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> Imported GT-Fours, Who has them??
post Apr 29, 2005 - 10:39 PM
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CelicaST18



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Who has imported Gt-Fours to the U.S.? what is the process like? (price, time ect.)
post Apr 29, 2005 - 11:08 PM
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dustin15brown



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I think this is a repost, but i'm not 100%


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post Apr 30, 2005 - 12:05 AM
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chucho



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QUOTE(dustin15brown @ Apr 29, 2005 - 11:08 PM)
I think this is a repost, but i'm not 100%
[right][snapback]280390[/snapback][/right]

it is...only one guy i think has actually done it that is still on the site. look under WRCcelica or something like that
post Apr 30, 2005 - 12:10 AM
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ghostdog



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95WRC brought his in through canada. there is also another GT-FOUR up in mass but he's the third US owner

http://www.6gc.net/index.php?action=members&itu=1509
post Apr 30, 2005 - 1:00 AM
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dustin15brown



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damn ghost knows wats goin on


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post Apr 30, 2005 - 9:35 AM
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QUOTE(dustin15brown @ Apr 30, 2005 - 1:00 AM)
damn ghost knows wats goin on
[right][snapback]280458[/snapback][/right]


HE DOES PAY ALOT OF ATTENTION DOESNT HE...


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post Apr 30, 2005 - 7:04 PM
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StaticKnotX

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What kind of price you'd expect?
post May 1, 2005 - 7:40 PM
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946thGenGT

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All I know is that in late 2008 I'll be able to import a 94 GT-4 into Canada legally and it probably won't even cost that much. The challenge will be, of course, finding a 94 GT-4 that is still in decent condition.
post May 1, 2005 - 9:23 PM
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Pali_playa

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http://www.batfa.com/usedvehicle.htm

now u just need to find a way to get it in....

i was thinking if you ship it to mexico, have them go into us say they on visit, and just fly them back...
post May 1, 2005 - 9:46 PM
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thats the whole thing man. buying a car in japan and putting it on a ship is easy wink.gif

QUOTE(Pali_playa @ May 1, 2005 - 10:23 PM)
http://www.batfa.com/usedvehicle.htm

now u just need to find a way to get it in....

i was thinking if you ship it to mexico, have them go into us say they on visit, and just fly them back...
[right][snapback]281102[/snapback][/right]

post May 2, 2005 - 12:24 AM
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Bigmeanbulldog55



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So what all needs done to a car here in the states? Hard licensing? I know it's legal to have a right hand drive. Just curious.


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post May 2, 2005 - 11:01 AM
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playr158



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all you need is umm safty and emmisions DOT approval and a handfull of other things
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post May 2, 2005 - 11:04 AM
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SoundSlut_dotcom



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yea i just sold someone all my DOT lights and there on there way here.. biggrin.gif


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post May 2, 2005 - 3:33 PM
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pokemeintheeye

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Theres a GTFOUR in Florida going for $19,000 if someone wants to pick that one up. Has very very low miles. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 I believe. I heard its silver and street legal. Thats all I know. I can get more information if someone is interested.
post May 3, 2005 - 6:21 PM
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i know there is a gt4 here in washington but its used for autocrossing...i am yet to meet up w/ this guy
post May 3, 2005 - 9:51 PM
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so say I find one for sale in Canada, can bring it here, what would the process be? I know there's a huge deal if you ship cars in fron Japan but just over the border? I mean I know of other cars bought in Canada and just able to be inspected here like they were bought out of state.


