Importing a 70 series Land Cruiser into North America - Owning the Legend
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2024
- Importing a 70 series Land Cruiser into North America - Owning the Legend
Join me as I sit down to discuss the logistics, legalities, price and what is required to import a legendary 70 series Land Cruiser into North America.
With legendary payload, unbeatable global parts support and monster 4.5L V8 turbo diesels, what's not to love about this iconic vehicle?
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00:00 Introduction
00:57 The 70 series Land Cruiser
02:32 Legalities of the Import
05:05 Cost
07:48 The Steering Wheel
10:12 Parts & Modifications
11:38 I'm not Elite
14:55 Outro
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#Overland #landcruiser #4x4 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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Huge thanks to everyone who supports me on Patreon! That support allows me to get out and bring these videos to you all. If you’re interested in supporting my endeavours and getting behind the scenes access to my new vehicle build and expedition, check out patreon.com/theroadchoseme
I like the Integrity and thought you put into your channel.
In respect to using an " off the shelf vehicle " instead of an exotic vehicle.
And Truly being an inspiration to would be Adventurers as well as entertainment those who will not or can not travel long distance.
If you ever get through my part of Montana you have a free place stay.
My Sincerest Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for remaining a ‘regular’ guy in basically a regular vehicle, modified for doing what you do. So many other TH-camrs get sponsored, and suddenly have crazy mods, supercharged engines, a new rooftop tent every 6 months, etc., etc. , instead of continuing to do what got them their followers in the first place. I’m not interested in endless product reviews, sponsor plugs, or amazing merch for sale. I’m look for amazing places that I may actually be able to travel through myself in a vehicle that I can afford to purchase and equip properly. Again, thanks for keeping it real, and sharing your adventures with all of us!
Thanks for the feedback, and you're very welcome! I aim to keep it down to earth and honest forever, because that is in line with my personality, and I know that even six months of doing it any other way would break my heart.
Don't shoot me, but I am working on some merchandise :)
@@TheRoadChoseMe I don't mind the merchandise so much, mostly the constant promoting of all of it. Just subbed to your Patreon account, by the way. It's a bit of a drive from my home in So Cal to BC and beyond, but that's my plan in about 5 years (Retirement - yay!). Maybe I will bump into you someday! Currently driving a Gladiator Rubicon since last summer, which replaced my 2000 Cherokee. Loved that vehicle, I still believe it's the perfect size vehicle for off-roading, but felt it was time for an upgrade. Thanks again for doing what you do!
Land cruiser 76 series has been the love of my life since forever !
Thank you for this approach. It's difficult to get over that "elitist" approach that we encounter on some channels. I really value your down to earth advice and just making things available. I would've been unable to start going out there without this kind of encouragement.
You're very welcome!
I’d love to see you tour North America in a full size domestic with a humble interior living setup. That would be possibly the most practical truck for the everyday adventurer in North America.
Dan, I started following you a couple of years ago at the beginning of the Pandemic. You inspired me and last summer my wife, daughter and grandchild did an Overlanding adventure from Victoria BC to Tuktoyuktuk and back in 2016 Subaru Outback....... Any vehicle!
That is awesome to hear Doug, so happy you guys got on the road and had adventures!!
You are spot on. Take what you have and get out there. You have reinforced my desire to do the Pan Am in my 4runner. I've done the Arctic piece and plan to do Baja in '23. The remainder of the Pan Am is in '25 when my life travel window opens.
This is probably one of your best videos Dan.
Just keeping it real and relatable. I follow a few other overland/off road channels. But I’ve asked myself after watching many times. Do I feel excited to get out. Or a little depressed because I can’t afford a lot of that stuff. Unfortunately sometimes it’s the latter. I do enjoy seeing a lot of the cool new Expensive stuff. But a lot of the channels feel like that’s all it’s about. New stuff.
Your channel is literally a 180 to those channels. You’re the real deal. Actually go on very long remote trips. Vs 1 maybe 2 nights away. With tons of gear.
Thanks for the honest overview. i am from the USA and i am currently in the Middle east and i see these 70 series alot here. i too like many started to entertain the idea of importing now of these. I've definitely have seen some "elite" videos but i am glad i have seen yours to bring adventuring to a normal reality. Thanks again.
