Shopping for an HDJ81...in Japan

[FMC80]

Mudders,

It's been a while since I've posted and it's the first time I've posted in the 80s section. I dropped off because of several back-to-back travels with work and my wife convinced me to stop obsessing over the 100/200 series and snap back into reality. I was actually prepping to buy a 100/200 series thinking I'd be getting orders back stateside but that was a risk I was willing to take; not my wife though. Turns out she was right, I got orders from Okinawa Japan to Misawa Japan. Okinawa being a beautiful, tropical paradise and Misawa being the complete opposite but equally charming in it's own way.

I'm excited and since I'm in Japan already, I thought I'd just buy a 25+ y/o 80 series diesel and bring her back with me when my next tour is up. I've read through the FAQs, cost of ownership, and some of the common pitfalls.

Here's what I need your help with. Is it worth it. I know this is a relative question and arguably a poor one to ask. Here's the deal; decent rigs are priced between 12-14K USD. These are no rust, low-ish miles (approx 100K miles), 4x4, with good interiors and exteriors, mechanically sound etc. There are much worse choices for cheaper but I'd rather measure twice and cut once.

I keep going back and forth with this decision because I've spent $500 on rides here and not much more. I've become used to it. So dropping about 14K USD is a difficult choice for me. The vehicle I'll potentially buy for that amount will be 25-27y/o...that means every washer, nut, gasket, packing, bearing is 25-27y/o!

Am I crazy? On the other hand, I think it'll be fun owning a JDM 80 series diesel. I think the unique factor of bringing it to the states one day and trailing with it is exciting. I love the LCs and the 80 series may in fact be one of my favorites above all. I'm almost regretful I didn't jump on this 3 years ago when I first got here.

Any advice or better logic and reasoning is appreciated. Sorry for the long post, wanted to offer a little background.

Thanks!

Pred

 

[Desert Dino]

ITS RH nightmare

 

[Red Merle]

If they were LHD, I would say they are worth it. RHD doesn't seem that awesome to me though. You would have to back through a drive-thru window and if you live in an area with a lot of two lane roads that get used heavily by things like logging trucks, passing could be terrifying since you really can't see what's ahead until you are already committed to pass and I can't imagine that the diesel versions of these trucks are any faster than the gas ones.

The age wouldn't bother me though as long as you figured out how you were going to source your parts. These trucks last a very long time and something in good condition could easily last another 25 years.

 

[cruiserhound]

Edit: Very true as other are stating, they are RHD. That's a bit of a problem, unless you work for the USPS!

You should by a lower mile, excellent condition rig. I don't know what it cost to ship back to the states but if it is reasonable I wouldn't think twice. I'm pretty sure the resale value of a pristine diesel fj80 is in the high teens to $20k+. As far as your concern with washers, nuts, gaskets, etc., I wouldn't worry about it as long as it is rust free and gets driven every once in a while you'll be all set. If you are confident in being able to know what issues to look for as far as prior maintenance and previous accidents then go for it. If you haven't bought many vehicles bring a mechanic buddy with you. Good luck! You can always post pictures to the mud members and we'll surely give you our two cents.

 

[baldilocks]

The only real way to learn anything is to do
it and see how it works for YOU.

 

[Desert Dino]

I have RHD windshield weepers and RHD mirrors and man it sucks

 

[Desert Dino]

duplicate

 

[DSRTRDR]

on a 40 series, things are even older

 

[FMC80]

ITS RH nightmare

Not too worried about the RHD, I hardly ever use drive-thrus and if I really need to, I'll park and walk. Thanks for the input.

If they were LHD, I would say they are worth it. RHD doesn't seem that awesome to me though. You would have to back through a drive-thru window and if you live in an area with a lot of two lane roads that get used heavily by things like logging trucks, passing could be terrifying since you really can't see what's ahead until you are already committed to pass and I can't imagine that the diesel versions of these trucks are any faster than the gas ones.

The age wouldn't bother me though as long as you figured out how you were going to source your parts. These trucks last a very long time and something in good condition could easily last another 25 years.

Thanks for your input, I'm have several more years before I retire and you bring up a good point about small two lane roads. I'm in the USAF and work directly with Logistics and have people all over the world who can help me source specific parts if required, good points all around.

Edit: Very true as other are stating, they are RHD. That's a bit of a problem, unless you work for the USPS!

You should by a lower mile, excellent condition rig. I don't know what it cost to ship back to the states but if it is reasonable I wouldn't think twice. I'm pretty sure the resale value of a pristine diesel fj80 is in the high teens to $20k+. As far as your concern with washers, nuts, gaskets, etc., I wouldn't worry about it as long as it is rust free and gets driven every once in a while you'll be all set. If you are confident in being able to know what issues to look for as far as prior maintenance and previous accidents then go for it. If you haven't bought many vehicles bring a mechanic buddy with you. Good luck! You can always post pictures to the mud members and we'll surely give you our two cents.

