What is LC VXR?

[bctlex]

So I been semi serious looking for another LC or LX. I saw this last night. 2001 LC VXR in Louisville. It is unlike any LC I have seen. Notice the different front bumper, grille, tail light, and the little hood ornament.

Is VXR model means it was sold outside of US, then it was imported here?

Toyota land cruiser VXR

 

[hoser]

Looks to me like a lot of owner added accessories and decals.

 

[feddomw]

So I been semi serious looking for another LC or LX. I saw this last night. 2001 LC VXR in Louisville. It is unlike any LC I have seen. Notice the different front bumper, grille, tail light, and the little hood ornament.

Is VXR model means it was sold outside of US, then it was imported here?

Toyota land cruiser VXR

VX-R is Middle East and/or Australia name for the spec, or that is how they are sold there. I think it's GX for base model, VX for mid, VX-R for high options. But the steering wheel on the "right" side means it's not Australian, and the hood ornament indicates GCC spec. So Qatar or Dubai would be my bet. But then again it has seat heaters, which are not very common in the Middle East.

I have a VX-R imported from Dubai to Europe. With any luck yours has the OEM sub-tank, too.

The VX-R model is generally considered LX470, like in the EU where the LX was never sold.

Compare to my VX-R:

 

[hoser]

Also has speedometer in "MPH."

 

[varythings]

^ That's the kicker. I'm with you, owner added stick ons.

 

[feddomw]

Good catch on the MPH!

I don't know how things are in the US, but it would seem easier to switch out a dash/speedo (I have done this on BMW's but not LC's) than add the other parts. The hood ornament is not something you stick on. Nor is the grille (with the winch cutout?) or the rear spoiler. The VX-r badge is original too.

But there is a simple solution: ask the VIN and type it in Toyodiy. The modelcode and specs will literally tell you where the vehicle is originally from.

The falconry pic (why?) also indicates Middel East to me, btw.

Last question: does it matter? If technically sound and the price is OK, who cares?

 

[varythings]

I don't see why owner would go to the expense and trouble of swapping the cluster just to get MPH over KPH, but maybe. If so, would the odo be part of that swap? eg, are the miles correct? If not, you have a huge negotiating factor since title should indicate milage discrepancy which greatly reduces value. @bctlex, keep us posted once you get the VIN, I'd be interested to know the truth.

 

[onemanarmy]

I'd be slightly concerned about the legality of the import, if it is indeed a true VX-R. Not 25 years old.

Easy to source the badges and trim from the interwebs.

 

[feddomw]

I don't see why owner would go to the expense and trouble of swapping the cluster just to get MPH over KPH, but maybe. If so, would the odo be part of that swap? eg, are the miles correct? If not, you have a huge negotiating factor since title should indicate milage discrepancy which greatly reduces value. @bctlex, keep us posted once you get the VIN, I'd be interested to know the truth.

Agree 100% and also interested in truth. But it would seem just as unlikely that any US owner of a US car would go to great expense and effort to obtain non-US parts and mount them to his car. Even on the interwebs, the bumper/grille is not cheap. And the ornament needs 3 holes in the hood.

But it's a simple "find out". Get the VIN. And ask him if it's a US car, why the hell it has all those non-US parts. Who in their right mind mounts that kind of stuff if not original? I dig my own VX-R, because it's totally left-field here in the EU, yet original/OEM.

 

[feddomw]

I'd be slightly concerned about the legality of the import, if it is indeed a true VX-R. Not 25 years old.

Explain please, for non-US mudders? EU regulations for cars are (generally) way more stringent than in the US, and even we allow cars from abroad into the country(ies) if brought along as personal items in a move or whatever. I saw someone driving with Virginia plates today in an Acura. In Holland. Acura was/is never sold here.

I would assume that the US would accept a car that is clearly an LC100, of which there are many on the road in the US?

 

[n55luvr]

US has horrible import laws on vehicles. Vehicle has to be all stock and over 25 years old.

