Scotty, huge fan of your channel. My question is, is it worth having JDM vehicles imported to the US? Specifically a 1998 Toyota ESTIMA van with the Toyota 2.2L turbo diesel. I don’t like today’s modern cars with all the new tech, and would rather have something reliable and older without all the new crap.
Jdm imports tend to have fewer miles than an original North American car. And the right hand drive thing is cool, if you’re into that. But what @teeheehee points out about parts is important. Many of the parts are interchangeable with American spec, but not all, and you need to know which ones. And from the few times I’ve looked at prices, you usually aren’t getting a deal.
But yeah, if you do your homework, they can be ok.
if you don't have a shop, probably not. Every non-mechanic I know who bought one got burned.
As long as you know how to properly maintain one, and where to find replacement parts. 1998 is a very old vehicle. I wouldn't expect it problem-free. Another thing is whether it's legal to drive in your state.
I got lucky with mine. 1st time I did it, no rust 1997 Toyota Celsior, didn't want to risk an older one. All rubber ok, no capacitor issues yet, thermostat dial (the actual gauge not the cluster) needed replacing and new ones are discontinued.
Also got hit by bird/seagull poop and it wrecked the paint on the boot. Not covered by insurance.
Many parts for these older cars are discontinued. Think about whether you want the headache of non-available parts for the brake system and how you'd handle it for example.
Plus you might have to get the parts from Japan, and the shipping fees seem to fluctuate a lot. Light small stuff is ok, but then you get hit hard on the weight and size (and over here in the UK extra taxes).
Also bear in mind the shipping cost of the vehicle. I think mine was about $2000 and then when I looked a few months later it was over $3000.
