Info on importing a JDM Z32?

[Ace2cool]

Ok, so just wondering if anyone knows much, if anything, about importing JDM vehicles into the US? I know there have to be safety inspections performed, importing fees paid, TONS of paperwork, ect, ect.

I know the reason the skyline wasn't allowed to be imported was because there was never a USDM counterpart to conform to US safety inspection standards. The Z32, however, DOES have a USDM counterpart, so I would imagine that makes things a little easier, correct? Just doing a little research. I think I'm gonna call the customs office when they open on Tuesday and see how much the importation fees would be, ect.

[raremotive]

From memory, you should have no trouble importing a Z32 since there is a Z32 counterpart. However, do not remember if you have to make compliance modifications to make it US road legal.

I think the Skyline never made it to USA for several reasons.

A) Switching to right hand, and then doing all the crash testing would be costly for how few they would offer to sell in USA
B) US government/Domestic Manufactures weren't exactly "nice" to the Japanese manufactures.
C) This been floating in the internet for a while, but I believe the twin turbo would be in the way of the steering/brake booster. The heat would prove only to be a danger.

However I believe there is no rule for a manufacturer to sell a right hand drive car. It's just not marketable.

[Z31toZ32]

I don't know anything on the matter. However, since I have only heard of a very few select JDM cars registered in the US (ever), I would assume that it is next to impossible. If it isn't impossible, it won't be worth your time - otherwise people would have been doing it already. Why go through the trouble when you can just buy one here and be done with it?

[xclusivez32]

This is a place about an hour or two from my house. http://www.nextlevelmotor.com/ they import and sell jdm cars

[a.blanco0905]

You're trying to get this???

http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/ja ... z/6516607/

I know nothing about the customs stuff, but I was checking the craiglist from some Canadian cities on my state border; Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, etc. and I was able to find dealers selling RHD Nissan cars, supposedly imported from Japan. Maybe you could call them and ask them if you could buy from them and just drive across the border with your car with all the legit paperwork from the sale... Gl.

[Ace2cool]

This is a place about an hour or two from my house. http://www.nextlevelmotor.com/ they import and sell jdm cars

Scam. They take pictures of cars off goo-net and "sell" them and then disappear.

You're trying to get this???

http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/ja ... z/6516607/

Haha, it's what sparked my interest in the ordeal. Thing is cheap, like, dirt cheap, with only 52,000 mi on it. After shipping, it would still be cheaper than buying a USDM TT (which I already have, so that's not my only goal). Idk, it's really nothing more than curiosity at this point.

[Chattzx]

This is a place about an hour or two from my house. http://www.nextlevelmotor.com/ they import and sell jdm cars

How in the world can you not tell thats a scam?

[a.blanco0905]

Haha, it's what sparked my interest in the ordeal. Thing is cheap, like, dirt cheap, with only 52,000 mi on it. After shipping, it would still be cheaper than buying a USDM TT (which I already have, so that's not my only goal). Idk, it's really nothing more than curiosity at this point.

It'd be awesome to have an RHD in the states. Also this guy (NICO username KOSHIN) buys RHD cars from Japan or some other country all the time and he's able to register them here in the states as long as he talks to the right person. He has a Nissan Cima (I think) and he registered it as a Nissan Maxima, you could prolly get with him and ask him a few ???s.

How in the world can you not tell thats a scam?

Lmmfao...

This is a paste from their FAQ:

3) What if I want a car that is not on Next Level Motorsport's website?

Email us at [email protected] e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; with model, year, transmission, modified, stock, color etc. and we will be able to find the car for you after we receive a $5,000 non refundable deposit. This guarantees we are only dealing with serious customers and not spending time searching for cars for nothing.

[Chattzx]

^lmao seriously

[RARZ]

My biggest question on JDM cars is why is the emblems and all the badging written in English,Don't they speak and write in japanese still?

[NissanFairladyZ32]

And why does it have USDM taillights ?

[ZXdriver]

My biggest question on JDM cars is why is the emblems and all the badging written in English,Don't they speak and write in japanese still?

THAT^
I've wondered that for years. Why isnt the badging in Japanese??

