. From what you describe, it would be the Land Cruiser that I would be looking at. I like the 12H-T much better than the 2L-T, and being a wagon, it has a lot of room. I like the retro look of them, but that's a very subjective thing. Of course it only seats 5 instead of 7 unlike the LJ78.

And the Lexus LX450 IS a Land Cruiser. Don't let the leather fool you...Toyota Canada decided not to sell the FZJ80 up here probably because they wanted to take advantage of the full-size luxury SUV market. So, the FZJ80 Land Cruiser was re-badged and filled up with goodies and marketed as a Lexus LX450. It still has the solid front axle like the 80 series, and is a very capable truck.

The Lexus LX470 is the UZJ100 re-badged.

 

[brownbear]

I am going to move this thread to the JDM alliance section here, where you can discuss the merits of JDM ownership with all of the members at length here. Hope they can help you out.

Welcome to the board!!!!!

 

[crushers]

i have seen may second generation JDM ownership as well as thrid generation.

some bite off more than they can afford. some have bought units that needed expensive repairs, some have upgraded to a unit that fits their purpose better. i know previa diesel is selling his HZJ77 because it is too much truck for his needs. some buy because that is all they could find when they were shopping or they never shopped long enough.

the JDM seems to hold their value quite well if kept in the shape as when they were purchased. some dump a whole lot of money into them either repairing or modifying which then becomes roughly 25-50 cents on the dollar...

DO YOUR RESEARCH, buy what you need from a dealer you trust and you will be a happy consumer.

cheers

 

[lshobie]

There hasn't been as much turn around in Ontario as there just aren't as many JDM's here. Only in the last year have we seen a bunch starting to roll in. It is nice to have the cruiser supply being restocked.

The HJ61 will supply tons more power than your old bj60. The 61 also comes with a/c and all kinds of nice upgrades including, lockers, pto winch, rear tire carrier, raised roof, heated seats etc etc etc.

Like Wayne says, find a dealer and even ask for references - talk to the people that have purchased from them to see how they like the trucks and what they are like.

Good luck on your search.

 

[rstl99]

Thanks to all for the quick and informative responses.

I may take you up to come have a look at that BJ74 you have coming in, Louis, but in my case I'd definitely want a wagon, so will do my research on models, prices and dealers, and save my money for the day I'm ready to buy one of these great trucks. I did drive a RHD Land Rover 90 a couple of years ago (before buying the LHD 110) and found that it quickly became comfortable. For the Defenders, the driver seating in LHD is uncomfortably cramped, and it felt roomier on the RHD. Plus it felt more natural and solid to hold the steering wheel with the right hand (I'm right handed), and shift with the left.

Looking at some of the pictures on the sites, these JDM have incredibly clean looking chassis! Certainly a change from the rust or oily looking chassis one sees on the native trucks here! I've had enough vehicles rust out underneath that chassis rust is one of the first things I look at in any vehicle I buy now. These JDM Cruisers are very inviting for that fact alone!

Good point about the Lexus, I do want a diesel and fuel economy is one reason for going that route, so that discounts that option from my list (LHD and more luxurious interior does not balance out vis a vis diesel longevity and fuel efficiency).

Even though a lot of these JDM Cruisers are being brought into Canada by what seems to be an increasing number of dealers and agents, I assume there are enough of them over there to mean that they won't run out of good ones to import anytime soon. I gather the reselling price for a 15 year old diesel Cruiser in Japan is low enough to allow the Japanese agent to make money, the overseas shipping company to make money, the Canadian land shipper to make money, the Canadian importer to make money (let's not forget the government and their taxes!), and the buyer to still get a great truck for a great price (in comparison with what else is available in a diesel 4x4 product up here, which isn't much...).

Anyway, I'm just starting to think and research into this, and I have to soak a bit of money away, which will allow me to look at a few of them and wait for as good a deal as my money can buy, before taking the plunge. Look forward to educating myself on this (and other) forum.

Oh, another question: what about European diesel TLC's? Do similar rules apply to importing those, and is anybody importing them? I've seen a couple of models for sale recently around Ottawa (that someone had brought in for their use I suppose), and they had the advantage of being LHD. Not as richly appointed as the Japanese models though, feature wise. But LHD is nice, all things considered...

 

[Martin White]

RHD is a non issue

RHD is an issue for about 10 minutes. Once you are used to it, which won't take long, you will be fine. I would not let it worry you one bit. As part of my profession, I spend 10-12 hrs in a LHD vehicle, then hop right into my RHD HDJ81 and drive with no problems at all.

