lurking in the 'wack

[deWinterhaus]

Hi all,
I'm still new and been looking a few weeks and am torn between importing an L400 myself or buying used. Anyone want to offer advice and opinions?
Other helpful info:
I can read Japanese and am vaguely able to speak it.
I'm not picky for features or accessories, but rather want a solid drivetrain.
I am not In a rush and am comfortable tinkering everything but timing belt/chain.
I do lots of welding and can make my own accessories and lifts.

Also, anyone got an opinion on gen 1. Vs. Gen 2 as far as injector pump control? I have read posts on it, but I'm looking for direct exp. Thanks!
Xan

[TieMyShoe]

Welcome

You are buying used whether you buy from Japan or local... however if you buy local you can at least see the product 1st hand before you purchase it. May as well buy it local.

[glenn]

If you are not fussy, and you have some patience and self control, expect to pay about 1/2 what you pay here when you buy at auction for a landed and inspected vehicle. Also expect to assume all the risks of importing. Personally, I'm addicted to the auctions. Plan to replace cooling system when it arrives and build this into your budget. You can spend thousands on mechanical repairs and still end up ahead.

[deWinterhaus]

If you are not fussy, and you have some patience and self control, expect to pay about 1/2 what you pay here when you buy at auction for a landed and inspected vehicle. Also expect to assume all the risks of importing. Personally, I'm addicted to the auctions. Plan to replace cooling system when it arrives and build this into your budget. You can spend thousands on mechanical repairs and still end up ahead.

As well I figured Glenn, the expected stuff from buying a 15+ year old vehicle. You mean the intercooler? And from my estimate, about $3000 on repairs and changes once on site. Sounds about right?

[Tojo]

Intercooler rarely needs anything done to it. Replace the radiator, hoses, coolant overflow if it's faded and cracked which it usually is and the waterpump for sure. I just took delivery of a TigWeld4u radiator with WVO pre-heater and a tig welded overflow bottle with coolant alarm. I tend to do 1000+ km drives at a time so I need a coolant system that will hold up well over longer distances.

As for buying from the auctions, I picked up a crane truck and imported myself. Lots of time spent cruising the auctions so depends on if you are enjoying the process or not. My L400 I picked up from Rising Sun and I'm happy with it so far. Got to test drive a bunch with several dealers and Craigslist, and this one just seemed like the best at that time. Steven does a decent job of prepping the vehicle with a mix of OEM Japanese and Korean parts.

[TieMyShoe]

I have brought in two vehicles from Japan.. The first one was not even close to what the auction described and ended up needing a motor as the rings were so badly gone. The second one has been great. My deli I purchased local for the same price as importing another one. Make sure you check the strength of the Japanese yen before you import as well. When the dollar is weak importing can cost almost as much as buying local but it takes longer and can more hustle. Shop around and do your homework, there are pros and cons for both importing and buying local.

[Lapprentis]

TigWeld4u radiator with WVO pre-heater and a tig welded overflow bottle with coolant alarm. I tend to do 1000+ km drives at a time so I need a coolant system that will hold up well over longer distances.

Can you tell us more about pros and cons about this radiator ?

Much Thanks

Lapprentis

[Big-Bird]

I worked with Ben at Fraser Valley Imports and brought in a high roof L400. The total cost to get it into Canada was much less than the average paid by others.

Mine is a base model but I didn't want gadgets that could break where parts are not readily available....like the sunroof motor, or crystal roof blinds. It's been 2 years now and the Deli is still solid and reliable...the maintenance has been less than my Xterra too which makes me want to get another JDM.....Kai van or truck.

[deWinterhaus]

Awesome advice and thanks! Anyone in chilliwack or abby interested in showing off their L400? My wife wants to see, hear and touch.