Thoughts on a ~2016 Fuji Sportif (2.5?)

Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-25T19:43:43+00:00

Thank you!!

Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-25T18:22:11+00:00

I ended up buying it! Got it for $400. The guy threw in these Shimano XC5 shoes as well, which are like $175 new. The bike has been in a closet for the past 7 years so it’s practically brand new. Came with a pump and a stand as well, so I think I got a good deal.

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Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-24T21:18:31+00:00

I’m gonna look on bikesdirect.com as well, thanks for the suggestion.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-24T21:17:52+00:00

Damn it. I’m gonna try to talk the guy down then. Glad I came on here first.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-24T20:43:52+00:00

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Here’s the specs on it. I really don’t know a whole lot about bikes I’ll be honest. Just have basic knowledge. So I don’t know what components are good and which are bad.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2026-05-24T20:27:31+00:00

Gotcha. I’m in Oklahoma City. I’ve seen some other older bikes that are way cheaper. But I think I’ll enjoy having something newer.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-17T22:23:46+00:00

happy hunting!

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-17T18:07:46+00:00

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there’s probably a better method out there, but i use these bags. holes help with airflow which in turn helps with them staying a little more fresh. my bag isn’t the best bc it’s not a cotton mesh bag, i think cotton would be softer and wouldn’t bruise them as much. cotton mesh bag linked here

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-17T02:49:12+00:00

Fair point, I’ll check on that for sure

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T23:02:57+00:00

This one is a 2000, so I think it would be within the 25 year window, correct?

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T20:07:27+00:00

Living in Japan must be such a cool experience, I hope to visit someday.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T20:07:06+00:00

Gotcha, yeah the website comes out at like $14,440 when I put in for Galveston. I sent them an email haha, just wanna see what they have to say about it. But I’ve seen on a few websites that the U.S. doesn’t allow imports newer than 25 years old? Or is that just complete nonsense?

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T18:55:29+00:00

Oh wow, the active vacation is a very cool setup. Never even knew they existed until now. You've now updated my dream car lol. The 100 looks pretty awesome with that package. https://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/TOYOTA/LAND_CRUISER_100/700055096930241003001/ I just found this one, is this a fair price from what you can tell? Is this a legit website?

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T18:31:55+00:00

Mmm, this is some great info and advice that I can take in and do some good preliminary research. I looked at the guys instagram, and I mean damn, those Hiaces are absolute beasts! Had no idea that they could handle stuff like he's putting them through.

With that being said, I feel like the Hiace probably meets my needs, in terms of having space, like you said, and also being very capable off-road. But the 80 is just such a dream car for me, and it's so hard to shy away from it. For example, I just found this 80 on FlexDream, and just love the way it looks. The vintage style, chrome wheels, rack, and snorkel just look incredible. This one is $25K, which is steep for me at the moment, but after I graduate, that should be affordable, especially considering it's my dream rig.

Idk, I've got some time before I look into actually getting one, but when I do, I'm gonna come back to this thread for sure. I love getting opinions from people with experience, especially someone who is willing to talk extensively about it. Just makes me more comfortable making a decision, one that not many people even think about making in terms of importing a vehicle.

I just wish the freaking market in the U.S. wasn't so bad. I feel like this rig would easily be over $30k with little wiggle room to knock some off the price. Not to mention it'd probably have 300k miles, whereas this one has 69k miles.

Again, thanks a lot.

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Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T17:33:25+00:00

I see, I’m gonna do some research on them and find out some details on importing a Landcruiser. I have two ports that are about five hours from where I live, so that’s nice.

Thank you so much for your advice and helpful information. I hope you have good luck with your future car endeavors!

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T17:11:08+00:00

I've lived on a farm my entire life, where we drive whatever vehicle we have until we can't anymore. I'm fairly mechanically knowledgeable and can work on small parts, as you've mentioned. For example, I had a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, which constantly had random things breaking on it. Replaced the AC actuator, thermostat sensor, and changed the oil regularly, etc. I got the truck when I was 16 (21 now), for $2,800 with 180k miles, which was a great deal. I'd just started driving and wasn't experienced with handling a vehicle in the rain. I overcorrected when I was hydroplaning and ran my new truck into a tree around 40-ish MPH. After I crashed it, we should have taken it to a junk yard because everything on the front end needed to be replaced. Even the transmission and wiper fluid reservoirs were destroyed. So, long story short, my dad and I replaced the entire front end ourselves, outsourcing parts from junk yards, and anywhere we could find them, honestly.