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post May 4, 2005 - 11:31 PM
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Pali_playa

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they illegal in canada too, but they not as strict as they are here
post May 5, 2005 - 4:57 AM
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You can buy mine for the right $ wink.gif
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post May 5, 2005 - 10:47 AM
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QUOTE(gh0st_d0g @ May 1, 2005 - 7:46 PM)
thats the whole thing man. buying a car in japan and putting it on a ship is easy wink.gif

QUOTE(Pali_playa @ May 1, 2005 - 10:23 PM)
http://www.batfa.com/usedvehicle.htm

now u just need to find a way to get it in....

i was thinking if you ship it to mexico, have them go into us say they on visit, and just fly them back...
[right][snapback]281102[/snapback][/right]

[right][snapback]281119[/snapback][/right]


They DO ship to US ports like New York, Baltimore, Long Beach CA, etc. So actually getting the car in to the US wouldnt be your biggest issue. The only problem is that if you planned on driving on roads legally you would have to do some VIN# switching, or use a car dealer liscence, or just not register it....


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post May 5, 2005 - 11:52 AM
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of course they ship to US ports, but thats really not the point. you aren't allowed to bring in an unlegalized car. yes, you can fudge the invoice and they can't check all the containers but if they find out it will be shipped back to Japan at your cost. not something I would be willing to risk, what about you?

QUOTE(Silver94CelicaOwner @ May 5, 2005 - 11:47 AM)
They DO ship to US ports like New York, Baltimore, Long Beach CA, etc.  So actually getting the car in to the US wouldnt be your biggest issue.  The only problem is that if you planned on driving on roads legally you would have to do some VIN# switching, or use a car dealer liscence, or just not register it....
[right][snapback]282962[/snapback][/right]
post May 9, 2005 - 3:33 AM
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ship it as parts, take the wheels, doors, hatch, and whatever else that does not really matter, (I have wheels, doors and a hatch I would be more then happy to put on a gt-4.)

or yeah just get it in though canada, and drive yours up, swap in canada drive it down, and then fly up and drive yours back down.it would just take some good talking. well it woudl be that easy for me bacuse my car just went though the state inspection when I put the new motor in it, so I have all the papor work that says it was fixed for being totaled including the state sticker (inside the door) that shows that proof, all that is needed is to swap vins, then swap them back. and be shure to use separate boarder gate going accross.


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post May 11, 2005 - 12:58 AM
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I've been flirting with the idea of importing the GT4 GODESS as well for the past few years, and the deeper I dig, the more things I find out. For instance, even the glass would need to be changed (if someone noticed it ) because it's not "DOT"approved. But relatively speaking I've gotten quotes to import the car ,, wheels off! for (car 4500 usd, shipping 1100 usd, bonding/taxing/holding fees and someother little things for around another 800 to 1000 usd.. )total estimated 6300 to 6500 usd.... not modified to be street leagal at that price though! Sooo,, I've just to decided to keep saving and cross that bridge when I get to it:),, or buy one already here for the right price:) Less head ache for me.
post May 11, 2005 - 2:24 AM
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macavely



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how about just inporting it and regerting it as a custom .. but then u can only drive it like once a week...


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post May 11, 2005 - 7:07 AM
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I don't get it
how come it's "easier" to get a GT-Four in Canada?

the highway act up here isn't exactly lax and i don't see why shipping to Vancouver is any different than shipping to Cali confused.gif


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post May 11, 2005 - 11:39 AM
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yarik83

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technically it is legal to import gt four on basis of it being a show car and strictly offroad. What I am going to do is find a gt-4 that is preferably lhd and just put tags and vins off my current celi on it. I mean I am goint to give it a major facelift anyways with bodykit and all so 99999/100000 cops would not notice a visible difference. Also I will most likely take care of odometer readings in case it is mandatory to show it to customs every so often.

for inspection i got this guy who guarantees a pass no matter what for a low cost of $90


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post May 11, 2005 - 3:49 PM
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QUOTE(yarik83 @ May 11, 2005 - 4:39 PM)
technically it is legal to import gt four on basis of it being a show car and strictly offroad. What I am going to do is find a gt-4 that is preferably lhd and just put tags and vins off my current celi on it. I mean I am goint to give it a major facelift anyways with bodykit and all so 99999/100000 cops would not notice a visible difference. Also I will most likely take care of odometer readings in case it is mandatory to show it to customs every so often.