It is true; you inspire me as well...especially, the fact that you make yourself so relatable...Thank you very much.
Nice video Dan! When I saw the thumbnail I immediately thought of all the negatives to importing to NA, but you definitely nailed that. I also appreciate your viewpoint on not having the special/elitist approach to a travel rig.
I'm really looking forward to this series. I've always wanted to import a Hilux ever since I've roamed the deserts in the middle east. It's a shame they don't offer more Toyotas in North America
Lol, looks like you aren't importing anything
Wow for a minute I was nervous that you were gonna go that route and I was disappointed. Phew! Now I'm excited to see what's coming!
Another fantastic & informative video Dan! Always appreciate your candid insights & welcome back to Canada!
Very good video Dan. Many very good points and exactly spot on, on the elite approach. That's why we love to follow you along, you are honest and real 😊
I appreciate that!
Just found your channel and after a quick look at your previous videos I'm excited to check them out as time allows. Your common sense approach and style kinda remind me of another worth while channel, Roaming the outback with Bret. After years of mostly small rushed weekend trips I just returned from a two month cross country trip from my place in NY to the desert south western USA and I'm hooked! Every night was spent in the back of my ram 2500 4x4 with a aluminium contractor cap and simple plywood setup which worked perfect for me. I realized I would rather follow the good weather and stay active outside then have all the comforts of a camper that would severely limit where I can go. I'm already busy planning for the next trip, living cheap, saving, scheming and dreaming.
Your no nonsense common sense approach is inspiring. I love the “run what you brung” philosophy.
Reliability and parts availability have to be the main concerns. Otherwise you’ll be stranded on some far off side of the road.
I also appreciate your consideration of viewers relating to your channel. ( unlike Sir Grumpy Pants, I’m sure we know who I’m referring to, and his cost is no object builds)
I wonder if Sandy has another expedition left in her? Hopefully the year in storage has not been detrimental to your JK.
Looking forward to your next trip! 👍👌
Well done! You are the best! Will support you next year Dan! Take care out there have a safe trip back home!
You're the best!
Having owned a JDM vehicle here in BC, Canada....I can tell you there's a whole world of pain in getting parts and service. I think you've made the right decision to stick with a mainstream vehicle for whatever you're going to get up to next, Dan. Safe travels.
Thank you, Dan. Still glance at mine when nobody is looking.
I’ve enjoyed seeing your adventures around Australia Dan.
Great information. Thank you for the detailed analysis!
Glad it was helpful!
I love your channel for exactly that reason - you show people how to have adventures! We had a good meeting of our overland club last weekend for a charity event, and that was the main topic. Which is the larger group of people? The people who want to get out and have adventures, but are intimidated and need basic guidance, or is the larger population the ones who really only want to have vicarious adventures through others?
You are absolutely right! thank you for opening my eyes!
So you know, your the main inspiration for me to be going to AEV to have them install the DUALSPORT Suspension XP on my Jeep Ranger. This coming Monday. I simply love your whole down to earth, real to life approach on things. Thank you. P.S. others also recommended the AEV system to me, also, which validated that your are a wiseman.
That's great to hear Sam, and I'm certain you will love the AEV suspension. It was excellent on my Africa Wrangler, and my Australia Gladiator.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I went with the XP as to be able to maintain higher speeds when I follow in your footsteps up to Tuktoyaktuk this summer.
"I am not elitist" is why I hope to meet you one day in the US. Other channels, not so much. Great content!
I appreciate that, and I hope to be at at a few overlanding shows in 2023 - details coming soon!
On the edge of my seat for the next reveal!
Love the “frame swap” shade :)
Cheers from 🇨🇦 Dan, you’re definitely the only one Channel I can listen to a simple guy sitting on a couch talking. You just make so much sense.
Welcome back home ☃️ and thank you for sharing your adventure again.
PS. Hope you benefited from this used truck $ hype when selling your legendary jeep Gladiator.
Dan have a safe trip back. Hope to see you soon.
Cheers. 🍻
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the video 😎👍
Dan, Outstanding video, very informative and sooo interesting.....I'll stick with my wrangler but loved the video!!
Thanks 👍
Great info and logic as always👍 Let me add to your fan base that's throwing out vehicle recommendations lol. You probably already have a vehicle in mind if not already picked out, but for fun here's what I would recommend. My #1 would be a Chevy or GMC Suburban of the GMT400 or GMT800 era platforms. The Suburban of those eras is just slightly larger in dimensions then your Jeep Gladiator and they usually have pretty good load capacity and have been proven to be quite reliable. They do have IFS but I think for 95% of overlanding their off road capability with a few mods like suspension, tires, and a winch is more then adequate. A lot of them also come with a 42 gallon fuel tank. And since the Suburban is the longest continiously produced SUV in the US your sure to be able to find one at a reasonable price. It is certianly a potential everymans vehicle like the Jeep and hardly anyone out there is making overlanding You Tube content with the Suburban. My #2 pick if ya can't get on board with the Suburban would be to go with the first gen Toyota Sequoia. Im sure its probably been on your radar as its another great SUV that is well suited for overlanding and has solid reliability. Only problem with the Sequoia is that its got the Toyota price premium and has developed popular following for overlanding so finding one at a reasonable price will probably be more difficult. Whatever your next vehicle ends up being I'm excited to watch all the content as you are one of the top overlanding channels on TH-cam imo. Keep up the great work and thanks as always for making and sharing such great content!
Great video… thank you!
I just picked up my Ursa Minor Camper on my stock JLU and I love it and am looking forward to many adventures!
That setup is incredibly hard to beat! Enjoy.
I should be seeing my Ursa Minor in about 8 hours! though it will be -35 and with some snow!
It’s -31C in Alberta today, welcome back 🥶
I did a road trip to Alaska/Canada for 2 months in a Ford escape and a backpacking tent. Worked fine
Dan, glad to see you and Katie had a great time here, I’m still scratching the surface of WA, 😊huge country then there’s the rest of oz🤪. Have you ever considered a 4WD van like Jason’s from Primal Overland would be interesting to hear your views on the pros and cons have a good trip home and you and Katie enjoy Xmas
Great video.
The couple from the YT channel "Live Work Wander", bought a used Troopy imported from Germany (a LHD version), but ended up having many issues with the vehicle due to legalities of the vehicle in the US. It was sorted out in the end, but they went through a stressful period while it was getting sorted. I believe the Troopy was also sold in South America in LHD. Another potential source of a LHD version.
Also South American countries, I was going to purchase a LHD Troopy from Costa Rica, just a little out of my price range.
Agree Dan. Thanks for keeping it real. I always ask myself (what the heck is that gonna cost? And will it last the trip?). Yuuuup I run a LC 105 1HD FTE motor but I live in SA so no problem. I enjoy the fact that you keep it real knowing deep pockets is a thing for a few Elite...
Cheers
Thanks for this
Always great to listen to your insights and reflections and I like the way you think. Why not trying to find the cheapest way to overland for your next project? There are some incredible deals around and sometimes, for a little non-functionning thing, you get a perfectly good vehicule at a fraction of the price of the full functionning same thing. This winter, I'll cross Canada from Victoria to Montreal on a push-to-start Land-Rover Discovery paid 2300$.
It's going to be an interesting experience... At the price of a set of good tires...
Can´t believe that this trip is over. I remember you doing some exercises in your "covid-hotel"....see ya on the next road
Time always flies by
@@TheRoadChoseMe So true
very good video and interesting, Dan you provided a good and very useful video, again.
Glad you liked it!
@@TheRoadChoseMe hope once we can meet each other and I will ask more questions that I need to know before I start my plan for overlanding.
We can have a video chat to discuss your plans and questions too - Checkout my Patreon www.patreon.com/theroadchoseme
I loved watching your trip around Australia, and it's how I found your channel, and I'm excited to see where your travels take you next.
I know everyone in the US has a massive hard-on for the 70-series, but like you've pointed out, the reality of owning one far out-weighs the benefits. I think a lot of people that want them haven't fully thought through everything, especially since you're dealing with a 15+ (or 25+) year old used vehicle with a potentially unknown mechanical background.
You might have missed the part where he mentioned that the 70 series is one of the most reliable vehicles out there. I'd have no issues buying a 15 year old one at all. I'm not paying new prices for one though....that's for sure.
@@seanfrank4158 They're reliable, sure, but their reliability is often over-stated, and things will still break on them, and then you're going to be paying a premium and waiting a long time for parts.
