Response to Recent Post and Company Perspective
Hey everyone—I was really surprised to see this post about me and my company, and I want to share my perspective with the Mud family, as well as clarify some missing facts.
Summary of My Position
First and foremost, I want to briefly summarize my thoughts on this matter, emphasizing both accountability and civility for those who may not wish to read further. As the founder, I accept responsibility, and my company also accepts responsibility when mistakes occur. Anyone in business understands that issues can arise; what truly matters is how you respond. We have always responded to any concerns raised and have documentation to support this.
I have never intentionally misled anyone or sent out a Land Cruiser with a known issue. Some original parts are no longer available, as most of us know, so we source as many as we can from Japan, the Middle East, and Australia to ensure genuine OEM parts. Where we can't we have to use aftermarket
The cruiser referenced by ERC is owned by Mr. M, with whom I have been in contact since the issue was reported. While we cannot control how a cruiser is used, I agreed to repair the identified items at our new facility and offered to pay for freight both ways. The owner then chose not to respond and sought assistance from a closer shop. ERC joined MUD primarily to post about issues with this older build as a mechanic. He contacted me directly, I answered his questions, and returned his calls.
Regarding Svsiu’s situation: this involved a non-restored cruiser, which the owner knew had not been restored and was purchased at a low price for his son. It was a refresh, not a full restoration as he wanted something in 3 months. Nevertheless, I paid his bill (to the client) for issues on a non-mechanical rebuild sold as-is—a gesture not many would extend.
Concerning ADK46r: he is not the owner of the HJ61 LHD 24v 5-speed manual cruiser (my dream vehicle), which was sold to his friend. This cruiser was intended as my personal vehicle and was still in the shop when they came to view another one. I explained that it was not quite finished, as I prioritize our clients’ projects over my own. The buyers then persuaded me to sell my personal cruiser.
ADK46r was responsible for inspecting the cruiser before his friend decided to buy. We had lengthy conversations about various topics, and he traveled to our location with the buyer to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for over two hours. They test drove it and described it as “incredible” and one of the rarest available. We went to lunch together, everyone was happy, and any punch list items were addressed and documented with photos and videos. ADK46r encouraged his friend to buy, and the sale was completed. Later, after filling the tank, it was discovered that the vent hose was missing, which caused a fuel leak.
Although it was difficult to see these posts within the Mud family, I am confident in my character and values, as are many other members. Not everyone will have all the facts before speaking, not everyone will be kind, and not everyone will like you. However, I am proud to say we are continuously improving, learning from every issue, and always standing behind our work.
Hey everyone—I was really surprised to see this post about me and my company, and I want to share my perspective with the Mud family, as well as clarify some missing facts.
Summary of My Position
First and foremost, I want to briefly summarize my thoughts on this matter, emphasizing both accountability and civility for those who may not wish to read further. As the founder, I accept responsibility, and my company also accepts responsibility when mistakes occur. Anyone in business understands that issues can arise; what truly matters is how you respond. We have always responded to any concerns raised and have documentation to support this.
Background and Company History
I have proudly been a Mud member for 15+ years, gaining from and contributing to the forum. My passion for Land Cruisers and the community inspired me to start this business. Elite Land Cruisers has been operating for over a decade and has completed more than 50 genuine restorations. Achieving this is not possible by neglecting quality or customer care. I can provide references from numerous satisfied clients whose vehicles have required no additional attention. In fact, we are currently expanding our operations to offer dedicated service, maintenance, and repairs exclusively for our clients.Addressing Reported Issues
The engine issue that was recently mentioned is actually the first such problem ever reported to us. Our engines are rebuilt in a professional laboratory and returned to us, but in this instance, the lab reportedly made mistakes with the assembly. I notified them, and they addressed the error with the specific employee responsible.I have never intentionally misled anyone or sent out a Land Cruiser with a known issue. Some original parts are no longer available, as most of us know, so we source as many as we can from Japan, the Middle East, and Australia to ensure genuine OEM parts. Where we can't we have to use aftermarket
Quality, Value, and Business Practices
As other members have noted, similar restoration projects can take three years and cost up to $250,000—our shop delivers comparable results for about half that cost. We are a small team and do contract out some work, employing a few dedicated individuals who support their families through this work. However, we assume full accountability even when subcontractors make mistakes.Clarification of Recent Events
Let me clarify the details: the write-ups referenced are not from the actual vehicle owners and therefore do not reflect the communication and offers to help that were made. The V8 swap mentioned is not our work; we do not perform those conversions. Assumptions have been made and shared without confirmation.The cruiser referenced by ERC is owned by Mr. M, with whom I have been in contact since the issue was reported. While we cannot control how a cruiser is used, I agreed to repair the identified items at our new facility and offered to pay for freight both ways. The owner then chose not to respond and sought assistance from a closer shop. ERC joined MUD primarily to post about issues with this older build as a mechanic. He contacted me directly, I answered his questions, and returned his calls.
Regarding Svsiu’s situation: this involved a non-restored cruiser, which the owner knew had not been restored and was purchased at a low price for his son. It was a refresh, not a full restoration as he wanted something in 3 months. Nevertheless, I paid his bill (to the client) for issues on a non-mechanical rebuild sold as-is—a gesture not many would extend.
Concerning ADK46r: he is not the owner of the HJ61 LHD 24v 5-speed manual cruiser (my dream vehicle), which was sold to his friend. This cruiser was intended as my personal vehicle and was still in the shop when they came to view another one. I explained that it was not quite finished, as I prioritize our clients’ projects over my own. The buyers then persuaded me to sell my personal cruiser.
ADK46r was responsible for inspecting the cruiser before his friend decided to buy. We had lengthy conversations about various topics, and he traveled to our location with the buyer to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for over two hours. They test drove it and described it as “incredible” and one of the rarest available. We went to lunch together, everyone was happy, and any punch list items were addressed and documented with photos and videos. ADK46r encouraged his friend to buy, and the sale was completed. Later, after filling the tank, it was discovered that the vent hose was missing, which caused a fuel leak.
Post-Sale Communication and Resolution
ADK46r then called my team, despite not being the owner, and spoke to them in a highly inappropriate manner, including the use of foul language and derogatory terms related to their national origin. This was an extremely distressing experience for my team. He threatened to damage our reputation online over a missing $12 hose and fittings. We sent the necessary parts to the owner, who fixed the issue easily, despite not having mechanical experience. I had also offered to send my mechanic or bring the cruiser back to ensure any other concerns could be addressed, but the owner did not respond. There was also a request for a tool kit, which was not included in the sale, and we have not heard back from the client since.Commitment to our Clients and Community
Have we made mistakes or missed items (thousands of parts and tasks) involved in restoring a Land Cruiser? Yes. Have we taken responsibility and made things right? Absolutely, and this will always be our approach. With each project, we strive to improve. We produce high-quality work and offer great value in our restorations.Although it was difficult to see these posts within the Mud family, I am confident in my character and values, as are many other members. Not everyone will have all the facts before speaking, not everyone will be kind, and not everyone will like you. However, I am proud to say we are continuously improving, learning from every issue, and always standing behind our work.
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almost 80k, that's insane. Poor soul would have been so much better off getting a legit truck from