 So you want a GT4 JDM?, how to ship a gt4 from japan |
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 May 17, 2003 - 10:25 PM
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Enthusiast  Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%)  |
After pondering celicas and the cost comparisons Ive decided to start this new thread, specifically on how to ship JDM cars from japan to the US. I suggested group buy at the end of this thread . Ultimately I think we all know that getting a JDM GT4 is a hella lot better then trying to swap front clip and back clip into a USDM to get a GT4 AWD 3sgte, and cheaper. Though I'm sure you are all wondering about the legalities and all the ins and outs of how to do this. Logistically It can difficult, you need to find a car in Japan that will match your criteria, then ship it to the US. This requires: Requirements: 1. A Celica GT4 Source 2. Shipping company/Broker 3. Knowledge of Customs/rules and regs to get car in US 4. Language (Must Know Japanese) I am convinced that once these hurdles are passed, and the process is understood that, gt4 JDM shipping will be a option to front clip and rear clip swaps. As I have never actually done this, but have done research on how, I would encourage other people with ideas or who are seriously thinking about getting a JDM GT4 shipped to contribute to this thread. I will update this thread with steps as they become clear and are workable, If all goes well we will have a HowTo for Shipping JDM GT4s and someone or I will have a JDM GT4. Estimated Cost 94-96:
Edited: actually prices are more like $5000 Estimated Cost 97-99: $13000 - $14000 shipped Estimate time to ship: 1 month
Edited: I originally wrote this thinking I could use this method to get past customs, there is too much of a risk 50/50 that your vehicle will get bonded on the spot Car comparision: Celica upgraded Dream car - 2700lbs - 350+hp - $22k Lancer Evo 8 - 3300lbs - 271hp - $29k Impreza WRX - 31000lbs - 227hp -$27k TT Supra - 3500lbs - 320hp - $26k 350z - 3200lbs - 287hp - $30k Cost USDM Celica Dream Car: Total cost + improvements: Celica (car itself) - 7k 3sgte swap - 5k 350hp+ engine upgrades -2k Suspension+brakes+wheels- 3k Paint+bodykit - 3k interior+stereo - 2k awd conversion 7k ------------------------------------------- Total - $29k Imported JDM Celica Dream Car: 1996 GT4 celica - $6000-$7000 Shipping - $1000 - $2000 Engine upgrades to 350hp+ - $2000 Custom paint - $2000 Body kit - $1000 Custom interior - $1000 Stereo - $1000 suspension+brakes+wheels - N/A awd conversion - N/A ---------------------------------------------
Edited:This is probably going to be lower, maybe $10k total, Many of GT4s in Japan are already 330hp+ modified with body kits. As you can see the cost for getting your Celica Dream Car imported is twice as cheap as converting a US version to the same spec. Reference: Imported motor vehicles are subject to U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control (emission) standards. Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed. CONTENTS: Prior Arrangements The owner must make arrangements for shipping a vehicle. Have your shipper or carrier notify you of the vehicle's arrival date so that Customs can clear it. Shipments are cleared at the first port of entry unless you arrange for a freight forwarder abroad to have the vehicle sent in bond to a Customs port more convenient to you. Customs officers are prohibited by law from acting as agents or making entries for an importer. However, you may employ a commercial customs broker to handle your entry. Documentation For Customs clearance you will need the shipper's or carrier's original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents covering the vehicle. You will also need written prior approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will be evident to the Customs inspector at the port of entry in the form of an approval letter from the EPA, or a manufacturer's label in the English language affixed to the car, stating that the vehicle meets all U.S. emission requirements. Or, you may make arrangements to import your vehicle with an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). In this case, the ICI will import your vehicle and perform any EPA-required modifications and be responsible for assuring that all EPA requirements have been met. ICIs can only import certain vehicles, however, and in general, their fees are very high. See below for Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and for driver's license and tag requirements. Cleaning the Undercarriage To safeguard against importation of dangerous pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the undercarriage of imported cars be free of foreign soil. Have your car steam-sprayed or cleaned thoroughly before shipment. Your Car is Not a Shipping Container For your own safety, security, and convenience, DO NOT use your car as a container for personal belongings. Your possessions are susceptible to theft while the vehicle is on the loading and unloading docks and in transit. Many shippers and carriers will not accept your vehicle if it contains personal belongings. The entire contents of your car must be declared to Customs on entry. Failure to do so can result in a fine or seizure of the car and its contents. Your vehicle may be subject to seizure, and you may incur a personal penalty, if anyone uses it as a conveyance for illegal narcotics. Dutiable Entry Foreign-made vehicles imported into the U.S., whether new or used, either for personal use or for sale, are generally dutiable at the following rates: Autos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5% Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . 3% or 3.4% Duty rates are based on price paid or payable. Most Canadian-made vehicles are duty-free. Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards Motor vehicles not more than 25 years old must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle safety standards that were in effect when these vehicles were manufactured. Passenger cars manufactured after September 1, 1973 must also meet bumper standards. The importer must file form DOT HS-7 (this link is a .pdf file; click here for free download software) at the time of entry, indicating whether the vehicle conforms to applicable safety and bumper standards. The original manufacturer is required to affix a label to the vehicle certifying that these standards have been met if the vehicle is intended for sale in the United States. Vehicles that do not bear a certification label attached by the original manufacturer must be entered as a nonconforming vehicle under a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value. This is in addition to the regular Customs entry bond. Unless specifically excepted, the importer must sign a contract with a DOT Registered Importer (RI), who will modify the vehicle to conform with all applicable safety and bumper standards and who can certify the modifications. A copy of the RI's contract must be attached to the DOT HS-7 form and furnished to the Customs Service with the DOT bond at the port of entry. A list of RIs is available from DOT and should be obtained before you decide to import a vehicle. Furthermore, DOT requires that the vehicle model and model year must, prior to entry, be determined eligible for importation. A DOT RI can advise you whether your vehicle is eligible; if it is not, the RI can submit a petition in your behalf to have your vehicle considered for eligibility, if you so desire. Understand, however, that fees must be paid at the time such petitions are filed. For additional information or details on these requirements, see DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, or call (202) 366-5313 or fax (202) 366-1024, or write: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Director of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF-32), 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590. Emission Standards The following passenger cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty engines and motorcycles are subject to Federal emission standards: Gasoline-fueled cars and light-duty trucks originally manufactured after December 31, 1967. Diesel-fueled cars originally manufactured after December 31, 1974. Diesel-fueled light-duty trucks originally manufactured after December 31, 1975. Heavy-duty engines originally manufactured after December 31, 1969. Motorcycles with a displacement of more than 49 cubic centimeters originally manufactured after December 31, 1977. Beginning with the 1974 model year, vehicles that were originally manufactured to meet U.S. emission requirements, if driven outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Taiwan or the Bahama Islands, may be required to have their oxygen sensor and/or catalytic converter replaced. You may import your U.S.-version vehicle under a Customs bond and have any qualified mechanic perform the necessary work. You should contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directly for detailed requirements and options before shipping your vehicle. Nonconforming vehicles must be imported for you by a currently certified Independent Commercial Importer (ICI), a list of which is available from the EPA. This list should be obtained before you decide to import a car. The ICI will be responsible for assuring that your car complies with all U.S. emission requirements. (As of July 1, 1988, EPA no longer has the one-time exemption for vehicles five or more model-years old.) Be aware that EPA will deny entry to certain makes, models, and model years if an ICI is not certified or is unwilling to accept responsibility for the vehicle(s) in question. For importing motor vehicles, the EPA has an Information Faxback System: 202-564-9660, and additional Voice Help: 202-564-9240. Ask for a copy of the Automotive Imports Facts Manual (order #EPA420B94006), which describes emission requirements for imported vehicles. You may also contact the EPA by faxing (202) 565-2057, or writing: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Manufacturers Operations Division 6405-J, Investigation/Imports Section, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Individual state emission requirements may differ from those of the federal government. Proper registration of a vehicle in a state may depend upon satisfaction of its requirements, so you should contact the appropriate state authorities prior to importation. Be aware, however, that EPA will not accept compliance with a state's emission requirements as satisfying EPA's. A Word of Caution Both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise that although a nonconforming car may be conditionally admitted, the modifications required to bring it into compliance may be so extensive and costly that it may be impractical and even impossible to achieve such compliance. Moreover, some vehicle models are prohibited from importation. It is highly recommended that these prohibitions and modifications be investigated before a vehicle is purchased for importation. Exceptions The following vehicles need not conform to emission or safety requirements but may NOT be sold in the U.S. and may require EPA and DOT declarations: Those imported by nonresidents for personal use not exceeding one year. The vehicle must be exported at the end of that year-no exceptions or extensions. Those belonging to members of foreign armed forces, foreign diplomatic personnel, and members of public international organizations on assignment in the U.S. for whom free entry has been authorized by the Department of State. Those temporarily imported for research, demonstration, or competition, provided they are not licensed for use, or driven, on public roads. Parties responsible for such vehicles must submit proper documents-that is, forms EPA 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 to Customs at the time entry is made. Also, applicable written approvals from these agencies must be obtained in advance and presented to Customs along with these forms. Remember, the cost to return vehicles that have been refused prior approval can be very high and must be borne by the vehicle's owner(s). Driver's Plates and Permits Imported cars should bear the International Registration Marker. The International Driving Permit, issued in five languages, is a valuable asset. Consult an international automobile federation or your local automobile club about these documents. U.S. RESIDENTS importing a new or used car should consult the appropriate department of motor vehicles in their State of residence about temporary license plates. MOTORISTS FROM CANADA AND MEXICO are permitted to tour in the U.S. without U.S. license plates or U.S. driver's permits, under agreements between the United States and