Selling the 4Runner to import a Hilux Surf?
11-20-2004, 06:37 PM
#1
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Posts: 3,587
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Selling the 4Runner to import a Hilux Surf?
I've been toying with this idea for awhile now.
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs.
I spoke with him in person awhile back and inquired about them before he had them available. The prices are amazing, the conditions of the engines and trucks are outstanding aswell.
Would this be a wise choice? Finding parts and support would be quite a chore if I were to import a Japanese specific diesel engine would it not?
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs.
I spoke with him in person awhile back and inquired about them before he had them available. The prices are amazing, the conditions of the engines and trucks are outstanding aswell.
Would this be a wise choice? Finding parts and support would be quite a chore if I were to import a Japanese specific diesel engine would it not?
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
11-20-2004, 07:01 PM
#2
Contributing Member
Two quick thoughts:
- Driving a vehicle with controls opposite to convention isn't a picnic. I've done it in England (LHD) and America (RHD), and at times found it unsafe especially when overtaking.
- Parts and service are difficult to find and expensive. I've owned grey market cars tuned to EU specs, and when they needed something it usually involved down time waiting for outrageously priced parts.
My 2¢. For DD use, I'd pass. For a pleasure use toy, maybe.
- Driving a vehicle with controls opposite to convention isn't a picnic. I've done it in England (LHD) and America (RHD), and at times found it unsafe especially when overtaking.
- Parts and service are difficult to find and expensive. I've owned grey market cars tuned to EU specs, and when they needed something it usually involved down time waiting for outrageously priced parts.
My 2¢. For DD use, I'd pass. For a pleasure use toy, maybe.
. My uncle has a 58 chevy with the steering wheel on the right side, is a blast to drive
11-20-2004, 08:05 PM
#4
Registered User
Having the gear shifter on the left I think would take to getting used to. I've always wondered about getting a diesel LHD 3rd Gen imported from europe. I can't seem to find any specifications on the diesel engine they used in the 3rd gen though. It sure would be nice to get the torque and fuel economy of a diesel. European vehicles also get things like the rear fog lights and side turn signal indicators.
I was looking at having these guys import one: www.redcougar.ca .
Now if only I could afford to import it... always nice to dream
Cheers
I was looking at having these guys import one: www.redcougar.ca .
Now if only I could afford to import it... always nice to dream
Cheers
11-20-2004, 08:05 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Scofco
I've been toying with this idea for awhile now.
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs....
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs....
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
11-20-2004, 08:24 PM
#7
Contributing Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UTAH
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trending Topics
11-20-2004, 08:57 PM
#8
Contributing Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Tigard, Oregon
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Scofco
I've been toying with this idea for awhile now.
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs.
I spoke with him in person awhile back and inquired about them before he had them available. The prices are amazing, the conditions of the engines and trucks are outstanding aswell.
Would this be a wise choice? Finding parts and support would be quite a chore if I were to import a Japanese specific diesel engine would it not?
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
There has been a local company importing LandCruisers from Japan for a number of years now. He has recently expanded into the Hilux Surfs.
I spoke with him in person awhile back and inquired about them before he had them available. The prices are amazing, the conditions of the engines and trucks are outstanding aswell.
Would this be a wise choice? Finding parts and support would be quite a chore if I were to import a Japanese specific diesel engine would it not?
Here is a link to the Hilux Surf page so you can see what I mean:
http://www.outbackimports.ca/hilux.html
Thanks
11-21-2004, 04:37 AM
#9
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 4,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
11-21-2004, 04:49 AM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SoCal
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fiveofeen
its not fun driving a RHD car in the US. try to pass someone on a 2 lane road and your life will flash through your eyes.
I " S E E " your point ! 
11-21-2004, 05:15 AM
#11
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 4,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, unless those things have turbos I don't think you'll be doing any passing anyway... And thats why you have a hot co-pilot to let you know if another car is coming! I want that 80 soooooo bad. Oh well... we all need dreams don't we?
And thats why you have a hot co-pilot to let you know if another car is coming! I want that 80 soooooo bad. Oh well... we all need dreams don't we?
Last edited by turboale; 11-21-2004 at 05:16 AM.
11-21-2004, 08:55 AM
#12
Registered User
yes we do, i drove a couple RHD triumphs of my dads over the years, and its strange, maybe cause i'm in a car the size of a go-cart when i was doing this that i was so scared of an accident.
11-21-2004, 09:44 AM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Willington, CT
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fiveofeen
its not fun driving a RHD car in the US. try to pass someone on a 2 lane road and your life will flash through your eyes.
11-23-2004, 03:29 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fresno
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I were to go through all that trouble I would get the hilix model that is 1/2 4runner 1/2 truck that was not availible here in the US.
to 99% of the people they would just think it's a 4runner, the truck thingemijigger would turn some heads.
the desil motor is definetly cool though
to 99% of the people they would just think it's a 4runner, the truck thingemijigger would turn some heads.
the desil motor is definetly cool though
11-23-2004, 04:22 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Southern Nevada
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After owning and driving a RHD '74 diesel Land Rover for a number of years, I can only speculate on how difficult it must be to pass on a 2 lane road. Of course, I never had that problem......if you weren't listening it was a '74 diesel Land Rover .........unless there's a stalled out vehicle in front of you, you ain't passing much
11-23-2004, 06:02 PM
#17
Registered User
canada is lucky because they're much, much looser on their import laws when it comes to bringing in a vehicle.
for us guys in the US, it's not even worth considering
for us guys in the US, it's not even worth considering
11-23-2004, 07:14 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: north carolina
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dont get a red one. that red interior is plum nasty ugly looking! lol but it be cool to drive on the wrong side of the car. but i do agree it could also be dangours if put in a fast or tight situation.
