Importing an FJ43 from Colombia - Sander Gielen

[FJ404345]

There are a lot of Fj40, Fj43 and even FJ45's in Colombia. Reading this thread and Chrusher's other thread, one has to realize it's the same in Colombia as elsewhere. See it with your own eyes.

To buy a car or jeep you have to be on top of it to get what you want in the quality you want. Specially with the age of the cars we are so addicted on. Like "chrusher" says is so true ; Never invest money you can not afford to lose.

In Colombia the ideas of restoration are different then in other parts of the world, but it doesn't mean you can't find the real one. It's a long way of searching and to be very patient.

I lived in Colombia for many years and still have my FJ43 there. The last years I only use it once a year on holidays, Although i have other FJ's I always look forward to go, because of the FJ43 length it's such blast to drive. I enclose a picture with it. (the rollers on the bumper for the winch are already added now)

What I paid and invested in it wasn't cheap. It has 98K kilometers with known history of it's former owners. You can still find beautiful FJ gems there.
Arrange the channels of exportation before (!), go there. inspect it en also enjoy the beautiful country of Colombia.

Cheers

 

[crushers]

VERY pretty truck ...
I love the color

 

[skanthack]

I haven't been on the forum in a bit but wanted to report back that I did in fact buy a 1981 FJ43 from Colombia via Sander Gielen and can report that the truck arrived as advertised. I debated the trip down and would have loved to do it but couldn't make the timing work. I agree with most all the comments and advice posted in this thread about seeing, driving and being up under the hood as there were a few little things that I simply couldn't catch from photos and video that I ended up addressing but they were not major items, mostly cosmetic (tail light lenses, some wear on rubber etc.) and me being very picky. Overall Sander was reliable, honest and I'd do business with him again. In fact, Im trying to now... I'd be happy to discuss further with anyone my experiences on the vehicle, importation etc.

 

[CHAS404]

My company Volcan 4x4, LLC out of Tampa, FL and Medellin, Colombia is set up to export and sell Colombia sourced trucks as a full time business. I add this comment to offer more alternatives to Land Cruiser enthusiast buyers not to infringe on Mr. Gielen's business in any way. Volcan 4x4 has a registered export company with the country of Colombia and I just signed export papers to ship our 4th and 5th truck since we started last year. We are on our 9th truck in process. I have sold two FJ43s so far and am working on a third one. My business model is to export high quality trucks in the $30,000 to $60,000 range. We typically spend 30 days completely mechanically reviewing the trucks using our contracted specialists. We do mechanical, paint, interior, custom soft tops etc. I guess it is best to say I am in the business of selling complete Land Cruisers not in the shipping business.

Great 1974 FJ43 in Heath Grey just overhauled for a client. Has a rare fixed metal hard top with metal ambulance doors. Figured you guys would like it. thanks