I finally got a 89 GTR. Has anyone here imported any cars over 25 years? I visited the NHTSA site again recently to brush up on what I'll need, but I was just wondering if anyone has done it yet and if it is as easy as it appears to be. Somehow I doubt how easy it is.

I assume they will simply validate the vehicle age and let it pass. You have a few years to figure it out

Drive it like hell in Japan. US paperwork, even if you prepare it 2 years ahead of time will still be painfully slow.

Just make sure you have all the paperwork showing the year of the vehicle.

I will be helping a few people get in cars that are 25 years old. Its not difficult, however if you do it wrong, or don't get it done in a timely manner you could be in for a large port/dock charge. Everything needs to be turned into customs when the car arrives in the US, as they and the shipping companies make it very expensive.

i wanaskyline wrote:I finally got a 89 GTR. Has anyone here imported any cars over 25 years? I visited the NHTSA site again recently to brush up on what I'll need, but I was just wondering if anyone has done it yet and if it is as easy as it appears to be. Somehow I doubt how easy it is.

Go to TMO once you get your orders to go back state-side. TMO will do all the work for you and let you know what you need to do. They will also cover the fees (given that your orders authorize you shipment of a POV). 25 year old cars cost between $150-$200 to bring over (depending on vehicle value declared). If you handle shipping yourself without TMO then expect to pay between $400-$800 depending on port of entry. If you pick it up yourself make sure you have transportation for it as well as cash on hand for the fees upon release (generally no more then $100 if you need to pay for a escort).

First things first, talk to TMO. Secondly, if they don't handle it, hire a broker for the port of entry you want the car to arrive.

If you need assistance with the shipping from mainland I can give you a POC (who is local and speaks english)

Thanks Vandrel. I appreciate the help as I do everyone else's input.

need to check the epa site. I think that is why the are seizing skylines. This is what it said"IMPORTERS BEWARE!
NON-CONFORMING (NON-U.S. VERSION) VEHICLES
EPA strongly recommends that prospective importers buy only U. S. version (labeled) vehicles, because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
EPA strongly recommends that current owners of non-U.S. version vehicles sell or otherwise dispose of those vehicles overseas rather than ship and import them into the U.S., because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
IMPORTERS BEWARE!
NON-CONFORMING (NON-U.S. VERSION) VEHICLES
EPA strongly recommends that prospective importers buy only U. S. version (labeled) vehicles, because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
EPA strongly recommends that current owners of non-U.S. version vehicles sell or otherwise dispose of those vehicles overseas rather than ship and import them into the U.S., because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
The EPA policy which permitted importers a one-time exemption for vehicles at least five years old has been eliminated.
Before shipping a non-conforming vehicle for importation, EPA strongly recommends that the importer either make final arrangements with an ICI for modifications and testing, or obtain EPA approval in writing for importation. Storage fees at the ports are costly, and the vehicle may not be eligible for importation.
Not all non-conforming vehicles are eligible for importation, and ICIs are not required to accept vehicles for which they have qualifying certificates of conformity.
EPA certification of ICIs does not guarantee the actions or work of the ICIs, nor does it regulate contractual agreements and working relationships with vehicle owners.
U.S. VERSION VEHICLES
U.S. version vehicles driven overseas may need to be bonded upon importation.
The catalysts and oxygen sensors may need to be replaced on U.S. version vehicles driven overseas.
The vehicle's emission control system, drive train (including engine), and fuel system, will need to be restored to it's original EPA-certified configuration if those systems or components are altered, damaged, malfunctioning or missingBefore shipping a non-conforming vehicle for importation, EPA strongly recommends that the importer either make final arrangements with an ICI for modifications and testing, or obtain EPA approval in writing for importation. Storage fees at the ports are costly, and the vehicle may not be eligible for importation.
Not all non-conforming vehicles are eligible for importation, and ICIs are not required to accept vehicles for which they have qualifying certificates of conformity.
EPA certification of ICIs does not guarantee the actions or work of the ICIs, nor does it regulate contractual agreements and working relationships with vehicle owners.
U.S. VERSION VEHICLES
U.S. version vehicles driven overseas may need to be bonded upon importation.
The catalysts and oxygen sensors may need to be replaced on U.S. version vehicles driven overseas.
The vehicle's emission control system, drive train (including engine), and fuel system, will need to be restored to it's original EPA-certified configuration if those systems or components are altered, damaged, malfunctioning or missing.

