Rotating the stock

[BruceK]

I usually keep cars for a long time. I've had my MINI for 22 years and my classic Mini for 10 years. But in one corner of my garage, there has been a succession of vehicles over the last several years. I imported a 1992 Honda Beat from Japan and only kept it for a year because I never really jelled with it. It definitely was not as much fun to drive as a Mini.   I sold it on Cars & Bids and actually made about $5K on it.  Making money on owning a car has never happened to me before.  Two years ago I replaced the Honda with a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ that only had 11,000 miles. It was a totally stock time capsule. Honestly it was too nice and I felt kinda guilty every time I drove it that I was kind of wearing it out from its pristine status.  After two years, I decided to sell it online on Bring a Trailer.  I was very fortunate to make about $10K on that one.   This past summer I decided to import a well-used 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from Japan. This was everything that the Jeep was not- it had all the signs of wear an 27 year old vehicle has and was definitely not perfect. But that was just what I wanted - something I could enjoy and not worry about where I parked it. Or if it got a scratch or door ding.

This model was never sold in the US, but it shares a lot of mechanical parts with The third generation 4Runner and the Land Cruiser 80 series sold here. So easy to maintain and repair.  Plus, it's a bulletproof Toyota.  It's also the first car I've ever personally owned that is an automatic.  I'm warming up to that and the automatic is well-suited to this type of vehicle.

The paint on the hood and roof was sunburned – clearcoat had disintegrated. So I had that repainted locally. And I refurbished the wheels – same as used on on a 4Runner - and added some nice new tires.  I didn't get any records with it, but I am assuming that some of the maintenance has been delayed so I had new balljoints put on it and other items.  It's got just over 200,000km so about 125,000 miles. That's just getting warmed up for a Toyota. 

[94touring]

That's really cool. I think I've seen those when I'm in Japan too.

[Jims5543]

I was obsessed with Hilux and Japanese 4 Runners (Surf's) I wanted a diesel version and fully intended to make it my work truck.

I did a lot of reading and decided to not do it as the internet says the diesel tends to overheat on the highway, it was just not made for US roads and 70+ MPH. Being in FloRida, I figured that was strike two, so I stopped obsessing.

I turned my 2007 FJ into my work truck, I gave my younger son the Taco to use. The FJ has 220K miles on it now and to date, I have replaced, alternator, wheel bearings, and suspension items (upper and lower control arms) including shocks.



What engine does that Prado have in it.  Also, get a reputable transmission shop to do a full service on that Auto transmission. Get on Amsoil and get their ATF to put in it, there should be a kit that can be purchased so you can replace the filter inside the transmission as well.

I do a full service on my FJ Cruiser every 60K miles, pan drop, fluid flush, filter change.  It still shifts like the  day I bought it with 50K miles on it.

Cool rig!  Enjoy! Toyotas are just on another level reliability wise.

[BruceK]

I wanted to avoid the diesel and stick with an engine that was sold in US market Toyotas.  It has the 2.7 3RZ engine. Not as powerful as the V6 but it does the job well.

Thanks for the recommendation on the transmission.  I want that sucker to last and be reliable.

[Jims5543]

What is the reason for the second fender mirror on the passenger side?  Is it for parking in Japan?

Those 2.7 3RZ engines are rock solid I believe I have the same engine in my Taco, 175K miles on it never needs anything.

It has an Auto Transmission and that failed a couple of years ago, not my fault, the previous owner was a kid, I can tell by the stupid decals on the car, like DUB Club. It never shifted right since the day I purchased it. I knew it would eventually go. The sales price reflected that.

Cool little SUV that is for sure.  Good luck with it!

[BruceK]

Yeah the mirror on the left front fender is pretty common on larger vehicles in Japan from what I've seen.  The housing actually has two different convex mirrors, one shows the front bumper of the vehicle and the other shows the left front wheel area. Both of which help the driver with visibility in tight parking situations - like in Japan.

[Brit_in_TX]

I need to have a discussion with you about importing cars from Japan.  As there are a few Japanese models that I am interested in owning.

