In search of a 100 series in Canada(or to import)

First off, hello all and thanks for creating such a cool and useful forum. I'm a complete novice when it comes the Landcruiser, though I've always admired them from afar. I've decided it's (hopefully) time to change that, and I've decided the 100 series is likely where I'd like to be sitting (though truthfully I may end up with a 1st gen sequoia because of price and availability).

As the title says, I'm trying to get an LC or LX 470, but they are basically non-existent in my neck of the woods (Toronto), so I'm looking for advice on how to go about getting one.

I think importing from a southern state is likely my best bet in terms of getting one that isn't rusted out... But I have no idea how to go about this, especially because travelling cross border is not an option for me.

Has anyone had experience importing a LC from the US? Is it possible to do it without actually physically going there. I know there are companies that will ship it over, but how should I go about actually BUYING the vehicle?

Anyway, I realize this is both a long winded question and a long winded answer, so I'm not expecting much, just hoping to maybe get pointed in the right direction!

Thanks!

 

[D21FJ60]

I'd say if you're doing importing, look at the middle east or Japan.
Canada has the luxury of vehicles needing to only be 15 years old (or is it 10?) before they can be brought in.

 

[tronman]

I'd say if you're doing importing, look at the middle east or Japan.
Canada has the luxury of vehicles needing to only be 15 years old (or is it 10?) before they can be brought in.

I thought about that but I assume it will be more expensive just based on distance. I also don't want RHD. What middle eastern countries are good for exports? I assume this route would be equally as expensive - is there another benefit I'm not considering?

 

[hickuptruck]

Gone are the days where you could pick up a 2006/07 LX470 with 220k kms for $9-10k in Ontario. That ship has sailed.

If you want right hand drive (I don't recommend at all as you'll be paying a few thousand $/yr in insurance in Ontario), go find a jdm import broker in Toronto. There's dozens.

I see about one or two LXs/LC 100 series a day in Toronto. Owners have all told me they brought it from Alberta/BC. They aren't that rare, but owners hold onto them for quite a long time unlike other cars.

As far as getting one from the south, you'd have to probably get across the border first, or look on the classifieds here and see if there's someone who would make a deal with a Canadian.

 

[tronman]

Gone are the days where you could pick up a 2006/07 LX470 with 220k kms for $9-10k in Ontario. That ship has sailed.

If you want right hand drive (I don't recommend at all as you'll be paying a few thousand $/yr in insurance in Ontario), go find a jdm import broker in Toronto. There's dozens.

I see about one or two LXs/LC 100 series a day in Toronto. Owners have all told me they brought it from Alberta/BC. They aren't that rare, but owners hold onto them for quite a long time unlike other cars.

As far as getting one from the south, you'd have to probably get across the border first, or look on the classifieds here and see if there's someone who would make a deal with a Canadian.

Haha.. yes.. as with most things, I seemed to have missed the boat >

I don't want RHD which is why I've basically ruled out a JDM. There's actually a pretty nice 470 in Windsor for 17k, but it's JDM.

BC and Alberta were my initial thought, but there doesn't seem to be very many.

Has anyone bought a long distance car without looking at it?? Lol. The (north) east coast is not the place to be for cars..

 

[mitchclem]

What is your budget? How old are you willing to go? Mileage? I found mine in Victoria BC, already imported by the previous owner. I see several decent examples of LX470's and 100's come up on this side of the country every month. There are currently 2 that look decent enough to consider on Marketplace in BC right now. I'd recommend finding something that is already in the country and make a fun and interesting road trip out of it.

 

[tronman]

What is your budget? How old are you willing to go? Mileage? I found mine in Victoria BC, already imported by the previous owner. I see several decent examples of LX470's and 100's come up on this side of the country every month. There are currently 2 that look decent enough to consider on Marketplace in BC right now. I'd recommend finding something that is already in the country and make a fun and interesting road trip out of it.