for inspection i got this guy who guarantees a pass no matter what for a low cost of $90
[right][snapback]285556[/snapback][/right]


Well actually, if you can get a lhd one in and just swap VIN's. You can just leave it the way it is cause everyone will think it has a bodykit anyways. You can always get a rhd one and convert to lhd though.
post May 11, 2005 - 5:19 PM
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RHD or LHD won't make a difference both are legal in the states

its the fact that the gt4 was never tested by DOT and was never crash/safty approved
post May 11, 2005 - 6:46 PM
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The shop that did my swap has done a lot of research on importing whole cars, they were thinking of doing it legally then selling them. They said the best way to do it if a version of the car exists in the states is to get the jdm car cut in half and ship the front cut on one boat and the back on another and then just put everything from the two cuts onto the us car. I guess you avoid tons of fees and problems with customs by doing it this way
post May 11, 2005 - 11:37 PM
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is al this really worth the work? i think it would be freakin cheaper to have some one rent a plane and fly it her personally lol
post May 12, 2005 - 1:06 AM
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i have to say this ..

i spent all day weds driving a RHD mr2 which is titled, and registered here in states . now he didn't do it but paid a shop a lot of money to get it legal and when i looked at it all they did was swap a US vin on it (dash) , and install USDM sunvisors otherwise car is pure JDM .. he got super ripped off on fees but oh well ..

it has been fully inspected by cop shop inside and out ..with zero issues and he has been pulled over 5 or 6 times and RHD was never an issue ..

the vin wasn't even welded to spot under dash it was just stuck on there ..

i am not saying do a VIN swap but he has been driving car around for almost 3 years without issue and even drove across the US .. We even stopped to talk to sheriff at lunch in parking lot as has known him for years ..

cops even said cool set up when he got pulled over ..

there is no DOT police .. you just can't be a total dumbass when owning JDM CAR.

the other guy with red GT4 has had zero issues with his car and he has it for almost 2 years ..

Most cops could care less as long as vin checks out and matches that car they could give a hoot about rhd ..

again not saying breaking the law at all but once car is in US and car was brought in as parts or listed as parts then DOT could careless about it ..

any dreams of a fully legal (with jdm number) US GT4 is just that a dream unless you can do it as kit car .. or can wait 15 more years ...



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post May 12, 2005 - 7:15 AM
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i could give mine up for enough money tongue.gif

its lhd biggrin.gif
post May 12, 2005 - 9:38 AM
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QUOTE(ParaNoiD @ May 12, 2005 - 7:15 AM)
i could give mine up for enough money tongue.gif

its lhd biggrin.gif
[right][snapback]285972[/snapback][/right]


Tempting.... very tempting...
post May 13, 2005 - 9:16 AM
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QUOTE(rockstarbass1 @ May 12, 2005 - 4:37 AM)
is al this really worth the work? i think it would be freakin cheaper to have some one rent a plane and fly it her personally lol
[right][snapback]285909[/snapback][/right]


I have also thought about that....flying over there by plane then buying the car..then coming back here with a transit (on a boat or something)..but guess it is not that easy (customs)
post May 13, 2005 - 9:18 AM
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HaRv3sTeR



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QUOTE(ParaNoiD @ May 12, 2005 - 12:15 PM)
i could give mine up for enough money tongue.gif

its lhd biggrin.gif
[right][snapback]285972[/snapback][/right]


how much?
post May 13, 2005 - 10:35 AM
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playr158



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they arnt hard to find nor are they that expensive its just getting the leaglized DOT on the road thats the issue guys
post May 13, 2005 - 2:07 PM
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HaRv3sTeR



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since i live in canada and laws here looks to be less stricts than those in US...I think the best way is to wait til a 6gc GT-Four becomes a "collector's car" (15 years+ old)

in 4 years , '94 GT4 will be fully legalize to import here biggrin.gif better find a LHD in france maybe....

