Any chance we can get a discussion going on the best/least expensive way to import a Pajero diesel from Japan to Canada? I live in B.C., and really want a '91 2.5 SWB, but I'm not interested in paying someone else $4K to bring it over for me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Any comments or information would be appreciated.

As an American stationed in JPN, who's bought 2 vehicles and motorcycle, if I were you, I'd go through a reputable importer. I'd easily pay someone to take care of all the red tape. Believe me, buying a vehicle IN PERSON is not easy. I can't imagine trying to import from overseas on my own.

If there is a super secret cheaper way, then disregard my reply <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I could Johnny Cash you a Pajero if you'd like - one piece at a time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

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

I'll Second Phil's comments...

I used Import concern. Their "fee" was approximatly $870 (inc GST)

For that I had:
A) the paper work cared for within Canada
B) the vehical payment arranged.
C) Internal Japan transport arranged.
D) Canada rail shipment arranged
E) Duties and taxes payment arranged.
F) Canadian bonded broker arrangements made.

So a "import broker" is typically good value.

Phil's contact goes the extra mile to verify the vehical as well before shipment, their cost is probably more as well.

Some japan auction houses offer this service (Truck inspection, clean, prep) as well packaged in with internal Japan shipment and export paper preperation. Prepare to pay 110,000 Yen for this service * ...

Roughly broken down..

Cost of truck -> Up to you
Cost of Japan transport to dock -> Typ 10,000 - 50,000yen
Cost of Japan broker 10,000 -> 70,000 *
Cost of shipping by boat -> Typ 120,000Yen
Cost of Canada bonded broker -> Approx $80 per $1000 CDN &
Cost of Air/con tax -> $100 even if broken
Cost of GST on Truck -> 7% of truck cost
Cost of Rail/truck to you -> $814 to Ontario for me

"&" means per 1K of truck actual cost..

"*" means that internal Japan transport, cleaning, basic service and inspection are included with internal Japan paperwork. It is good value as well but I have never tried it..

Would I use a broker like import concern next time.... Hummm probably no as I think I have enough feel for it to go it alone.. But that opinion is without money on the table.. I am currently getting my 93 MPV and 93 B2200 pick up to a sellable state to gather enough funds to buy a Mitz Strada pickup, Hilux Pickup or FJ60 series land cruiser this fall... Once I have to drop $6K on the table just for the cost of one those trucks I may decide to use a broker again.. But tiome will tell.

To those who have a vehicle.
did YOU search out the vehicle and choose it for yourselves, or did the broker source the vehicle (a selection meting your criteria) and then let you choose.

I ask because I would want certain options (factory rear diff lock) and you sometimes seem unsure of exactly whats coming with the vehicle (Phil?)

Cheers

And FWIW the full size limo is V44WG. That would be the one with flares and side plastics too.

So, can we break this down even more and get a ball-park idea on what a person should expect to pay, in Canadian dollars including all fees, to import a averaged priced '91 mitsu diesel as far as to the port in Vancouver?

There is no importer close to where I live to discuss this with in person, and I'm just trying to get a good idea of what to expect in terms of money and trouble.

I think bill_bly just did that for you:
[color:"blue"]
Roughly broken down..

Cost of truck -> Up to you
Cost of Japan transport to dock -> Typ 10,000 - 50,000yen
Cost of Japan broker 10,000 -> 70,000 *
Cost of shipping by boat -> Typ 120,000Yen
Cost of Canada bonded broker -> Approx $80 per $1000 CDN &
Cost of Air/con tax -> $100 even if broken
Cost of GST on Truck -> 7% of truck cost
Cost of Rail/truck to you -> $814 to Ontario for me
[/color]

Just do the dollar exchange and the rest of the math. Remember the yen rate changes daily, but you can normally expect between 111-116yen per US dollar. And being in Vancouver, you're in port so you should not need a whole lot of transport from arrival.

Around here on base, Pajeros sell for $1500-3000US. If you want the rest of the auctions throughout JPN, do a search, there are plenty pf JPN auctions listed online to browse.

As for not being able to talk to an importer, see who everyone recommends. Then call the company and discuss it with them. Google the company to find their contact info.

You gotta put a little legwork in. Besides, no one here on the board can give you an exact answer to the penny what you will be paying. There are too many variables. You've got plenty of info to get you going.

Not to hijack, but is it possible to drive them back to, say, Alberta once they are in port? I should be able to get some kind of temporary insurance. Or do they have to be shipped and inspected before you can register and insure it?

Ed, you can drive it back to AB. Just get temporary tags (in transit I think they call it?) and then do the reg-ging when you get it home. I thought of doing that too, but it wouldn't be a vacation for me, more of a grab and dash, so shipping it here is cheaper.

Fuzzy, re Prices, last time I checked, a V24WG was averaging 1200USD on the USS auction site.

But if you wanna know exact, here is a truck being sold by my recommended importer, JDM Connection:
Final price to Van is $5600!
Pajero XP on JDM Connection

Drop them a line!