A RHD Diesel-powered Toyo in a Most Unexpected Place
I was returning from one of my frequent journeys to Vancouver, picking up another test car, when I noticed an unusual vehicle parked on the Spirit of British Columbia super ferry. It was an SUV, roughly the size of a Highlander. The logo on the grille read "Toyo" and the vehicle was kitted out with right-hand-drive.
Nothing like cars to strike up a conversation with a stranger. The gentleman behind the wheel had wanted a genuine off-roader with a truck chassis and 4WD because, recreationally, he "enjoys driving off into the woods." But he insisted on a diesel, refusing to settle for the absurd fuel mileages of contemporary SUV's. So he did some research and discovered a Toyo in Japan in "as new" condition. (I'd left my camera at home and so must apologise for the lack of a photo.)
Canadian import regs require that a vehicle be at least 15-years-old. The Toyo was 20 years into the past. He'd only just picked it up from customs but in his brief drive found that everything worked as advertised. In fact, the vehicle looked as though it had never left the showroom. His only problem happened when he pulled up to the ferry toll booth and had to get out to pay the attendant. By the way, this gentleman's daily go-to-work car is a Jetta TDI, also a diesel. I didn't have the heart to tell him about the Jeep Liberty's diesel option.
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