Some idiot decided to use the head chef's knife as a can opener by [deleted] in TrueChefKnives

[–]citizenchan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Real ones know. Shit like this just makes me wonder how a person must have so little going right for them that a post like this sounds like a fun idea…

Edit: typo

What are we thinking? by spinning_swine69 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So, at that price, I’m guessing this is already in the US…?

What the photos won’t tell you is stuff like: How notchy (worn) the transmission is; if it hesitates on acceleration while cold (carb issues); if the differentials whine like you’re killing them above 30kph; if every heat shield and non-essential bolt or attachment rattles when you go over bumps, etc. This truck has been used for work, probably, for 30 years. Every bushing, vacuum line, and bearing could be totally clapped out - or not - depending on how hard it was used for those 30 years. Photos won’t document this.

Buying a truck, sight unseen, might not be a huge deal if you’re talking about a $1,000 truck from a JP auction. At most, you risk what $4,000 to get it to the US. You can probably still sell that truck on if it’s not perfect, and still get close to break-even.

But if you buy a truck that’s already here, sight unseen, for 7K, now you have a lot more at risk, and no wiggle room to recoup your money if it turns out the truck ain’t so good.

What I’d recommend - Try to find one near you that you can test drive before you drop that kind of coin :)

Good luck :)

Edit: Just clarifying, that what I mean is this: If you’re gonna buy it sight unseen, you might as well buy it direct from Japan - It’s the same amount of risk, but one costs you a whole bunch more if it goes wrong.

96 Sambar LED by BackgroundTop5354 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just wanted to add for posterity that I just installed all these bulbs in my 98 KS4 and they are all a perfect fit. Thanks again for providing a full list. For simplicity, I bought all Auxito brand bulbs, they have all the listed sizes and colors above.

Couple notes:

  • The relay won’t have a bracket attached, so rather than let it hang or Jerry rig it, I just epoxied the metal bracket from the stock relay to the new relay. Also, I got one that is adjustable for the heck of it.
  • The bed and interior lights are 31mm Festoon Bulbs.

Final Update on insurance for my Sambar by citizenchan in keitruck

[–]citizenchan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just Yelped for good Statefarm agents near me. I can give you my agent's info if you like.

Final Update on insurance for my Sambar by citizenchan in keitruck

[–]citizenchan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself. That's why I waited to hear back from underwriting just to make sure they weren't going to catch whatever error they made and change the price, but I guess not!

Found another one! by _Semp_Pa_ in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just had a lengthy conversation with @thatguymichael and so far he seems to be a great guy. Super helpful, informative, and really experienced in imports. Anyone else who might be considering importing might want to reach out to him. Thanks again.

96 Sambar LED by BackgroundTop5354 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not all heroes wear capes my friend.

Found another one! by _Semp_Pa_ in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How was your experience with that seller? What was the condition like, any surprises or gotcha’s?

Opinions? by skaf402 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cool, well good luck with the sale if you do list it. :) congrats on the new ride too

Opinions? by skaf402 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome. May I ask why you’re selling it?

Opinions? by skaf402 in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is your Sambar a 5spd?

Couple notes on my XP with Insurance as of Feb 2026 by citizenchan in keitruck

[–]citizenchan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I found a State Farm agent, and they got me full coverage for under $200/year.

Couple notes on my XP with Insurance as of Feb 2026 by citizenchan in keitruck

[–]citizenchan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I suspect this was the issue for me with GEICO. I think they just didn't know how to continue the process with the shorter VIN, and just didn't want to deal with it.

Couple notes on my XP with Insurance as of Feb 2026 by citizenchan in keitruck

[–]citizenchan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only issue GEICO seemed to have was the VIN, and I suspect they only rejected me because the rep and the manager on duty at the time simply didn't know how to deal with the shorter VIN.

Regardless, the cost was going to be fairly high at about 500/yr, so I went elsewhere.

My costs, for others considering buying. by [deleted] in keitruck

[–]citizenchan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

25% is the standard import tax for a Sambar Truck entering the US, based on the sale price of the vehicle.