? about importing JDM cars

So, been thinking off hand about getting something comically small to commute in on nice days, and to drive to cruise ins. I like original Minis, and may consider one, if the right deal falls into my lap, but I also was thinking there were some Japanese cars from the 80's that could be fun and original to have. First one that comes to mind is a Honda City Turbo. Looks like it'd be fun to drive on 2 lane back roads, and would look cool parked next to the Fit.

I know if its over 25 years old it can be imported, but it seems like there are quite a few steps involved. Does anyone know of a business that pretty much handles it from end to end, ie finds the car, negotiates price, handles shipping and paperwork? Its doubtful I'll do this, but I'm curious to know if there's somewhere out there that pretty much handles all the "gritty" work, so I can basically say, this is the year/make/model I want, and it magically shows up a few weeks/months later?

I always suggest talking to nagasaki jdm motors, but don't really have the answers. They shipped my engine no problem. Took care of everything.

http://customshq.com/resources/importing-a-car/

This might help a bit.

As far as help, you can get a Customs Broker who will handle the paperwork end. Make sure the DOT and EPA forms are turned in.

I am not aware of a company that finds the cars for you.

I have nothing useful to add except if I had one I would want it to look like this

In reply to Wally:

Thats kind of what I was thinking in my minds eye, but I'm sure the body kit is unobtanium. Of course, it appears the second gen city uses the EW/original D series engines, so one of those might be easier to keep running in the states.

Nothing useful to add except the AZ-1 is your answer to little bitty awesome cars.

So I would like to ask some more questions on this subject. I have wanted a proper Mitsubishi Delica L300 for some time now. I have found a dealer in BC Canada that has what he and I believe to be a legal to import now 1987 L300. I don't think it should be tough to get in the US, but he told me today that he had another guy interested in it from the Seattle area, but was nervous about stories about RHD cars getting seized from the government and crushed.

Do you guys think those stories are the legends of the JDM spec Skylines that are not 25 years old, but some people decided to bring them in anyway, and then got caught? Does anyone know who I could talk to about this procedure of getting the van here legally?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

In reply to Mazdax605:

Those stories are 100% true, but they only cover the R32 and R34 Skylines brought in illegally under Motorex's R33-only exemption permit for cars under 25.

You will have zero hassle on an over-25 car.

Cappuccino?

Datsun1500 wrote: Buy it from him and use an import broker to do the rest. There will be no issues with a true 87 and the broker will make sure the paperwork is correct I imported an 86 mini last year, a broker is the way to go

How do I find such a person to help with this?

Chris

Ok, to the OP I read this last week, and fond it helpful. It is a history of RHD Skyline importing, scams, legality on E-Bay, some good reading.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Legally-Import-amp-Register-Nissan-Skyline/10000000006110167/g.html

and some government info : (

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/graymarket_RI_list010807.htm

Datsun1500 wrote: http://apps.cbp.gov/brokers/index.asp?portCode=0401

Thanks. I assume you did a search for brokers close by my location as these are all in New England as far as I have seen so far. My next question though is should I find someone closer to where the van is located on the west coast to help with this or does it not matter where they are?

In reply to Mazdax605: From the interweb:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/import-to-the-us-3293-15.html

Option 1: working with a registered importer (RI) - Out. Basically, the Delica is not on "the list" of cars that can be approved for import by the US NHTSA/DOT. Lots of reasons, but most of the center around crash test data... It is actually really funny - you can import the vehicle, but only after they've had a chance to crash test from three angles. Makes sense, right?

Option 2: Buy a JDM Delica that is approved for use in Canada and driving across the border at top speed - Out. I've called Homeland Security and they said they will definitely shoot me.

Option 3: Buy a US Mitsubishi Van/Wagon (basically an L300) and "mate" it with a salvaged Delica in Canada - In. After shopping around the US for a "host" car and making some calls to some of the shops in Canada it sounds like I'll be able to get a bastardized Delica for about the same price as it would be buy a clean one to begin with, and the nice thing is that it will be 100% legal in the States!

Speaking of Delicas... I saw many awesomely modded for overland use Delicas in Victoria. Very cool.

Read the NHTSA site (link above). That's the real info.

You may find this useful: http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3198/Vehicle-Importation-Understanding-the-25-Year-Old-Rule.aspx

clownkiller wrote: In reply to Mazdax605: From the interweb: http://www.delica.ca/forum/import-to-the-us-3293-15.html Option 1: working with a registered importer (RI) - Out. Basically, the Delica is not on "the list" of cars that can be approved for import by the US NHTSA/DOT. Lots of reasons, but most of the center around crash test data... It is actually really funny - you can import the vehicle, but only after they've had a chance to crash test from three angles. Makes sense, right? Option 2: Buy a JDM Delica that is approved for use in Canada and driving across the border at top speed - Out. I've called Homeland Security and they said they will definitely shoot me. Option 3: Buy a US Mitsubishi Van/Wagon (basically an L300) and "mate" it with a salvaged Delica in Canada - In. After shopping around the US for a "host" car and making some calls to some of the shops in Canada it sounds like I'll be able to get a bastardized Delica for about the same price as it would be buy a clean one to begin with, and the nice thing is that it will be 100% legal in the States!

Option one is not out if the car is over 25 years old which is what I am hoping to do.

Chris

Anyone know of a way to search Kijiji by multiple areas, or set up a way that would alert me to when an 89 or older Delica is listed for sale on there? I found that 87 in the Vancouver area that I spoke of, but the price is really high due to the fact that they just imprted it, and will have to go through it before selling it. Not that I am opposed to a fully serviced unit, but the cost seems like it is twice what a privately sold one might be.

If you succeed in your Delica endeavor definitely let me know. That's my current dream daily driver.

bastomatic wrote: If you succeed in your Delica endeavor definitely let me know. That's my current dream daily driver.

So apparently there are two of us weirdos on here? I will let you know what I find out. The biggest issue so far is finding on old enough to import. It seems the 87-89 models aren't as plentiful as the 91+ models.

Yeah my current plan is to wait a few more years and get a top of the line 4wd model, maybe a camper.

Nice!! I would love the top of the line model with the crystal lite roof option and the Karaoke machine in the rear. Silk Road Auto has an 89 camper top one in stock now that you could import in January if I am correct. Well I guess that all depends on the actual build date, but he has it listed as an 89, so I bet it wouldn't be too hard to import in 2014 which is rapidly approaching.

Chris

The photo I posted is probably the same one you are referencing.

Were Japanese emissions standards similar to ours in the late 80's?

Where I am, every car must pass a smog check annually. While it would be neat to own an old JDM something, I'd be in fear of getting it fully and legally imported, only to find it doesn't pass Nevada smog.

I don't have an answer for the emissions laws in Japan, but these vans are generally all diesel powered, and I believe still have their emissions equipment. Also the EPA law on emissions is exempt on a vehicle 21 years old, so maybe you could get by that problem. In MA where I live a car older than 1996 doesn't need to pass an emissions test so I am not worried about that. I suppose I should check into it however.

Chris