Importing a Yank ?

[Fieldsy]

Ok, I've had my fair share of surfs, and was looking to purchase a newer version from Japan, but anything newer than a 2000 and there's no model reports .

Having had a few vettes in the past, I'm no stranger to a V8 and love the size/sound/power of the engine.!!!.

So, I thought why not combine my love of big engines with a 4x4 and have been looking at the 4runner options from the states. Considering the £ to the $, trucks are pretty much the same price as jap land.

I have no problem with left hand drive.....and I'm under the impression that nothing from the USA requires a model report as their safety standards are superior to most. I know that it will need ESVA, ......but I also read somewhere that any 4x4's imported into the country require a model report??. If this is the case, I'm afraid its back to the old intercoolers, but if yanks are allowed in, I can just imagine a 4.7litre V8 4RUNNER.

This is the sort of thing I mean
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...190507555&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...207444390&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...214418374&rd=1

Just as a matter of interest the 2000's on japanese auctions are hitting the £6000 mark + agents fee's/shipping (£1700)+ 10% import tax+ 17.5% VAT+ESVA+ON THE ROAD PRICE. Your looking at a good £10000-£11000 on the road.

I could get a newer version all singing dancing with a nice V8 lump for around the same price.

any ideas or advice please ???......................or are the V8's crap.!!!

cheers

Fieldsy

[Karma Supra]

I Like Gen 4s

The 2uz-Fe is not a bad engine either

[RodLeach]

Go for it mate!!

They are awesome looking trucks, Theres quiet a few around southampton, obviously as its a popular dock for importing.

I think you'll be lucky if you manage to achieve your £10-£11,000 estimates.

Im unaware how much work will be needed for it to pass the SVA - if the electrics need a serious rejig, that could be expensive.

Either way, Id have the ££ ready an just go for it!

Have you looked at other US imports? If your prepaired to go down that route, a lot of trucks are on offer.

The FJ Crusier (one of Apaches favs)
the Tundra
the Tacoma etc

[Fieldsy]

Thanks m8, I've seen a few posts that the V6's are to be steer cleared of, but wasn't sure about the V8's.......................... .and I do like a V8!!!

[Fieldsy]

Thanks Rod,

Its just the model reports which hold the japs back. I know there are newer ones on the jap auctions, but no model reports in this country . So if I can get a yank that don't need a report............I'll be happy.


Just had a look at the tundra's and tacomas m8, and don't like the open back type to be honest, and I think the cruiser looks like a lego toy lol


think I'll stick with the 4runner, but thanks for the options

[jax]

Nice looking trucks. I like the leather seats.

....................
Jacqueline

[Gamedawn]

Driving back to the factory yesterday and saw an FJ Cruiser parked up in the next village - look quite cool in the flesh

[Ace Piker]

Go for it mate!!

They are awesome looking trucks, Theres quiet a few around southampton, obviously as its a popular dock for importing.

I think you'll be lucky if you manage to achieve your £10-£11,000 estimates.

Im unaware how much work will be needed for it to pass the SVA - if the electrics need a serious rejig, that could be expensive.

Either way, Id have the ££ ready an just go for it!

Have you looked at other US imports? If your prepaired to go down that route, a lot of trucks are on offer.

The FJ Crusier (one of Apaches favs)
the Tundra
the Tacoma etc

Saw a tacoma @ Mildenhall the other day. A V8! looked crap without a lift & spacers. I wonder if it's worth looking at buying from US service personnel?

[Gizmo]

Would have thought that the lights etc would have had to be altered (different lenses plus fog lights). Maybe good to talk to a yank import shop on the web about the model reports?????

[hiroler]

Go for a Nissan Titan all the way!! AWESOME

[STEBBO47]

Imported a Dodge Ram 4 years ago. Really easy. No problems at all. You might like to look at the following web site.
http://www.import-car.info/index.shtml
It was all there was at the time but nontheless absolutely invaluable. At least an SUV is only subject to 10% import tax. The truck was 22.5 %, which still made it much cheaper than buying over here even adding, shipping, SVA test and VAT. It was also much cheaper to arrange shipping from the US -$1000
(1.6$ to the £ at the time) as opposed to £1200 from this end. Mildenhall Auto Centre were excellent for the SVA , from memory about £270 (Matt's left, but now works on his own. Happy to email number if needed)
Buying from the base I believe still involves Import tax, but at least you havn,t had to ship it !! I had no luck, thats why I imported my own, ebay as it happens.
Lastly, have you looked at a Dodge Durango ?? Similar to the new 4runner in looks and her indoors has crazed for one ever since the Ram arrived. But two guzzlers ! I don't think so.
Hope some of that helps.
Cheers Harry