Understanding Import Cruiser Prices
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I don't know Riddler, but I don't think he is bitter about diesel Cruiser's.
Every offroader regardless of vehicle make or model should have a healthy respect for diesels. The only thing is that eveything has it's price.
In life you pay extra for convience (paying an importer) and uniqueness (getting a HD81). Those of us that are more frugal or strongly consider the economics of things will not pay for this.
That is why if you want a "rust free" low KM truck with all the offroad options I would get an LX450 (in Canada they came fully loaded w/ lockers). I think it's safe to assume they don't have rust they run from 15 - 22 K and trust me they have never been abused by the original owner.
But, if you "want" a unique diesel, you'll have o pay for it. I think that is the main factor, or the people buying the imports don't do research on different market prices. In Toronto a cruiser or an LX450 is 4 -5 K$ less than in BC and Alberta.
Every offroader regardless of vehicle make or model should have a healthy respect for diesels. The only thing is that eveything has it's price.
In life you pay extra for convience (paying an importer) and uniqueness (getting a HD81). Those of us that are more frugal or strongly consider the economics of things will not pay for this.
That is why if you want a "rust free" low KM truck with all the offroad options I would get an LX450 (in Canada they came fully loaded w/ lockers). I think it's safe to assume they don't have rust they run from 15 - 22 K and trust me they have never been abused by the original owner.
But, if you "want" a unique diesel, you'll have o pay for it. I think that is the main factor, or the people buying the imports don't do research on different market prices. In Toronto a cruiser or an LX450 is 4 -5 K$ less than in BC and Alberta.
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- #43
didn't se the sencond page 
I'm like the guy that enters the coversation in the middle and doesn't know what the hell is going on...
...but makes a comment anyway.
Carry on.
I'm like the guy that enters the coversation in the middle and doesn't know what the hell is going on...
...but makes a comment anyway.
Carry on.
HZJ60 Guy
Tank Buster
Well, Im going to buy myself a BJ74 (or a HZJ74) in the near future.
Those things are KILLER!
TB
Those things are KILLER!
TB
crushers
post ho
the HZJ73 is going to be an expensive unit even with higher than normal klicks on it. they are hard to find for sale even in rough shape.
the HZJ77 is probably going to be more expensive than even the HDJ81s that will be coming in.
cheers
Wayne "dreaming of a turbo'd, PI, HZJ77 full load"
<drool>
the HZJ77 is probably going to be more expensive than even the HDJ81s that will be coming in.
cheers
Wayne "dreaming of a turbo'd, PI, HZJ77 full load"
<drool>
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Woooow down thier fellas, thats a lotta reading.
I believe Pimp is correct in his statement and I also think the rare BJ42s are going for more money in this last year than I have ever seen them sell for.
Personally I think the BJ42s that are so rare 1983/84 should hold and gain value over the years, same for the late model FJ40 especially 83.
With the gaining popularity of importing and the easy access due to the web, I think thier will be a large influx of importers which will bring the pricing down. We are already seeing this with BJ74s, they were over twenty not long ago, today you can find a nice unit for around 14000.00.
Heck I found one in Japan for 3000.00 Canadian today, would make a nice bush rig for that kinda cash. Cable lockers and the typical everything full load.
My 2 pennies
I believe Pimp is correct in his statement and I also think the rare BJ42s are going for more money in this last year than I have ever seen them sell for.
Personally I think the BJ42s that are so rare 1983/84 should hold and gain value over the years, same for the late model FJ40 especially 83.
With the gaining popularity of importing and the easy access due to the web, I think thier will be a large influx of importers which will bring the pricing down. We are already seeing this with BJ74s, they were over twenty not long ago, today you can find a nice unit for around 14000.00.
Heck I found one in Japan for 3000.00 Canadian today, would make a nice bush rig for that kinda cash. Cable lockers and the typical everything full load.
My 2 pennies
crushers
post ho
so what have you seen BJ42s sell for?
what do you describe as "nice"?
what do you describe as "nice"?
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crushers said:
A non frame off resto I did a couple of years ago and sent to New York sold in LA for around 24000.00US.
I thought that was pretty good since I sold it for 15800.00US three years prior.
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Hey Wayne, no disresspect to you in fact I think the service importers offer is worth the price.
You guys will take the bullet if you get a bunk truck, plus you do all the paperwork and take the intial risk on the vehicle.
A known company contacted me trying to sell me a HJ61 that hit Vancouver with some issues for 16000.00???
You guys will take the bullet if you get a bunk truck, plus you do all the paperwork and take the intial risk on the vehicle.
A known company contacted me trying to sell me a HJ61 that hit Vancouver with some issues for 16000.00???
crushers
post ho
hummm, maybe i should get back into the restoration side again...
i feel the more BJ44s and BJ46s come in the less value for the BJ42s. there will be a very small market for the BJ42s.
congrates on picking up Gords BJ42...
cheers
so what do you describe as "nice"
i feel the more BJ44s and BJ46s come in the less value for the BJ42s. there will be a very small market for the BJ42s.
congrates on picking up Gords BJ42...
cheers
so what do you describe as "nice"
crushers
post ho
of course this will drive the price of a properly redone BJ42 up as you say...
