I have to make the decision soon of whether I Import a Coaster Bus from Japan..

I want an automatic so I can let mum grab it at anytime, I'm not using it..

Mum Would Like to go Back to Tassie and Tour around and the bus will give her the chance to do so..

some would say that the issue is Price.. I have looked at the price of doing this and get a rough figure of an auto-Bus Registered and engineered for a cost of $25K +/- $1k..

The gear to fit it out come to about $10k

So the question is Am I bark up the wrong tree, by importing a Coaster Bus..?

So Please give me your thought's..

Juergen

Hi Juergen, I suppose you have done your home work regarding getting a good second hand one here in Aussie. Also the price you stated does that include all taxes which some forget about when importing goods. A mate of mine thought he would be clever and import a camera from japan only to get it held up at customs, as he had to pay GST. Good luck with your search though.

   Check out this Kiwi Trademe site, plenty of what appears to be good converted motorhomes, not sure though about tax's etc

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/caravans-motorhomes/motorhomes

                        John

Sorry I screwed up there..

The main Issue is the GVM of the vehicle.. I'm not sure of the GVM of the hino's at all..
I know that the Coaster can easily be brought down under 4.5t which means a Car License can be used..

Juergen..

Until such a time as I can get a heavier type of license ie: Light or medium or even Heavy I'm restricted to a Max GVM of the 4.495 of the Car License..

G'day SnowT.   If you are thinking of getting a 'grey import', there are certain advantages.    Under Japanese rules (basically put), a vehicle that is 10 years old OR has more than 100,000 kms on the clock has penalties on the registration costing the Japanese motorist heaps extra.   This goes up for every year that it is on their roads, so they export them to USA, UK and here where our road laws don't carry the same penalties.   The disadvantages are that Japan has models that are not normally exported which might cause some delays for the differing grilles/panels/etc.   However, it does mean that you can get a unit with less ks on the clock and with more extras than the standard exports.   Just be mindful that whoever does the import, whether it's you or a grey import dealer, that all the necessary local compliance laws are complied with.  Also be aware that things like the radio and CD player may not be suitable for Australia (not always but common with pre 2005 models) and the owner's manual is usually in Japanese.

   As Bob said, the Coaster is narrower than some of the others such as the Rainbow, Hino and so on.  I personally like grey imports as I can get a unit with extras that aren't fitted here and they are just a little bit different from the 'norm'.   They are usually cheaper and with less ks.  

For what it's worth. 

oldbobsbus wrote:

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Coasters are all narrow bodied units, if you are going to import a unit maybe you could look at a Hino RH160 that is around 300mm wider which is a lot when you are fitting out a bus..

We recently bought and fitted out an Aust built 2000 Hino Ranger.. I know it doesn't interest you as it has a manual gearbox and all the work is done but it will give you some ideas maybe.

www.ebay.com.au/itm/331067821869

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 The one issue with the hino is Car License..

I'm not 100% sure on the GVM of the Hino Bus, but you must be able to drive it on a Car License..

It also sounds like the Hino Pushed the Width limit of 2.5m  I think the hino is in the area of about 2.3-4m wide..

so that comes an issue with storage.. 

but I'll think about it..

the main issue is License type.. and storage..

Juergen

Ontos45 wrote:

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Looked at this SnowT before I decided on a c'van again. Was interested in the conversion to single rear wheels and 4x4 conversion for off-road use. Where going to tow a dual axle trailer to carry fuel, water, solar panels, generator etc.
This 1 site with some info. you may have/not have.

www.customcoasterconversions.com.au/Toyota-Coaster.html

Peter

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 We have visited Hugos workshop and he does a very good job of his conversions..

But like you would expect he is in business to make a profit/living and so you have to pay for his services..

I am thinking the OP is looking to do his own work and save some dollars but like you I was very impressed with what Hugo is doing.

You are correct Bob, however in Victoria (VicRoads don't tell the full story on their website), a vehicle over 6.5 metres is classed as rigid and its weight will put it into either light, medium or heavy, and a vehicle with more than two axles is also classed as rigid and again its weight with put it into one of the various rigid categories.   A pity really as GMC make a purpose built a motor home that weighs in at under 4.5 tonnes but has three axles.   Beautiful vehicle with a 400 odd C.I.D. engine and front wheel drive giving a low flat floor for the living area and a streamlined lower roofline to reduce drag.  In Vic we require a L.R. licence for it even though it's under 4500kgs.   Go figure.   My MH as an example has a tare of 4495 kgs but a Gross weight (laden) of 8500 kgs

SnowT wrote:

 The one issue with the hino is Car License..

