Importing HZJ73 from Ecuador to USA

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Thanks all for your wisdom and insight (and bitch slapping LOL). It's up for sale here locally. I did use the term shipper but they were also on the Registered Importer list from NHTSA. Left messages over the weekend and no call backs yet. Ultimately the writing is on the wall. I only have 3 weeks before I leave Ecuador so getting it all greenlighted before would have probably been impossible. Maybe just maybe I could sell this one and get an older model that meets the 25YR rule... I got the 70 series fever for sure.
 
You can not go wrong with an early 90's, 1HZ powered MWB 70 Series.
 
Any Canadians on this forum want to buy mine?

I just got it washed, hoping the car dealers will appreciate it when I ask them if they will buy it.

IMG_0335.webp


IMG_0334.webp


IMG_0333.webp


IMG_0332.webp


IMG_0331.webp
 
Just got through to one of the Registered Importers (CA based). I said "2000 Land Cruiser" and he automatically thought I had a 100 series and said "it's on the list" so I had to correct him that I had a 70 series. He said 7 months and at least 12 grand with no guarantee that it would ever be imported. The EPA test alone is 3 days long and 7K USD.
 
Not sure what the going price is in Ecuador but if it is well maintained and a rust free undercarriage/body, i would think you could make a little money shipping it north and selling it in Canada....or ship it to the US as parts.
 
63cruiser said:
Not sure what the going price is in Ecuador but if it is well maintained and a rust free undercarriage/body, i would think you could make a little money shipping it north and selling it in Canada....or ship it to the US as parts.
Click to expand...

I paid $15K USD which should be a little "under value" for Ecuador as import taxes and vehicle prices are high here. I did look into importing into Canada but I would need to be a citizen and/or a permanent visa.
 
PolarIce said:
Just got through to one of the Registered Importers (CA based). I said "2000 Land Cruiser" and he automatically thought I had a 100 series and said "it's on the list" so I had to correct him that I had a 70 series. He said 7 months and at least 12 grand with no guarantee that it would ever be imported. The EPA test alone is 3 days long and 7K USD.
Click to expand...

I asked this same RI why the JDM with RHD are getting imported and he said "they're not" but don't some of you guys have JDM models?
 
Sell it to a Canadian importer. You may even find one who might do a swap for an older 7* series and cash difference
 
PolarIce said:
I asked this same RI why the JDM with RHD are getting imported and he said "they're not" but don't some of you guys have JDM models?
Click to expand...

Yes we do. They are over 25 years old.
 
25 yrs or older to import. Other wise you will have to get at least one crashed by the gov to test that it meets crash standards. Then also needs to pass a official EPA emissions test. These and other things need to meet the DOT and EPA requirements for the build year. Not having a drivers airbag automatically will disqualify your rig, unless you pay who knows how much money to get an airbag to work, of course this would involve crashing it to prove it passes. So, you will need at least two rigs if not more, two for one. It sucks I know.
 
PolarIce said:
I asked this same RI why the JDM with RHD are getting imported and he said "they're not" but don't some of you guys have JDM models?
Click to expand...

There are Nissan Skylines, 70-series Landcruisers, Land Rover Defenders, and lots more in the USA that are here illegally, and there's even guys bragging in online videos about their ill gotten booty. (Not a wise move, IMO, to publicly state, on the record, for everyone to see, that you're a criminal.)

But the gubmint is out there, lurking.......

jalopnik.com

The Feds Just Seized 40 Land Rovers Imported To The U.S. - Jalopnik

Some 40 Land Rover owners across the U.S. woke up Tuesday morning to police and federal investigators knocking on their doors and demanding they hand over their trucks. Officials say it's part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the illegal importation of Land Rovers into this country...
jalopnik.com jalopnik.com
www.caranddriver.com

The Government Killed an Original Mini Cooper in the Name of Safety [w/ Video]

The car wasn't old enough to be here legally and therefore was obliterated. Watch the painful video and find out why these laws need to change at Car and Driver.
www.caranddriver.com www.caranddriver.com

There's lots more videos and articles. Most of us have decided it's not worth the risk.
 
PolarIce said:
Just got through to one of the Registered Importers (CA based). I said "2000 Land Cruiser" and he automatically thought I had a 100 series and said "it's on the list"
Click to expand...

BTW, if you did want to bring in a less than 25-year old 100 series, it is on "the list", meaning that an RI could legally modify it for you (without destructive testing and the costs that come with that), and you could legally import it to and own it in the USA. The 80-series Landcruiser is on "the list" also. Last I checked, it was only the IFS 100-series on "the list", not the much cooler and we can't have them 105.
 
gilmorneau said:
BTW, if you did want to bring in a less than 25-year old 100 series, it is on "the list", meaning that an RI could legally modify it for you (without destructive testing and the costs that come with that), and you could legally import it to and own it in the USA. The 80-series Landcruiser is on "the list" also. Last I checked, it was only the IFS 100-series on "the list", not the much cooler and we can't have them 105.
Click to expand...

Hmmm wonder what it would cost to get a HDJ100 on the road here then and by that logic why not a VDJ200 ?
 
W
joekatana said:
Hmmm wonder what it would cost to get a HDJ100 on the road here then and by that logic why not a VDJ200 ?
Click to expand...
Wouldn't the V8 be subject to the other government organization with three letters (EPA)?
 
joekatana said:
If the 1hdtfte from the HDJ100 can come in I wouldn't see why the VDJ in the 200 should be any different ?
Click to expand...
People a lot smarter than me would have to make that determination. :)
 
joekatana said:
Hmmm wonder what it would cost to get a HDJ100 on the road here then and by that logic why not a VDJ200 ?
Click to expand...

Those are non-import engines. Not happening. The only ones you'd have a chance with are the gassers.
 
joekatana said:
Hmmm wonder what it would cost to get a HDJ100 on the road here then and by that logic why not a VDJ200 ?
Click to expand...

Best bet on the 100 would be to call a Registered Importer and ask what's involved. If I were to guess, I'd say you'd be OK re: things like crash-worthiness, but would need to have speedo, lights, and maybe some other minor-ish stuff modified by your RI. The biggest expense might be with EPA (emissions), especially for a non-USA spec motor. But I'm not an RI--I'm just speculating.

The 200 is a whole other ballgame. It's not on "the list". Which means you'd start from nothing. You'd need to petition the government to determine that the 200 you want to import is "substantially similar" to the US version (which it probably is, but it might get expensive proving it). Then the government would need to certify it eligible for import through a Registered Importer. No idea what that involves, but I'd be very curious to know.

For reference, "the list" is here:


I see that copy is dated 2015--there's probably a more up-to-date one somewhere.

Note that there are only 2 Landcruisers listed (100 and 80). Somebody's sure been busy getting Mercedes certified, though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom