@Mopper they have to be 25 years old or older to be emissions exempt in the US minus commi CA.
@DubDub I'd see if you can connect with anyone North of the Boarder either via PM on IH8MUD or Facebook they have been importing for much longer than us as they only have to wait 15 years. I picked up my HDJ81 out of Canada by a chance You tube video.
I too looked at FLEX, they are legitimate but wasn't too keen on going that route unless I could go either to a Japan auction or see them in person. The problem I kept running into was allot of them come with repainted undercarriages from the importers and that is a big red flag to me.
My paperwork from when the PO imported was just one sheet from the auction place stating not much other than vehicle details, some minor condition information and as is sale pretty much the same info you can find online from the auction importers.
Depending upon price point you can also work with some of them ask for specific vehicle conditions, model and specifications and money you're willing to put up for auction and they will search for a vehicle that matches and send you some info and decide if and how to proceed at the auction on your behalf.
I want a 70 series troopy but don't think I'd import unless going to a Japan auction in person to look it over first or wait until one in the US or Canada comes up. I'm still torn on them though as all parts are import so things can add up quick on one, it's the same reason I backed out of purchasing a KZJ78 never sold here nor an equivalent us model sold either. This is the reason I went with the HDJ81 for now, you can also look in middle east as well but those will likely have been used allot harder than the Japanese market. Suspension wise you would be ok on parts for body, electrical, body and allot of power train items will be import only.
That said some of the Land Cruiser specialist like Terrain Tamer/Valley Hybrids/Cruiser Brothers same point of contact, Cruiser Outfitters and some other smaller places do have some import parts in country in their stock.
If you can see it in person to look over and have a better idea what you're walking into and find one that hasn't been touched as far as paint then I'd go for it, otherwise could be quite costly. Guess allot depends on what kind of condition you want it to be in, reliable and ready to drive but maybe has interior, body and electrical items that aren't quite right or turn-key minus paint, body and normal interior wear??
For instance, if it needs an axle and brake rebuild like I'm doing now you're in for 3k or more in parts alone and these are all stateside already so no import. You need an ECU or switch its most likely NLA from Toyota and may or may not be available anywhere you can find or a simple switch or sensor can go for $500 in some cases for a used operational unit. This is the case even with USDM 80 series as well, once they get his old some of the parts that Toyota no longer makes become so rare and fetch allot of cash when someone decides to sell a part you need.
So, if you are like me and want that stuff mostly OEM and want everything to function then it's best to get one already in that condition or as close to it as you can afford. It will be cheaper in the long run this way and save your sanity and time in searching for what you need.
I can't say for sure but I don't think there are hidden costs with FLEX, it lists shipping, you'll be responsible for import duties though which weren't bad for mine. I wanna say all the fees to get it on the road (no shipping required) were 2k for me and all the paperwork with plates in hand and title in the mail was done in about 1 hour at the border and 30 minutes at the DMV.
Good Luck in your search!
