Best places to buy or import from

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

 

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

 

I’ve had good luck with Mitsui.

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

1 0r 2 coats?

 

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

 

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.

 

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