Dan would also be in a unique position of being able to buy the vehicle himself while in Australia before exporting it, most people would be relying on an exporter to get one in NA, and those exporters aren't going to be buying the cream of the crop. There's a good chance the export vehicles are ex-mines, and they get abused to hell before they're sold at auction and bought by the exporters.
Generally correct - for the most part the 70 Series was not sold in North America. But in 1984 the BJ42 was available in Canada. I live in Michigan and have a left-hand-drive diesel LJ70 as a daily driver. I get the few parts I need from Australia. Stop by with your 4Runner or Lexus!
Dan, I remember reading about your travels when you had the first jeep. When I saw this thumbnail pop up I thought maybe your path had changed. I faced the same dilemma when choosing a ride myself last year. I really tossed the idea of a few different vehicles around. Living just north of you in Edmonton I ended up going with a tacoma for the same reasons you stated. I have friends with patrols and 70's, but I feel like they lost the purpose of buying these vehicles for the adventure. Instead it becomes more about the vehicle than what it can do for you.
"It becomes more about the vehicle than what it can do for you"
That is an extremely succinct way of stating it.
And to be clear, I don't think there's anything wrong with that at all. If a persons hobby and passion is owning or working on or tinkering with odd ball "fun" vehicles, that's incredible and they should do it!
My personal passion/hobby is long distance global travel.. so for me the vehicle is a tool that must do it's job to enable what I really care about.
Great great great reasoning. Thanks.
Well, owning a 70 series LC is a hassle realistically in the US. Unless you are buying a brand new one that are currently available for sale in Aus/SA and few others, buying a 25 year old vehicle comes with its own problems.
The better bet is to buy a 100 series that are available in both the LC and the LX470 versions. If you can snag a mid 2000s 100 series owned by someone who never took it off-road ( Lexus would be the better bet here) and buy from a private seller, you got yourself a great car. Spend money on it In doing mods and complete maintenance, it can take you on an adventure. Plenty of those available in US and Canada.
Except I want to import a diesel 100 series. It actually used the same HD diesels as the 70 series at the time.
Love your honesty and integrity Dan. So a Mercedes Sprinter Winnebago is out of the question? ;-)
You could also look at getting a Middle East Spec version with the V8 Diesel.
Just check it out in the UAE.
Thanks!
Thankyou!
I really appreciate your attitude about staying in the realm of the everyman. Living in the US, I really wish we had something like the 79 Series, or at least a "small" turbo diesel option. I say "small" because it seems diesel trucks start at like 6.7L displacement in a huge package, and I just want one no bigger than my Tacoma. Some roads and trails I found are too narrow to be running a Ram 2500 or something through.
I also despise that my Tacoma has an electronic actuator for 4WD. Much rather have two sticks in the console. Still overall happy with the Tacoma though.
If your state/county doesn’t have strict emissions I’d check out DieselToyz in San Antonio. They convert N American Toyotas with Japanese Diesel engines and transmissions, granted it costs about $30-$35,000 for the conversion. TFL Truck did a video on an SR5 Tacoma DCSB diesel conversion a few years back I believe.
great vid dan 👍 I recommend a 99-04 jeep grand Cherokee there everything you need $5000 in upgrades and you'll be unstoppable
I already expected the conclusion you made. And i appreciate it. A pink unicorn might be really good to impress people. But in the end it is not more useful than a regular horse....
Ha, that's a great way to say it! Many overlanding channels go for pink unicorns now...
I always like hearing you talk through these different issues! Thanks for another great video
If you're looking for a vehicle that's available in Canada, is relatively attainable for the average person to find, is offroad capable (I seem to recall you saying a sportsmobile was capable enough?) and has a little more interior living space, how about some kind of full sized pickup with a fiberglass shell on the back? Something like a Spacekap Diablo. With a pretty simple square tube aluminum interior buildout, you'd basically have the every-man's version of a turtle expedition camper....that sort of looks like a work truck and is maybe a little more stealthy than the old Wescott Turtle. Anyway, just a thought
Keep the content coming! I'm definitely excited to see what you come up with
Based on where I want to go on the world, fitting in a shipping container, fuel usage and overall size/weight, I'm not ready to go for a full size American pickup.
