Questions regarding importation of vehicles to the US

[JCE]

First here's the DOT info that has a list of vehicles...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/elig010807.pdf

And here's a business that exports vehicles to the US (among other countries).

http://www.unreal-imports.com/

Look up Nissan GTS/GTR R33 in the DOT PDF I posted and you'll see a number in the VCP column--which denotes that the car has sufficiant safety equipment or can be equipped with federal standardized safety equipment. ...

So, if I read that right a 1996 thru 1998 R33 Skyline (and or GTR) can be imported legally and registered. Is this the case? And if so, how much would one pay in fees and the like to the US Goverment before taking possession of the vehicle? I guess what I'm trying to find out is if it costs say $18,000 USD (including shipping) what would one pay to the US Govt. before taking possession of the vehicle.

Has anybody here living in America ever imported a vehicle in the last decade or so that would have some insight on this subject?

 

[McLaren]

Well, at least you picked the Skyline Gen. you CAN import unlike folks who pick the R32 and R34 which are no longer legal.
As far as I know, you'll be spending quite a bit. R33 prices don't seem to have dropped a lot since their departure, and I've heard it costs quite a lot to import and meet US Specs.

My experience with importing is pretty zilch. A year back, I wanted to buy 1 of a few European cars, but their rarity held up their prices, and apparently, importation and US specs. for Porsches and Mercedes don't seem to be very friendly.

 

[JCE]

Luckily for me the R33 is my favorite Skyline anyway. Stock R33 GTR's are running $16k~25k from what I've seen. Now tack on about $3,000 for shipping (I would imagine) along with WHO KNOWS what the US Govt. would charge and you'd have yourself one sweet ride.

Whats even more awsome is you can take a trip to Canada and pickup almost any Japanese car--which would negate the shipping charge if you just drove it across the border. But, you'd still have to pay some fees to the US Govt., which would be a pain in the ass I suspect.

 

[McLaren]

Luckily for me the R33 is my favorite Skyline anyway. Stock R33 GTR's are running $16k~25k from what I've seen. Now tack on about $3,000 for shipping (I would imagine) along with WHO KNOWS what the US Govt. would charge and you'd have yourself one sweet ride.

Whats even more awsome is you can take a trip to Canada and pickup almost any Japanese car--which would negate the shipping charge if you just drove it across the border. But, you'd still have to pay some fees to the US Govt., which would be a pain in the ass I suspect.

We think alike then. The R33 is def. my favorite. 👍

I had no idea GT-Rs were running that much, but it isn't terribly surprising. If anything, I would suggest checking Canadian dealers. That $3,000 you save on shipping could easily go giving her some work. Plus, it'd be awesome to see a Skyline in Texas of all places.

 

[YSSMAN]

Most of the R33 models I had seen that had been "federalized" were running at nearly $30K a while back, but that may have changed significantly since then. There was an importer that was supposed to open back in January near here, but I haven't heard anything since then. Their big thing was going to be Nissan R33s, but I've yet to see any around here...

 

[JCE]

We think alike then. The R33 is def. my favorite. 👍

I had no idea GT-Rs were running that much, but it isn't terribly surprising. If anything, I would suggest checking Canadian dealers. That $3,000 you save on shipping could easily go giving her some work. Plus, it'd be awesome to see a Skyline in Texas of all places.

There is a kid in Plano with a blue R34 GTR--the lucky SOB imported it right before the R34 was banned. I bet his parents bought it for him.

Most of the R33 models I had seen that had been "federalized" were running at nearly $30K a while back, but that may have changed significantly since then. There was an importer that was supposed to open back in January near here, but I haven't heard anything since then. Their big thing was going to be Nissan R33s, but I've yet to see any around here...

I saw a GTS R33 with an autobox in Florida on ebay for $12k with the buy it now. I'd love to drive even the BASE model with an AUTOMATIC just because the R33 is like Jesus to me.

But, in reality if I were to import something I'd import something TRUELY unique like a Pulsar GTiR, EVO 1-4, a 5th gen Prelude (not so unique maybe), or possibly an MR2 (2nd gen). These all can be had for reletively cheap money--that is assuming the US Govt. doesn't charge me like $5,000+ or something stupid in fees and the like.

 

[Tornado]

Um...The MR2 could be bought in America.

 

[MistaX]

I've seen several R33 GT-R's for sale in this area. Cheapest being $45,000.

Value for your money doesn't exist.

Some links from AT:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1350

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1377

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1096

 

[Boz Mon]

There is a kid in Plano with a blue R34 GTR--the lucky SOB imported it right before the R34 was banned. I bet his parents bought it for him.



