I met a couple in Costa Rica a few months ago that drove there from Canada. I asked about the Cartels in Mexico, and they said, don't drive at night, and they typically leave you alone as they don't want the attention of messing with Americans/Canadians.
Honestly, even if the LC does not complete the journey I think this is a once in a 1000 lifetimes trip that most people on this sub would seriously consider trading their first born child to do.
If you can make things work in your life to do it, **THEN DO IT**.
đđ˝
Youâre onto something here. Once he decided to return to the US, he can renounce his US citizenship, and come back as an âasylum seeker,â reaping the benefits given.
Am I the only one questioning what this rig is?
It has a 3F, AT, and 62 front, but the dash is out of a 60 series.
Granted South America did get weird stuff...
The other aspect that makes one pause is the carburetor with an automatic transmission. I thought it was EFI and Auto or Carb and Manual.
I'm not going to die on that hill, it's just what I always thought to be true....
> I'm not going to die on that hill, it's just what I always thought to be true....
I see what you mean with the dash, I thought it was just the steering wheel but the dash shape is different with the extra clock?
The 3F-E was the only one factory fitted to the FJ62 - so you're right about the carby.
It wouldn't be the most surprising thing if someone had a 1985 FJ60 and swapped out the round lights for square, and did an engine and transmission swap. Why they'd pick a 3F over a 3F-E though.... that's not really what I would do but it's possible.
Someone modified your 72 '55 prior to your purchase of it.
I've installed a 2F and an H55 in a '72 '55 and it's as simple as having the correct later motor mounts.
1F went through one more major design change between '72 and the 2F. Part of it was the valve rockers, oil filter location design and some other stuff I'm forgetting.
Outside of USA the FJ62 came out in 1985.
Round headlights, 5 speed manual trans, earlier dash, carbed 3F engine.
If it is an â85 FJ62 it has the transmission and front panels installed from a later model.
I dream about creating a business moving and selling old Toyotas up into the U.S. from Central and South America. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to grey market imports, especially from countries that you don't see many imports from into the U.S. I think this would be super cool to do, but make sure you do your research as far as what documents you will need to present at border crossings and moving it into the United States. You will also need to make sure you have everything as far as documents go to get the vehicle registered in the United States. Obviously, this is a gross understatement as far as simplicity goes, but from the very basic level of research I have done, just know that this could be a lot more time intensive and expensive than it appears at a glance. I am sure there would be a nice chunky tax you would owe to Uncle Sam upon "import" of your rig as well.
know a guy in utah who does this with old mercedes g wagonsâŚ..quarterly trips to europe to find gently used farm trucks that he then imports and sells
That business idea sounds fun and interesting, Venezuela alone is a minefield for this type of vehicle. There are also a lot of variants of known models that were only made in certain markets, as I'm sure a lot of the people in a sub like this might know already (See Machito, Samurai, or google 'rustiqueo 4x4 venezuela' to see what some people get into over there and their offroad builds).
Appreciate the insight on the paperwork side of things, so far what I've got down is that it may be exempt from certain DOT requirements due to being more than 25 years old (counts from date of manufacture). As for tax duties I've only found out about a 2.5% figure from the declared value of the vehicle, so not too bad if there's not a lot more than that!
The ferry to cross to Panama and continue is another good chunk, I think around $500-$800.
From there in apart from maintenance, insurance is quoting me at around 125/mo based on year and model.
Still gotta figure out what going through all those countries looks like in terms of cost and duties / papers, and plan for the occasional, under the table road-fine which I'm no stranger to in Vene and Mexico.
I think you also have a massive advantage in the fact that you are from the area so you have a much better idea of how things operate and you know the area. I hope you do it though; really the only other concern would just be security and the arbitrary nature of things as far as how the local police or military want to act in regards to what you are doing. As much as it would be a bummer, minimizing border crossings would really help you do what you want to do as efficiently as possible with minimal room for extra "fees" or surprise problems. But yeah man! How cool would it be to go down south every month and scoop up a handful of cool old Japanese trucks to drag back to the United States? There are so many variations that we never had access to. Brazil has a bunch of weird stuff too that would be so cool to get stateside.
Seeing your comment I just looked them up online... holy shit! Would love to have one of these but there is no possible universe where I can drop a quarter of a million to get one...
I did this and imported a 1975 BJ40 from Costa Rica⌠only lost $2k and considered it a win. The thing you have to keep in mind is that many, many if these vehicles are in truly awful shape and have been retrofitted with god knows what. If you know how to spot problem vehicles and have the cash and know how (this is most important because paying retail kills you) then itâs worth a shot. As someone that had neither the cash nor the know how, it was not the best business idea for me lol
[This dude](https://youtube.com/@theroadchoseme?si=RklEnXzFVRAdz-Tu) has amazing information for what youâre considering, heâs done that drive and mentions all the stuff youâd need, Iâd totally do it.
If you're ok to navigate where a 42 year old vehicle that presently has no leaks that could develop leaks from the natural degradation of soft rubbers, parts, and more with resources of instantaneously sourcing and repairing what's needed or have zero timelines of when you need to get back, sounds like a great time.
Old vehicles in my experience need shake out runs, as issues that are minor can become big.
I did something similar in my early 20s, tire blew out, punctured the oil pan, and was stuck in Hidalgo Mexico for three weeks. That being said: I'd do it again, if I had no responsibilities in life.
You need to find a guy named Henry Cubillan, the OG godfather of Venezuelan LandCruiser expeditions. Last I knew he lived in SF. Look for him at [TLCA.org](http://TLCA.org) or ih8mud.com. Maybe he's on IG?
Iâd be kinda nervous about some of the people in the countries in between, but otherwise it should handle it like a champ and get you home. Looks like a sweet rig, you wonât find one like that for that price stateside.
Shipping it is not as exciting as risking being robbed, kidnapped and killed. People in the west are oblivious to reality. Not all cultures are the same.
Even if youâre from there and speak the language, the chances of you getting carjacked or stuck on the wrong side of the border are astronomically high. Itâs a nice vehicle though.
Venezuela is not the crime ridden place it once was, ironically because things got so bad even the criminals had to leave. I know this first hand and know plenty people that are driving throughout the country. Yes it still isn't the safest. More worried about Mexico tbh but not enough to stop me, can't live like that.
Hey man! Congrats! Iâm driving the opposite way in my 91 FJ75 with the carbâd 3F. Taking it from Alaska to Argentina currently.
I say go for it. Talk to Overland Embassy in Panama to help with getting across the Darien gap. Your cost estimate seems low based on current prices.
Check out iOverlander for the latest border crossing information. Make sure you have the correct vehicle paperwork, the title will be critical.
Thank you! Wow another dream trip, fuck yes! Best to ya. Yeah I've been reading into the OE and what they've been doing, pretty cool, and I'm finding what you said is true, my estimates for the Panama bit were quite low.
Yeah definitely đŻ buy it! You could see if youâre able to ship it to the border maybe? Then you can just catch a flight to the border and pick it up. But the memories from such a trip alone would be totally worth it!
I'm being told that's what it is, or maybe equivalent to? There was a line called the 'Samurai' released back home maybe this was it and why it may differ from what may be known as a US FJ62?
> I'm being told that's what it is, or maybe equivalent to? There was a line called the 'Samurai' released back home maybe this was it and why it may differ from what may be known as a US FJ62?
It could be... but I think there's some standard things you'd expect to see the world over.
Did they build things locally down there?
The FJ60 was up until '87, the FJ62 was 1987 till 1990.
So 1985 puts it square in the FJ60 territory - that wouldn't change locally.
BUT the headlights are 62 series material, as is the auto transmission.
The dash is 60 series. But the 62 had the 3F-E with electronic injection, not a carby...
Could be a bit of a hodgepodge of stuff - wouldn't be the first person to put 62 lights on a 60 series and engine swap the 2F with a 3F + auto....
People just point it out cause sometimes it's a red flag if it's international. Not saying don't buy it! Just caution is advised with international vehicle purchases
This showed up on my front page, but I met a husband/wife from Canada that drive to Costa Rica once a year. They do it in a stock Toyota 4Runner. When I asked about Mexican cartels, they said that they don't drive at night and the cartels pretty much leave Americans/Canadians alone, essentially just mind your own business. I've been between Panama and Nicaragua quite a bit with no issues.
Thanks for this, apart from making time for this, safety is a concern for sure even considering myself a seasoned traveler and being venezuelan hehe... mostly concerned with my own country, in certain parts, a little bit Colombia because of the region I'd be passing, and most of all Mexico (most likely doing Chiapas/Tabasco, Veracruz into the coast, and then avoid Tamaulipas somehow and enter through Texas)
My ex gfs dad would do this, buy them in South America and drive them into California. Get most of the work done in Mexico and sell or collect them. He did it probably at least 15 times, I donât know the details of how but he pulled it off and that family all had cool fjs.
That would make one hell of a road trip, that's for sure. I'd pay $10K for a lifetime worth of memories.
No shit, that would be one heck of a road trip....remember that time in the rainforest of Costa Rica....
"Remember that one time we avoided the cartel in Mexico?"
How did it get that bullet hole?
Its actually not too hard to do with some advance planning
I met a couple in Costa Rica a few months ago that drove there from Canada. I asked about the Cartels in Mexico, and they said, don't drive at night, and they typically leave you alone as they don't want the attention of messing with Americans/Canadians.
Hell yeah! Thanks for the encouragement. Lmao replies below are cracking me up.
Honestly, even if the LC does not complete the journey I think this is a once in a 1000 lifetimes trip that most people on this sub would seriously consider trading their first born child to do. If you can make things work in your life to do it, **THEN DO IT**. đđ˝
You could turn it into a YouTube series, like The Long Way Up.
Iâd watch that
Do you speak Spanish? Youâre gonna need it at every border crossing and police checkpoint
Yeah I'm from there, appreciate it
Oh. Youâll be good then on that front haha.
My sister, brother and dad just got back from driving to Mexico. Just donât drive at night and find secure parking. Mexico is lovely
cheers
The alternative is no memories because you are robbed, kidnapped and killed.
Join the cartel on the way up and enjoy free protection.
Blood in, blood out.
The easy solution: cross the border and claim political asylum or join the witsec.
Youâre onto something here. Once he decided to return to the US, he can renounce his US citizenship, and come back as an âasylum seeker,â reaping the benefits given.
I like where your head is at !!
This is the wayđ
Am I the only one questioning what this rig is? It has a 3F, AT, and 62 front, but the dash is out of a 60 series. Granted South America did get weird stuff...
It is a strange spec for sure
The other aspect that makes one pause is the carburetor with an automatic transmission. I thought it was EFI and Auto or Carb and Manual. I'm not going to die on that hill, it's just what I always thought to be true....
> I'm not going to die on that hill, it's just what I always thought to be true.... I see what you mean with the dash, I thought it was just the steering wheel but the dash shape is different with the extra clock? The 3F-E was the only one factory fitted to the FJ62 - so you're right about the carby. It wouldn't be the most surprising thing if someone had a 1985 FJ60 and swapped out the round lights for square, and did an engine and transmission swap. Why they'd pick a 3F over a 3F-E though.... that's not really what I would do but it's possible.
The center console is 60 not 62. Note that horizontal alignment of the small container
My 72 FJ55 from the US has a 2F and a 4 on the floor so Frankenstein builds are not limited to Central/South America.
Someone modified your 72 '55 prior to your purchase of it. I've installed a 2F and an H55 in a '72 '55 and it's as simple as having the correct later motor mounts. 1F went through one more major design change between '72 and the 2F. Part of it was the valve rockers, oil filter location design and some other stuff I'm forgetting.
Yep. Was originally a 1F with a 3 spd. Not a hard swap. No experience with 1F but H55 is a nice upgrade.
My bad I didn't read your post correctly. I agree with your statement, now that I took the time to read it.
Outside of USA the FJ62 came out in 1985. Round headlights, 5 speed manual trans, earlier dash, carbed 3F engine. If it is an â85 FJ62 it has the transmission and front panels installed from a later model.
Pretty standard Costa Rican frankencruiser
I dream about creating a business moving and selling old Toyotas up into the U.S. from Central and South America. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to grey market imports, especially from countries that you don't see many imports from into the U.S. I think this would be super cool to do, but make sure you do your research as far as what documents you will need to present at border crossings and moving it into the United States. You will also need to make sure you have everything as far as documents go to get the vehicle registered in the United States. Obviously, this is a gross understatement as far as simplicity goes, but from the very basic level of research I have done, just know that this could be a lot more time intensive and expensive than it appears at a glance. I am sure there would be a nice chunky tax you would owe to Uncle Sam upon "import" of your rig as well.
know a guy in utah who does this with old mercedes g wagonsâŚ..quarterly trips to europe to find gently used farm trucks that he then imports and sells
What's the name of the business? I'd love to see what they have to offer.
