Thinking of importing a 1KD 90 series SWB to Canada, have a few general questions. (1 Viewer)

[sanskimost]

Hello all, I am an Albertan and currently own a 2008 Suzuki Jimny Sierra w/ an M18A swap I imported (pictured below). I've owned it for a couple of months and love it, but it's highway manners are terrible and I've always had my eye on another diesel after getting rid of my L400 delica.

I have been strongly eyeing importing (from Japan) a 5mt 3 door 90 Prado with the 1KD engine, I wanted the more modern DI engine, and the extra power and fuel economy seems superb. I also attached a photo of my ideal spec Prado.

However, I am having trouble finding a conclusive answer on the 1KD's reliability, common faults, and common issues to check on the 90 series chassis (I believe they share common issues with the 3rd? gen 4runner such as the front lower ball joints and such). In my opinion, I would rather spend a few grand to replace injectors rather than a head on a 1KZ, and from some very obscure reading, the JDM 1KDs didn't seem to have the same amount of faults as other markets? I am not worried about parts availability, as the chassis is mostly 4runner, and for body panels/glass, I regularly bring in containers and I am actually opening up a business for JDM parts lol.

 

[KiwiBogan]

In Australia, those 1KD engines are everywhere. 10s of thousands of them sold in Prados, Hi Ace vans and so fourth. So I think it's fair to say they are definitely reliable. I looked into doing an engine swap with 1KD> 1KZ Prado some time ago when I needed a new engine and was completely sold on the idea but couldn't find anyone confident enough to successfully do it. So ended up rebuilding my 1KZ. But my take away from all the research I did was that they're a fantastic engine. They have their weak points like all engines and as long as you're aware of them and keep an eye on them during regular maintenance, you shouldn't have any dramas. I would move ahead with confidence if I were you. Just check the obvious things like injector seals etc are not old and knackered. And if they are, maybe use that as leverage to get the price reduced as they're not cheap to replace as far as I'm aware.