Im wondering where's cheaper to buy one from a country who has LHD
post May 13, 2005 - 4:38 PM
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946thGenGT

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If you wanna be exact, some will be legal in late 2008 (those cars that were produced in late 1993 but were 1994 models). tongue.gif I'm definitely planning to get one.
post May 13, 2005 - 4:54 PM
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QUOTE(HaRv3sTeR @ May 13, 2005 - 2:18 PM)
QUOTE(ParaNoiD @ May 12, 2005 - 12:15 PM)
i could give mine up for enough money tongue.gif

its lhd biggrin.gif
[right][snapback]285972[/snapback][/right]


how much?
[right][snapback]286434[/snapback][/right]


i can get around 21-23k $ for it here in Iceland hehe

but then the dollar is very low at the moment.

a new STi costs around 60k $ here

This post has been edited by ParaNoiD: May 13, 2005 - 4:58 PM
post May 14, 2005 - 12:48 AM
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yarik83

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ok going back to our conversation. There is a good saying: Nothing is impossible and I usually live by it. It is a matter of figuring out how to beat the system because the house does not always win.
Fact is that any country will gladly let you through their port but then in US they are cranky about those things.

Some say that shipping gt-4 in parts is the best option. How do you take a big vehicle like that and ship it here? Taking engine out will guarantee the entrance in us unless they find contaminants (ie bugs and other alien plant/animal species) they you are totally screwed.

So the question stays: where does one need to go to send the car out or where does one go here so that the agency would take care of it for you.

I personally find it a better solution if you drag your shiney hiney to the country where you bought it from (ie UK-just an example because ports are right there). You then buy the vehicle (obviously that might take time, but i spotted at least 12 on UK ebay so if one is desperate he'll buy one asap). You then take the car to a mechanic and tell him to take the engine out. Next step still eludes me for I am not sure exactly how the car must be packaged, whether it is in a container or whatever. Either way now you have 2 pieces and somehow you need to "transport" them to the port, have them packaged (i guess or put in a container). BTW at this step it would be a good idea to send it to 2 different addresses to 2 different names, so that us customs wont give you problems associated with it. As the car is shipped and as the engine is shipped you fly back, go to customs in US (have no idea where they are at but whatever). You then need to have your car inspected and if they ask you where is the engine.. you better come up with a believable excuse (remember at this step it is crucial they let is slide so being world's greatest liar would be beneficial). Same thing with engine (suppose your friend picks it up). Now later steps are easy however there is a catch. I dont know how the cops are in your area but in NJ cops can pull you over for anything and can impound your car if they suspect anything. So LHD would definetly save you there. All gt-4 tags, vins, signs, other fancy shmancy identifiable stuff must come off. You then take your celi, strip the st/gt/celica/toyota, stick it on gt4, remove vin (just in case) and replace it with your car (must be a hatchback, unless you can find gt4 coupe, which i dont think there are any), swap licence plate and store your US version of celi in your backyard, burry it, cover it, whatever, as long as it does not hit the junk yards, where they have to register the vins with us gov-t, and clearly you dont want that. Now the trick is to do that without going over reasonable price.
3sgte swapped st204 =/=awd st205 so that is why we are having this conversation.

I think if I could fit into $12K I would go for it. tickets+mechanic+transport+shipment+taxes+transport+mechanic


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post May 14, 2005 - 2:25 PM
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There are occasions that I do like living in the UK........this post has made me realise this biggrin.gif

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post May 14, 2005 - 4:26 PM
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as far as RHD or LHD goes, cops dont care. Like if you had a McLaren F1 with the seat in the middle and cops pulled you over.


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post May 15, 2005 - 4:53 PM
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creis



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they may not care however if your in a rhd car there more likly to be sceptical of it, oppose to a lhd where it would never cross there mind, unless you happen to get pulled over by a cop that knows what a gt-4 is.


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post May 16, 2005 - 8:58 AM
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and if u did get stoped by a cop who knew what a gt4 is he'd probly give u a thumbs up and ask for a ride.