As for trucks, I'd highly recommend the HDJ81; they are incredible. They are not cheap to buy, but once set up, they are great vehicles. Don't let the RHD scare you. It really is no problem at all, and there are some advantages as well.

Also, on the reselling of JDM vehicles, I don't see that much here on the West Coast. You may be thinking of curbers who bring them in on their own and sell them. Most people who buy these incredible trucks are planning on holding onto them for a long time. Just my thoughts.

 

[crushers]

Also, on the reselling of JDM vehicles, I don't see that much here on the West Coast. You may be thinking of curbers who bring them in on their own and sell them. .

no, i am not thinking of curbers, i am talkign legitmate buyes who end up selling their trucks for a reason, not to make money...

 

[nickw]

As already said RHD is not an issue.
I love my truck. I am sure you will love one too.
I just enjoy driving. I do not even notice what side I am on.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Martin White]

My apologies; having reread my response I see it was very unclear. I was trying to address the point I think the original questioner asked which, in my reading implied that a lot of people who buy JDM vehicles end up reselling them. I may have misread him but I think he may have been implying that these buyers, reselling quickly, were thus demonstrating they were not pleased with the vehicles. What I was trying to say is that I have not seen this. I meant no disrespect to people who are in the business of reselling JDM trucks whether they are an established seller or someone new to the business just getting their feet wet (AKA "curbers"; agreed the word has a negative connotation but it's not fair to say all low volume sellers should be avoided). I hope that clarifies the point I was trying to make, and admittedly did not make very clearly!

 

[monton]

I'll second everyone else, RHD is a non issue. I'll go a step further to say that it's actually better. Yes, better. I find that I have no blind spots, easier to parallel park, step out onto the curb (but passenger gets out in traffic), easier to see cyclists. I would say that vision is better all round. the biggest PLUS is that it's actually FUN. I't's different than anything else you do in your day... maybe that's the turbo... but driving a RHD is just unique. Sure there are more and more but there are still very few overall. Driving is fun, they are awsome vehicles, powerful, very practical, and reliable. Basically...GET ONE.

 

[Gold Boy]

Welcome rstl99

I like my 74 a lot. Very reliable, and great off road and also easy to maintain.

GB

 

[Rusty]

Saying RHD vehicles have no blind spots is ridiculous, they have the same blind spots as LHD vehicles, it’s just that they are on the opposite side. Which perceived is a problem for lots of people, me included. It might be easier to parallel park, and let’s face it you may save scuffing your tires, but it’s not safer when you have to pull out into traffic with a line of parked cars behind you; cyclists beware. Neither is merging on the freeway, your blind spots are on the side of the truck that you’re not sitting on. RHD is only truly advantageous if you’re a rural Postie!

There are tons of Cruiserheads that would love to buy a JDM machine and let’s face it, who wouldn’t, they have way better options and since Japanese people drive so little, they have way lower miles. No one who has gone through the expense of importing or buying one of these rigs is likely to say that there are any disadvantages to operating one but tons of people who salivate at the thought of owning a factory-optioned-to-the-nuts Cruiser, 4Runner or 4 wheel drive van don’t want to drive from the right contrary to the rest of the automotive population here. Vehicles were designed for this market with LHD for a reason.

It would be nice if, as others suggested, someone worked at finding a different source for these machines that are LHD. South and Central America, continental Europe the Philippines all had trucks manufactured with the same JDM options. We in North America got burned because domestic manufacturers didn’t want to compete; they were too busy improving the bottom line for share holders by manufacturing cheap junk. Government made the cost of importing trucks with lockers, full floating rear ends, and other such goodies cost ineffective for manufacturers, they would have had to pass the cost on to the consumer so they didn't import them. I seem to remember that’s what killed two door Japanese SUV’s in the early 90’s in Canada, domestic manufacturers were loosing sales to Toyota and Nissan and so couldn’t sell two door Blazers and Explorers.

The fact is that Japan is a relatively easy place to buy and export vehicles from, whether you’re an established importer or an individual. Japan auctions off 10’s of thousands of cars and trucks each week, largely due to inspection requirements on vehicles older than 5 years. Vehicles there may have absolutely nothing wrong with them other than it costs too much to put them through the annual inspection. In fact some people wind up abandoning or giving their perfectly good cars away once their age causes the value of the car to be less than the cost of the inspection (I know this because a friend of mine has lived in Japan for the last 8 years).