I'm not 100% sure on the GVM of the Hino Bus, but you must be able to drive it on a Car License..

It also sounds like the Hino Pushed the Width limit of 2.5m  I think the hino is in the area of about 2.3-4m wide..

so that comes an issue with storage.. 

but I'll think about it..

the main issue is License type.. and storage..

Juergen

---

 Yep, thats a problem and although they all only require a LR license to drive them it is still a stumbling block for lots of people..

As a matter of interest a person with a car license can drive them so long as they have a LR license holder with them..

G'day SnowT, I don't know about the rules where you are, but in Victoria the width is not an issue.   All vehicles have the same maximum width limit.   It's the length, weight and number of axles that with determine if you require an endorsed licence.

In Victoria, a standard light vehicle licence will allow you to drive any vehicle with two axles, a weight up to 4.5 tonnes, a length of 6.5 continuous metres (doesn't include a towed vehicle such as a caravan etc) and up to the maximum vehicular width.   All Vic vehicles have the same maximum width unless they are a specialist vehicle which requires a separate permit regardless of what licence you have.  Cars, buses, trucks, semis are all covered by the same maximum width limit. So whether it's a Hino, Rainbow, Coaster or Kenworth,  the width will be within maximum width limits.

For what it's worth.

Keith19837 wrote:

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G'day SnowT, I don't know about the rules where you are, but in Victoria the width is not an issue.   All vehicles have the same maximum width limit.   It's the length, weight and number of axles that with determine if you require an endorsed licence.

In Victoria, a standard light vehicle licence will allow you to drive any vehicle with two axles, a weight up to 4.5 tonnes, a length of 6.5 continuous metres (doesn't include a towed vehicle such as a caravan etc) and up to the maximum vehicular width.   All Vic vehicles have the same maximum width unless they are a specialist vehicle which requires a separate permit regardless of what licence you have.  Cars, buses, trucks, semis are all covered by the same maximum width limit. So whether it's a Hino, Rainbow, Coaster or Kenworth,  the width will be within maximum width limits.

For what it's worth.

---

 Hi Keith,

I believe much the same rules apply in most states except I wasn't aware of any limit on length. Infact here is a copy and paste from the RMS web site.. I only went as far as a LR licence but the restrictions for  higher grades are also listed..

All States and Territories in Australia have a uniform driver licence system.

The licence classes are:

C     Car
R     Rider
LR   Light Rigid
MR  Medium Rigid
HR   Heavy Rigid
HC   Heavy Combination
MC  Multi-Combination

Car

A 'Class C' licence covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM)
GVM is the maximum recommended weight a vehicle can be when loaded.
A 'Class C' Licence allows you to drive cars, utilities, vans, some light trucks, car-based motor tricycles, tractors and implements such as graders.
You can also drive vehicles that seat up to 12 adults, including the driver.

Motorcycle

Motorcycle riders require a 'Class R' licence.

Rigid vehicle licences

Different licence classes are required by drivers of rigid vehicles:

• A Light Rigid 'Class LR' covers a rigid vehicle with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes but not more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. Also includes vehicles with a GVM up to 8 tonnes which carry more than 12 adult including the driver and vehicles in class 'C'.
  Note: There are no restrictions on the number of axles for this class of licence.

Just something else to be aware of with grey imports, it is difficult to buy parts from some manufacturers who require you to provide a locally sold VIN before they will supply the part. I know Toyota dealers do this, as I have seen people on other forums trying to borrow VIN numbers to be able to order parts. That instance was specifically for a coaster.

Worth checking before you jump in.

I have done a check of most state's License Requirement's..

I have not found any Size Restriction's in the length of the vehicle as long as it meet's the following..

This a copy/paste from the SA License description for their "C" license..


A motor vehicle with a GVM not greater than 4.5 t but not including:
(a) a bus designed to carry more than 12 seated persons.
(b) a motor bike or motor trike.

Examples of vehicles which may be driven: sedans, station wagons, panel vans, utilities, light delivery vans, small trucks, quad bikes, special purpose vehicles (e.g. farm machines, small tractors, forklifts, or other like machinery)
A motor vehicle included in 1 towing a single trailer, subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Road Traffic Act 1961.
For example, small truck towing a horse float, trailer, or caravan.
MAY TOW: trailer, horse float, caravan or farm implement.