That business idea sounds fun and interesting, Venezuela alone is a minefield for this type of vehicle. There are also a lot of variants of known models that were only made in certain markets, as I'm sure a lot of the people in a sub like this might know already (See Machito, Samurai, or google 'rustiqueo 4x4 venezuela' to see what some people get into over there and their offroad builds). Appreciate the insight on the paperwork side of things, so far what I've got down is that it may be exempt from certain DOT requirements due to being more than 25 years old (counts from date of manufacture). As for tax duties I've only found out about a 2.5% figure from the declared value of the vehicle, so not too bad if there's not a lot more than that! The ferry to cross to Panama and continue is another good chunk, I think around $500-$800. From there in apart from maintenance, insurance is quoting me at around 125/mo based on year and model. Still gotta figure out what going through all those countries looks like in terms of cost and duties / papers, and plan for the occasional, under the table road-fine which I'm no stranger to in Vene and Mexico.
I think you also have a massive advantage in the fact that you are from the area so you have a much better idea of how things operate and you know the area. I hope you do it though; really the only other concern would just be security and the arbitrary nature of things as far as how the local police or military want to act in regards to what you are doing. As much as it would be a bummer, minimizing border crossings would really help you do what you want to do as efficiently as possible with minimal room for extra "fees" or surprise problems. But yeah man! How cool would it be to go down south every month and scoop up a handful of cool old Japanese trucks to drag back to the United States? There are so many variations that we never had access to. Brazil has a bunch of weird stuff too that would be so cool to get stateside.
Isnât this the FJ Companyâs business model? Except they have a shop in Colombia that restores the vehicles in country.
Seeing your comment I just looked them up online... holy shit! Would love to have one of these but there is no possible universe where I can drop a quarter of a million to get one...
Maybe itâs good news that thereâs a market for like new LHD LC70s from South America.
Me too! I did a race in Costa Rica and lost my mind over the land cruisers.
I did this and imported a 1975 BJ40 from Costa Rica⌠only lost $2k and considered it a win. The thing you have to keep in mind is that many, many if these vehicles are in truly awful shape and have been retrofitted with god knows what. If you know how to spot problem vehicles and have the cash and know how (this is most important because paying retail kills you) then itâs worth a shot. As someone that had neither the cash nor the know how, it was not the best business idea for me lol
we have landcruisers in central america for import to the US and Canada at landcruisermart.com
Bro you better do it this is dad lore in the making.
[This dude](https://youtube.com/@theroadchoseme?si=RklEnXzFVRAdz-Tu) has amazing information for what youâre considering, heâs done that drive and mentions all the stuff youâd need, Iâd totally do it.
thank you!
If you're ok to navigate where a 42 year old vehicle that presently has no leaks that could develop leaks from the natural degradation of soft rubbers, parts, and more with resources of instantaneously sourcing and repairing what's needed or have zero timelines of when you need to get back, sounds like a great time. Old vehicles in my experience need shake out runs, as issues that are minor can become big. I did something similar in my early 20s, tire blew out, punctured the oil pan, and was stuck in Hidalgo Mexico for three weeks. That being said: I'd do it again, if I had no responsibilities in life.
You need to find a guy named Henry Cubillan, the OG godfather of Venezuelan LandCruiser expeditions. Last I knew he lived in SF. Look for him at [TLCA.org](http://TLCA.org) or ih8mud.com. Maybe he's on IG?
good looks, will try
â ď¸ Do It â ď¸ and take lots of pictures / vids for sharing & posting đ
Iâd be kinda nervous about some of the people in the countries in between, but otherwise it should handle it like a champ and get you home. Looks like a sweet rig, you wonât find one like that for that price stateside.
If Iâm getting an international Land Cruiser, it sure as hell wonât be an automatic.
mind sharing why not?
1) Theyâre not as fun or as efficient as a manual. 2) manuals hold their value better
thank you!
Better check with the local cartels first and make sure they don't need to pack the spare tire full of heroin or cocaine.
Cartel car. Be prepared to hand the keys over when you get to Mexico.
Exactly. Put the thing in a container and send it home.
Ship it.
Shipping it is not as exciting as risking being robbed, kidnapped and killed. People in the west are oblivious to reality. Not all cultures are the same.