I saw a GTS R33 with an autobox in Florida on ebay for $12k with the buy it now. I'd love to drive even the BASE model with an AUTOMATIC just because the R33 is like Jesus to me.

But, in reality if I were to import something I'd import something TRUELY unique like a Pulsar GTiR, EVO 1-4, a 5th gen Prelude (not so unique maybe), or possibly an MR2 (2nd gen). These all can be had for reletively cheap money--that is assuming the US Govt. doesn't charge me like $5,000+ or something stupid in fees and the like.

Pulsar GTiR FTMFW! But seriously, I dont think it would be worth importing any car just because of all of the hassles. Plus you would have to worry about jealous people getting mad at you and beating on your car just because they want one and cant have it.

 

[McLaren]

There is a kid in Plano with a blue R34 GTR--the lucky SOB imported it right before the R34 was banned. I bet his parents bought it for him.

I think I know that one.
This it?

 

[JCE]

Um...The MR2 could be bought in America.

But not with RHD and better flowing engine.

Pulsar GTiR FTMFW! But seriously, I dont think it would be worth importing any car just because of all of the hassles. Plus you would have to worry about jealous people getting mad at you and beating on your car just because they want one and cant have it.

I would hope no one vandalizes my car, or I'd have to shoot them in the face.

I think I know that one.
This it?

Looks like it, I can't quite tell but I think he must have got the chameleon paint job. It was just a normal Nissan blue before. I wouldn't be that surprised if there was more than 1 R34 owner in Plano.

 

[Tornado]

But not with RHD and better flowing engine.

For the cost of importing an MR2 GTS with the (only slightly) more powerful engine (or even the engine alone), one could very easily go to a tuning shop and have the boost turned up or have a more efficient turbo installed. Or, one could pull the engine out of a Celica ST205 and raise the compression ratio. Or pull a 2JZ-GTE out of a Supra or something. All for much less money.

 

[JCE]

But it still wouldn't be RHD. I'm well aware of what can be stuffed into an MR2--my brother and I are already thinking about putting the 3VZ-FE into his MR2 early next year.

 

[1X83Z]

But it still wouldn't be RHD.

Yeah Toronado! It wouldn't have visibility and drivability issues! JDM tyte yo!!!!11

 

[JCE]

Whats so wrong with being unique? I'm not a ricer--I'd leave the car stock for christ sakes. You can't tell me that a RHD car doesn't have a certain legitimate appeal?

 

[JCE]

No one has imported a vehicle to the US?

You need to be a freaking brain surgeon to understand the NHTSA (and the rest of the US Goverment's) website. I sent an email to the Unreal Imports people to see if they can either send me the information or get me in-touch with an Registered Importer who can give me the info.

I'd love to get ahold of someone here locally who has imported something from Japan/Canada that could answer my questions.

 

[YSSMAN]

We're you looking to import only an R33, or something different?

 

[neanderthal]

Whats so wrong with being unique? I'm not a ricer--I'd leave the car stock for christ sakes. You can't tell me that a RHD car doesn't have a certain legitimate appeal?

it certainly does.

if you work for the post office. or you drive one of those street cleaning trucks.

 

[Tornado]

Actually, the idea of a postal working doing rounds in an SW20 MR2 is silly enough to be a truly spectacular idea.

 

[JCE]

We're you looking to import only an R33, or something different?

Something different. I'm thinking of something that either isn't well known enough or something truely unique that doesn't usually get imported. Such as maybe a Puslar GTiR or an older Lancer EVO (maybe a II or III).

it certainly does.

if you work for the post office. or you drive one of those street cleaning trucks.

There's a local mail carrier who drives a Jeep Cherokee thats RHD.

Actually, the idea of a postal working doing rounds in an SW20 MR2 is silly enough to be a truly spectacular idea.

Dude, we should start our own parcel service using nothing but JDM vehicles. 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

Something different. I'm thinking of something that either isn't well known enough or something truely unique that doesn't usually get imported. Such as maybe a Puslar GTiR or an older Lancer EVO (maybe a II or III).

If I had infinite sums of money, I know I'd be invading Europe, digging up old hot hatches to bring back home. A Peugeot 205 sits pretty high on that list, not to mention other classics like an original Mini Cooper or a FIAT 500. Although, if we're talking strictly newbies, I must have a Renaultsport Megane, now!

 

[Tornado]

Something different. I'm thinking of something that either isn't well known enough or something truely unique that doesn't usually get imported. Such as maybe a Pular GTiR or an older Lancer EVO (maybe a II or III).