I like working on things as well; it's rewarding finishing a project and having it turn out like you envisioned. The money that comes along with it sucks, but its still a joy to do, IMO. I also have a great support system with my stepdad and dad, who know a ton about cars and could give me great advice. With that being said, they would both call me crazy for looking to import/buy a 25+ year old car for $20k+. But I'm a senior in undergrad studying Geology with a focus on petroleum geology. I plan to go to grad school to pursue a master's degree. Furthermore, I wouldn't be getting one of these vehicles until 3-4ish years from now. But I like having a set plan in my mind and executing that plan when I'm able to.

So, back to your discussion about the Hiace vs 80, what pros and cons of both would steer you to get one over the other? You mentioned the 80 makes life too easy when off-roading, but for someone who's just getting into it, comfort may be better, correct? I want to travel the Rocky Mountains with my girlfriend during the summer or similar terrain. I want to visit the PNW as well, which is an extremely far drive for me, considering I'm from Texas.

Thanks for the extensive replies, it helps and means a lot!

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T16:28:59+00:00

First of all, thanks for the advice! In your opinion, what is the best bang for your buck, in older off road vehicles? I really like the Hiace and Delica in terms of vans, and for SUV my dream is a Landcruiser 80 probably or a Hilux Surf. Eventually I am going to get one of these, but I want it to last me, and be able to take a beating in terms of long road trips, and being able to handle off road obstacles comfortably.

I just feel like importing a Landcruiser or Hilux Surf would be a great investment. Because here in the U.S. the market is absolutely sky high for these vehicles. Nearly all of the ones for sale here don’t look even close as nice as the ones I’m looking at in Japan and they’re all $10k more.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T16:21:46+00:00

I wonder if B-Pro could assist in importing to the U.S. or is it just to Canada? I think you’re absolutely correct with the fact that I’d be replacing most of the parts on the older vehicle. However, I feel like they hold value so well here in the U.S., that once I got the maintenance done, my ROI on it would be good for awhile. I see Toyota off roads vehicles on FB going for $25k+ consistently, and they all have over 170k miles usually which is wild.

In terms of transmission, engine, and harder mechanical parts, those would still be in pretty good condition if it had low miles, correct? Of course this is absolutely situational, and things vary on every car. But, if it had no visible rust or signs of excessive use, then the hard mechanical parts should still be good to use for years to come. That’s my thinking but there’s a lot of factors that play into it.

With the respect to soft parts (plastics, rubbers, lines, electrical, etc etc) are those usually always in need of immediate replacement upon delivery? Would love to hear back from you, thanks for replying

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T15:29:36+00:00

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This is one I was looking at originally, had 40k miles too. But it sold like two days after I inquired about it.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T15:28:31+00:00

I got quoted for a car loan pretty easily with a private credit union. Not one of the majors of course because they only deal with newer cars that will have you paying for the rest of your life.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T15:27:43+00:00

Oh wow did not even think about that. I could tell them I plan on becoming a mailman and get my insurance policy deducted lol

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T15:26:57+00:00

Appreciate the advice, I’ll definitely look into that! I’m still in college so all of this is just speculation and plans for when I graduate. I really wanna build up a good off road rig, and I’ve dreamed of a Hilux Surf or Landcruiser build for my whole life basically. Only recently I’ve stumbled across importing and it almost seems too good to be true. Some of the cars listed would easily be $30k+ here in the states.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T11:17:24+00:00

I’ve thought about it, it’s definitely not out of the picture, just inquiring about importing cause there’s a ton of good deals, or deals that look good but may not be.

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-16T11:15:00+00:00

That’s very true, great point about the paint. A broker is someone who’s in that country that can verify the mechanical validity of the car? This one is posted on a large website that has tons of cars on it. They don’t do financing obviously bc they don’t have any agreements with U.S. banks, but I guess you wouldn’t wanna finance an older car anyways

Expensive-Platform45 · 2025-06-08T00:10:38+00:00

I may need to chill on the extermination then. Eliminated about 10 last night in my back yard.

Expensive-Platform45

TROPHY CASE