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Topic: Japanese imports

Mature-Student

25/8/2007 at 5:39pm
Location: Scotland
Outfit: Jeep G-Cherokee Adria Adiva 642UP

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Hi

Has anyone bought a japanese import? How easy was it and what problems did you have?

Can anyone recommend any websites to give me an idea of prices (have tried google but there's so many, that it's difficult to see who the genuine importers are.)

We are looking for something older, that can tow a 1300kg caravan without guzzling too much fuel. Preferably not a 7 seater as there's only 3 of us usually, sometimes 4.

Ideas?

imatyke

25/8/2007 at 8:05pm
Location: barnsley
Outfit: a mucky defender lexon

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A Pajero is one option but get the diesel not the petrol or it will guzzle , I used to own a 2.5 diesel auto that returned 25 mpg towing a swift challenger with ease , and C.I.S insurance didn't load for being import but do check with insurers before purchasing any import they can be uninsurable . I believe a camper named "Mazda bongo" are often offered cheapish and they go under different manufacturers one being "Ford Freda" and someone on campsites has/had one at the elvaston meet a couple of years back if memory sreves me well so may be able to advise better....Andy

rabb_uk

26/8/2007 at 7:56am
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Adria Forma-Delica 2.8td-Movelite XL

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Parts can be expensive, My friend broke a rear side window last week on his pajero, Breakers yards didn't have one and a new one was.....£383 ! ! both have now been removed and replaced with powder coated panels, They look like tinted windows and cost £50 for both.

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Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...

callam9774

26/8/2007 at 8:25am
Location: Norfolk
Outfit: Burstner 500TS castleton HL Roamer

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You might find this site helpful http://www.pocuk.com/forums/

I owned a 1994 2.8 Diesel for five years. It was a super tow car BUT.. it was very thirsty!!! I think that you should expect no more than 20 mpg when towing with any of the older type diesel engines (including the 2.5 ) You can do a search for MPG on the Pocuk website -they also have a section for caravanning. Ordinary service parts for the Pajero - filters; brake pads etc are cheap.

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Callam9774

hookup

26/8/2007 at 5:41pm
Location: SHROPSHIRE
Outfit: Corona 505 & Nissan Primera P12

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We used to tow 1350 kg of Bailey with a Nissan Bluebird 2.0
GSXI .( 2 litre 16 valve twin cam).Effortless but 28 mpg when towing.Thirsty.
Changed van to an ABI Marauder 450ct (700kg u/l) which we tow with another 2 litre 16 valve twin cam. Nissan, 1996 Primera SE this time. Also effortless.35mpg towing.OK

No cam belts either !!!
Havva prob free tow.

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HOOKUP

SoundsDigital

26/8/2007 at 10:18pm
Location:
Outfit:

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I have a Mercedes 190E. 25 - 30 mpg solo, 15 - 20 towing. Thank God it's LPG. Considering an E class 3 litre or bigger next as I'm told they are knocking out almost 40 mpg solo, and over 30mpg towing.
I'd want to be sure before parting with my money though.
The 2 litre is fine on all but the steepest hills, but does get very thirsty when towing. A bigger engine should be affected far less by the heavier load.

Shytot4x4

26/8/2007 at 11:51pm
Location: West Yorks
Outfit: Lunar Clubman 475-EK - Nissan X-Trail

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Go out and find a 2.8 Frontera Sport. Only built between 1995 and 1997, they are basically an Isuzu Trooper with a different body. You should get one for less than £1000, one went on eBay today for £250! (lucky, lucky, buyer). I never rated the Frontera until I actually bought one. My 2.8 has returned 30 mpg over the last 1000 miles which has been a mix of commuting, towing and solo motorway trips. Easy and cheap to insure (£245 fully comp) as it's a UK model.
Hope this helps,

Simon H

firefly999

27/8/2007 at 2:08pm
Location: castleford west yorkshire
Outfit: Swift Challenger 490L Passat 130 tdi

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have a look here http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/index.php

ive had my 3.OL Surf for near on 5 years now and it dont owe me a penny, been a great towcar and solo car, and heres the good bit runs brilliant on Vegetable oil 80% diesel 20% saves money and is good on the enviroment

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lifes too short to be sad
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

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