I suggest a Galant VR-4 (which would probably cost around 11 grand or so) or Mazda Eunos Cosmo (which would probably cost 12 grand or so to get a 3 rotor model). Considering an early Evo would cost roughly the same to import (based on my estimate), I would say go for the Mazda or Galant. Or you could be weird and import a Fairlady Z or Alcyone SVX for the same price.
And who says it has to be a JDM vehicle? I suggest an Alpine. Or a Mini.

 

[YSSMAN]

Hold please: Didn't they sell the Gallant Turbo (VR4?) here in the United States?

 

[Tornado]

Hold please: Didn't they sell the Gallant Turbo (VR4?) here in the United States?

Not the good one (though the one I was referring to was sold in America). Besides, they did sell the Alcyone SVX and Fairlady Z (though not the Turbo convertible) here, and JCE said he didn't care about the MR2 Turbo being sold here when I confronted him on that.

 

[JCE]

If I had infinite sums of money, I know I'd be invading Europe, digging up old hot hatches to bring back home. A Peugeot 205 sits pretty high on that list, not to mention other classics like an original Mini Cooper or a FIAT 500. Although, if we're talking strictly newbies, I must have a Renaultsport Megane, now!

Actually if I were to import a European vehicle I'd probably import something French or Italian maybe because they look good and they depreciate quite alot.

I rather fancy an Alfa, a 156 to be exact.

Or a Peugeot 406...

Sue me, but I really love those designs...and they are cheap!

I suggest a Galant VR-4 (which would probably cost around 11 grand or so) or Mazda Eunos Cosmo (which would probably cost 12 grand or so to get a 3 rotor model). Considering an early Evo would cost roughly the same to import (based on my estimate), I would say go for the Mazda or Galant. Or you could be weird and import a Fairlady Z or Alcyone SVX for the same price.
And who says it has to be a JDM vehicle? I suggest an Alpine. Or a Mini.

The Galant VR-4 would definately be pretty cool...but I'd rather not buy a Mitsubishi unless it was another GTO. The SVX is definately one of my favorite Japanese coupes ever, I would love to get a good one.

Hold please: Didn't they sell the Gallant Turbo (VR4?) here in the United States?

1990-1992 I believe...but not the good looking generation as what is posted below (although I believe that is a Legnum VR-4 technically):

Not the good one (though the one I was referring to was sold in America). Besides, they did sell the Alcyone SVX and Fairlady Z (though not the Turbo convertible) here, and JCE said he didn't care about the MR2 Turbo being sold here when I confronted him on that.

And your assessment would be correct. I don't really care if it was already sold here. Infact it would definately be EASIER to import something that's already been sold here for all of the safety crap. But, I wouldn't convert it to LHD--then there would be little point to import it in the first place.

 

[backspace]

Ok, so lets assume you do actually get through the headache of importing a car.

Your driving down the road, in your tite jdm whip.

your water pump seizes

you need need to replace an obscure gasket

Your power steering pump dies.

Some electrical doodad blows.

Your oil fuses need swapping

Your muffler bearings are rattling

And your headlight fluid is a little on the low side.

You can't even get RHD headlight fluid in the U.S.


But really, even my car is a PITA to find parts for sometimes..and it's USDM.

 

[Wolfe]

If you're looking for something different that's RHD, there are a fair number of RHD Subarus used by postal workers on this side of the Pacific. No complicated importation process necessary.

Just offering an alternative.

 

[MistaX]

Here's a little bit of totally useless information: RHD cars headlights are tilted upward on the passenger side, to illuminate road signs and such. (LHD cars are like this too.)

Driving a RHD car in this country, means the headlights will blind absolutely everyone in the oncoming lane.


You're begging for a head-on collision.

 

[Tornado]

(although I believe that is a Legnum VR-4 technically):

It was. Can you believe that is like the only picture of a Galant VR4-like car that wasn't murdered on the entire internet?

Oh, and genius plan: Toyota Aristo 3.0V. All the awesome of the original GS300, plus a manual transmission and a pair of turbos. Any parts you would need for importation would be easy to come by, too.

 

[JCE]

Oh, and genius plan: Toyota Aristo 3.0V. All the awesome of the original GS300, plus a manual transmission and a pair of turbos. Any parts you would need for importation would be easy to come by, too.

I liked the Aristo, and the thought of a manual transmission and turbos makes my pants happy. What the **** happend to Toyota anyway? They used to make such brilliant cars...

*edit*
Check this site out: http://www.terra2imports.ca/

This is the kind of information I'd love to get from a US based importer. If/when I decide to spend some $$$ and import something I might take the Canadian route.