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

 

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.

 

I wonder how many times you'll jump in the wrong side . My uncle has a 58 chevy with the steering wheel on the right side, is a blast to drive

 

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'm curious as to the power of a 2.4 litre Turbo diesel. Did you check out their LC page? There are some serious LC machines there! Curious as to how easy/hard it woud be to find a LHD and get it U.S.-legal. This enquiring mind needs to know.

 

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.

 

if you want a place to import from here you go-

http://www.batfa.com/

 

Do you think they could get me a set of them Hilux Surf fender flairs?
Thanks

 

AAAAAAAH!!

http://www.batfa.com/usedcar-supra97black.htm

 

I " S E E " your point !

 

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?

 

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.

 

Not to mention drive-throughs, ATMs, and toll booths...

 

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

 

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

 

I'd get one of these:

 

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

 

Dont get a red one. that red interior is plum nasty ugly looking! lol

 

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.

 

I think the ultimate would be to get a dual cab hilux and the same gen. 4runner with LHD and do a full swap. someday...