Sounds like you have to get pre approved.

Also the EPA has done alot of revising since January.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmtop.htm. Here's the site and step by step instructions of how to import but this is just a small piece of the cake.

240SXREX wrote:http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmtop.htm. Here's the site and step by step instructions of how to import but this is just a small piece of the cake.

Over 21 years old is EPA exempt if imported in its original configuration.

Serious question. What if the car has the smog equipment that it would have had originally removed and it's 25? My 180 hasn't been through a legit inspection in a decade. I couldn't pass a real shaken now without weeks of work and over $1000 in replacement parts.

themadscientist wrote:Serious question. What if the car has the smog equipment that it would have had originally removed and it's 25? My 180 hasn't been through a legit inspection in a decade. I couldn't pass a real shaken now without weeks of work and over $1000 in replacement parts.

They don't test the cars. When you fill out the 3520-1 you have to say why the car is eligible for import.

http://vehicleimport.blogspot.com/2011/ ... motor.html

Code E for over 21 years old in original unmodified condition. If the car has a replacement engine, its not eligible unless it has an EPA certified engine in it.

Read this how you may.

I'm deathly afraid of a glitch at the port when I bring the RS and 180 back. I think I should plan on bone stock cars rolling out of those containers. Not like I can't play the game I used to play every two years one more time.

themadscientist wrote:I'm deathly afraid of a glitch at the port when I bring the RS and 180 back.

The only thing they look at and care about is your paperwork. As long as the papers are good to go then they could care less if the car is pink or equipped with fluffy bunny seats.

They will inspect the car/s to ensure there are no agricultural issues (ie: seeds inside the car or any form of plant life/food).

If there's nothing inside the car/s and the papers are good to go then you can litterally show up there at the port, get your escort to the car/s, load them up and drive home. Takes only a few hours once the port agents "clear" the car/s (which again does not take long, maybe a day or two at most unless it's a weekend). 25 yr cars are very simple. You can have them in and out in no time at all.

If you are military and use TMO for this process then they will handle nearly everything for you and even ship the car to your destination/duty station.

As long as the papers are good to go then they could care less if the car is pink or equipped with fluffy bunny seats.

Whatever do you mean?

VandrelSOUSA wrote:

i wanaskyline wrote:I finally got a 89 GTR. Has anyone here imported any cars over 25 years? I visited the NHTSA site again recently to brush up on what I'll need, but I was just wondering if anyone has done it yet and if it is as easy as it appears to be. Somehow I doubt how easy it is.

Go to TMO once you get your orders to go back state-side. TMO will do all the work for you and let you know what you need to do. They will also cover the fees (given that your orders authorize you shipment of a POV). 25 year old cars cost between $150-$200 to bring over (depending on vehicle value declared). If you handle shipping yourself without TMO then expect to pay between $400-$800 depending on port of entry. If you pick it up yourself make sure you have transportation for it as well as cash on hand for the fees upon release (generally no more then $100 if you need to pay for a escort).

First things first, talk to TMO. Secondly, if they don't handle it, hire a broker for the port of entry you want the car to arrive.

If you need assistance with the shipping from mainland I can give you a POC (who is local and speaks english)

Do you know if "single, unaccompanied" will get authorization in their orders to ship a vehicle back from JP? I have a list of other questions but I'll PM you.

Are you kidding? There is no way in hell that u are going to get orders that will give you POV shipment. Haha, good luck! Lol.

maj Andres wrote:Are you kidding? There is no way in hell that u are going to get orders that will give you POV shipment. Haha, good luck! Lol.