Thanks for your input as well. I worry about the little things as those are what I commonly ignore or get passed me. I'm not worried about resale but it is a factor worthy of discussion and deliberation for me. Seems like all the "hot" vehicles are trending high these days for whatever reason. Not sure if the 25 year rule is better known in this region or what but LC prices have soared lately. Same with Supras, R32s, Sylvias, etc.

The only real way to learn anything is to do
it and see how it works for YOU.

True, but also worth asking other's opinions who've lived through it!

I have RHD windshield weepers and RHD mirrors and man it sucks

I love it. Been doing it for several years. It's going to be fun getting used to LHD again.

 

[Marine7]

I’ll say this......”to this day I kick myself in the arse for not bringing back a diesel 80 on Uncle Sams nickel while I was in Japan”! Go for it.... if you get it here and change your mind... sell it for a profit! Good luck, and Thank You for serving!

 

[FMC80]

I’ll say this......”to this day I kick myself in the arse for not bringing back a diesel 80 on Uncle Sams nickel while I was in Japan”! Go for it.... if you get it here and change your mind... sell it for a profit! Good luck, and Thank You for serving!

It's my honor to keep serving and thank you as well! I am about 90% certain I'm going to go through with this. Since I'm on an island south of mainland Japan, I'm going to commission a guy who goes to weekly auctions in Tokyo and surrounding areas to find me the perfect 80 for me. He charges for his services but he inspects the vehicles through and through. He even performs the pre-inspection, looks for rust, etc. He is a certified mechanic and registered with the police so he is legit. I hope he is able to find one for me by the time I make it to Misawa. I'm getting excited just thinking about it! Thanks for the reply.

 

[Marine7]

It's my honor to keep serving and thank you as well! I am about 90% certain I'm going to go through with this. Since I'm on an island south of mainland Japan, I'm going to commission a guy who goes to weekly auctions in Tokyo and surrounding areas to find me the perfect 80 for me. He charges for his services but he inspects the vehicles through and through. He even performs the pre-inspection, looks for rust, etc. He is a certified mechanic and registered with the police so he is legit. I hope he is able to find one for me by the time I make it to Misawa. I'm getting excited just thinking about it! Thanks for the reply.

If you ever get to Okinawa, a good friend and fellow Marine lifer runs the JROTC program there. His name is Brent Cook (SgtMaj. Retired) Tell him GySgt U. sent you. He probably has thousands of connections in that region. Good luck.

 

[FMC80]

If you ever get to Okinawa, a good friend and fellow Marine lifer runs the JROTC program there. His name is Brent Cook (SgtMaj. Retired) Tell him GySgt U. sent you. He probably has thousands of connections in that region. Good luck.

I'm in Okinawa now and have been for the past 3 years! I might hit him up; thanks again!

 

[Qball]

I have RHD windshield weepers and RHD mirrors and man it sucks

A smart person learns from his or her mistakes, a wise person learns from other people mistakes.......

 

[inkpot]

I’ll say this......”to this day I kick myself in the arse for not bringing back a diesel 80 on Uncle Sams nickel while I was in Japan”! Go for it.... if you get it here and change your mind... sell it for a profit! Good luck, and Thank You for serving!

I was stationed on Taiwan for 3 years. When I rotated to CONUS, I took delivery of a brand new Datsun 240Z from Japan, but it was LHD U S Specs, and Uncle Sam paid to ship it to me stateside. Not too many folks had ever seen one out on the East Coast back in .... 1972 !

 

[JohnVee]

@slceso Any advice for the man?

 

[Marine7]

I was stationed on Taiwan for 3 years. When I rotated to CONUS, I took delivery of a brand new Datsun 240Z from Japan, but it was LHD U S Specs, and Uncle Sam paid to ship it to me stateside. Not too many folks had ever seen one out on the East Coast back in .... 1972 !

I remember when the 240Z was THE RIDE! They had a magic power of making panties fall off! (I heard that somewhere)
I don’t know wtf I was thinking when I was over there! Why I didn’t snatch up a Cruiser I’ll never know! My last tour in Oki was 1990.

 

[clx16]

If you talk to ZeGerman, he will talk you in to bringing back 2.

Almost beautiful HDJ81

 

[cruiserdan]

These days finding an 80 in The US with around 100,000 miles on it is a tall order. You are damn fortunate to find one with less than 200,000 miles on it. Right hand drive is no big deal. I've had a RHD Cruiser for almost 5 years.

 

[Jaymes]

I know that its late in the game, but as a fellow service member I would love to be able to import one of these on Uncle Sams dime, take advantage of this amazing chance. I would love to get a HDJ, my dream vehicle...