Decision Time ⏳

[Sabilco13]

I think you’re right, MGC—thank you. I'm also unsure about the 6% + VAT. They’re selling for outrageous prices in the US.

Used 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series Double Cab For Sale ($325,000) | K2 Motorcars Stock #00155 - [Leaving Land Cruiser Club]

Used TOYOTA Land Cruiser for Sale in San Diego, CA - Retrofit Toyota cars - FLEX Automotive - [Leaving Land Cruiser Club]

 

[benoverland]

Forgive me for chipping in - my POV come from being a long term Asia resident (11 years and counting) vs a LC expert (I have a long way to go before I can claim that).

Firstly congratulations! Vietnam is ace, one of my favourite places, lots to explore and nice folks.

Your issue will be getting RHD import into Vietnam + I’m pretty sure they will tax you to high heaven on the import even if that is possible. However, that said. I would er with caution before selling. That’s a beautiful vehicle, with more love put into it than can be calculated in dollar terms. Life changes and you can’t unsell a vehicle. Lots of folks make a move and then they decide it’s not for them or they move somewhere else - from Vietnam many end up moving across to Thailand or Malaysia where RHD is not an issue for example. Further, storage costs are going to be a part of your life now, assuming you are a Brit. I could have paid for the contents of my UK storage unit 10 times over but that’s not the point, it has stuff that isn’t replaceable and it avoids me carting all stuff around the world, to what are often small flats with limited storage (I’ve moved country twice and am in the process of doing a third). Also, never forget how good the UK and Europe is in the summer when it’s hotter than the surface of the sun in HCM.

Take your time. Stick it in storage. Reassess after a year. The UK is only a 12 hour flight away if you decide to shift it after that or, if you change plans, you still have it to make a decision about. In essence, this is a hugely exciting moment for you so keep it as simple as you can.

 

[benoverland]

Forgive me for chipping in - my POV come from being a long term Asia resident (11 years and counting) vs a LC expert (I have a long way to go before I can claim that).

Firstly congratulations! Vietnam is ace, one of my favourite places, lots to explore and nice folks.

Your issue will be getting RHD import into Vietnam + I’m pretty sure they will tax you to high heaven on the import even if that is possible. However, that said. I would er with caution before selling. That’s a beautiful vehicle, with more love put into it than can be calculated in dollar terms. Life changes and you can’t unsell a vehicle. Lots of folks make a move and then they decide it’s not for them or they move somewhere else - from Vietnam many end up moving across to Thailand or Malaysia where RHD is not an issue for example. Further, storage costs are going to be a part of your life now, assuming you are a Brit. I could have paid for the contents of my UK storage unit 10 times over but that’s not the point, it has stuff that isn’t replaceable and it avoids me carting all stuff around the world, to what are often small flats with limited storage (I’ve moved country twice and am in the process of doing a third). Also, never forget how good the UK and Europe is in the summer when it’s hotter than the surface of the sun in HCM.

Take your time. Stick it in storage. Reassess after a year. The UK is only a 12 hour flight away if you decide to shift it after that or, if you change plans, you still have it to make a decision about. In essence, this is a hugely exciting moment for you so keep it as simple as you can.

 

[Sabilco13]

Hi Benoverland,

Thank you so much for your comments and advice. Apologies for the delayed reply—I’ve just returned to the UK after the Christmas break. I completely agree with your advice, and I would much prefer to keep the LC as that’s what I’m working toward. I’m actually looking forward to the change, to be honest.

In three weeks, I’ll be heading to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong for four weeks. I’ve been to these places before, but only for holidays, so it will be interesting to see what it’s like to live there.

Where are you moving to, and where are you moving from?

Looking forward to hearing back!

 

[benoverland]

Hi Benoverland,

Thank you so much for your comments and advice. Apologies for the delayed reply—I’ve just returned to the UK after the Christmas break. I completely agree with your advice, and I would much prefer to keep the LC as that’s what I’m working toward. I’m actually looking forward to the change, to be honest.

In three weeks, I’ll be heading to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong for four weeks. I’ve been to these places before, but only for holidays, so it will be interesting to see what it’s like to live there.

Where are you moving to, and where are you moving from?

Looking forward to hearing back!

Hello,

We are just in transition from Hong Kong to Singapore and currently spending some time in Thailand having moved out of our HK place back in November. In the meantime we bought our first LC (78) which is now in store in Kent ready for conversion into an expedition vehicle for our future africa travels.

Some great options there to explore. I will always be a Hongkonger, it’s an amazing place, the intensity of a global city with hiking and running trails right on your doorstep. But it’s expensive, flats are small and the government is more hands on than it used to be. It’s also a bit more expensive to fly from than Bangkok as Cathay has an effective monopoly. That said I would happily live there again and likely will.

We especially love Thailand. We have never lived and worked here but know many who have and loved it. It’s a beautiful country with fabulous people but it’s also quite complicated and it takes a long time to get to understand the Thai culture properly. But it has the best food in the region, great quality of life if you are on a foreigner salary and oh so many options for driving adventures which HK does not.

Vietnam, my experiences are more limited to holidays but I like HCM a lot and I think it would be very liveable. Hanoi also nice but less international.

Happy to chat if that helps.

 

[Sabilco13]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your exciting adventures with me! It sounds like you've had quite an eventful time transitioning from Hong Kong to Singapore and spending some quality time in Thailand. Congratulations on purchasing your first LC (78) and planning to convert it into an expedition vehicle for your future Africa travels - that sounds like an incredible project!

Hong Kong indeed has a unique charm with its vibrant city life and access to nature trails, though I understand the challenges you mentioned, like the high cost of living and government oversight. It's great to hear that you have fond memories and are open to living there again in the future.

Thailand seems to have captured your heart, and I can see why with its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and delectable cuisine. It's always fascinating to immerse oneself in a new culture, even though it may take time to fully understand it. It’s wonderful that Thailand offers such a great quality of life and numerous opportunities for driving adventures.

As for Vietnam, It's always interesting to hear how different places can offer such varied yet enriching experiences.

I'd love to hear more about your travels and plans. Happy to chat and assist with anything you need too!