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post May 16, 2005 - 10:02 AM
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yarik83

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Nj cop would probably do the following:
hmm so it is a lhd, must be illegal, let me check your VINs, pop the hood, the door, the windshield and everywhere else where you can find a VIN, then if he would not find one, he "HAS THE RIGHT" to impound your car right then and there according to "HAZARD TO HIGHWAY" clause. Then you are totally screwed.

Ok either way.. where can i find a company in US that could import a gt-4 without engine. Everytime i use google most of searches tell you addresses in UK. I need here in america.


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post May 16, 2005 - 5:56 PM
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pokemeintheeye

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Go to www.evolutionimports.com pple. Ask them all the questions you want.
post May 16, 2005 - 7:50 PM
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QUOTE(pokemeintheeye @ May 16, 2005 - 10:56 PM)
Go to www.evolutionimports.com pple.  Ask them all the questions you want.
[right][snapback]287699[/snapback][/right]


they got a RHD 95' GT4 with 37,000miles for 19,000$ !!!

post May 16, 2005 - 8:09 PM
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946thGenGT

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And a TT Supra for $23000...
post May 16, 2005 - 9:39 PM
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QUOTE(macavely @ May 11, 2005 - 2:24 AM)
how about just inporting it and regerting it as a custom .. but then u can only drive it like once a week...
[right][snapback]285434[/snapback][/right]


That would still be nice, but i prolly wouldnt only drive it on weekends..
post May 16, 2005 - 11:56 PM
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yarik83

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well I emailed them. They claim that the gt-4 they have is us street legal so i asked them if it was modified to be dot-approved etc..

sadly because I have to pay for my college I can not risk buying the vehicle, even though i have the money. sigh again...


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post May 17, 2005 - 6:03 AM
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What is the last year they made the GT-FOUR? I have seen, I think 2, members on here with a 99 GT-FOUR, atleast accordding to the member ride thing.

Everyone is talking about a 94-95 GT-FOUR, why not try to get a 99 when you are at it? (if they actually made them in 99).

19 000$ is just a tiny bit more than I had to pay for my 99 ST (AT200).. So that price is not bad at all (I'm in Norway though, land of taxes).

I could kill someone to get a nice GT-FOUR for 19 000$ wink.gif


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post May 17, 2005 - 8:44 AM
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yarik83

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the point is most of us want to get gt-4 non-dot apptoved, because of headlights and performance etc, a true JDM look.

on average ebay of other countries offers our dream for under $7K. According to some shipping companies it is 1K to ship it to US+tax at customs. so technically for 19K you could get 2 of them here, it is only a matter of "HOW"


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post May 19, 2005 - 8:30 PM
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CelicaST18



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if you can prove that there is an equivelant car here in the states, DOT can approve a car for registering..in the case of a gt-4, this might be possible..It has the same chassis as a USDM Celica...Chassis codes...the only difference in the code is the awd/fwd classification...chassis, which DOT sees as safety is covered..now for the engine. MR2 Turbo also had a 3sgte..engine covered...get it passed emissions testing and you're good to roll!!
post May 20, 2005 - 2:55 AM
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QUOTE(yarik83 @ May 17, 2005 - 8:44 AM)
the point is most of us want to get gt-4 non-dot apptoved, because of headlights and performance etc, a true JDM look.

on average ebay of other countries offers our dream for under $7K. According to some shipping companies it is 1K to ship it to US+tax at customs. so technically for 19K you could get 2 of them here, it is only a matter of "HOW"
[right][snapback]287955[/snapback][/right]


The tax and fees are the most expensive part. From what I hear customs is very weary about releasing whole imported cars. And passing emissions is no problem my 3rd gen 3s passed easy.
post May 20, 2005 - 3:20 AM
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QUOTE(richgt4 @ May 14, 2005 - 12:25 PM)
There are occasions that I do like living in the UK........this post has made me realise this biggrin.gif

Richard
[right][snapback]286922[/snapback][/right]

yeah, i don't blame you

and on top of gt-fours

you guys have top gear and fifth gear!! biggrin.gif


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post May 20, 2005 - 3:51 AM
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popstar



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the 95,96 gt'4 sell at about 7k in japan but for some reasion a 98 gt-4 costs twice the price and more !!!!!!!!!

evvery time i look thinking i might get a newer one i'm just amazed at the price for a nearly stock car just 3 year newer than mine......

