Beyond kei trucks, Canada’s JDM import market is full of full-size Japanese vehicles that are now eligible under the 15-year rule. Hilux Surf, Land Cruiser 80-series and 100-series, Nissan Patrol, Skyline GT-R, Mitsubishi Delica, Supra, RX-7, Lancer Evolution — all importable, and all with their own quirks. This guide walks through the most common JDM full-size imports and what to know before you commit.
The 3rd-generation Hilux Surf (1995–2002) is the single most popular JDM full-size in Canada right now. Reliable, capable, reasonably priced, and parts-supported. Three engine options:
KZN185 diesel is the one most Canadian buyers end up looking for. Common issues: turbo actuator wear (KZN), head gasket maintenance on higher-mileage units, driveshaft U-joints. KZN185 parts.
The HDJ81 (4.2L 1HD-FT turbo diesel) and FZJ80 (4.5L 1FZ-FE gas six) from 1990–1997 are both importable now. The 80-series is widely considered one of the best 4x4 platforms Toyota ever built — bulletproof drivetrains, full-time 4WD, triple locking differentials on higher trim levels, and a go-anywhere reputation. Canadian enthusiast prices have climbed sharply but it’s still cheaper to import one than to buy a clean Canadian-market 80-series. HDJ81 parts.
The 100-series (1998–2007) is the next step up. HDJ100 runs the 4.2L 1HD-FTE turbo diesel, UZJ100 gets the 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8. Both are luxurious, heavy, extremely capable, and will happily tow 3,000+ kg. HDJ100 parts.
The Patrol Y61 is the Land Cruiser’s main rival in the full-size JDM 4x4 space. Two main engine options for JDM importable years: the 4.2L TD42 turbo diesel (bulletproof, legendary) and the 4.5L TB45E petrol. The Y61 is arguably more off-road capable than an 80-series at the cost of being less refined on-road. Y61 parts.
The holy trinity of JDM sports cars. All three generations (R32 1989–1994, R33 1995–1998, R34 1999–2002) are legally importable to Canada. Prices have gone through the roof for clean R34s, R33s are the best value right now, and R32s are climbing but still reasonable compared to the 34. Common to all: RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six, AWD, 280 PS (gentleman’s agreement, realistically ~320), manual only. BNR32 parts.
The ultimate Japanese adventure van. L300 (1986–1999) is the classic, L400/Space Gear (1994–2007) is the refined 4WD version, and early D5 (2007–2011) is now becoming importable. Diesel options on all three are the preferred Canadian pick. All Delica parts and info.
The Mk4 Supra (JZA80, 1993–2002) with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six is the enthusiast car that launched a thousand tuning careers. Legally importable, rising in value, and parts-supported (though at sports-car prices). JZA80 parts.
The third-gen RX-7 with the 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary (1992–2002) is the engineering icon of Japanese sports cars. Gorgeous, light, ferociously quick, and mechanically demanding. Rotary maintenance is a specialist game. FD3S parts.
Evos IV through IX (1996–2007 chassis codes CN9A, CP9A, CT9A) are all importable. 2.0L 4G63T turbo, AWD, 280 PS. The hardcore rally homologation special that actually won rallies. CT9A parts.
Drift car royalty. S13 (1988–1994), S14 (1994–1999), S15 (1999–2002). SR20DET turbo in most desirable trims. The S15 is the newest importable generation. S15 parts.
Rally-bred AWD turbos. GC8 generation (1992–2000) is fully importable; GDB generation (2000–2007) is becoming importable year by year. The GDB STI is arguably the peak of the platform. GDB parts.
SamuraiTrucks has been importing these vehicles since 2001. Our in-Japan partner shop physically inspects every vehicle before it ships to Canada — no auction-only gambles. Call 780-533-3303 or contact us to start sourcing your JDM full-size.
25+ years importing, stocking, and servicing Japanese vehicles in Canada. Real shop, real mechanics, hundreds of parts in stock.
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