Import a 75 series Grey Market Question

[Mattyboy]

Question for the brain trust. I am looking at importing a 1999 BJ75. My question is the vin doesn't show the build date, and the first registration is 01/2000 on the current owners title. If I search the vin, it comes up as built 3/99 which would make it eligible to import march of 2024. If I have to wait for the date of first registration its not worth it. I have imported a BJ70 from Costa Rica 8 years ago so I am familiar with the process.
I am worried that after spending 20k to get the truck stateside that the website vin search won't be valid proof of build date. I called one broker so far and they said that would work ans be ok. I know there are guys that are on here that have experience in these nuances with importing trucks. Can someone point me to a broker with experience with old Toyota's? A few pics of the last two cruisers just for attention
Thanks Matt.

 

[coldtaco]

Import is based on manufacturing date. So you should be ok.

 

[coldtaco]

I would assume customs knows how to verify manufacture date. Put it on the paperwork and let customs verify if they want to

 

[Honger]

I always import based on build date for the VIN, NOT the first registration date.

 

[Mattyboy]

I always import based on build date for the VIN, NOT the first registration date.

@Honger, NHTSA says the date must be on a data plate or listed on paperwork as first registration. It makes no mention of a vin checking website that lists it as 3/99 will work. I called two brokers today one said yes, list date of manufacture as 3/99 and let customs figure out. The second one said it can't be done. My understanding loving wife is just crazy enough to let me bring a truck home, but would murder me if I tie up 20k at a port somewhere. I'm just not sure they will allow the web searched build date to be the authortative evidence needed. My BJ40 was log past 25 years when I brought it home.

 

[SNLC]

I have done it multiple times. Toyota didn’t list build date on any non-US 25yr old 70-series.

You have the build date, put it on the paperwork and ship it. Don’t overthink this or worry to much.

Cheers

 

[prwillard2]

@Honger, NHTSA says the date must be on a data plate or listed on paperwork as first registration. It makes no mention of a vin checking website that lists it as 3/99 will work. I called two brokers today one said yes, list date of manufacture as 3/99 and let customs figure out. The second one said it can't be done. My understanding loving wife is just crazy enough to let me bring a truck home, but would murder me if I tie up 20k at a port somewhere. I'm just not sure they will allow the web searched build date to be the authortative evidence needed. My BJ40 was log past 25 years when I brought it home.

When I imported mine I put down the build date via toyodiy. I just checked both data plates on my truck, neither has a build date with a month/year stamped on it. Just a year.

 

[Honger]

@SNLC and @prwillard2 said what I was gonna say... no date on non-US vin plates that old.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

1999 is a little late for a BJ75.

BJ75/BJ7x production ended around 1992.

Either it is an early 1990s 75 Series that went unregistered for years, or a late model 75 Series with a misidentified engine.

A VIN number check is necessary.

Registration update is not a problem if the truck complies with the 25-year rule, complete with the original engine. A misidentified engine can be a problem: during import, anyone can raise a red flag arguing that engine and vehicle do not match, which renders importation impossible.





Juan

 

[Mattyboy]

Hello,

1999 is a little late for a BJ75.

BJ75/BJ7x production ended around 1992.

Either it is an early 1990s 75 Series that went unregistered for years, or a late model 75 Series with a misidentified engine.

A VIN number check is necessary.

Registration update is not a problem if the truck complies with the 25-year rule, complete with the original engine. A misidentified engine can be a problem: during import, anyone can raise a red flag arguing that engine and vehicle do not match, which renders importation impossible.





Juan

The VIN starts with JT1VHZJ that tells me its got a 1HZ engine it. The pictures I've seen confirm that. Its a 75 series for sure, maybe not a a BJ variant. I will do some more research and then pull the trigger.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

When I imported mine I put down the build date via toyodiy. I just checked both data plates on my truck, neither has a build date with a month/year stamped on it. Just a year.

Mine has the year also in English. Not positive what it has in Arabic opposite the year but it's two words. I used the month from Toyodiy also and didn't have any issue but any month in 1994 would have worked for me.

 

[janyyc]

My 2008 HZJ76 had neither a year nor a month on the VIN plate… Canadian customs obviously accepted a VIN lookup as nothing else could be furnished.