I totally agree with our Japanese-stationed friend... I am on the end of importing a JDM Paj right now, and have some friends who've done same, and are at various stages, ranging from looking, to actually driving one.

I don't think cheap and easy can coexist, though others may disagree. For my money (and everyone here knows I'm cheap - I'm "budget lift" guy, after all <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> ), I chose to use an importer. I had many reasons for doing so, and at every stage of the process, I have been glad I did.

My importer did not charge an exorbitant fee (I'm not gonna quote prices here, since currency exchange varies daily, as well as other factors, such as shipping costs, etc). But for the money, I got peace of mind, and an expert who could translate japanese auction sheets for me. He has an exporter/mechanic in Japan where we had the vehicle sent after we won the auction, to be checked over for any mechanical deficiencies, and to get more pictures. I had an oil change done, and since the vehicle wasn't legal for import till May (it goes by year AND month of manufacture) it was put in a storage facility. My importer has shipping connections, so when the time comes, I'll be able to "jump the queue" a little and get my truck on the boat with the r/o r/o (roll on roll off) traffic, instead of having to ship in a container (pricier, and you have to fill the container before it ships). This is probably the trickiest part, because the new car exports in Japan are so prevalent, and take priority over every other vehicle export. I know folks doing it themselves who are looking at months of waiting, to get shipping.

Once the vehicle arrives, my importer has connections to get me cheaper shipping from Van to here. He is also well-versed in the subtleties of the paperwork... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I'm getting my truck for a very modest sum, and would recommend this method to anyone who was serious about importing.

Check the reputation of the importer you're looking at, get references, make sure they're registered with provincial associations, and send them an inquiry email and get a gut feeling from them. Also, get a good feel for exactly what you're looking for, before you talk to anyone. Check the main auction site: https://bzl.cis6200.jp/e/ (this is the uss site, that covers the biggest ones in Japan). Use S16091 for your ID. Then navigate through the screens to the Pajeros.

The wide bodied 91 pajero shortie is chassis number V24WG.

BTW, my importer was JDM connection, based in Edmonton. Do your research, and shop around, but I'd rate them highly... http://www.jdmconnection.ca/

Hope this helps somewhat... More questions, just ask.

PHIL