Hello Everybody,

I hope you are well.

No sooner have I escaped Baluchistan in Pakistan (a particularly dodgy, but friendly part of the world currently) than I've hit problems with my 4x4 in Iran.

Unfortunately my Land cruiser 1994 VX Auto 80 series is not so well. I'm currently stuck in Zahedan, Iran with potentially a failed gearbox, transmission or both.

I'm looking into my options for finding replacement parts in case the Toyota mechanics here can't fix it.

Does anybody have any contacts in Iran for toyota parts or a country nearby? Apparently Iran isn't bless with a big second hand parts market for 80 series.

It's quite an urgent issue I've got due to visa implications, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Jon

p.s I can add that the border near Zahedan, Iran to Taftan in Pakistan is very straightforward to cross. You will however need escorts from near Bam all the way to the border. Then all the way to Quetta and onto Sukkur in Pakistan. Slow but you get there safely without to many other hassles.

If you are on FB, this might be a starting point.

Quetta is a huge market for used parts of Toyota Land Cruisers. If cant get from Iran people in Zahidan might be able to get you spares from Quetta or Afghanistan at a very reasonable price.

MAP members of Quetta chapter might be able to guide you.

Good luck
cheers

As you have probably realised, the problem is a lack of spares for diesel models in Iran.

You are however close to two of the world's hubs of Toyota parts, The UAE (for new parts), and Pakistan / Afghanistan (for used).

Have you got the thing checked and diagnosed? An auto transmission specialist should at least be able to diagnose what the fault may be, even if they have no spares on hand. Have you checked that the ATF levels are correct in the transmission?

If you have the cash and know the part number, you could just buy a replacement transmission (enter your VIN at www.toyodiy.com to check part number), you can order from the UAE Amayama Trading - Genuine Parts for Japan Used Imports - Amayama Trading

Otherwise, you need to make some connections in Quetta and have the part shipped to Zahedan.

I would find a decent mechanic first and have the fault diagnosed. Is the car totally undriveable? I am not familiar with 80 series transmissions, but it is likely that there are vehicles driving around with similar boxes.. If you could get the vehicle transported to Mashhad or Bandar Abbas, then you would have more knowledge / spares at hand.

If you have a few days to kill, I recommend a trip to Kuh0e Khajeh near Zabol, or to Mt Taftan

Daniel

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Jon
How are things progressing? What a horrible situation to be in. And right at the start of your time in Iran. I know Zahedan is not much of a town so your options there are limited. I don't know how long your visa lasts, but you now have a race against time.
You're probably aware of the following consequences, but for those who might not know...
The first time I crossed Iran, there was a British couple ahead of me who had a breakdown with their motorbike, they started the business of trying to get it fixed, the days went by and before they knew it, their visas had expired and they were immediately deported. WITHOUT their bike which they never saw again. You definitely do not want that to happen. If there is no-one in the Zahedan area who can help; this will be expensive but can you get your landrover trucked/towed to a bigger city?
Or closer to the the other side of Iran ready to leave? It's a shame both Iran and Pakistan are so particular about visas.

Iran can be a very tricky country to get parts sent in to it- DHL etc have specific caveats about Iran.
However on the plus side, the Iranian people are extremely friendly and they are resourceful, they are great at fixing things.
Good luck, but you should maybe look into getting your visa extended if that is a possibility (which may mean travelling to another city- a shame Zahedan is so isolated down there).

Good luck, we're all rooting for you.

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Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
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Jon, I have a friend in Tehran who owns a spare parts factory for toyotas and nissans, call him, his name is Javad, he is a great guy, his number is tel 0912-1366784.

Good luck!

Best

Joas Souza