Are you jealous??? Sounds like you are. Regardless of what you say I already know two guys that got their cars shipped by TMO and even if they didnt ship it I would ship it myself. BTW my orders to Japan included a car so Im pretty sure they will include one for my return.

What service are YOU in? Oh, and you can sit on that finger too.

Both of you chill out.

Oh, I'm chill. But, when did NICO get emoticons that give the middle finger?

We don't. We don't have this one either.

It's simply an image and it it doesn't have to be provided by the forum to be hotlinked and that really isn't the point. You trolled, he replied, you two are even and you are both done.

Actually, it seems we do have that one. Still irrelevant. I like that shark one.

[deleted]

Don't reignite that argument. TMS

Awesome info, thanks

So here is a queston im sure has probably been asked i have a good friend that lives in vancouver,can he has recently purchaced a large shop and has offered me a space to store a 89 skyline sedan im looking to buy , do the same regulations apply as importing from overseas , im understanding that i will have to wait until the 25 year mark to bring it home but what are the differences between the two if any .

Still have to wait.

So at the 25 year mark i just have to drive it back no other bs ?

jluck113 wrote:So at the 25 year mark i just have to drive it back no other bs ?

You have to make sure you have all your paperwork correct. Emissions wise its supposed to be in original configuration. Fill out the paperwork for customs, and bring it across. Then go to the local DMV with paperwork then register it.

If you are in California, its not that easy though, as cars newer than 1976 would still need to be FTP'd.

Here is a small writeup I did for another site. My first contribution here.

1. Find a good exporter. Find someone willing to keep the car until 25 years to the month free of charge. This will help you alot
2. Check any and all auctions for your dream car even if your exporter is looking. They can be great, but they do miss cars sometimes.
3. Again, VERIFY manufacturing date. The exporter can help you track this down. If not, you might be stuck exporting the vehicle out of the states if even one day off.
4. Check if vehicle is being sold with FOB, and or CIF options from seller.
5. If FOB, be sure to arrange shipping inland aswell to your final destination in the US.
6. If you can, arrange to hire a customs broker as things will go much smoother and you will possibly be able to skip the following.
7. Finalize everything with exporter, verify sale date, and confirm all documents from exporter side are being mailed to you for arrival.
8. Double check you have all your funds are available for customs tariff and taxes. (Will put a link to a way to estimate your fees)
9. Be sure to check with your local state vehicle registration for all the paperwork you will need for registration.

Taxes and Tariff

-Forms needed

1. CBP - 7501 (Get this form from the port of entry as it is altered per port) They will help you fill it out upon entry.
2. NHTSA form HS-7 - HS-7 PDF
3. EPA Exemption form 3520-1 - 3520-1 PDF
4. Be sure to bring all forms sent to you by the exporter, as those will be needed for pickup as well.

Below is a rough guide for everyone, but is meant for TX registration. This gives you an idea of things your state may require.

1. TX Dot will require proof of ownership. This being a bill of sale, title, and de-registration forms (Translated of course)
2. Must setup a VIN inspection appointment at local Auto Theft unit
3. Must bring Customs clearance proof to all TX inspections/registrations as well as NHTS form and EPA forms showing exemption.
4. Contact local Comptroller for info on vehicle tax ammount. They may have to inspect and value the vehicle. The vehicle will be charged the 6.25% used motor vehicle tax unless you are military, which is free.

This is all I can think of for now. Will clean up some more and edit info as needed.

Anyone else have local state info, pm me or reply in thread and I will add info for your state.




Sorry for the bad link entrys I just copied and pasted

*EDIT* I wont post any contact details or ect, but I am in the process of putting together a company to help people import their dream car. I also have plans for people whom want to buy while its cheap and store the cars until they are of age.

I found this today. Thanks, Shawn
http://www.2009gtr.com/2011/11/petition ... r-old.html