As the owner of an HDJ81VX, let me share some of my "lessons learned":
Check the "usual suspects"; the big end bearings, the timing belt and water pump. Check for leaks around the sunroof.
One of the "big" issues with my TLC was the aftermarket electronics. Being a JDM from Japan, the install work wasn't bad at all, but there was a lot of it, and some of it (alarm system, for example) was completely shot.
Expect to spend at least $3000 on the tail end of the purchase. You're going to need tires, and if you live in Texas, get prepared to post #metoo when you go to pay the taxes. Don't bother arguing with them that it's a point of sale state.
Between $1200 for KO2's, and $1000 for the taxes, I spent another grand replacing the Air Box (thanks to a good deal from another Mud member) and another $800 getting the sun roof squared away. Beyond that, there will be some nickel and dime items (lights), but if you buy a solid HJ from a reputable dealer, you're not going to be knee deep in a project you can't afford. There are other little headaches, like getting people to realize that the VIN isn't American, but that's small concern if you plan on doing most of your work yourself.
Get familiar with the items that wear on the TLCs. I've had a couple very common problems - presently addressing the "shift lock", and after that, some weepy seals on the turbo intake. Be ready to buy these things from Australia or Japan, but don't hesitate to contact guys like Cruiser Corps, Cruiser brothers, or even Toyota.
Almost to the end, but get ready to get looks and questions *all the time*. I can't leave the driveway without someone taking their camera phone out to get a picture.
I suppose it's worth mentioning that I've got about 7000 miles and almost exactly 1.5 years behind my HDJ. It's not a rock-crawler, but it's been off on a few adventures and holds up great. After purchasing it, I drove it to Toyota for a full service and inspection, because let's face it: any used car comes from Missouri - so show me. It was returned with an astonishingly clean bill of health, and any time I get talking shop with enthusiasts, they're floored by the craftsmanship and cleanliness of the rig.
Finally, Steve doesn't need any help promoting himself, but here's my experience with LandCruisersDirect:
Top notch.
What you aren't seeing in this petty exchange is nearly two years of emails in which Steve answered questions for us about finding the right rig, or him coming in on a Sunday to meet up so we could check his HJ's out. You won't hear that he pointed out every little cracked hose, every blemish or spot of rust, or the fact it didn't have e-lockers.
You won't read here that he stands absolutely by his trucks, because the guys criticizing him don't know that he does. They probably don't have the import paperwork, the odometer certificates, or the port declarations sitting in their office. I do, because Steve gave them to us with the purchase.
Anyone who knows me or my work knows that I'm extremely difficult on reviews. I don't set out to prop people or things up, I set out to establish the room for improvement. I like testing things to failure before I give them my say so.
I hope this acts both as a useful addition to the buyer's guide, as well as an endorsement for an exceptional importer... of whom we talked to three before finally settling on LCD to do our business with.
Cheers,
Aaron