Yes I think you are right. Not sure I can make the road trip though because I've just started a new job and also have a newborn.. and a 4yo.. and a dog... And a wife who doesn't quite share the same enthusiasm for cars as I . But the main reason I want the LC is so that I CAN take everyone + gear on many road trips.

I guess my main concern/confusion is just about logistics. If I buy a BC car and ship it here, how do I go about transferring the title etc? (I'm not really expecting you to spoon feed me an answer here I am just talking.. or typing my train of thought). Of course I know I could go there, except that due to restrictions and mandates etc I would only be able to drive there. Might just have to suck it up and wait I guess... Or buy a Sequoia, hehe

 

[mitchclem]

Yes I think you are right. Not sure I can make the road trip though because I've just started a new job and also have a newborn.. and a 4yo.. and a dog... And a wife who doesn't quite share the same enthusiasm for cars as I . But the main reason I want the LC is so that I CAN take everyone + gear on many road trips.

I guess my main concern/confusion is just about logistics. If I buy a BC car and ship it here, how do I go about transferring the title etc? (I'm not really expecting you to spoon feed me an answer here I am just talking.. or typing my train of thought). Of course I know I could go there, except that due to restrictions and mandates etc I would only be able to drive there. Might just have to suck it up and wait I guess... Or buy a Sequoia, hehe

I hear that! Transfer of ownership in BC is a cakewalk compared to Ontario (I grew up there). Its a signature on the ownership by the current owner, and some vehicle information on a form. That would travel with the vehicle to you, and then you'd just need an Ontario out of Province inspection (same requirements as getting a safety), and you'd be on your way. Downside to this is the vehicle would be sight unseen, and the freight could be hefty to have it shipped. I wouldn't rule out a Sequoia. While most will agree the 100 is superior in build quality, they check most of the same boxes. If it were me, I'd try to find a nice Sequoia locally and save the logistical headache and gamble of having a vehicle shipped to you.

 

[tronman]

I hear that! Transfer of ownership in BC is a cakewalk compared to Ontario (I grew up there). Its a signature on the ownership by the current owner, and some vehicle information on a form. That would travel with the vehicle to you, and then you'd just need an Ontario out of Province inspection (same requirements as getting a safety), and you'd be on your way. Downside to this is the vehicle would be sight unseen, and the freight could be hefty to have it shipped. I wouldn't rule out a Sequoia. While most will agree the 100 is superior in build quality, they check most of the same boxes. If it were me, I'd try to find a nice Sequoia locally and save the logistical headache and gamble of having a vehicle shipped to you.

I'm definitely not ruling out the Sequoia. It was actually my initial search of a local sequoia that led me here! Pretty typical of me to go down a rabbit hole and then decide I need the most difficult thing to find! Haha. I appreciate the info about BC! My sister is currently in Victoria, so if one shows up around there, I may be able to get her to inspect it for me.

I am jealous of all those down south who seem to have quite a few options that are still in great shape!

 

[mitchclem]

I'm definitely not ruling out the Sequoia. It was actually my initial search of a local sequoia that led me here! Pretty typical of me to go down a rabbit hole and then decide I need the most difficult thing to find! Haha. I appreciate the info about BC! My sister is currently in Victoria, so if one shows up around there, I may be able to get her to inspect it for me.

I am jealous of all those down south who seem to have quite a few options that are still in great shape!

There a (seemingly) nice one in Victoria right now. I'll pm you the details

 

[tronman]

There a (seemingly) nice one in Victoria right now. I'll pm you the details

Sweet! Thanks!

 

[clueless2]

Tronman. I have a 2002 100 series in solid conditions (186k miles), that I am looking/needing to sell (previous buyer walked away at last second). I am located in Calgary. Send me an email at spacehead_tx@protonmail.com if you'd like to discuss further. I can send you pics and details

 

[tronman]

Tronman. I have a 2002 100 series in solid conditions (186k miles), that I am looking/needing to sell (previous buyer walked away at last second). I am located in Calgary. Send me an email at spacehead_tx@protonmail.com if you'd like to discuss further. I can send you pics and details

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Amazing! I'll send you an email!