Bringing a Canadian car into the US?
03-03-2009, 10:50 AM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Bringing a Canadian car into the US?
Thinking of picking up an old skyline (r32) from Canada. Anyone know how to do this? I have a few options, we can register the car and get plates in Canada (wife is from Toronto), or try to get it legal in the USA. The latter sounds like a major PIA, but would it cause any red flags or issues when we try to cross the border? IE, will immigration wonder why two ppl (one US citizen, and another Canadian with an American Greencard) are bringing in a car with Canadian plates? thanks
03-03-2009, 11:01 AM
#2
I didn't think that was possible. Only from US to Canada. I am sure that there are some government sites that cover this kind of situation because Canada has them so I am assuming so does US. Also try calling the border and ask them what is all the necessary documentation you would need.
Would the r32 be RHD? Don't just buy anything man those cars are beat to shit mostly because they are imported junk from Japan
Would the r32 be RHD? Don't just buy anything man those cars are beat to shit mostly because they are imported junk from Japan
03-03-2009, 11:07 AM
#3
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Do you own a residence in Canada? If not how would you register it there? There's tons of cars with Canadain plates roaming around Arizona in the winter time, but I'm assuming they have a residence in Canada and Arizona.
03-03-2009, 11:16 AM
#4
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
03-03-2009, 11:41 AM
#5
Senior Moderator
Just slap some plates on it, and drive it over the border... what's the worst that can happen ??
If you wait till it's 25 years old, importing is completely legal... but you're going to have to "bend" some rules and laws to do it otherwise...
Will you even be able to register it legally once you get it on American soil ?
If you wait till it's 25 years old, importing is completely legal... but you're going to have to "bend" some rules and laws to do it otherwise...
Will you even be able to register it legally once you get it on American soil ?
03-03-2009, 11:49 AM
#6
Senior Moderator
I'm assuming you already looked at the nhtsa website:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
Wouldn't some skyline forum members be familiar with the same thing ??
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
Wouldn't some skyline forum members be familiar with the same thing ??
03-03-2009, 11:51 AM
#7
on to the next one...
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03-03-2009, 12:09 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Yep. This is what I am thinking about. But other factors such as insurance and what not would get tricky.
03-03-2009, 12:17 PM
#9
Moderator Alumnus
Dude! Do it!! Just make sure you get a decent one. I don't think they would give you much trouble at the border due to your residence in Canada. Insuring would be different, who is your carrier if you don't mind me asking?
03-03-2009, 12:34 PM
#10
on to the next one...
03-03-2009, 01:29 PM
#12
I've sent the odd car Stateside, so it is possible. I believe the car needs to meet the requirements of your particular state. You may also want to contact an automotive broker who deals in this sort of thing. Often they take care of all the paperwork and related items and bring the car across the border with a minimum of difficulty. Often their costs are well worth it as the can be quite "creative".
If you and your wife are bringing a car into the States with a current Canadian registration and insurance coverage I don't think it would necessarily lead to any problems. If you ever plan on having the car registered in the US, then various issues may arise. It's best to jump through a few hoops and have it done correctly.
BTW:
Can I still send you a few PM's in regards to an NSX? I'm hopefully looking at that one in Toronto we spoke about a few months ago.
Terry
If you and your wife are bringing a car into the States with a current Canadian registration and insurance coverage I don't think it would necessarily lead to any problems. If you ever plan on having the car registered in the US, then various issues may arise. It's best to jump through a few hoops and have it done correctly.
BTW:
Can I still send you a few PM's in regards to an NSX? I'm hopefully looking at that one in Toronto we spoke about a few months ago.
Terry
03-03-2009, 01:45 PM
#14
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Another NSX for me to 
over... do it Terry!!!
over... do it Terry!!!
03-03-2009, 01:53 PM
#15
CL in lawnmower status
I'm assuming you already looked at the nhtsa website:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
Wouldn't some skyline forum members be familiar with the same thing ??
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
Wouldn't some skyline forum members be familiar with the same thing ??
if you haven't looked at this site yet, you should. From what i understood, the only skyline that could be imported into the US and registered would be the r33. But i didn't read through the whole thing. Good luck.
03-03-2009, 02:24 PM
#16
I shoot people
I never understood what's the big f-ing deal with the whole... "not-allowing-the-Skyline-in-the-States" thing... it's an awsome car, we want more of it here... just let us have it, damn it! 
03-03-2009, 02:43 PM
#19
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
wtf!
03-03-2009, 03:23 PM
#23
Suzuka Master
I don't know about Canadian insurance, but in the US, insurance could be a problem.
When you insure a car, they ask for the place it will be garaged MOST of the time. If you lie, they can deny coverage, and even file insurance fraud charges.
Not that it's very likely but it has been known to happen. There are a lot of people here who register cars in florida because insurance is so expensive here.
When you insure a car, they ask for the place it will be garaged MOST of the time. If you lie, they can deny coverage, and even file insurance fraud charges.
Not that it's very likely but it has been known to happen. There are a lot of people here who register cars in florida because insurance is so expensive here.
03-03-2009, 03:24 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
03-03-2009, 03:35 PM
#27
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
I know where you can get an R32. Hell, I can get an R33 or 34 for that matter..... 
Seriously, this is the ream of a lot of young guys, to bring in an RB26DETT R32. The only model that can be imported legally is the R33, and only certain models of those. The NHTSA site is helpful, but if the car is not 25 years old or older, then deal with an importer/broker. They can do the mods required to make a car legal.
Just be sure to ask for all the parts taken off so you can attach them back on later.
Seriously, this is the ream of a lot of young guys, to bring in an RB26DETT R32. The only model that can be imported legally is the R33, and only certain models of those. The NHTSA site is helpful, but if the car is not 25 years old or older, then deal with an importer/broker. They can do the mods required to make a car legal.
Just be sure to ask for all the parts taken off so you can attach them back on later.
03-03-2009, 05:08 PM
#35
http://www.tyeeimports.com/Results2.asp?Sort_Field=39
look here for the prices. These are all imported from Japan not too long ago. For you Americans this should be a pretty good price.
look here for the prices. These are all imported from Japan not too long ago. For you Americans this should be a pretty good price.
03-03-2009, 06:22 PM
#36
Senior Moderator
. Importing a vehicle that is at least 25 years old.
A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.
A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.
03-03-2009, 08:17 PM
#38
synth join this: http://www.gtr.co.uk/
A lot of peeps on that forun are from the US that have imported to the states. Mostly R33s, some 34's
A lot of peeps on that forun are from the US that have imported to the states. Mostly R33s, some 34's
03-04-2009, 03:50 AM
#40
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
R30 Anyone?
Saw an R30 today, but it was black. So people have an idea, and can see what it looks like:
This one, at a dealer, runs about $8000.
This one, at a dealer, runs about $8000.