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Best places to buy or import from

Discussion in 'General Truck Info' started by JDW, Oct 26, 2020.

  1. JDW

    JDW New Member

    Has anyone used mini trucks.net to import? JapanCarDirect.com? JapanParter.com?

    Really wanting to import one, but need a reputable source to buy from. TIA
     
  2. matt167

    matt167 Active Member

    Unless your looking for something special like a turbo or supercharged variant, then Beforward.jp is about as good and cheap as it gets. Royal Trading sometimes has good stuff too but I've only personally used BF
     
  3. trktrd

    trktrd Active Member

    I’ve had good luck with Mitsui.
     
  4. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    I just used Japancardirect.com, dealt directly with Mathew. Was a breeze and just got my Carry in on the 4th of Nov
     
  5. JDW

    JDW New Member

    Thanks. Did you have to use a broker stateside? I'm also wanting to get a Carry with A/C and 4wd. How do you like yours?
     
  6. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    I did use a broker State side because I thought the custom paper work would be to daunting but if I had to do it over I would try to do the custom entry myself. It cost me an additional $800 to use the broker here but was easy, just had to go to the port, show the paperwork and pick it up.

    So far I love the truck, I just finished Raptor lining (bed liner) the entire truck so the body looks brand new. Im putting a 2 inch lift and new front springs on it. AC blows cold and it drives great. I also bought a tune up kit and a new timing belt for it because I don't know when all of that was last changed out. There are a ton to choose from in the auctions. One thing I learned when researching, you will see some that have had the undercarriage painted, stay away from those, its an indication of hiding rust.
     
  7. JDW

    JDW New Member

    Awesome. Do you have to pay the 65,000 Yen service fee even if you do the bidding yourself?
     
  8. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    Just as a hint: It is lots easier to get to teh mechanicals on a dump truck. On a regular bed you have to access thing through the smallish hatch in the bed. On a dumper, you lift the bed to teh dump position, remove teh engine protection plate, and you have unfettered access to the engine and transmission.
     
  9. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    That is a good question, I dont know if would have to pay or not but worth asking them. I can get you Mathew email if you need it.
     
  10. JDW

    JDW New Member

    Well, my question was for your case. Did you bid for yourself and did you pay the fee?
     
  11. JDW

    JDW New Member

    That is a great point. I'm going to ask them to look for a dump bed, but I'm more about condition and getting one at or below my price point of $4000 all in.
     
  12. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    Guess I misunderstood, they did the bidding after I picked the truck and gave them my max I wanted to spend. I am under the 4k you have set for yourself even after paying their fee, shipping, and customs. I looked at hundreds of trucks and mine is pretty clean with low miles/km on a 6 number odometer. I won the bid at about half of what my max was so I feel like they were pretty honest with me. Hopefully this helps and answers your question.
     
  13. JDW

    JDW New Member

    That's EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thanks. Post some pics of your truck!
     
    ShawnC likes this.
  14. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    JDW, here are pics they sent me from Japan prior to shipping
     

    Attached Files:

  15. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    Pics here in the States, before and after Raptor lining truck. When I'm done with the lift, powder coating, gun rack and lightbar I will post more
     

    Attached Files:

  16. SAITCHO

    SAITCHO Active Member

    Nice job on the liner, that's on my list next year. How many 1 liter bottles did you use?
     
  17. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    I used Raptor liner and 4 bottles covered the entire truck with a little left over. It was easy to do, with the taping off being the most difficult and time consuming part.
     
  18. SAITCHO

    SAITCHO Active Member

    1 0r 2 coats?
     
  19. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    2
    2 to 3 coats and i should have done more. I found some light spots that I need to touch up. Make sure you have good light when you spray it. 4 bottles will be enough to do 3-4 coats on entire truck. I am going to do touch up and frame with my 5th bottle
     
  20. JDW

    JDW New Member

    That thing was purchased in near flawless condition it looks. I hope I luck into something like that! Most of the ones I've seen are definitely showing age.
     
  21. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    It
    It had a few dings and scratches but nothing terrible. Take your time searching the auctions and don't be in a rush to bid on one
     

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