So a Modified Coaster[Engineered] is fine.

so the Question is Import or Not to import.. ?? Give me your thought's.. Please..

Bob do you have the spec's for the Hino Rainbow.. I need to know height clearance, width and Length before I even consider one.. Height is the main one.. As I want to store what ever I get under a roof, and the Location of the roof is on the boundary and have a max height of 3m with out going for special approval from the council.. clearance under any Roof is 2.8m max.. 200mm C channel is used in the carport..


Juergen

Plendo wrote:

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Just something else to be aware of with grey imports, it is difficult to buy parts from some manufacturers who require you to provide a locally sold VIN before they will supply the part. I know Toyota dealers do this, as I have seen people on other forums trying to borrow VIN numbers to be able to order parts. That instance was specifically for a coaster.

Worth checking before you jump in.

---

 There is always the option of getting parts through amayama.com who specialise in supplying genuine jap parts to the buyers of grey imports.

They are usually cheaper then locally sourced genuine parts too. Not just limited to grey imports either

This has been an interesting read to me, as I've been wondering about the Japanese imports too. I've been to a couple of local import places and looked and asked questions, but they're mainly just in the business of selling you something, not helping you with honest info.

My interest is more in the campervan than the coaster. Yes they have low kms, and are a reasonable price, but they are still old. Does this matter? My main issue would be breaking down in woop woop and not being able to get parts. ??

My 80 series Landcruiser is 20 years old, and I would hop in it tomorrow and drive to Melbourne from here (W.A.) without any hesitation.

It all comes down to maintenance really.  If you buy something old, check it out thoroughly to see if it is physically and mechanically good, and then spend a few $$$$ replacing things that are likely to go wrong, like water pump, Vee-belts, fuel filters, brake & clutch fliuds, timing belt, etc.

Drive it locally for a while to get some confidence in it, and to make sure all is well.

Oh yeh,....and make sure it has this symbol on it:- 

Some interesting posts here.

I worked in this field years ago Snow and there are many pitfalls to importing vehicles from overseas. You need to be VERY CLEAR what you want AND WHAT YOU GET.

I have seen many heartbreaking stories, high cost to get certified for Oz roads, problems with parts (some easy some are definately not) and I've had people in tears in my office as we sort through the mess.

On GVM changes,,, to my knowledge it is usually not reduced to suit a licence category.

On rigid vehicle length,,,,, 12.5 m is the max unless you get a permit. This length reflects the design criteria of our roads etc.

If you are serious about importing I suggest you seek out a professional organisation/engineer who will source a vehicle and certify compliance after the work is done.

Emmisions standards are a key issue with older vehicles about to be certified as compying with applicable ADR's, and hence allowing certification.

Hiya Baz..

I'm doing the whole process thru an importer..
I have been very Specific of what I want to get..

Style[Body design] of the bus..
size of motor..
Other option's Like automatic Trans, Boot Style, NO RUST or corrosion.. Basicly I'm after a Class 3.5> Bus.. Preferable class 4> Have a Max spend on the Bus in JPY

I'm using a Calculator to give me final cost's etc..
On arrival in aust, the bus goes to a company to do the compliance work's..
- Remove excess seat's. Leaving 4 seat's in.. and having it Plated as a Motorhome..
- Engineer the bus to drop the GVM down to 4.495
- New Thread's..
- New Window..
- check seat belt's..
Just this part is a few Dollar's

I'm going to get a few more costings, to see how competitive the current RAWs is..

The whole process goes it affect once I have the fund's available..



- http://www.japautoauctions.com/aj_neo#1:COASTER

I use the above site to check and see what is coming up at auction..

- http://exportcar.jp/en/component/auctstat/

I use this site to check and see what price they sell for..

hope this help's..

Thanks for that SnowT, some good links there

Date: 2013/11/23
Number: 5467
Auction: ARAI Oyama VT
Make: TOYOTA
Model: COASTER
Year: 1999
Engine: 4160, c.c.
Mileage: 130,000 km.
T/M: AT
Shift:
Color: white
Chassis: HZB50
Condition: Normal (3.5)

Here is an Example of a Caster that was sold last week.. 840,000jpy..

The Pic's of the coaster showed a great clean bus. minimal problem's..

I have include the cost Calculator[ Excell spread sheet] in the post Plus also the cost if I was in import that particular bus right now..

there is also a viewable Webpage[sorry it would only open with IE..

$22,000 roughly cheaper than any other auto in Aus..

Juergen..