I'd go for it. It sounds about right to me. Personally, I'd keep the leather because I have a 2 year old and another on the way, and leather is that much easier to wipe up the spills, etc. If kids weren't part of the equation, I don't imagine it would matter much to me what the seats are.
About the roof rack: did you consider inquiring about shipping it UPS or FedEx or something like that? If it's a lot less than buying a new one, ship it home. I have no idea what a new one would cost but I would guess, judging by the price of Thule roof racks, you would likely have to pay over a grand for a new one. Anyone know the actual value?
All the best. Brett

You can pay a bit now and have a compression test, brake and other inspection done now while it's still in Japan. Let the importer use their guys to do it, then I'd put it in the contract that if any of the above fails, that you are entitled to some sort of compensation. William might not go for this, but if it flies there is a bit less risk. I was on the hook for more repairs than I bargained for with mine, which was more of a PITA than a $$ issue.

You also might want a few spare belts shipped with it.

Good advice. Thanks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I'll take that into consideration and see what I can get from them.

Payment wired.

Toss another anxiously waiting guy on the list. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I used TD for the wire transfer and Autorec was already in their system at that branch. Nice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" />

It's going RORO <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> so I'll give it some time and see when/if they ship it that way.

I'll post pictures of the cloth seats inside the exceed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Jesse

ps. Thanks guys for the great advice and paving the road for newbies like me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Q:

I'm looking at replacing the timing belt/pulley/tensioner and water pump when I get it, however I've been told that it's quite the excruciating job.

I have the option to get them to do it in Japan.

They will get back to me on the cost.

Can any of you tell me what I should be looking at as far as parts and labour costs go ?

I'd like to have some idea before I give them the go ahead.

Thanks,
Jesse

They just swapped out the leather seats for cloth ones.

Perfect. A cloth exceed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thinking of having them swap out the rims (one's on the Pajero) for the one's most of you have (aluminum cookie cutter style).

They said they'll charge around 15,000 which is about $140 with the wire transfer.

Do you think $140 is worth changing the rims/tires ?

Personally, I don't like the one's on there.

Looking for some feedback from you guys.

$140 is cheap for rims, and if you don't like the ones you have, go for it. But, what kind of tires would you be getting?

I'll definitely be getting either Nitto Terra AT Grappler's or Bridgestone Revo's.

The Nitto's only come in 16" which there's something that I find confusing.

So far, out of the alu cookie cutter style, I've only seen 15" rims but torquemonster's alu rims are 16".

I have to find out which one is which.

I'd prefer 16's but if they're 15's, then probably revo's or Toyo AT's.

I'm not sure what you hardcore guys think of them, but Costco has 33x10.5-15 BFG A/T KOs for $209+tax per tire installed. Seems like the best choice for me at least, since I'm on a tight budget until I start making some headway on the Pajero's debt. From what I've researched, they're a great choice for a daily driver that might see occasional off-road use: my Pajero. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />