Importing to US - Page 4

Would you be willing to pay over the odds for one?

Maybe.... I've checked it out and I've found some for like 3 G's. Bout how much does it cost to import one?

More than that

 Sriously? I Really Want One! But I Dont Have That Kind Of Money..... Im Just A Broke Ass Mexican

So get a job... lol i know its against tradition....

Hey... Standing Outside Of  Home Depot Is Hard Work.... LOL.... I Got A Job But I Have Lots Of  Bills To Pay So Im Always Left Wit Lil Or No Money

quote:

ORIGINAL: Clipse1

 RHD Colt

 
yeah, it seems US customs doesnt like RHD, that could be a real problem.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sebba

Too expensive ^^

AlZ, good news. I just saw a EVO II for sale for like 14k...

In the US? I'm searching other exporters. I'm trying to make the math work...but I haven't been terribly encouraged. It might work if I actually go to Japan and buy cars at an auto auction.
These cars are really clean with super low mileage. I was just looking at a 94 evo with like 35k mi.
I saw a couple of evo wagons too.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Clipse1

Maybe.... I've checked it out and I've found some for like 3 G's. Bout how much does it cost to import one?

a lot

ok, it might work out the only way I can import these is disassembled.
 
cost:
car
disassembly
packing
export fee
shipping
insurance
delivery
offloading
customs
inspection
conversion
reassembly
title
registration
tax
import fee
my cut

You shouldnt have to take them apart?

I couldnt imagine why taking them apart would improve things with customs... But then again, all Ive ever imported is a front clip...

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sebba

You shouldnt have to take them apart?

 
not according to what I have been reading.

I still have a lot of reading to do. I think disassembly only has to be pulling the motors and transmissions. from what I have been reading, it's ok to import skylines with RHD but other models have to be converted.
There are pages upon pages of regulations. It seems I will also have to apply to become a registered importer and then apply for consideration of these vehicles. I'm just getting into all this regulatory stuff, it will probably take weeks to filter through all of it.

well, I've been getting a lot of discouraging feedback...but it's not completely hopeless. Right now, it looks as though the only way to do this is by importing the cars disassembled and then reassembling them and titling them as kitcars.
I still think this is a viable option. I have gotten differing opinions on what qualifies as a kitcar. In my state, they say that any assembly once the vehicle arrives can qualify...including just putting the hubcaps back on. A registered importer said the car bodies have to be put on a US approved chassis. Either way, according to the EPA, the engines must be used or rebuilt.
Unfortunately, it seems as though my first estimates of aprox $3000-5000 for import fees etc may be grossly underestimated. The real fees look to be more like $6000-$8000. This of course makes it cost prohibitive to import anything but top dollar vehicles.
Parts however do not need to meet many of these regulations. So, if I can get an exporter to just send me engines and drivetrains, it might be affordable if any of you wants evo engines or drivetrains.

Thats bullshit dude. So how to people that just want to move their car over do it? Dude i think your being fed miss information. I say do it once as an experiment. Thats the only real way to find out.

there is a list of approved cars that can be imported. Unfortunately, many Japanese autos don't make the list.
 
You are welcome to join me in researching this issue. Here are some good links to start.
 
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/graymarket_RI_list010807.htm
 
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/
 
 
It is BS...but what in the Federal Government isn't? You and I know that Japanese and Australian cars meet a higher emissions standards than American vehicles....but we wouldn't want the big 3 to be completely driven out of business just because they make an inferior product, would we?
 
I believe you will find that all roads lead back to the desk of Representative John Dingell of the state of Michigan.

Hahahaha thats actually what i heard. There is a dude that registered his R34 GTR in MI lol. Seems to be a lot of holes in MI... i love it.
 
I know people in MI too...
 
Seriously dude, i think if they think you are doing it for personal reasons.. like one car at a time (or one car to a name) then you should be okay. If you buy your own crate i highly doubt anyone is going to have the knowledge enough to question the car inside it. I just think its very far fetched... and registering it is as easy as piss too. In MI they just inspect it for a few mins and send you your plate lol.

well, I am trying to do this by the book. I am sure I could buy a crate....and as long as I stuffed it full of Afghani Opium, the federal government would look the other way.
But I'm trying to play by the rules....and I am looking into this to see if I can bring in more than the 2 cars I want since so many people have expressed an interest in these imports. Should that fail, I will just try and import vehicles for myself.
But I'm not interested in laying out all that money to see it hauled off to a car crusher as soon as it lands on the docks.

Its not really 'illegal' its not a black trade.. and it might not be considered 100% cosher. Call it grey  lol.
 
You wouldnt be breaking any laws, just going between them.
 
Lets face it, going totally by the way THEY want you to (just because they can tax you) isnt cost effective.

i don't do grey

Thats very admirable. Its still technically legal....

we'll see what happens, I knew it would be a slow, arduous process.

It shouldnt be, thats what im saying. And for some people its easy as hell....

I'd be happy to hear an example. please put me in contact with somebody you know who has successfully done it with little difficulty.