Buying my first Surf

[TUE]

I am looking at buying a 3.0ltr TD Automatic Surf, as my Nissan Terrano ain't big enough. So a few questions before I part with the cash:

What are the autos like for towing with (I have a 6.5m RIB which weighs around 1.5 - 2 ton)? and am i likely to suffer any problems from the gearbox or engine if towing on a regular basis?

Is there anything special I look out for when viewing/test driving one?

Are there any niggly problems to be had if buying one straight from Japan?

Thanks
Paul

[Silversurfer]

I am looking at buying a 3.0ltr TD Automatic Surf, as my Nissan Terrano ain't big enough. So a few questions before I part with the cash:

What are the autos like for towing with (I have a 6.5m RIB which weighs around 1.5 - 2 ton)? and am i likely to suffer any problems from the gearbox or engine if towing on a regular basis?

Is there anything special I look out for when viewing/test driving one?

Are there any niggly problems to be had if buying one straight from Japan?

Thanks
Paul

I have a 1995 3lt 2nd gen which I use for towing a double horse trailer and have had no problems with it. No overheating on either engine or gearbox and as the Surf weighs around 2tons the whole lot has been rock solid on the road. There is a temp warning light on the gearbox so if it did start to overheat there should be plenty of warning but I have never seen it on at all.
Don't know too much about importing straight from Japan as I bought mine from a dealer. There are plenty of threads on the Forum if you do a search which should yield the info you need. When I did buy mine I was the first UK owner and I was given the VOSA certificate and the first MOT certificate which confirmed the mileage at import. I have had the Surf for 6months now, done some serious off road stuff at Langdale Quest, towed the horse trailer, used it for everyday transport and had no problems at all.

[Newboy]

1.5-2.0 ton for a 6.5m rib seems a lot.

I have a 6m pilothouse and it barely weighs 1 ton plus the 200kg trailer.

How many outboards have you on it? You're not a diver loaded the boat with gas tanks?

[TheWolfCub]

...

If you're importing, then you're running the obvious risks, i.e. can't really look over the vehicle until you get it. I can recommend a very good company. Drop me a mail if you're interested.

The only other thing to watch out for is the miraid of related costs:

Bid Price
Auction Fee
Importer Agent's Fee
Inland Trasnport to Docks
Dock fee (in Japan)
Shipping Fee
Customs and Excise Duty
VAT
Servicing
Cleaning
MoT
Taxing
Registration Plates
etc

Rob