Shopping for an HDJ81...in Japan
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It looks really clean both in and out and especially underneath. I agree that the speaker set up is lame. I would source new window controls before I left Japan and plan of replacing those and getting something that fits with the stock grills, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Isn't the rule for importing trucks 25 years? Wouldn't that push you back into the '93 model? Or are you factoring in the time you will for sure still be in Japan? Or do i have the 25 year thing wrong?
Isn't the rule for importing trucks 25 years? Wouldn't that push you back into the '93 model? Or are you factoring in the time you will for sure still be in Japan? Or do i have the 25 year thing wrong?
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FMC80
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You're absolutely correct on the 25-year law. I got orders to remain in Japan for another 3 years but with the way my career is progressing, the time may reduce to 2 or even a little less. I don't want to incur too much risk so I am looking for a 1995 built early in the CY. Being as this one in articular was built in Oct '95, it's just a few months too young. I can store it and ship it at my own expense but that's not an option I want to exercise.
I'm glad I passed but it is a nice looking rig and it only sold for $9600 USD or 1,070,000 yen
Factory rear tire carrier is mounted to the body and therefore can end up with problems, like any vehicle that mounts to the body. After the Blazer I owned, and the issues with it, I actively AVOID any body mounted tire carrier.
Also keep in mind that if you go older than 95, you don't get the "better" 24v diesel anymore.
As for the extra tires, i highly doubt he did that often, but when trying to sell a vehicle, why not toss everything in the back?
Also keep in mind that if you go older than 95, you don't get the "better" 24v diesel anymore.
As for the extra tires, i highly doubt he did that often, but when trying to sell a vehicle, why not toss everything in the back?
FMC80
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- #86
Good point on the tire carrier. I'm a bit split. Definitely not looking to pass on a truck solely for not having one thing over another. And I'm aware of the 24v vs 12v engine but I haven't driven either so I wont know what I'm missing-Ha! As far as the tires go, I still wouldn't do it, especially when trying to sell it. Use an old blanket, tarp, or towel! HAhaahha, I guess I am anal to a degree.
Yes. You are anal.
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A 23+ year old vehicle. If you are expecting it to be assembly line condition then I think you should adjust your budget.
I’m not saying you have to settle for a ragged out dig but you just passed on a $9600 white HDJ81 because the wheels and tires were laid down on the carpet without a tarp or something underneath them. White 80s are arguably the most sought after because they are single stage paint and don’t have the clear coat issues of a 23+ year old vehicle.
Man, that thing was clean and cheap! Everything that you found fault with was easily reversible. Must be nice to be able to be super picky, though. I would've paid $10K+ all day for it!
Can you bring the vehicle in to the US and wait a year or two to register it if it is not at the 25 year mark, or is that not an option?
Can you bring the vehicle in to the US and wait a year or two to register it if it is not at the 25 year mark, or is that not an option?
FMC80
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- #89
I passed on the Vehicle as soon as I saw the date of manufacturer. All the other things may be minor things to someone but I’m trying to make a decision by analyzing only photographs.
I appreciate your inputs and certainly will learn from potentially poor decisions. I may be hyper critical for trivial things but my decision was not a bad one. Like I said, the vehicle was too young anyway.
I can’t bring it without it being 25 years old by month and year. If the vehicle is 24yrs11montha old, I have to either sell it, store it for a month and then pay out of pocket to have it exported.
Otherwise, if it’s 25 and older, the government will pay everything on my behalf.
FMC80
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- #90
Saw this bad boy driving around base from time to time. Seemed like we were always going in opposite directions. Finally saw him parked yesterday, didn't have time to talk to him but I did snap a few pics. Never saw the side-view mirrors mounted like that before, I like it.
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Why is the firewall black on that ‘95?
I like it, and it doesn’t strike me as a repaint, esp with the doorjamb having the OE black above the windowline on the B-pillar.
Are black firewalls / engine bays a norm on the JDM 80’s?
Aside from that - is a 10/95 80 too close to when you could possibly PCS out of Japan for the 25yr window?
I like it, and it doesn’t strike me as a repaint, esp with the doorjamb having the OE black above the windowline on the B-pillar.
Are black firewalls / engine bays a norm on the JDM 80’s?
Aside from that - is a 10/95 80 too close to when you could possibly PCS out of Japan for the 25yr window?
FMC80
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- #92
I'm not sure if the black is normal. As far as the date, it is too close for me. My orders are for 3 years from June 2018 which puts me into June 2021 departure, BUT I will also be competing for a developmental spot next year. This is what puts me into a more complex situation. If I get selected (I more than likely will), I may leave anytime in 2020....OR I may still leave in 2021...OR I may stay until 2023! So lots of unknowns unfortunately. I will hedge my bets and stick with the first quarter of CY 1995 or older and I'll be safe.
Those mirrors would suck, the first branch you encounter would tear them off and damage the fenders.
FMC80
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FMC80
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It hasn't hit the auction yet, but would appreciate your feedback on this based on the pics...It isn't locked, has rust on the back but the rest looks clean, interior looks really nice but is the carpet original? doesn't much matter to me unless beneath is something I need to be concerned with. It has low KMs at 152K, it is a 1993 model but Non-Turbo...
Thanks all, I'm going back to work but will periodically check in.
Thanks all, I'm going back to work but will periodically check in.
The upholstery pattern is different than the US spec 80. It looks to be a diesel, which I am unfamiliar with but it's clear someone detailed it. I would check for common leaks and other issues.
White is the easiest color match on these and a new hatch will only run you about $400 shipped and you could load up a pallet for only another $300.
The undercarriage is spectacular. I am surprised by the rust but I bet more is hiding under the rear sliding window trim too.
Looks like a good candidate to me, pending how much you want to spend.
White is the easiest color match on these and a new hatch will only run you about $400 shipped and you could load up a pallet for only another $300.
The undercarriage is spectacular. I am surprised by the rust but I bet more is hiding under the rear sliding window trim too.
Looks like a good candidate to me, pending how much you want to spend.
FMC80
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Matt,
Thanks for the response. I’ve been researching like a mad man these last few weeks and I’m surprised I only just now found out there are non-turbo diesel variants. I did a quick internet search during my lunch and couldn’t find anything on a HDJ81 HD engine.
Unless there is a compelling reason for me to get after this one, I think I will pass. I don’t know anything about this engine and there isn’t a whole lot to go on.
It seems like there are a lot more of these over there. I would be patient. The longer you wait, the newer the truck you will be able to import.
You are feeling the market out right now and when the right truck comes along, you'll know. Keep in mind the only place that got the diesels was Japan and Australia. Almost everyone else got the 1FZ-FE. Just keep that in mind when it comes to a parts supply. I would be far more inclined to import a truck if I had any hope at all in just ordering parts from my people.
I guess I don't see the business reason to deny people parts for cars that they are obviously still driving. I mean between the original $42,000 price tag and the $13,000 in parts that I bought from Toyota, you gotta think they think that is pretty good. They got way more money out of me than pretty much all of the other car companies, combined. That said, I can't have Chuck or Kerry just order me in a pile of diesel parts, at least not the way I understand their system to work the way it does. I don't think they can even get the parts drawings.