Would it be worth importing?
- Thread starter ockyway
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Lots of people like pickups. Doesn't look like a rust bucket. Its only money!
Looks like a Middle East truck?
Do yourself a favor….go under the truck, grab a driveshaft in gear….see how much slop you have front and rear. Twist it left , tight, up and down. Look at the drain plugs for the differentials and trans/transfer… see if they’re so boogered up need to weld on a nut to get them out. Look at the steering knuckles up front for leaks…heavier than typical leaks. Look at the wiring ends where they meet their respective components for slices, splices, and raw open twisted together.
Amazingly, these freakin land cruisers run well thru all of that but fixing them properly will make them run well into another century. Here’s why; in some countries these trucks are run very hard. Wear in the driveline components is a costly repair. Feel free to PM me if you want to know HOW I KNOW THIS!!!
Not a virgin anymore, as they say
Amazingly, these freakin land cruisers run well thru all of that but fixing them properly will make them run well into another century. Here’s why; in some countries these trucks are run very hard. Wear in the driveline components is a costly repair. Feel free to PM me if you want to know HOW I KNOW THIS!!!
Not a virgin anymore, as they say
“Worth it” is a hugely broad range (I try to bring an appraisers mentality here sometimes although I do not appraise vehicles). It describes TWO aspects: 1) financial, both It’s “market” value once in the US (common definition) but us “Mud People” : ) (or an appraiser) don’t have enough condition information to provide much insight OR the cost to import from where? AND 2) the second more I’m important definition of value: Value to YOU or intrinsic value; and only you can answer that and tends to be a range generally tied to one’s disposable (to play with) assets. You sometimes see various posters scoff at others expenditures on Mud as they tend to see from there own perspective. (I paid $800 for my 45swb 1980? And had to make payments!)
So there is your technical answer… my actual “Mud Person” non-appraiser answer is that I would much rather purchase a lived in more obviously beat up Landcruiser than one “restored” to dubious quality with concealed condition issues… so if you have the cash and it seems a reasonable cost to import to you go for it! I love 45’s.
So there is your technical answer… my actual “Mud Person” non-appraiser answer is that I would much rather purchase a lived in more obviously beat up Landcruiser than one “restored” to dubious quality with concealed condition issues… so if you have the cash and it seems a reasonable cost to import to you go for it! I love 45’s.
- Thread starter
- #7
Lots of people with plenty of knowledge and experience have given some great advice. That’s what this community is all about: helping people find the right Cruiser and keep it running.
Now I will rant for a minute.
It sounds to me like you are thinking of buying this truck to flip it for a profit. If that’s the case, it’s my opinion that you are taking advantage of people’s generosity by having them assess the truck for you. If your plan is to import the truck and sell it, do your own research instead of getting other people to do the heavy lifting. If you don’t know enough about these trucks and what they might sell for in North America, maybe it’s not the best idea. If it’s something you’re really interested in doing, hang around here a bit, get to know some folks, do some reading, and decide if it’s ultimately worth the risk.
Rant over.
Now I will rant for a minute.
It sounds to me like you are thinking of buying this truck to flip it for a profit. If that’s the case, it’s my opinion that you are taking advantage of people’s generosity by having them assess the truck for you. If your plan is to import the truck and sell it, do your own research instead of getting other people to do the heavy lifting. If you don’t know enough about these trucks and what they might sell for in North America, maybe it’s not the best idea. If it’s something you’re really interested in doing, hang around here a bit, get to know some folks, do some reading, and decide if it’s ultimately worth the risk.
Rant over.
You're right @diesellibrarian, there are people who act as you described it and their very first thread is just about business.
Perhaps should the MUD, the greatest Cruiser site globally, borrow some ideas from our brothers in regional Cruiser sites (e.g. the German and the French, even the tiny Greek one): an introduction of the new member is required before he becomes an active member, especially in the business sector of the site...
Last edited:
Again appraiser chiming in.. everybody n his/her brother thinks they will make money flipping houses. Most don’t, those that do typically one spouse is a contractor the other a real estate broker. In comparison to vehicles if one had experience importing vehicles as well as a professional mechanic or very experienced hobbiest (as many are here including me) “maybe”. But as numerous failed flippers (and friends) have told me.. there are easier/ less risky ways to make side gig money!
I really like the packing tape holding the right indicator together. Ship it to America, put it on BaT with no reserve (to generate excitement), emphasise the packing tape 'patina' and it could easily sell for us$50,000.
All you need is two guys who want that 'patina' in the 'last 2 minutes'. Stranger things have happened.
All you need is two guys who want that 'patina' in the 'last 2 minutes'. Stranger things have happened.
Patina? Perhaps.
Not sure is factory paint though...