$16,000 for a HJ61 with issues? yeouch...
$16,000 for a HJ61 with issues? yeouch...
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crushers said:
Na, you don`t wanna do that dirty old work. I even have considered once Toms project is completed getting out of the bussiness.
Prolly go back to beating nails, finishing carpentry.
Gords truck is the best driving BJ42 I have ever owned, his engine is in like new condition. Just have to deal with some body rust, frame is very clean. Its my daily driver right now and I am loving it.
MY first BJ to achieve 28MPG, which I thought was not possible.
crushers
post ho
yah, he had it here and i was thinking...hummm nice unit and the price is good too but then i want something a bit more rare so i passed. glad to see it went to a good home...
Can I play too? I so rarely come to IH8Mud, I miss out on all the arguments with Wayne. OK,to set everyone straight...
To you Americans that Don't understand the Jap import to Canada Craze...
We've not had a new LC sold in Canada since 1989. Yup, that's 16 years ago. No Cruisers since then. Sure, you could get a LX450 ro 470, but those went for CAD$90,000 new. Out of the league of most of us who want to wheel thier 4x4's. So, the Jap import crowd is fulfilling a glut in the market that Toyota created themselves! To get anything newer than 1989, you've got to import from somewhere. It's USD$1,500 to get an 80 series shipped form the states that's been run at High Speed for High Miles, or pay your premium and get a diesel Jap spec vehicle. Those are the only options we have, really.
To those arguing about Diesel vs. Gas...
As for Diesel vs. Gas, you may or may not save the cost of fuel to offset the cost of the engine. But what you are forgetting is the resale value. You'll get the value out of the diesel at resale time. The savings of fuel is a bonus, and the pure pleasure of driving a high torque, low RPM diesel is the intangible benefit, that most of us would argue is worth well over the $6,000 premium of the diesel. Why buy Nike shoes when you can wrap newspaper around you feet. The economics dictate that newspaper is cheaper, even if you buy a Sunday paper once a week, it's still cheaper than buying a new pair of sneakers. But the point is that the Nike's feel better when you're running, and that's why you pay the premium, and many would argue that it's worth it. There's no comparing the real world performance of a diesel to a gass engine.
And to those that don't know why they are paying the premiums to the importers... I have purchased 2 import TLC's from importers, and here's my perpective. You get to test drive the truck before you buy it!!! The importers are buying off photo's and mechanics reports translated from Japanese. Wayne still hasn't recieved a truck knowing what's coming in the diffs. I remember his first round of trucks that he advertized before they arrived... Not a single one showed up as he said they would. He's receieved trucks with trannies that couldn't make the drive from Vancouver to Calgary, and DOA 24V air conditioners, and had one BJ74's t-case pile up 100 days after he sold it to the guy! With my own junk, I had to replace a clutch that went 2 months after I received the truck (importer or not, there's not much for warranty on a 15 yo truck), both have needed radiators, one needed a starter, the other a vacuum solenoid, and both are burning oil and really need an engine rebuild despite their low kms. With an importer, you greatly reduce your risk. Oh, not to mention insurance. Any idea what happens if the ship your truck is on sinks while it's in transit? It's gone. Bu-bye. Well, I suppose you could have contacted Lloyds of London for insurance, as they're the only one's that will insure that vehicle for you while it's in transit. Risk.
Well, I guess that's if for me. See y'all again in another year or so. Glad I could resolve this for you.
Peter Straub
To you Americans that Don't understand the Jap import to Canada Craze...
We've not had a new LC sold in Canada since 1989. Yup, that's 16 years ago. No Cruisers since then. Sure, you could get a LX450 ro 470, but those went for CAD$90,000 new. Out of the league of most of us who want to wheel thier 4x4's. So, the Jap import crowd is fulfilling a glut in the market that Toyota created themselves! To get anything newer than 1989, you've got to import from somewhere. It's USD$1,500 to get an 80 series shipped form the states that's been run at High Speed for High Miles, or pay your premium and get a diesel Jap spec vehicle. Those are the only options we have, really.
To those arguing about Diesel vs. Gas...
As for Diesel vs. Gas, you may or may not save the cost of fuel to offset the cost of the engine. But what you are forgetting is the resale value. You'll get the value out of the diesel at resale time. The savings of fuel is a bonus, and the pure pleasure of driving a high torque, low RPM diesel is the intangible benefit, that most of us would argue is worth well over the $6,000 premium of the diesel. Why buy Nike shoes when you can wrap newspaper around you feet. The economics dictate that newspaper is cheaper, even if you buy a Sunday paper once a week, it's still cheaper than buying a new pair of sneakers. But the point is that the Nike's feel better when you're running, and that's why you pay the premium, and many would argue that it's worth it. There's no comparing the real world performance of a diesel to a gass engine.
And to those that don't know why they are paying the premiums to the importers... I have purchased 2 import TLC's from importers, and here's my perpective. You get to test drive the truck before you buy it!!! The importers are buying off photo's and mechanics reports translated from Japanese. Wayne still hasn't recieved a truck knowing what's coming in the diffs. I remember his first round of trucks that he advertized before they arrived... Not a single one showed up as he said they would. He's receieved trucks with trannies that couldn't make the drive from Vancouver to Calgary, and DOA 24V air conditioners, and had one BJ74's t-case pile up 100 days after he sold it to the guy! With my own junk, I had to replace a clutch that went 2 months after I received the truck (importer or not, there's not much for warranty on a 15 yo truck), both have needed radiators, one needed a starter, the other a vacuum solenoid, and both are burning oil and really need an engine rebuild despite their low kms. With an importer, you greatly reduce your risk. Oh, not to mention insurance. Any idea what happens if the ship your truck is on sinks while it's in transit? It's gone. Bu-bye. Well, I suppose you could have contacted Lloyds of London for insurance, as they're the only one's that will insure that vehicle for you while it's in transit. Risk.
Well, I guess that's if for me. See y'all again in another year or so. Glad I could resolve this for you.
Peter Straub
crushers
post ho
Peter,
you are right, i have spent a lot of cash fixing things before i can sell them and some in warrenty work. the first contact in Japan cost me much more than he was worth. once you find a good contact they are worth their weight in gold.
it seems that some people don't realise the hidden costs that some importer swallow when the trucks arrive. damages on the train. trucks that come in dirty and must be envio cleaned (flat bed truck with a tarp secured over and around the vehicle to and from the "special" cleaning station) and you pay holding fees till the truck is released.
if you get a custom agent having a bad day and he can lock your truck down with no reason at all so then you are phoning around trying to find out what is wrong with the truck only to find out that nothing was wrong, he locked down the wrong vehicle.
loose spare tires in the back can sometimes be accepted and if the customs agent decides they are contraband then you get a black mark as well as a $2000 fine AND you need to figure out how to get rid of the tires since the dock people are not allowed to touch the goods and it is not the customes job to dispose of the offending contraband.
there is hidden costs that have stopped some of the lower end importers from keeping on in business. there has been quite a few that have caved under the costs and pressure.
i am getting depressed just writing this.
cheers
you are right, i have spent a lot of cash fixing things before i can sell them and some in warrenty work. the first contact in Japan cost me much more than he was worth. once you find a good contact they are worth their weight in gold.
it seems that some people don't realise the hidden costs that some importer swallow when the trucks arrive. damages on the train. trucks that come in dirty and must be envio cleaned (flat bed truck with a tarp secured over and around the vehicle to and from the "special" cleaning station) and you pay holding fees till the truck is released.
if you get a custom agent having a bad day and he can lock your truck down with no reason at all so then you are phoning around trying to find out what is wrong with the truck only to find out that nothing was wrong, he locked down the wrong vehicle.
loose spare tires in the back can sometimes be accepted and if the customs agent decides they are contraband then you get a black mark as well as a $2000 fine AND you need to figure out how to get rid of the tires since the dock people are not allowed to touch the goods and it is not the customes job to dispose of the offending contraband.
there is hidden costs that have stopped some of the lower end importers from keeping on in business. there has been quite a few that have caved under the costs and pressure.
i am getting depressed just writing this.
cheers
Howdy! Well, a little late on this, but I tought just for conversation there is another 1997 HZJ75 out there, legally titled/insured in BC. I have seen it before, and the owner told me he bought it from Northern Toyota in Prince George (who bought it from ENS) - but I guess the guy (middle man) had a contact at ENS. ?? He did say it was legally isured and I did see his papers (I didnt believ him so he showed me). GUess a guy gets in big trouble now if that is even wispered around ENS. 
Tell you one ting, I wouldnt want to argue with ICBC over it if ever an accident cause they will probably make things hard! Not sure if insurance in AB is better for that.
johnny
Tell you one ting, I wouldnt want to argue with ICBC over it if ever an accident cause they will probably make things hard! Not sure if insurance in AB is better for that. johnny
What is ENS? And what happened to the LJ73? What is the story?
Man I have a lot of questions don't I.
Man I have a lot of questions don't I.
crushers
post ho
yes, Mike has the other 1997. once it is registered then he is fine. he did not do anything illegal. he did not evade the law. i did not do anything illegal and i have chatted this over with the insurance company and they have a record of the discussion in my file and i have a copy. i am totaly registered legaly.2rivers said:Howdy! Well, a little late on this, but I tought just for conversation there is another 1997 HZJ75 out there, legally titled/insured in BC. I have seen it before, and the owner told me he bought it from Northern Toyota in Prince George (who bought it from ENS) - but I guess the guy (middle man) had a contact at ENS. ?? He did say it was legally isured and I did see his papers (I didnt believ him so he showed me). GUess a guy gets in big trouble now if that is even wispered around ENS.
johnny
Bruce's LJ73 was a mess of illegalities (not his fault at all, he was blindsided by a crook in Edmonton) that iritated Customs to the point that he could not win. it also had an illegal serial # attached.
there is a big difference from changine the serial # to register a vehicle from legaly registering the origianl serial # through the right channels( through a loop hole that no longer exists).
one is legal the other crooked.
if i am not mistaken, Bruce is still paying for someone else's deceit.
cheers
Wayne
