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new here and investigating my options

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Suntunnels, Apr 5, 2015.

  1. Suntunnels

    Suntunnels New Member

    Hello

    I'm new here! Live in Vancouver, BC and am interested in getting a Suzuki Sambar or Domingo. Most likely the Domingo as we'd like to use it for occasional longer trips to go camping and such, and seems like the 660cc engine on the Sambar might not be so great for that.

    I'm wondering about the pros/cons of importing a vehicle as opposed to waiting for the right one to pop up locally? I can get a pretty detailed estimate from an importer about all the costs I will incur to get the car into Canada, but not sure what else I should expect. I've come across mentions of headlight compliance and new tires and other things.... Are there things that I'm likely to want/need to replace right away?

    Waiting for one to pop up locally seems to have the advantage of all that stuff already being worked out, and any surprises that may have come up with a sight-unseen vehicle coming off a boat from Japan already been worked out.

    Thanks for any thoughts and input!
     
  2. mneuls

    mneuls New Member

    I'm going through the process right now. the headlight thing isn't a big deal as far as I know, you just need to wire them so the corner running lights come on when the truck starts. and for the tires, I guess it depends where you take it, but most places will pass them if they are in good shape, and have a max load and pressure rating. I went with importing to get the newest model possible (I wanted an EFI, not a carb model). and you can get exactly what you want from japan, there is pretty much no settling. I got a 1999 hijet with 4x4 and AC, it's got 43000km, my price to Van port including the brokerage fee was $6300. Compare that to local ones, from what I've seen is mid 90's 4X4 with 80-110K km for around $5000-6000, those ones i've seen are carbed and no AC.
     
  3. Suntunnels

    Suntunnels New Member

    Thanks mneuls! who are you going through for importing? is your's landed yet? if so have any other surprises come up?
     
  4. mneuls

    mneuls New Member

    I went with B-pro auto in calgary. It was the only place I could find that didn't have a bunch of negative reviews. The truck is waiting in port in japan, so I haven't had any surprises yet, Except that once I got the photos of the truck after I bought it, I noticed the CV boots were in rough shape, one was cracked, and one was torn off, but that's not really a surprise on a 16 year old vehicle. Brad at B-pro is working on getting new Half shafts shipped over so they'll be here before the truck lands. I'll post when I get the truck all sorted, probably a month or so from now I'm thinking.
     
  5. Suntunnels

    Suntunnels New Member

    oh thanks for the tip. i hadn't come across that company yet, just sent them an inquiry.
     
  6. Tony Evers

    Tony Evers Active Member

    My 2 cents. I went through buying a Suzuki Carry last Sept. After looking around I found to import directly from Japan to be the best deal and I received exactly what I asked for. japancardirect.com Scott Bower who is Canadian had a mechanic look at truck before I bought it and confirmed that truck would be what I ask for. There is about 700-1000 of these trucks every week for sale at auction. All trucks are inspected every 12 months in japan. also at the site you can choose how many KM'S you want. I chose the 1997 Suzuki carry 4 speed with high low 4x4. locking diff ,air conditioning,with 26 000 km. All in, delivered to Vancouver $3000.
    Cheers Tony
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2015
  7. Tony Evers

    Tony Evers Active Member

    One more thing As for the tires theres tonnes of great used tires on kijiiji for next to nothing. mine were 4x100 lug nut pattern. I found almost brand new 170/70R13 tires for $100. the tires these trucks come with are a joke. so figure on swapping them out first thing. also running lights are just wired to cigarette lighter for safety. head lights are a 1/2 hour swap as well. them your good to go.
    Cheers Tony
     
  8. Tony Evers

    Tony Evers Active Member

    sorry to keep rambling, but one more thing. If you choose to buy truck from Japan ask right away for a few tune up parts. When I bought truck Scott Bower provided me wipers oil filter and air filter. At a cost of coarse but it was quite minimal. if I do it again with a truck like this I would have all the tune up parts ready for when truck lands. All in a person can go through his Japan import for about $200. swapping out all vacuum lines is advised. I have not done it yet but it is on list. Mine is a carbed unit so wires ,plugs, distributer were done right away. also check fluids. Like Vancouver the climate is warm in much of japan, your going to have to check antifreeze. Mine was mostly water. this site is great for new comers. welcome
    Tony
     
    BrianTX likes this.
  9. Suntunnels

    Suntunnels New Member

    Tony, thanks for all that detailed info! really helpful.
     
  10. Tony Evers

    Tony Evers Active Member

    your welcome --Radium Hot Springs BC
    Tony
     

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