Maybe if I were staying in North America... but that's not the plan!
@@TheRoadChoseMe given that criteria, definitely best to skip the full sized.
Keep up the great work! Good luck in the Canadian snow storm
@@TheRoadChoseMe They make 40 foot containers. You are already shipping a vehicle half way around the world.
I've had a 45, 79 80 series. 2 w463 G glass and Finally a Montero/Pajero. My favorite for overland? The one that won Dakar.. Maybe we should be looking towards rally raid for inspiration and not rock crawlers.
Great video!
I have a 2020 Quicksand Toyota Tundra and I love it. It's also a great vehicle for overlanding and very reliable.
-30 degrees where you're moving to! Are you coming to Alberta!?!! Maybe I'll see you on the roads if that's the case.
What province are you moving to?
I'm heading back to BC, but flying into Calgary.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Awesome! I think Calgary is the best city in Canada. I'll be there in 2 weeks! I pm'd you on Instagram. I have a cousin that lives in BC on route to Vancouver if you're driving there and need a place to stay.
To become overlander u need:
.
20 litres plastic shower, can be used as a can.
70 l Plastic tray - store staff + can be used as bath.
10 l plastic bucket..... Very useful 🤘
.
Gasoline stove.
.
Any car where u can spread 5€ inflatable mattress on ski or on snowboard.
.
Mastercard/visa to buy fodd/gas/spares
.
Finito 🤘
Here in Latin America are plenty of 70 series land cruiser with all of the advantages: 15 years old, left hand drive, and English speakers able to sale the right vehicle for you. Though you're not here, it might be cheaper to transport a cruiser from whatever country you find it to Canada
Then I finished the video hahahaha. I agree with you Dan
Maltec in the US imports and fully restores/builds these, but sheeesh the price tags.
Safe travels home!
Bummer :)... well it makes sense... I've been so close to importing a 70 series but the parts availability has always stopped me, and I drive a NAS Defender 90.. which a pain in the ass sometimes to fix in fact it is being replaced with a Toyota 200 series for my overland truck..
Great analysis Dan. I covet the exotic land cruisers and defenders, but as you said, not practical for North America.
I thought it was a how to video, guy was driving me crazy!!
Would love a 4Runner trip!!!
Overlanding is getting pampas, and arrogant! Thank you for keeping it real!
Your video is so great and attracting!! Very hope to work with you! Could you shoot a video for our brand?
If you are immigrating to Canada you can bring your vehicle with you. My sister moved back and forth from Sweden so it works. But Land Cruisers 79 are available in North America, Mexico is a part of North America. But 15 year rule applies to Mexican vehicles for Canada.
JKU's forever!!! Thank you, Dan! Until the Ineos Grenadier is available! Haha! Seriously,I hope to see more adventures in the JKU..I'm biased! BTW, will you be in the US for any 'Adventure Shows' this year...specifically East Coast?
I will be at a few shows with the new vehicle, but all on the west coast.. unfortunately it's just too far for me to drive all the way across country again this year.
Diesel gladiator in NA :) get one while you still can.
Ive considered importing a Mercedes G300 TD to the USA as the OM606 engine was sold here. The body was sold here, the 6-speed transmission was sold here.
Mercedes shops can work on it and Mercedes dealerships shouldn't have too much trouble
There is also the GRJ, 4.0l V6 petrol. I got one here in germany and tey are imported fromt the Oman i think. Steering wheel is left handed. ;)
What kind of fuel consumption do you get with the V6 petrol engine?
@@TheRoadChoseMe roundabout 15l/100km
The Ineos Grenadier will be available soon... perhaps that's an option to think about....
For sure it looks great, though I Think there is a very long waitlist to get one. I'd rather be out on adventure!
Personally I would take a Right Hand Drive vehicle wherever I can be allowed to for overlanding, since I am from South Africa, and because it is something different I would do it. I will drive Left Hand Drive only if I am not allowed to do Right Hand Drive. FJ Cruiser for the win. I do like the 70 series but some of us here in South Africa wish we could have had the 71 2-door short wheel base in Right Hand Drive from the factory but I do believe one can get it but it would take full deposit and lots of wrestling with corporate.
I am from CR and did not know about the limitation of right hand drive.
You still have your Africa Jeep. Freshin' that up and go with it!
