JDM import tacoma

Hi everybody! I was looking at used 1st gen prices and wondering if anyone has imported a Tacoma or similar from the Japanese used car houses that bring older vehicles in?

I am interested in classic minis and one of those can be had for around 5k for a running/ driving example.

The few Tacomas I did see were crazy prices (like $25k for a 98 v6 extended cab). Any info, experience or insight appreciated.


https://carfromjapan.com/cheap-used-toyota-tacoma-for-sale?page=3

 

Just curious what kind of paperwork and hands on work must you do to bring these vehicles up to USA Emission Standards ??

Would this be a off Road vehicle only and never be titled??

I have a Customer that had to change engines on equipment that was imported with engines not Tier IV compliant it was rather expensive .

 

You’d need to find something 25 years or older to avoid having to pass emissions and safety standards. Hiluxes from 1995 and earlier would be what you’d want to look for. And you’re probably better off looking at Australia vs Japan in terms of selection.

After paying the transportation costs, fees and the 25% import tariff (chicken tax) you’ll probably be better of finding a pickup here stateside.

 

There are several JDM importers around the country. rare diesel hiluxs and diesel 80s can be had for reasonable US money but astronomical dollars compared to their purchase from Australia.
This place had a factory turbo diesel 80 series for $16,000 last year
https://jdmsportclassics.com/inventory/

 

That's all good info! I was always thinking along the lines of: 95-96 extended cab with a 3.4 and a locker, but for less money than they sell for stateside. Sounds like maybe the US market still needs to go up in the next few years for import tacoma/ hilux to really make sense unless you want one of the diesel variants or something that never made it here.

 

That place had some gems sometimes!

 

I believe it- some really cool Land Cruisers on there.

 

I thought the Tacoma was a North America only vehicle. Everywhere has the Hilux (aka USA Pick-up).

 

Pretty much true, the Tacoma shares very few parts with the global platform hilux

 

Yay, made in Americas.

 

That probably explains the crazy prices on the ones that are listed on the jdm sites- few and far between abroad. I assumed the platform was shared with the Hilux.

 

The 4runner and Landcruiser are still closely related to the international models, but Tacoma and Tundra are unique.

JDM Hilux's are expensive and don't have a huge market even up here in Canada (15 year rule)due to the less than reliable engines they were sold with and huge price tags due to weight and availability.

Most people import Hilux Surfs.

 

You dont really want a Hilux from that era. You want a Land Cruiser. The 2L engine is slow. Barely hitting 70 mph if at all slow.

Check my post history. I know a little thing or two about imported Toyotas.

 

The 3.0 diesel (1KZ?) is much more desirable (More powerful and more reliable) than the 2.4 diesel variants.
Hilux surfs and Prado 70s seem like greater value-for-money than the hilux.
Hiluxes that are imported typically spent their lives as overloaded workhorses. The SUV variants generally lived easier lives

 

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