How to import a car from japan
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,817
Likes: 1,301
From: Japan
An Example
OK, just so you have an idea of what I'm talking about. Here's an early model NSX
1991 Honda NSX
So, the price with an absolutely shitty exchange rate (90 yen = $1 is current today), comes out to $22,000. Now, there are mandatory fees that are applied, and that will come out to about $24,000. Then the car would have to be crated and exported ($500 - $1000 for crating, then another $4000 in shipping), then once it hits the US, it has to be converted by a US NHTSA authorized importer. This is usually a $1500 - $3000 job (speedometer, glass, bumpers, additional door reinforcements, head and tail lights). And this is all true ONLY if the car is on the authorized list the NHSTA puts out.
Here's the website for importing to the USA :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/
So conservatively, a 1991 NSX with 60K miles on it (and no CarFax history on it) would run from $30 - 35K. All for the "luxury of telling people it is JDM".
Here's one a year newer, and costing less. Plus, you know the vehicle history: 1992 Acura NSX
If you want something really old (An old AE86 or Hakosuka comes to mind, along with the old Fairlady Z) Japanese car, and money is not an issue, then go for it. The big problem is if it is under 25 years old, it better be on the list of acceptable cars (and there aren't that many).
1991 Honda NSX
So, the price with an absolutely shitty exchange rate (90 yen = $1 is current today), comes out to $22,000. Now, there are mandatory fees that are applied, and that will come out to about $24,000. Then the car would have to be crated and exported ($500 - $1000 for crating, then another $4000 in shipping), then once it hits the US, it has to be converted by a US NHTSA authorized importer. This is usually a $1500 - $3000 job (speedometer, glass, bumpers, additional door reinforcements, head and tail lights). And this is all true ONLY if the car is on the authorized list the NHSTA puts out.
Here's the website for importing to the USA :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/
So conservatively, a 1991 NSX with 60K miles on it (and no CarFax history on it) would run from $30 - 35K. All for the "luxury of telling people it is JDM".
Here's one a year newer, and costing less. Plus, you know the vehicle history: 1992 Acura NSX
If you want something really old (An old AE86 or Hakosuka comes to mind, along with the old Fairlady Z) Japanese car, and money is not an issue, then go for it. The big problem is if it is under 25 years old, it better be on the list of acceptable cars (and there aren't that many).
OK, just so you have an idea of what I'm talking about. Here's an early model NSX
1991 Honda NSX
So, the price with an absolutely shitty exchange rate (90 yen = $1 is current today), comes out to $22,000. Now, there are mandatory fees that are applied, and that will come out to about $24,000. Then the car would have to be crated and exported ($500 - $1000 for crating, then another $4000 in shipping), then once it hits the US, it has to be converted by a US NHTSA authorized importer. This is usually a $1500 - $3000 job (speedometer, glass, bumpers, additional door reinforcements, head and tail lights). And this is all true ONLY if the car is on the authorized list the NHSTA puts out.
Here's the website for importing to the USA :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/
So conservatively, a 1991 NSX with 60K miles on it (and no CarFax history on it) would run from $30 - 35K. All for the "luxury of telling people it is JDM".
Here's one a year newer, and costing less. Plus, you know the vehicle history: 1992 Acura NSX
If you want something really old (An old AE86 or Hakosuka comes to mind, along with the old Fairlady Z) Japanese car, and money is not an issue, then go for it. The big problem is if it is under 25 years old, it better be on the list of acceptable cars (and there aren't that many).
1991 Honda NSX
So, the price with an absolutely shitty exchange rate (90 yen = $1 is current today), comes out to $22,000. Now, there are mandatory fees that are applied, and that will come out to about $24,000. Then the car would have to be crated and exported ($500 - $1000 for crating, then another $4000 in shipping), then once it hits the US, it has to be converted by a US NHTSA authorized importer. This is usually a $1500 - $3000 job (speedometer, glass, bumpers, additional door reinforcements, head and tail lights). And this is all true ONLY if the car is on the authorized list the NHSTA puts out.
Here's the website for importing to the USA :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/
So conservatively, a 1991 NSX with 60K miles on it (and no CarFax history on it) would run from $30 - 35K. All for the "luxury of telling people it is JDM".
Here's one a year newer, and costing less. Plus, you know the vehicle history: 1992 Acura NSX
If you want something really old (An old AE86 or Hakosuka comes to mind, along with the old Fairlady Z) Japanese car, and money is not an issue, then go for it. The big problem is if it is under 25 years old, it better be on the list of acceptable cars (and there aren't that many).
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,817
Likes: 1,301
From: Japan
However, if someone does this, they can't complain about the $$$
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