And you know where you should explore? The United States!
You could import one from Venezuela, they are left hand drive, mostly petrol engines, and decent prizes.
Dan I think you may be mistaken . I have read that some Provinces and States have banned registering Right hand drive . Check out Quebec. Looking forward to seeing what you get .
My understanding is that once it's 15 years old, it simply doesn't matter as it falls into a completely different category/exemption. There are literally thousands of quebec-plated RHD Delicas getting around, I see scores of them in BC and Yukon every summer.
@@TheRoadChoseMe "In Québec, right-hand drive vehicles built less than 25 years ago can no longer be operated on public roadways, with some exceptions." From the provincial website." But BC seems to still be OK.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I have owned a Delica with a JB camper on the back from Japan . Since you are not importing I guess it doesn't matter . I had read that Quebec had introduced legislation banning any new registering of right hand drives . Perhaps it never went through . I guess check with them when you get back into Canada .Something to remember Importing the car you are dealing with Federal government and laws . Registering the car you must comply with all provincial standards in that province . Just because you import a car does not mean it has a registered and licensed .O and you will need a special rider on you insurance because it is right hand drive . Thanks Dan for all the down to earth knowledge that you bring to us .
Come to Saud and get one they are so cheap , im planning to bring one to Canada or the US in the future
Can you give me a idea on how you would import it? I'm trying to brainstorm how it would be possible, I'm not too concerned about legally registering it either
Great video, as told in my last message, buy a Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited with a new JXL hardtop extension
I really think they're a terrible idea - putting all that weight way further behind the rear axle than was ever designed for.. the worst thing about my Wrangler is that it's too heavy.. this would be worse.
Good luck
Too cold to head to canada...stay in paradise 3 more months✌
Not at all, I'm ready for the snow!!!
@@TheRoadChoseMe im in southern az....near the mexican border...it was 18 degrees in the morning.....felt like upstate n.y......im headin down baja....will look for ya in b.c. in The summer
Safe trip...merry christmas and happy new year🎅
25 year wait in the US is a crime against humanity!
Looking forward to seeing you in a Ford E350 with a 4x4 conversion and modest lift.😁
Can you get newer ones, or are we stuck to older vehicles?
@@TheRoadChoseMe
The Van was made up until 2014 and it had the options of a 5.4 V8 or the 6.8 V10. I hope those are not the three valve versions because it is well known that the 5.4 is a ticking time bomb. The valve trail & variable valve timing system is prone to failure. IIRC the V10 offered was the 2 valve version which is much better. Not sure if there were any diesels beside the 6.0 Powerstroke and that one has a bad rep for breaking.
The good part about this is that Ford still makes the E350 but it only comes as a cutback version which is basically an empty frame with just the cab (without rear wall) so it is open to the air and a blank canvas to build your own box on the back. It also comes with the new 7.3 V8 which is a new old-school pushrod V8. Nothing but rave reviews on that one.
So yes, you can get a brand new one but it's not a complete Van but a blank canvas to build on. I think the prices are reasonable too. Tons of work but you'd get a full custom build that is still something a normal gy can buy.
The other domestic option would be a GM Van (Chevy Express or GMC Savana). Some came with factory 4x4 and I heard that many companies in the Canadian Oil industry bought 4x4 versions by the ship load so there migth be an option to get a used one from there.
They are still made so brand new is an option but you'd need a 4x4 conversion.
I have no idea about parts support for Ford or GM Vans in South America.
@@christianholmstedt8770 How does custom work cost? $150 an hour?
@@raymondweaver3078
Well, if the plan is to do none of the work at all and pay for everything, it's unattainable.
Paying per hour would be a dumb idea but a mechanic is probably $100-$150/hr. No idea what a cabinet maker or an electrical guy would charge.
A 4x4 conversion will end up at about $15k - $20k or something like that.
Only in a Dan Grec video will you get a cut of simply the word "Legalities" scored to heavy metal
Great discussion. I reached the same conclusion, which is a shame, because I’d love to own a 78 series. So disappointing that Toyota isn’t selling any solid axle vehicles suited to overlanding in North America. When will you reveal the vehicle you are going to build next? Will it be another Jeep?
