Why NOT to buy a Grey Import from Japan

Hi Colin
I would have thought that the 80 Series would have rusted away very quickly after playing in the sea like that. They also would have had a fair bit if panel damage after playing in the gully.

Cheers

Stephen

Nice obstacle course. Looks pretty challenging. Don't think that would put me off buying one too much.
The wet start hill climb is another story though. That is a bit like how some people drive on Fraser & Moreton Islands.
When I recently sold my Patrol I got heaps of interest straight away out of Brisbane. It sold to a Brisbane bloke within a week & I had 2 others seriously interested. I couldn't understand why so much interest out of Brisbane. Local Nissan dealer said it was because they would have known we can't drive on beaches in NQ & there is a fair chance SE Qld cars have been in salt water on the islands.

Why ? Except for the watery takeoff it looks like your normal bunch of hairy chested heroes on a Simpson crossing LOL

Regards

What is the grey import relevance - you need to take the same care in buying a 4wd in Aust - particularly if an ex mine vehicle or one from the coast.

Garry

Didn't look like any of them were wearing seat belts... definitely the pax in the 2nd vehicle wasn't.... YEP.. they're crazy. I'd say the film was sped up quiet a bit as well which makes it even more dramatic.

It's also a good example of how to ruin a perfectly good video with absolutely rubbish music ( I use the term 'music' lightly).
Thank God for the mute button!

Sorry I missed the point .....all togrther....... I SAW A FEW BLOKES DOING EXTREME THINGS IN BEEFED UP 4X4 's ......great if you have that sort of cash to use up on a weekends fun. I see no reason not to buy a Grey Import , I know of several that have given good value and service
Brian

I own a Jap Import Nissan in NZ as our NZ play vehicle ( we spend 4 months a year there). Over 5 years and 100,000km - we have had 100% reliability other than the power windows of which 2 have died.

Would we buy another - too right, but not in OZ as we imported a NZ new vehicle in 2003, it was a nightmare getting it into the country, getting it insured and then selling it several years later - it is just an attitude thing that Aussies do not want to touch a grey import for whatever reason and protect the OZ motor industry.

Stevesub

Colin's "grey import" comment refers to the Toyota Surfs in the video, they are imported into Australia by specialised dealers. Prado's were originally the domain of the Importers, about 12-15 years ago, then Toyota realised they were popular here and released them officially, which took the Prado off the imports list. My B-I-L has worked in this industry for many years, has been to the auctions in Japan, and has many yarns regarding these imports.

Apart from the ocean-bath at the front of the vid, these guys just look like they're having a bit of fun, but I wouldn't mind betting that they haven't lowered their tyre pressures though, looked like they were struggling on some stuff that they maybe shouldn't have struggled on?

Cheers

Brian

What a load of crap........

As if that would induce anyone to buy a vehicle.......

Michael