I’m in Japan from the US for work and I’ll be here for about the next two years or so. I sold my car before I left so I’m looking to buy a car that I can use for the next two years but then bring back with me to the states. I’m married with two young kids so I need the car to be practical but also fun. I’ve narrowed down my search to either a Land Cruiser, Pajero, or Delica. I’ve been able to find good deals on the cars below but I’m not sure about the specifics of how easy parts/repairs will be, not only while I’m in Japan but then eventually when I get back to the states. Since I want to import them back to the states, I’m looking at 2002 or older to make sure they are inside of the 25 years by the time I head back. I found these two vehicles local to where I’m at, any info is good info to help me make an informed decision, thanks!!
by Battle9922
17 Comments
All three are gonna be maintenance nightmares but I’ll bet the Pajeros probably in better shape as is. The land cruiser market’s gotten fucked lately.
Parts for the pajero shouldn’t be too bad in Japan or the U.S.
Ever consider a Nissan patrol maybe?
That lc is so fatt
Toyota Crown, it’s the perfect daily. They’re insanely comfortable, reliable and they look sick!
I’d only bring something to the US that has easily accessible parts and upkeep stateside. I made the mistake of buying niche cars and bringing them to the US only to find out nearly everything had to be shipped from Japan (celica st205 was terrible for this with suspension).
So in short, I’d heavily advise against buying something too niche. I now drive a prado 90 because it shares nearly everything with the 4runner. It’s magnificent shopping at autozone and rock auto.
the landcruiser. my uncle owns one and i can obly recommend it cause it has even cool 4wd and climbing like features
the toyota. my uncle owns one and he loves it. just another longliving toyota
Step 1: buy Daihatsu Copen.
Step 2: abandon all family members who cannot fit.
If you want a SUV look for a Hilux Surf – easentially a 4Runner, with all the reliability of the LandCruiser but way more comfort and easy access to parts in North America.
https://preview.redd.it/9x9eww7eay2f1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83751d2482b6f729987b9c8028d8307c9468ba0e
If you get a FZJ80 with a gas motor you will be able to find parts here stateside as it was the same motor and parts. The 70 had some similar engines but it will be a little more tricky
I’ve got a 3 door Prado in stock near Tokyo 👀..
90 series may be a good pick as they share a lot of parts with stuff in the USA. Could always go for a Surf as well as they’re basically the JDM 4 runner.
Though FWIW I wouldn’t ‘put your eggs all in one basket’ if you’re with the forces with going for a newer model aka not USA legal vehicle. I/we’ve helped broker for service members in Japan and they’ve had their orders changed shortly after. I’ll help you store or sell it, but it may not be a favorable situation for you.
If you need help finding a car or want to maybe shop from auction lemme know!
Cruiser!
No brainer
Land Cruiser hands down.
Land Cruiser al day long
Land cruiser for sure
Pajero evo!!!
the lc has got the og offroader feel but the pajero is a much more comfy daily with the iron block 4cyl mitsubishis being just as reliable and unkillable as it’s toyota counterparts but the 6g engines would be reliable but far from unkillable compared to the 4cyl and the comparable toyota engines. the delica is very much just a commercial delivery van as the name suggests so unless you get the newest gen delica, so expect the barebones feel of a early 2 door landcruiser but less wide, slightly lower seating position and with plastic mitsubishi interior. you would get the most space and usability out of the 3 with the delica if you want a 2 door lc or pajero. however, if you want a big offroader like the lc80 or lc100, i highly suggest you try the middle eastern patrol with the tb48de, that thing is a beast and arguably more fun than comparable lcs and i’m sure that many aussies and middle eastern folks would agree.