Importing FROM Canada TO US? A little help!

**SpartanAir** · 08-14-2010, 06:30 PM

Hi guys,

So I have an interested buyer in my Prez who lives in California. He wants to fly up and drive it back. In terms of registering the car in Cali, he's taking care of it, and it's not my issue. But he wanted some help in finding how you get the car there.

Does anyone know what he needs to do at the border, what forms he needs, what he needs from me, and what he will have to pay?

I've come across plenty of info about importing from elsewhere TO canada, but not TO the US.

Help is appreciated!

Cheers,
Brendan

**Nismoist** · 08-18-2010, 02:36 PM

Since it is a 92 and never sold in the US wont it be an illegal import? (federal law supercedes state) I believe these cars need to be a minimum of 21 years old to even have a chance at US legality, 25 years for emission exemption. If he does try to drive it over the border legit then he will probably be rejected unless he claims it is for track use only. Regardless I would be putting the onus on him to figure this out.

**RedEclipze** · 08-19-2010, 10:02 AM

Yeah, he could do that and loose a potential buyer...

I say contact both the american border and canadian border services and ask the same questions. If they can't answer your questions, they can steer you to someone who can. From my experience, you can talk to whoever you want, and they can tell a mighty tale, but when the car gets to the border, they set you straight for better or worse. get the answers from them first.

**dah_hunter** · 08-19-2010, 10:10 AM

legally he cant get the car across the border..

**Ricky Ricer** · 08-19-2010, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by Nismoist

Since it is a 92 and never sold in the US wont it be an illegal import? (federal law supercedes state) I believe these cars need to be a minimum of 21 years old to even have a chance at US legality, 25 years for emission exemption. If he does try to drive it over the border legit then he will probably be rejected unless he claims it is for track use only. Regardless I would be putting the onus on him to figure this out.

You've got that backwards. It's 21 years for EPA compliance (emissions) and 25 years anything goes.

Essentially, you would have to drive the car across to go "shopping" and then he needs to find a way to get it to CA. Once in CA he's going to have one hell of a time legalizing it. It may not be as hard as say a Skyline, but he's got some big hoops to jump through.

**Terrh** · 08-19-2010, 11:00 PM

its a 10 grand fine and possible jail time for both of you.

is it really worth it?

I'd maybe risk my neck for a few million in drug money but not over a $10k car.

**Ricky Ricer** · 08-20-2010, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Terrh

its a 10 grand fine and possible jail time for both of you.

is it really worth it?

I'd maybe risk my neck for a few million in drug money but not over a $10k car.

This. It just isn't worth the risk. I see R32s popping up on eBay all the time for "Export Only." Such a shame. Before I bought my MotoRex Skyline, I thought of buying one in Canada. The risks are just too great though...

**jdms13rhd** · 08-21-2010, 12:41 AM

there are ways to legally export a skyline, but can only be done as parts only. Ive done it a few times and then re assembled the car states side then got a kit car title. Ive done it in Montana, idaho and florida. Florida is the easiest to title. You need performer 1 invoices for customs and know the ins and outs. But it can legally be done easy, it just takes a few trips and time :S

I still have all paperwork involved. If someone were wanting to do it I can explain what I havve done in a nut shell and mail you paperwork you need but thats all I am willing to do.

**Oakville** · 08-21-2010, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Ricky Ricer

This. It just isn't worth the risk. I see R32s popping up on eBay all the time for "Export Only." Such a shame. Before I bought my MotoRex Skyline, I thought of buying one in Canada. The risks are just too great though...

you have a motorex car?

**JDMlover** · 08-23-2010, 01:45 AM

You could drive it down there, take your plates off, have him tow it back to cali. Simple. Have him pay for your trip home. if you dont file with cbp that it is a temporary import, after your plates are off you are pretty much un-traceable in us, it will be on him, Just get it across have him meet you in blaine and let him tow it home. Being its international once your home and hes home its like the transaction never took place.