Hello, I was thinking about importing an 80 series Land Cruiser with the 1-HDT Turbo Diesel engine through a company known for importing these vehicles and have all needed parts in stock most of the time based out of Montana. If I kept up with all maintenance would it be ok to drive daily?
I would not consider something like that for daily duty. And I'm sure some of the parts for it will be expensive when they go out.
I would be nervous about having only one parts source. Have you looked at cruiserparts.com and cruiseroutfitters.com?
I know many guys who imported Japanese vehicles, including Landos. Most of them regretted it, and got rid of them. The availability of parts, and english information is a huge obstacle. The only guys that kept theirs are mechanics with garages and lifts. And even their vehicle are Frankensteins of cobbled parts from different vehicles. A frame from over here, a body from over there, and typically, an engine that was sourced locally so you that you can actually repair the damn thing. You need special scan tools, and most garages won't touch them.
I personally drove a few Japanese imports, and let me tell you, it's scary trying to merge into traffic when your seat is on the wrong side.