With russian import taxes taken off my car only cost $2500 in japan ! now thats a good price smile.gif just a shame with shipping and taxes anothe 10k was added frown.gif


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post May 23, 2005 - 2:00 AM
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ArizonaRed



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If you were in the military you could bring cars over here. I was in kuwait looking at cars that you could buy and have the military import. People stationed in germany bring over cars all the time. You can get bmws cheap.


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post May 23, 2005 - 3:59 PM
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94GT



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I'm in, and I've looked into that. All the BMW's that you can buy in Germany through AAFES are already US spec models. That's why there is no trouble importing them (military just pays shipping costs, doesn't cut any red tape). If you just go to some dealership wherever you get stationed and try and ship some car back (even if the military ships it for you), customs will still stop it for DOT inspection. Example: A friend of mine is stationed in Japan flying F-16's. If he buys a car to bring back over, it HAS to be US spec purchased through AAFES or it will get bonded, just like anyone else's car. I've tried...
post May 29, 2005 - 3:37 AM
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ya i dont recommend trying to bring a gt four in through Canada. the laws might not be astrict or whatever a couple people have said, but unless you know someone that can change some documents and do it ILLEGALLY, the car wont get through customs. seeing as in Canada, any car that is 15 years or older is able to be imported from another country, lots of car are being shipped over here, and there are quite a few companies that will handle the paperwork and all the problems with getting a car over here, but none of them will try to bring a car in illegally, so you would have to know someone in japan for it to work
post May 29, 2005 - 9:45 AM
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HaRv3sTeR



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Ahhh Canada... biggrin.gif
post May 31, 2005 - 10:39 PM
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well heres what i have come up with.

once you have managed to bring over a gt4 in same color and everything as what you own you get to do some dirty work.

bring the car over as a custom, you can only drive so many miles therefore you purchase another gauge cluster. swap over vins from your celi take the headlights and what ever else you feel is needed to pass the inspection of your "custom" show car. now part out that bia to every last screw then ditch whats left. (junkyard or what ever, cut it up so its just random metal parts)

either roll your extra odometer or drive with it in for a few thousand miles to make it look like the car is being used for just car shows. now swap them out and use the "fake" odometer when inpsection time rolls around along with anything else like your headlights (if you want to go that far).

This post has been edited by Sev408: May 31, 2005 - 10:40 PM


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post May 31, 2005 - 11:19 PM
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Or you could just unhook your odometer.
post Jan 18, 2007 - 6:37 PM
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QUOTE(richgt4 @ May 14, 2005 - 11:25 AM) [snapback]286922[/snapback]

There are occasions that I do like living in the UK........this post has made me realise this biggrin.gif

Richard


LOL Argh! I can't believe how hard it is for us to get a hold of a REAL GT-Four...


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post Jan 18, 2007 - 6:43 PM
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wind

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QUOTE(HaRv3sTeR @ May 29, 2005 - 2:45 PM) [snapback]292905[/snapback]

Ahhh Canada... biggrin.gif


2 more years biggrin.gif

1994 + 15 years = 2009

Cant wait

post Jan 18, 2007 - 11:31 PM
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block



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so...after reading all this...if i have 15K right now i can officially import one? wink.gif


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post Jan 19, 2007 - 2:04 AM
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QUOTE(ArizonaRed @ May 23, 2005 - 7:00 AM) [snapback]290519[/snapback]

If you were in the military you could bring cars over here. I was in kuwait looking at cars that you could buy and have the military import. People stationed in germany bring over cars all the time. You can get bmws cheap.



