There is only one version of the later model Skylines that are legal in the US. That is the R33. The R32 and R34 are not authorized for importation to the US. I had soldiers that had to sell their Skylines while we were in Germany due to the fact that they could not bring them back. Everyone seems to be under the misconception that because the US sold a similar version of the car ( the Supra ) that they can just bring one in. The R33 Skyline is legal to bring into the US but it will cost a small fortune.
Just wait another year or two and bring an early model MK3 Supra over here. If it is at least 25 years old then you will have no problem with US Customs. If you want to bring a Supra over here, like a MK4, then you are looking to spend close to 40-50k on top of everything else.
Flight over there - you said 700
cost of car - you said 5k
cost of shipping - about 3k ( for a container and 2 week shipping )
customs paperwork - 3-500
cost of R.I. to deal with importation and legalization modifications - 30-50k ( depending on what needs to be done )
People seem to think that all that needs to be done is bumper mods and maybe glass......partially correct. From what I can remember US Customs told me here is a brief list of what needs to be modified on an MK3. Probably more on a newer one.
Front bumper supports
Headlights ( the ones from Japan are actual glass and not safety shit like we have )
Door crash supports
Rear bumper supports
ALL glass on the car
Emissions control system
Any after market modifications installed before shipping would have to be removed and could be placed in a box in the trunk or shipped separate.
The bad thing is, us as owners could not do any of these changes on our own. You would have to physically hire a Registered Importer ( RI ) and only ones that US Customs authorizes can make said changes.
You can import the car on your own and Customs will give you 180 days to make the above listed ( and then some ) changes to make the car US legal. If you cannot prove to Customs that the changes have been corrected then they will confiscate your prized car and you will be able to watch it be crushed like the other R32 and 34 Skylines that have not been Grandfathered in by the Motorex screwup.
Take this advice to heart since I have owned a RHD car...... IT IS THE SAME DAMN THING AS A LHD MODEL. Your just on the other side of the car. And yes, it does get some looks of the people around you......but after they see it once, they could care less. RHD cars are so common now that noone really cares about them anymore. Don't waste your money on trying to import one and spend the extra cash you would have spent on this on a decent one here. You will find it worth your money.
---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:05 PM ----------
damicorb;1762529 said:
"Nonresidents may import an automobile or motorcycle and its usual equipment free of duty for a temporary stay to take part in races or other specific purposes. However, prior written approval from the EPA is required and such approval is granted only to those racing vehicles that EPA deems not capable of safe or practical use on streets and highways. If the contests are for other than money purposes, the vehicle may be admitted for 90 days without formal entry or bond if the Customs officer is satisfied as to the importer’s identify and good faith. The vehicle becomes subject to forfeiture if it is not exported or if a bond is not given within 90 days of its importation. Prior written approval must be obtained from DOT. A vehicle may be temporarily imported for testing, demonstration, or racing purposes. A vehicle may be permanently imported for show or display. Written approval from DOT is required and should be obtained before the vehicle is exported from the foreign country to the U.S. Information on how to import a vehicle under show or display is available at DOT’s NHTSA Vehicle Importation Regulations website. ( Vehicle Importation Regulations ) A vehicle permanently imported for show and display must comply with all U.S. emission requirements as well, and in general must be imported through an EPA-authorized ICI for modification and testing. EPA will not allow the vehicle to be released to its owner until ICI work is complete."
Does not mean a U.S citizen can't has?
Sorry I did not see this post on here. That was mainly for people that come over for a short time for work purposes and need their vehicles to support them ( work trucks and things like that ).
Again, it can be imported for show or race purposes. HOWEVER, does anyone on here really think that US Customs will believe that Joe Shmoe from 1988 Mycargotimpounded St is capable of bringing this car to show or race specs within 180 days? This means that the car can NEVER be driven on US soil except to and from the trailer and the show or track gates. I don't mean to piss in your coffee cup but you will spend more to have a cool RHD car that will perform the same as someone else's LHD car. There are a few way around legalities..... but those will be kept quiet. Because if something like an accident happens, once they find that the VIN is not a US vin and no alternate VINs for that car.....sure it will be towed from the scene, but it will be taken straight to the crusher.
To put it simply again, if you try and import it, probably won't work, but if a pro shop like Driftmotion or Titan tried it......it would work. (HINT).......lmao but count on them way overcharging for this car.