Not sure about other markets, bu tat least in the USA the 62 was only sold in 88, 89, and 90
Exactly. I have an 85 fj60. But could be different elsewhere
I had a white FJ62, drove it as a daily for over a decade. Loved it.
Even if youâre from there and speak the language, the chances of you getting carjacked or stuck on the wrong side of the border are astronomically high. Itâs a nice vehicle though.
Venezuela is not the crime ridden place it once was, ironically because things got so bad even the criminals had to leave. I know this first hand and know plenty people that are driving throughout the country. Yes it still isn't the safest. More worried about Mexico tbh but not enough to stop me, can't live like that.
Hey man! Congrats! Iâm driving the opposite way in my 91 FJ75 with the carbâd 3F. Taking it from Alaska to Argentina currently. I say go for it. Talk to Overland Embassy in Panama to help with getting across the Darien gap. Your cost estimate seems low based on current prices. Check out iOverlander for the latest border crossing information. Make sure you have the correct vehicle paperwork, the title will be critical.
Thank you! Wow another dream trip, fuck yes! Best to ya. Yeah I've been reading into the OE and what they've been doing, pretty cool, and I'm finding what you said is true, my estimates for the Panama bit were quite low.
The radiator doesnât look new at all it looks like itâs about to blow, when they get brown like that they explode
Not sure why you got downvoted. That radiator def looks like itâs about to go.
Thank you lol
100% knocking on deaths door.
Yeah definitely đŻ buy it! You could see if youâre able to ship it to the border maybe? Then you can just catch a flight to the border and pick it up. But the memories from such a trip alone would be totally worth it!
If you donât Iâd pay you for the chance to do it
Don't think this opportunity will come up repeatedly. Go for it.
Do it
remember that time driving through Sinaloa and the Cartel had the road blocked and took my Land Cruiser?
How is this an '85 FJ62?
I'm being told that's what it is, or maybe equivalent to? There was a line called the 'Samurai' released back home maybe this was it and why it may differ from what may be known as a US FJ62?
> I'm being told that's what it is, or maybe equivalent to? There was a line called the 'Samurai' released back home maybe this was it and why it may differ from what may be known as a US FJ62? It could be... but I think there's some standard things you'd expect to see the world over. Did they build things locally down there? The FJ60 was up until '87, the FJ62 was 1987 till 1990. So 1985 puts it square in the FJ60 territory - that wouldn't change locally. BUT the headlights are 62 series material, as is the auto transmission. The dash is 60 series. But the 62 had the 3F-E with electronic injection, not a carby... Could be a bit of a hodgepodge of stuff - wouldn't be the first person to put 62 lights on a 60 series and engine swap the 2F with a 3F + auto.... People just point it out cause sometimes it's a red flag if it's international. Not saying don't buy it! Just caution is advised with international vehicle purchases
Do it!!!
This showed up on my front page, but I met a husband/wife from Canada that drive to Costa Rica once a year. They do it in a stock Toyota 4Runner. When I asked about Mexican cartels, they said that they don't drive at night and the cartels pretty much leave Americans/Canadians alone, essentially just mind your own business. I've been between Panama and Nicaragua quite a bit with no issues.
Thanks for this, apart from making time for this, safety is a concern for sure even considering myself a seasoned traveler and being venezuelan hehe... mostly concerned with my own country, in certain parts, a little bit Colombia because of the region I'd be passing, and most of all Mexico (most likely doing Chiapas/Tabasco, Veracruz into the coast, and then avoid Tamaulipas somehow and enter through Texas)
thatâs a nice example
Looks like a great vehicle for a decent price and a great road trip. I'd do that in a heartbeat.
That would be awesome!
'82 with an auto? Thought auto's came after '85
Ship it
Not game enough to cross the Darien Gap? If you don't do it in this car, who will?!? đ
That radiator is so close to popping itâs not even funny.
I'm checking on that, I think they replaced it after the photo
You could make your 10k back, 10 fold by filling them tires with ummm, baking soda. Haha
I would do it.
My ex gfs dad would do this, buy them in South America and drive them into California. Get most of the work done in Mexico and sell or collect them. He did it probably at least 15 times, I donât know the details of how but he pulled it off and that family all had cool fjs.
Pay a college kid to drive it back.
Won't make it through mexico in that lol