The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

WhiteCruiser · * Joined: 08 Mar 2009 Posts: 41 Location: Midlands

I'd appreciate some help if anyone can..

I m looking at a 100 series LC on e bay -

The owner does not know if it is an import or not. I wondered if there is an easy way to tell?

The vehicle has wind deflectors on the windows - I have seen these a lot on imports. The owner also says there is a TV and a fridge - are these standard features on a UK car. I guess a logbook would answer the question as to who sold it new - are there any other ways to tell? IE engine numbers or switchgear on the dash of extras.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

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andy · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 15:56 Post subject:

In SECTION 3 (Special Notes) on the front page of V5c it says Vehicle was registered overseas declared manufactured (Year)
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1993 VX80 4.2td SOLD
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G Intercooler Sold
1994 Hilux Surf SSR-V Sold

Wandering Willy · ******* Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 1016 Location: Norfolk

The simple answer is 'No'. Different markets got different equipment in different years. It also depends on whether it's petrol or diesel.

The UK cars are marked 'VX' or 'GX'. In Australia (for example) they have a 'GXL' and a 'Sahara' model. There may be others.

The cars previous owned in Japan mostly have an extra external mirror on the left hand front corner of the car which marks them out as different. But I don't know what is done to identify cars from other places in East Asia (Philippines, Thailand, etc) or the Middle East. The main thing which separates us and the Japs from the rest is the steering wheel being on the RHS. However (again), some cars from Africa may also be designed to drive on the left.

The big (interesting) differences are that the Jap cars tend to have more gadgets but may lack diff locks. The UK petrol cars (I think) have a clever system which also lacks diff locks but uses the ABS to provide traction control so perhaps they are not that different from the Japanese.

The big worry about grey imports is their previous history. It's difficult to check mileage and maintenance records. Also whether the car has been stolen.

If you are buying from a reliable supplier (big garage?) and can rely on them backing you up if the car proves to be dodgy, it may not be a worry.

Willy

Grimbo · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 20:11 Post subject:

TV and fridge seem to make it an import , I would question the sellers honesty as Andy said. it will say its an import on the V5 , if they are being evasive about that, what else are they hiding ?
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joinerman · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 20:15 Post subject:

Imports usually have that silly parking mirror on the front wing., if it's got a fridge & tv then it's an import as grimbo says

WhiteCruiser · * Joined: 08 Mar 2009 Posts: 41 Location: Midlands

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I asked the seller to check the V5 and he says it states it was sold new on such and such date. No mention of being imported. He has a service book showing the first service at a Toyota dealer in Bracknell. This all sounds like a UK car. But on the other hand, it has Japanese wtiting on the dash, a fridge and TV and the red button next to the auto shift. (I had a surf with this button and think they are only on Jap market cars) It sounds like a bit of mixed heritage and I have decided to pass on it

I have found another 100 series - 70,000 miles, full Toyota service history, VX, dark blue and good condition. Anyone like to offer there opinion on what I should expect to pay (advertised at £9250)

Thanks, Jim

lucky · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 19:14 Post subject:

Fridge, TV and definately the red button matk this as Japanese Domestic Market and also the Japanese Writing on the dash.

May also be shown on the VIN plate as an HDJ101.
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smokeyjoe · ** Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 50 Location: Herts

Normally the markings on the windows are a bit of a giveaway as well, as well as the daft euro spec rear light arrangements.

markthespark · ** Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Sth London

Sounds to me like it is an import. i must say i find it hard to beleve that the current owner doesnt kno!! he would have been told when buying any part for it. i have an jap import and mine has a fridge.

The concusive way is to get the VIN and ring toyota. they will be able to tell where it was built origianlly but they cant give its history.

hodgy0_2 · **** Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 256 Location: Cambridge

WhiteCruiser · * Joined: 08 Mar 2009 Posts: 41 Location: Midlands

hgv dave · * Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 24 Location: manchester

i would think that the japanese writing would be a give away,i have a uk spec amazon and it has no japanese writing on any labels.also was the speedo in mph or kph?

hodgy0_2 · **** Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 256 Location: Cambridge

Bearcat · * Joined: 14 Feb 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Dublin

I have a 01 LC import. Yes the diff locks are not there, jap stickers, kph mileometer, but all in all a very good machine and should'nt be ignored. The diesel 4.2 with 130km is a peach and is smoother than my 06 amazon.

All jap imports are not jap *beep* and you can get get bargains galore with these 100's.

lucky · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 21:18 Post subject:

I'd certainly agree with the comment on the imports having previously owned a Hilux Surf import. It's horses for courses and just a few more options as to what spec you want. Some of the 80 series imports come with loads of extras, you can get the diff locks plus sometimes you get factory winch, lift, all kinds of camping gear plus the Alcantara trim is lovely. Not sure what kind of options the 100 series imports come with but have seen a few around and they look quite special (a lot seem to have the Lexus trim packs available on the LX470 in the US which looks quote pretty and why not, the 100 isn't the same rough tough on the outside beast that the 80 series (although it still has the heart of a Lion), no reason why not having it look nice as well.
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1999 Land Cruiser Amazon VX Active 4.2TD Auto
Gloucestershire 4x4 Response
Landcruiser-rocks