Shopping for an HDJ81...in Japan

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I agree with the way the discussion just went to 70’s.
But even those we have LHD 70’s (most with rust) - readily available from CA.

I can bounce into CA & buy a RHD diesel 80 every day of the week, between inspection, paperwork & import pay a ~$1500 surcharge & wait 10-30 days.

I’d sooner bring in quality 1/2 cuts for the motor/trans, stop there.
I’m just not enthusiastic about RHD’s - but I live an hr from CA, see ‘em routinely whenever I choose to drive up there. They bring over a ton of RHD’s.

But if you find a creampuff 80 you like, no better place to give RHD some road time & be used to it when you bring it back state-side.
 
Qball said:
A smart person learns from his or her mistakes, a wise person learns from other people mistakes.......
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True but all things are relative, especially subjective opinions of others. Thanks for your wisdom.
 
cruiserdan said:
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.
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Thanks for your input, I've been out of the states for 4.5 years now, so haven't been researching any of the markets. I'm trying to find one between 100-180 KMs and I'm sure they're out there but I have to be patient. The process in finding my ride will be underway next week. I'll definitely post the results.
 
LINUS said:
I agree with the way the discussion just went to 70’s.
But even those we have LHD 70’s (most with rust) - readily available from CA.

I can bounce into CA & buy a RHD diesel 80 every day of the week, between inspection, paperwork & import pay a ~$1500 surcharge & wait 10-30 days.

I’d sooner bring in quality 1/2 cuts for the motor/trans, stop there.
I’m just not enthusiastic about RHD’s - but I live an hr from CA, see ‘em routinely whenever I choose to drive up there. They bring over a ton of RHD’s.

But if you find a creampuff 80 you like, no better place to give RHD some road time & be used to it when you bring it back state-side.
Click to expand...


Thanks for your input, like I mentioned in a previous post, I've been outside of the states for about 4.5 years now so your intel helps me deliberately take steps toward an informed decision. I was stationed in Phoenix AZ for about 10 years and never saw any RHD LCs of any generation. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough? I saw a lot of rice burners though! Anyway, thanks and I'm definitely hoping for that cream puff. Hopefully an originally unique paint job without rust and good overall condition.
 
I should clarify CA = Canada in my post.

Any of us who live S of Vancouver, B.C. or the USA/CA border in general see ‘em.
 
I had a RHD 70 Series with a Manual transmission. It wasn’t a big deal at all. It actually was easier to parallel park with it. And I taught my kids how to drive stick with it. They sat in the passenger seat and shifted while I controlled the clutch. Once they had that down they jumped behind the wheel. Piece of cake.

Drive thrus are fun with a passenger. As for passing with one, slow down and enjoy the ride.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a RHD Land Cruiser.
 
baldilocks said:
The only real way to learn anything is to do
it and see how it works for YOU.
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That can't be true, I unfortunately know lots of people that haven't done anything and they claim to know it all! :confused:
 
mudgudgeon said:
An 80 is better in nearly every way, unless you need a load carrying workhorse, or you are talking a current gen 76, 78, 79.

I've never understood why 70s are so revered by north American mud members
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because we cant get them? i have 9 80s in my yard right now, you know how many 70s are within 50 miles of me? zero, thats how many. a current muscle car is better in every way from a 60s model yet people still want the classics.
 
cruiserdan said:
Exactly. :)
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The rarity/non-availability definitely helps increase the collective yearn, but I also think the fact that the 7x series is the longest run of any cruiser (so better parts availability) coupled with the fact that it is a more stripped out/non "luxury" version also drastically increases the appeal. It certainly does for me at least.

Rust-free, mid-wheel base, removable top, diesel 7x series - one day you will be mine. Until then I am very luck to enjoy both an 80 and a 40.
 
Bludozer said:
The rarity/non-availability definitely helps increase the collective yearn, but I also think the fact that the 7x series is the longest run of any cruiser (so better parts availability) coupled with the fact that it is a more stripped out/non "luxury" version also drastically increases the appeal. It certainly does for me at least.

Rust-free, mid-wheel base, removable top, diesel 7x series - one day you will be mine. Until then I am very luck to enjoy both an 80 and a 40.
Click to expand...

Yeah, cool. I get that. Seems like even 80s are a bit of a novelty in USA?
 
Don't be discouraged by the snowflakes here that are afraid of driving a rhd vehicle. It takes no time at all to get used to it. As mentioned, enjoy the drive, take your time when passing or making left turns.

Drive thrus are still doable by just unbuckling your seatbelt and leaning over, but if the ability to use a drive thru effectively is actually a concern, you could probably use the walk in to get your junk food anyway.

Bonus: driving a lifted truck from the right side means your ability to check out seatbelt-boob in neighbouring cars is greatly enhanced.
 
mudgudgeon said:
Yeah, cool. I get that. Seems like even 80s are a bit of a novelty in USA?
Click to expand...
Definitely. Rarely ever see them...and to be clear I would never give up my 80 for any kind of 7x series :flipoff2: too attached at this point, but adding one to the stable is something to dream about.
 
Bludozer said:
Rust-free, mid-wheel base, removable top, diesel 7x series - one day you will be mine. Until then I am very luck to enjoy both an 80 and a 40.
Click to expand...

Like this? :)
20170829_195851.webp
 
Not to pile on.....:rimshot:
20171027_080803.webp
 
I never understood what the problem some people have with RHD. It took 15 minutes to get used to and now I actually prefer it. Wiper blinker thing is the only issue when I jump from car to car. Its fun to see peoples reaction when they think my dog is driving. Im so used to driving either side that I can go to any country and just go without the learning curve. Drive through a problem? I have this thing called an arm and so does the drive through employee. reaching has never been a problem at a drive through or a toll booth.

Then there are the people that say that overtaking maneuvers are difficult and dangerous due to the limited line of sight. I call bull****. I drive a Diesel cruiser and I get overtaken and not do the overtaking :flipoff2:

Honestly the only people who complain about it are generally people who either have not driven a RHD or simply lack the driving skills :flipoff2::flipoff2:

Take this chance to get a really clean nice cruiser and import the biatch. Make it 4 :D Then enjoy the hell out of it. You live in Japan so driving a RHD is not an issue whatsoever for you. 70 series? Ill take an 80 over that any day.
 
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