Im in japan (in the military).. No you cant lol

Its no easier for any other person then it is for the military here in japan. Just like everyone has been saying, in order to get it shipped to the states it has to be approved. The lowest I heard of doing this is 5 grand but it usually runs people around 8 grand to get it up to US standards, and only a few people have done this because that much is rediculous.

Here is a topic that a marine made when bringing his car back to the states -

http://www.zeroyon.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8819

What most people do here is BREAK down their car.. take all the parts off of it.. stock up on all the cheap parts they can get their hands on here in japan (Which is still hard to get.. just because we are in japan doesnt mean we are in car heaven) Then TMO (military free shipping) back all their parts to the states.. Buy another car with same model ect and install it on that car.

However, I havnt thought of the idea which someone said "Cut the car in half" Where would you cut it? Lol.. Its a intriguing idea that could possibly work.
post Jan 19, 2007 - 2:41 AM
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Lots of ways to go about this but honestly the cheapest way of doing it is to have the car sent over w/o engine.. so you are just getting a body.. like that one guy said a few pages back.

Then all you have to do is swap vins.. and if you want to be really sleak about it use your st204 to convert the st205 to LHD .. put your gauge cluster in as well.. so that way you have mph/kmh and your original odo. or atleast just roll the st205 odo to match your st204's...

Done. It's relatively easy.

NOW what would make this EVEN ****ing easier is if you could get someone older.. a parent or something to do this at customs.. some punk kid/20yr old.. that's gonna make it harder.. however some 50-60yr old man/woman... lol

Another thing u have to consider.. hoopty-****ing-doo.. you have an st205 in the states... OH **** NOEESSS!! THE REAR DIFF WENT!!
OH **** NOES!!! A REAR AXLE WENT!!!

So ya.. some parts can be sourced here in the states no issue.. but how do you deal with those more obscure parts? Funny if like a rav4 had the same rear axles as the 205... or maybe the st185?

Lots of things to consider.. hell I'm considering moving to europe.. not just for the cars but for a lot of other reasons... if you ask me.. USA is going to the ****ter... They won't even let these cars in.. yet they are no ****ing different than our "DOT" ****.. It comes down to politics.. not safety.


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post Jan 19, 2007 - 3:09 AM
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rad1an7

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QUOTE(Punisher @ Jan 19, 2007 - 7:41 AM) [snapback]519195[/snapback]

Lots of ways to go about this but honestly the cheapest way of doing it is to have the car sent over w/o engine.. so you are just getting a body.. like that one guy said a few pages back.

Then all you have to do is swap vins.. and if you want to be really sleak about it use your st204 to convert the st205 to LHD .. put your gauge cluster in as well.. so that way you have mph/kmh and your original odo. or atleast just roll the st205 odo to match your st204's...

Done. It's relatively easy.

NOW what would make this EVEN ****ing easier is if you could get someone older.. a parent or something to do this at customs.. some punk kid/20yr old.. that's gonna make it harder.. however some 50-60yr old man/woman... lol

Another thing u have to consider.. hoopty-****ing-doo.. you have an st205 in the states... OH **** NOEESSS!! THE REAR DIFF WENT!!
OH **** NOES!!! A REAR AXLE WENT!!!

So ya.. some parts can be sourced here in the states no issue.. but how do you deal with those more obscure parts? Funny if like a rav4 had the same rear axles as the 205... or maybe the st185?

Lots of things to consider.. hell I'm considering moving to europe.. not just for the cars but for a lot of other reasons... if you ask me.. USA is going to the ****ter... They won't even let these cars in.. yet they are no ****ing different than our "DOT" ****.. It comes down to politics.. not safety.


Still need to get it registered when it gets to the states.

Shipping (no matter what you do) will cost a couple grand.. getting it registered will also cost a couple grand because you need it to be up to us standards.

I have read and heard alot about this.. no-one has done it for a cheap price.. No... One... Lol
post Jan 19, 2007 - 3:20 PM
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j0e_p3t



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but it can be done legally, right? imported, inspected, registered and what-not to make it street legal in the states?