I was just reading an article about a guy trying to bring back his Land Rover that was produced in 88 but had a motor from '91. Gov't seized it and will crush it assuming the EPA wins the legal case under the premise that it is a modified vehicle. Even though the diesel motor from '91 model had more smog parts on it and in all likelihood was a cleaner running motor.

 

[onemanarmy]

Explain please, for non-US mudders? EU regulations for cars are (generally) way more stringent than in the US, and even we allow cars from abroad into the country(ies) if brought along as personal items in a move or whatever. I saw someone driving with Virginia plates today in an Acura. In Holland. Acura was/is never sold here.

I would assume that the US would accept a car that is clearly an LC100, of which there are many on the road in the US?

NEVER ASSUME.

Our car import laws are completely retarded. Strictly based on greed and congressmen that can be bought, and not common sense.

Just do some reading about the Land Rover import debacle.

Luckily, most of the seized Rovers were returned to the owners, but not all, and some are still stuck in limbo.

Vehicle has to be at least 25 years old for consideration for import into US, if that model was never sold here. (by the VIN designation) Which, when you think about it, makes absolutely no sense. If it was about safety and emissions (which they claim) then the govt should want the newest and safest and cleanest cars on the road, not 25-30 year old carbeurated models

 

[onemanarmy]

US has horrible import laws on vehicles. Vehicle has to be all stock and over 25 years old.

I was just reading an article about a guy trying to bring back his Land Rover that was produced in 88 but had a motor from '91. Gov't seized it and will crush it assuming the EPA wins the legal case under the premise that it is a modified vehicle. Even though the diesel motor from '91 model had more smog parts on it and in all likelihood was a cleaner running motor.

There is a good article on Jalopnik about this. He is still fighting it, and has a good lawyer on his side.

 

[bctlex]

I don't see why owner would go to the expense and trouble of swapping the cluster just to get MPH over KPH, but maybe. If so, would the odo be part of that swap? eg, are the miles correct? If not, you have a huge negotiating factor since title should indicate milage discrepancy which greatly reduces value. @bctlex, keep us posted once you get the VIN, I'd be interested to know the truth.

I think I am not in the market for right now. We are trying to sell our house and move, so common sense really need to prevailed here. This one is really one of a kind that I have seen on CL - I have spent way too much time on CL . If it does have a sub-tank, that would just be awesome in my book. We love our current LC, but the 24 gallon gas tank is just too small imo.

EDIT - I hope someone buy this car quickly. I may change my mind, but I know my wife most likely will kill me haha

 

[hoser]

US has horrible import laws on vehicles. Vehicle has to be all stock and over 25 years old.

There are exceptions to the 25 year rule and IFS 99-06 Land Cruiser is one that was added to the list fairly recently. I have not pursued it any further due to my lack of interest of importing a UZJ100. If I could import a HDJ100, I'd be more inclined.

 

[feddomw]

There are exceptions to the 25 year rule and IFS 99-06 Land Cruiser is one that was added to the list fairly recently. I have not pursued it any further due to my lack of interest of importing a UZJ100. If I could import a HDJ100, I'd be more inclined.

Yes, that's why I think this may indeed be an import. No matter what it says on the outside, if you look at the sticker on the B-pillar: UZJ-100
That's the model designation and thus should be OK to import to US.

If it does have a sub-tank, that would just be awesome in my book. We love our current LC, but the 24 gallon gas tank is just too small imo.

Sub tank adds 12 gallons. Here's what to look for, pics from mine (it's awesome BTW):

 

[bhicks]

It came from the United Arab Emirates. I emailed the guy and asked.

 

[feddomw]

It came from the United Arab Emirates. I emailed the guy and asked.

Told you so, guys....

I was thinking that you could probably order it there with a mph speedo anyway. Every third car in the UAE is a 100, they have some experience with them, and many people there are expats who will take them back home at some point....

@ TS: should you check it out, don't be put off by the ugly looking paint in engine bay or even inside panels of doors: they rustproof them there with "tectyl". Looks terrible but protects well.