I'll be discussing it with my supporters over on Patreon in the coming weeks, at least a few months before I make any videos about it here. I've got a lot of things to sort out when I get back.
@@TheRoadChoseMe sounds good.
Over here in Dubai, we have the Land Cruiser in left hand drive. Just two weeks ago, I saw a whole bunch of white Troop carriers just waiting to be sold. So you could come over here and get one, if you like.
I like the idea of using every day cars. I think that you should stick to the Jeep brand because of what it has done to let you have adventures. Toyota is a good, but it is so over done and frankly like you said, doesn't inspire those in North America or any part of the world that doesn't have the 70 series Cruiser. Pretty much every single overlanding or off road channel has a Toyota build.
What I liked about your channel is that it showed that Toyota isn't the only brand capable of going all over the globe. I've seen the comments all over the internet about Jeep it being unreliable, etc. In fact, you can't post a video about any pickup truck or off road vehicle on youtube without being trolled by a Toyota fanboy. What people don't understand, is that modern Toyota is the just the same as any other manufacturer or even worse sometimes. If Toyota are the kings of off road, why do they put their alternators so low in the engine bay? They're resting on the reputation that they've built over the years and right now don't care about their customers. They know that nothing anyone says will hurt their sales. People will buy a turd, if its got a Toyota badge on it. #RantOver
The costs mentioned vary by California vs the rest of the US. To make a import completely legal in CA, it needs to be made Air Resources Board compliant so many thousands of dollars. It’s a scam for sure. Many imports come through other states, which generally bypasses the CARB bs, but it’s not 100% legal.
Hey dan I live in Vancouver bc
I have imported Land Rover Santana defender all the way from Spain in 2019 if u want any info let me know thanks
Are you sure that you can import a troopy to the US (California) without having to make emissions modifications to pass smog ?
There are people commenting here saying I'm wrong, and just because it's federally legal California won't necessarily let you register it. I had no idea, sorry.
Land Cruisers direct has been in trouble iwth legal issues. There was just a news story about the owner Steve having a warrent out and his whereabouts are unknown. you might want to steer clear of land cruisers direct?
Seen quite a few Sprinters on our trip up to Tuck this fall . A couple of Man"s and Iveceo "s ,but they seem to be out of their element . I have lost all interest in Jeep, since Fiat/Stelantis took over . How about a 4wd Sprinter ? . Looks like $ 70.000 . similar to a Gladiator .
In the US here. I'm tempted to get Mexican citizenship. import a LC 70 series left hand steering from UAE to Mexico register it to Mexico and just cross over the border however times need be to be legal here.
1970’s or 1980’s era Chevy Suburban with a clean body (rare-ish) and Chevy 350 cubic inch. You can buy crate replacement engines Mail order for $2.5k transmissions for less. KISS principle.
You may be able to import and own any vehicle over 25 years old in the USA, but some states are starting to make it so you can’t legally register or drive it on public roads in those states. See Maine as an example.
Thanks, I didn't know about that - I'm learning it's even more of a headache than I thought.
Get a gladiator in Canada mate
Have you thought about building your own camper on a gladiator? I bet you could get what you want and cheaper if you worked with the welding students/apprentices at a local technical college. Just a thought.
I sure have thought about it - but the challenge is the bed is only 5 feet long.. so it would be hard to get a good sized living compartment on there. Doable, but a challenge
@@TheRoadChoseMe What if you removed the rear seat(s), removed the rear window and enlarged the opening, and then connected the camper to the cab using a flexible and durable weatherproof membrane? With a pop top for the sleeping area you could make the 5 foot truck bed all living space with the rear seat area mostly storage. Most of the weight would be between the axles and low down in the backseat area. That should give you a lot more room than in your Africa Jeep.
Absolutely, something like that could work, and Ursa Minor will build a pop-up roof that does what you're describing.
It must be tricky overtaking with a RHD in Canada and USA.
Exactly - there's no way it's a safe thing to do.
I drove my Africa Jeep on the "wrong" side in plenty of countries in Africa, and it was always sketchy, and not something I want to do full time.
I have a RHD defender in Europe and I don’t do much over taking in it, bigger issue is junctions at awkward angles, 90* is fine but tighter angles can be a pain, you can’t always position the vehicle so you can see, fortunately most of the time I have a passenger who can look for me.