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post Jan 19, 2007 - 7:19 PM
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celica3sgte



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I have a red gt4. Forgmann has one, and I don't know of the others that have the gt4 here in the states.
post Jan 19, 2007 - 7:27 PM
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rad1an7

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QUOTE(j0e_p3t @ Jan 19, 2007 - 8:20 PM) [snapback]519317[/snapback]

but it can be done legally, right? imported, inspected, registered and what-not to make it street legal in the states?



Yea it could be done legally, but to make it legally in standards with US.. their has to be alot of work to be done.. The doors have to be shock absorbed (or some crap like that) for when you get in a crash, the glass has to be changed out so it doesnt shatter like it does in japan.. Emissions might have to be altered.. Its gonna cost a couple grand lol

Or you could just get a shady guy to register your vehicle, but if your caught thats a huge fine and people would lose their license to register ect ect... Not a path to go imo.

Like I said before.. Best thing to do is just take the parts and install it into a american celli.
post Jan 19, 2007 - 11:39 PM
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zachattack15

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So have the people who actually have a GT-4 in the US told us how they did it?


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post Jan 20, 2007 - 2:21 AM
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celica3sgte



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You need to get the vin from a usdm car for the dash and the windows if you want. Then destroy the usdm celica. Tell the bmv that the car was in an accident and you had to use replacement parts. They only check the vin on the dash anyway.
post Jan 22, 2007 - 9:04 PM
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terqui

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There are a couple ways to get a GT4 to the states.

You can easily import any car regardless of what it is if you tell customs it will be used as a race car/show car and will never be driven on the streets.

Or, you can chop up the car in Japan, ship it here, rebuild and register as a kit car. Not only will it be legal, but youll be able to have insurance aswell.

Im not sure if those are 100% foolproof. But they sound like they should work.
post Aug 11, 2007 - 2:49 AM
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QUOTE(celica3sgte @ Jan 20, 2007 - 2:21 AM) [snapback]519445[/snapback]

You need to get the vin from a usdm car for the dash and the windows if you want. Then destroy the usdm celica. Tell the bmv that the car was in an accident and you had to use replacement parts. They only check the vin on the dash anyway.

thats what i was thinking.
once you got the car here, just buy another busted crappy celica of the same year and color. then swap all visible VINs and say it was in accident and you used replacement or aftermarket parts.
most people i know (even car lovers) dont know what a GT Four is, so no cop will know. theyll think its just some body kit with a rhd conversion.
if i had the money....


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post Aug 14, 2007 - 4:55 AM
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how about importing it as a race car only, and have some great track fun, then when the time comes (can be registered as a collectors car,) go to the dmv and ask to register it, sounds legal to me. sucks but a car is not worth jail time if your ever found to have swapped the vins or whatever.

food for though, once you have swapped the vins, cut up the old car, and take it to the metel yard a few peaces at a time, they melt it down and whatever, and its gone for good. and you get some cash out of it.


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post Aug 14, 2007 - 1:29 PM
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QUOTE(creis @ Aug 14, 2007 - 2:55 AM) [snapback]587913[/snapback]

how about importing it as a race car only, and have some great track fun, then when the time comes (can be registered as a collectors car,) go to the dmv and ask to register it, sounds legal to me. sucks but a car is not worth jail time if your ever found to have swapped the vins or whatever.

food for though, once you have swapped the vins, cut up the old car, and take it to the metel yard a few peaces at a time, they melt it down and whatever, and its gone for good. and you get some cash out of it.


Import it as a track car, race only in track.... and when that 25 years limit come, then register it?


Or just move to Canada and import a 94' legally in a few years.


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post Aug 16, 2007 - 2:03 AM
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jesus..the fun machine is jus so close yet soo far.

im poor, but when im a little older im hoping to find a GT4 somwhere overseas n get it shippd here. jus gotta keep my celi goin so i can swap dem vinz.. smile.gif


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