You can surf through the USS auction site on the internet, pick out your favorite machine, contact a broker to bid on it on your behalf, send them the cash and they’ll shove it on a roll on roll off ship for you. That’s why there are so many importers and JDM vans, trucks and cruisers out there now; basically if you put your mind to it anyone can do it. As far as I know there is no easy way to get a decent Cruiser from Europe, other Asian countries or the Americas without going there yourself, buying it and arranging for shipping. I have found overseas export dealers for LHD Land Rovers but not Cruisers.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see these trucks, and I don’t have a problem with them or anyone owning them (in fact I have friends that import Toyota vans), but RHD isn’t to everyone’s liking.

 

[crushers]

there are blind spots in any vehicle that has a roof and doors. A,B,C pillars as well as your passengers head in either RHD or LHD units.
the blind spots in a RHD are quite extreme when turning right and you have to check over your shoulder (especially if you have a passenger present).
pulling out from a parking spot has never caused me to have a problem (use your mirrors, it works)
mergening o a freeway has never been a problem for me either since i look well before i need to do the merge (plan ahead)
passing on a 2 lane road can be interesting at times but usually no more difficult than a LHD unit. (farm machinery is slow and big which i was uncomfortable in passing)
agreed RHD isn't for everyone and i will take this a step further, some people should NOT buy a RHD. period.

there has been enough discussion about bringing in your own JDM and the profit savings as well as the risks involved so i won't go there (do a search)

you make some good points.

cheers

 

[Rusty]

I'm not set against the idea of bring in a Cruiser over, I think that I will do so myself in the end. Like so many others and Rstl99, I love my diesel Cruiser but it died and I want to replace it, there are no real choices in the matter.

I thought about rebuilding my motor and using it in a clean US Cruiser but I would rather have the options associated with a JDM rig. Since I know a reputable licensed importer I will use one, and I know I will have to wait to fill my order.

Before I would go ahead with buying one though I would like to investigate using my HJ60 parts to convert the HJ61 to LHD. I know its been done but I can't seem to find answers to my questions on the forum. I don't want to change the nature of this thread so if anyone could help me out could you post replies here?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=96584

Thanks All

 

[rstl99]

RHD is only truly advantageous if you’re a rural Postie!
... Vehicles were designed for this market with LHD for a reason.
... It would be nice if, as others suggested, someone worked at finding a different source for these machines that are LHD.
...Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see these trucks, and I don’t have a problem with them or anyone owning them (in fact I have friends that import Toyota vans), but RHD isn’t to everyone’s liking.

Hi Rusty, and thanks for that post, which helps to balance out the issue of advantages and disadvantages of owing RHD vehicle. I also see it as largely disadvantageous, for all the reasons you and others have mentioned. On the other side of the ledger, a rust-free, relatively low-mileage, full featured Land Cruiser such as we have never seen here. For most people (especially those who have invested in a RHD Cruiser), the pluses seem to win out over the inconveniences, but it's not for everyone obviously.
I know a guy in N.S. who has imported specialty vehicles from Europe (he has family living over there). I should ask him if he's aware of a relatively easy way of bringing in LHD Cruisers from there, and what the supply is like.
Cheers, all!
--Robert
p.s. I sold last year a rust-free civilian LHD Land Rover 110 station wagon (too truck-like and the 2.5 n/a diesel was underpowered), which I had picked up in Labrador. Certainly was nice to own a rust-free specimen...

 

[expat]

Hi rstl99!

I realize that you had a RHD Landy, but have you actually driven a RHD Cruiser? The mirrors are AWESOME on my HJ61; as good as or better than a big rig. No kidding. I get into my wifes Caravan, or my friends cars, or a rental car and I feel BLIND.

Can't speak for the other models...

Mike

 

[rstl99]

Hi Mike. No, my 110 was left-handed, so it was not an issue at all. Actually, on a 110/Defender, the driver ends up sitting quite close to the door on a LHD version, the way the place the steering wheel etc. I found it a little cramped driving it, unless the window was down and I had my arm resting there. So even though it was LHD, there were some ergonomic issues there (not to mention the very truck-like ride!).

Indeed, good mirrors can make a lot of difference.

Well, maybe I'll have a chance to test-drive one of those RHD Cruisers at some point, and make my own opinion about the pros and cons (which are obviously subjective and vary from person to person).

Cheers!