[Ace2cool]

Also this guy (NICO username KOSHIN) buys RHD cars from Japan or some other country all the time and he's able to register them here in the states as long as he talks to the right person. He has a Nissan Cima (I think) and he registered it as a Nissan Maxima, you could prolly get with him and ask him a few ???s.

Oh, wow. I knew he had a "Cima" but I just thought it was a rebadged Max..... I didn't know he did that. Might have to hit him up.

As far as badging, English is pretty much a secondary language in just about every major economic country that isn't Spanish. And I do believe the JDM tail lights were an update to the design later. This one is a '90.

[robomatic12]

My car came over from Japan, the importation rules are a little different coming into Canada though. There isn't much to importing the car as anything you need to swap over to be compliant can come from a USDM car. Only the 1999 JDM Z32 will have the "JDM" taillights, else they look exactly like the USDM.

[tmeyer29]

I can't really imagine it would be all that difficult. There are at least 2 RHD civics and a prelude in my area.

[Ace2cool]

As far as emissions go, a '90 is clear to go:

3.1 Vehicles at Least 21 Years Old
A vehicle is exempted if it has been 21 years or more since its original production year and it is in its original unmodified condition. Vehicles in any condition may be excluded if they were manufactured prior to the year in which EPA's regulations for the class of vehicle took effect. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are no h t eligible for this exempt ion unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines and emission control systems. Upon entry, the importer must file an EPA Form 3520-1 with Customs and declare code "E" on the form.

So all that would be left would be safety. AFAIK, Swap windshield glass, and a couple other minor things, and be good to go?

[Ace2cool]

And according to the DOT, you are **REQUIRED** to go through a registered importer, who will modify the car to comply with all US safety standards. I.E. You CAN NOT personally modify the vehicle to bring it into compliance. I smell a monopoly.

[NolimitZ32]

From what I have seen, the guys that imported R32s and R33s here in houston and didnt want to pay all the fees would import them in pieces, assemble them in the US and then use S13 or S14 VINs and other info to register and insure them.

[Z32TT]

And why does it have USDM taillights ?

Japanese are big on USDM parts over JDM ones.

[a.blanco0905]

Japanese are big on USDM parts over JDM ones.

Like us over JDM parts?!?!?! Cant imagine some guy in japan wanting the USDM tail lights tho.. maybe so, who knows. "Check out my orange tails dude, straight out of Alabama." Lol...

[Ace2cool]

^^That could very well be the case. Except they got the same tails. They might like the hamburger emblem nose panel though, as they only got the smooth one with the "Z" logo on it.

[Z32TT]

^True, majority of the nice JDM parts came out 1999+, so they all pretty much look the same as ours before that year. But as far as Honda owners and such in Japan, they buy alot of USDM stuff to put on their RHD etc..

[a.blanco0905]

^cool, I thought they always had the Jspec tails.

[kamzx]

I need advice about importing my 1991 300zx 2+2. So I bought car in the Dominican Republic just a few months back. I only bought it because it reminded me of the TT i use to own back in 1997 i loved the car and always hated the fact that it was gone. Now i am here on this island studying medicine and i ran acorss this 2+2 black with 5 speed i had to buy it because unlike USA these cars are rare here with the intention to ship it home once i was done.

it had 116K mile mint comdition and made for the USA market. i flew back to chicago and picked up the 120k timing belt kit from nissan and sent it to a well know prefomance shop here in the Dominican Republic. After they installed the kit it i was told the one of there mechanics mess up and the belt broke cuasing unrepairable damage. Now they are unable to find a NA motor but after 2 weeks of waiting they found a TT motor... it is the only option i have so i have to upgrade it to a TT the shop is covering the cost for the motor and ecu. i am buying other parts to do the convertion intercooler and more. Will i still be able to import the car to USA

EPA STATES.....

Code E: Vehicle at least 21 years old and in original unmodified configuration is either exempted or excluded from EPA emissions requirements, depending on age. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not elegible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines. Customs may require proof of vehicle age.

is the TT motor consided .. equivalent or newer EPA certified engines ... in a 2+2 i know that TT motors are all over the place back home please help i am more attached to this car then most of my family..
thanks KAMZ