[MiniDave]

A Prado! How fun! Perfect car to go wandering around the back roads and farm roads.....

[BruceK]

I need to have a discussion with you about importing cars from Japan.  As there are a few Japanese models that I am interested in owning.

I be happy to help you in any way I can.

[Jims5543]

I work in a community every Wednesday about 1 hour north of my office. Last week I noticed this car, by the time I was able to circle past to take a pic it left.

I caught it this week, and thought of you Bruce. A new transplant into the community from Utah.

[BruceK]

I work in a community every Wednesday about 1 hour north of my office. Last week I noticed this car, by the time I was able to circle past to take a pic it left.

I caught it this week, and thought of you Bruce. A new transplant into the community from Utah.

Ooo.  Good catch Jim!  I can see by the sticker that looks to be from the Flex Garage.  They take old Land Cruisers and refurbish/update/restomod them.  The end results are pretty cool, and pricey too. Sort of like what Icon does here in the US, but not as extensive. I've seen their offerings in Japan based upon old JDM vehicles, and it now seems like they have a US distributor too.  They even offer retro styling kits for brand new Toyota Tacomas and Land Cruisers. Some of the styling kits look great in some really miss the mark in my opinion. 

Flexmotor.com

[BruceK]

Along the theme of changing what's in my garage, I've put my JDM Toyota LiteAce pickup on BaT.  I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm looking for something else. 

It's a No Reserve auction which could bring heartburn, but I've got my fingers crossed.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-toyota-lite-ace/

[94touring]

I wish the timing was different, I'd buy it.  How fast does it actually go?  I see the speedo says 160km.

[MiniDave]

These are so much more versatile and useful than modern trucks with their sky high beds, especially with the fold down bed sides.....too bad it doesn't have more motor, I can't imagine it being able to tow much with an 85 hp 4 cyl.....

Could you fit a Mini on the bed? 

[BruceK]

I wish the timing was different, I'd buy it.  How fast does it actually go?  I see the speedo says 160km.

Let me put it this way: It is definitely not overpowered. At about 75mph the poor aerodynamics and the limited horsepower take its toll.   But it will cruise at 60-65 mph okay. But at that speed it can be necessary to downshift for some hills.  It's really made for more of an urban or suburban environment.

[BruceK]

These are so much more versatile and useful than modern trucks with their sky high beds, especially with the fold down bed sides.....too bad it doesn't have more motor, I can't imagine it being able to tow much with an 85 hp 4 cyl.....

Could you fit a Mini on the bed? 

You are right about the motor - more power would be welcomed!

I don't know how you'd get a Mini up there, but the bed is 8 feet long by 5 feet wide.  So probably not suited for a Mini.

[94touring]

I wish the timing was different, I'd buy it.  How fast does it actually go?  I see the speedo says 160km.

Let me put it this way: It is definitely not overpowered. At about 75mph the poor aerodynamics and the limited horsepower take its toll.   But it will cruise at 60-65 mph okay. But at that speed it can be necessary to downshift for some hills.  It's really made for more of an urban or suburban environment.

Sounds like the bus when it had a 1600cc stock motor.  I looked up the specs on your 1.8l and depending on the version has a max of something like 90hp and 130ft lbs of torque. Compression ratio rather low at 8:8 probably doesn't help.

[Jims5543]

My older son loves those Micro trucks, they just do not have enough power for what I would use it for. That is a great looking truck I love the paint scheme on it.

You have some really cool cars!!

[Willie_B]

Bruce, does this have a 17 digit VIN? That seems to be what the states that ban the kei vehicles key in on.

[BruceK]

Brad, nope.  It's 12 digits - the norm for JDM vehicles whether they are Kei trucks or larger vehicles. Or JDM Nissan GT-R's or Honda NSX's too. Yeah, I know some states's DMVs are gunning to ban Kei trucks.  But there is plenty of pushback from their owners too, many of them are organizing and hiring lawyers.  Some people believe pressure is from side-by-side dealers who feel Kei trucks hurt their sales.

Of course there are plenty of old classics on the roads with VINs other than 17 digits, like older Minis, and DMVs don't give a hoot.