Hilux Surf Import - Thoughts?

bowrappyo

bowrappyo

New member
Yo!

Looking at potentially importing a Hilux Surf (T4R 3rd Gen Years) but not 100% sure what I am getting myself into.

1) I live in CA so there might be some emissions issue. especially cause I am looking at the turbo diesel engines.

2) I assume they are all similar to work on but are they?

3) I wonder if I am forgetting anything?

4) Really interested in RHD. Dumb?

5) Is this idea just dumb? lol

Any feedback or thoughts would be helpful.

:guitar2::guitar2:
 
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diesels are next to impossible to import into california now, unless it has a 50 state emissions engine in it.

California is getting trickier and trickier to meet their regs.
 
I wouldn't solely based on driving a RHD truck on LHD roads. That entire experience seems miserable.
 
this is all great feedback and much appreciated. what a bummer. better gas mileage!! what is CA thinking ?!?!
 
Twan said:
I wouldn't solely based on driving a RHD truck on LHD roads. That entire experience seems miserable.
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Its not a problem at all. I have a few friends with various RHD vehicles.

The issue here is a non-US diesel engine and California. It basically won't happen...

-Charlie
 
phattyduck said:
Its not a problem at all. I have a few friends with various RHD vehicles.

The issue here is a non-US diesel engine and California. It basically won't happen...

-Charlie
Click to expand...

Yup, if he was asking in any other state it'd be possible. Not in CA. Only way I'd ever buy one is if it was already imported and someone jumped through all the hoops in the past and got one registered in CA. I've never seen a Surf with CA plates before.
 
I emailed a guy selling a hilux LN 107 pickup diesel in CA (unregistered) and yes, I am not going to spend time to get it registered. The problem many encounters is the number of digits in the Japanese VIN. If one knows a person that can import and register a hilux in TX, I am ready to purchase one.

I also though about converting it into LHD as a project and the only issue I find is relocating the wiper linkage. Can easily locate all the necessary parts from a 2nd gen 4runner.
 
It's my understanding that RHD raises insurance costs in a LHD country. And vice-versa, of course. Anyone know for sure? Possibly it's company specific.
 
To work on, they are essentially identical. there are differences in trim and spec, but the mechanicals are pretty much the same.. - they are not all diesel either! Some wiring is slightly different, due to spec variations. Nearly all my research for doing anything on mine comes from US 4Runner sites, most of my aftermarket parts are also imported from the US.

The diesel engines are pretty simple. as long as the coolant system ahs been looked after they should give years of service. they are slow and noisy and smell, but meh, diesel is a lifestyle choice. I removed mine to upgrade to petrol.

AS for LHD/RHD. it's a pain. Not so bad for regular driving, but if you ever use a drive thu, toll booths, or any car parks where you need to pay or use an access car you basically need a passenger, or get out and walk around the truck. the other issue is overtaking on narrower roads, your visibility is reduced.
 
Not legal anytime soon, and that is a big chunk of change for a 4Runner with a steering wheel on the wrong side and a crappy turbo diesel.
 
davidch said:
It's my understanding that RHD raises insurance costs in a LHD country. And vice-versa, of course. Anyone know for sure? Possibly it's company specific.
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Insurance will be the least of your worries. That's my industry. Any classic car company will cover it. A client of mine imported a 94 diesel LC into Georgia a few months back. I got him covered same day. However, he is still messing with the registration.
 
I attempted this earlier this year with a importer and they basically advise me its not possible, basically if It was attempted it would be seized by US customs,
 
when i was shopping for my 4runner there were a couple early 90s land cruisers and surfs on CL but they were all pretty expensive. i drove a rhd 90' with the turbo diesel, it was fun but i thought the novelty would get old quick and got a newer one instead. i know a couple of friends with rhd drive vehicles here and it's really a hassle if you drive in the city, left hand turn lanes are absolutely terrifying.
 
Not true. I've seen a number in the south already. 25 years old is key. There's a diesel landcruiser for sale in Kennesaw Ga (CL) right now, with a Georgia issued title already.
 
I just saw that a dealer in Denver is importing JDM cars now and has 4 or 5 RHD diesel Land Cruisers of varying years.
 
Twan said:
I wouldn't solely based on driving a RHD truck on LHD roads. That entire experience seems miserable.
Click to expand...

I’m on my second RHD. The biggest issues are accidentally looking over the wrong shoulder and hitting wipers instead of signaling (and vice versa.) oh and lefts at large intersections can be a little uncomfortable. But all these issues are resolved after a couple days or weeks of driving. After that the biggest issue is finding a big enough stick to beat all the girls away with. xD
 
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