these countries. HELP! All regulations of Customs and other agencies are not covered in full, and they are subject to change. Before importing your vehicle, be sure to contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, or the appropriate agency below (particularly DOT and EPA): Customs Service If you are outside the United States, contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. U.S. Customs Attaches Throughout the World U.S. Customs Officers in Foreign Countries Contact a U.S. Customs Port U.S. Customs Service Washington, DC 20229 Telephone (202) 927-6724 http://www.customs.gov Department of Transportation (DOT) DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website Telephone: (202) 366-5313 Fax: (202) 366-1024 U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Director of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF-32) 400 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20590 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality Telephone: 202-564-9240 Faxback System: 202-564-9660 Fax: (202) 565-2057 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Manufacturers Operations Division 6405-J Investigation/Imports Section 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 This post has been edited by coustoe: Jul 18, 2004 - 12:50 PM |
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May 17, 2003 - 11:01 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 9, '03 From St. Louis Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
but when you ship the car as parts alone, I thought the body had to be cut into front and back cuts, but only the air flow meter and wheels must be removed? and why the airflow meter?
-------------------- [img]http://photos-081.facebook.com/n6/081/n15913038_30266081_3342.jpg[/img]
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May 18, 2003 - 12:36 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 29, '02 From ny to philly Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
you never cease to amaze me man. an air flow meter does exactly what the name suggests. it measures the flow of air entering the intake manifold.  oh, and good luck with your GT-FOUR. |
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May 18, 2003 - 12:38 AM
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thats why i said i think
damn dont know what your problem is |
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May 18, 2003 - 3:54 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Sep 5, '02 From Phoenix, AZ Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
People are gettin really testy lately...What up with that?
 Anyways, about the GT4 plan....sounds good and all but i would want someone to do it and have proof before i would spend my money tryin to do it. I would think that you would have to do some shiz to your car to make it emissions passable since in japan they don't give a flying monkey spank about that kind of stuff like the US does. |
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May 18, 2003 - 9:25 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Mar 30, '03 From mission valley san diego Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
count me in on this one.....
 can't wait to drive around spankin little ricers butt all day longggg.....Now I wonder If hey can ship a JDM trueno too?
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May 18, 2003 - 9:55 AM
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I'd be down with getting one shipped over... no problem.
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May 18, 2003 - 10:01 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 30, '02 From Franklin,Tn Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
coustoe and GT2GT4, man thanks for the info. This sounds like a very doable option. As of right now I was looking at getting a ST185 and playing with that. GT2GT4, if you are successful at doing this then I may of found me a newer GT4. Also it looks like I can get it in the color that I want
. Keep us updated on this. Bryan |
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May 18, 2003 - 10:39 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
updated main post, because the car link comparison was wrong.
Shipping: GT2, Ya i was going to contact jarco or one of the clip importers. I think on the shipping part initially it breaks down to getting a broker/shipping company; going with JDM Clip importer; or doing it yourself (purchasing a shipping container, doing the logistics to ship as many cars in the container as possible, each container on the ship cost $4k). Source: Still fuzzy, the only good source for celicas Ive found is yahoo.auctions.co.jp. You can use babelfish to help read some of the pages, but if you want an account youll have to go through the original japanese pages, which is a bitch, because you have to set up bank account info and everything else, I guess they like using escrow accounts and stuff there. As for other Japanese Car sites (sites that list cars for sale) I dont know of any, If there is anyone here with a japanese car friends see if you can get him to find some please, this should help us in our source problem. |
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May 18, 2003 - 10:52 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Import legal hurdles (as known as customs):
1. Safety 2. Emissions Safety: to get by safety you will ship the car as PARTS ONLY Safety inspections or customs are done on the federal level, you Will have to talk and work with a NHTSA (Natona Highway Transportation Safety Administration) agent when you ship your car, because he will be one of the people who check your car and paperwork to see if it can come off the boat legally into the US. Emissions: Emissions are done local or state. This is up to you to figure out how to get the car past your local DMV emissions test and registered. This goes hand in hand with trying to get the VIN number, it will be different for each state. ideas mentioned were, paying off your mechanic who does the inspections, or duplicating your current celica registration to get tags for your JDM. both are Grey methods of getting your vehicle registered, If someone has a 100% legit way to do this post it. |
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May 18, 2003 - 11:45 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined May 13, '03 From New Jersey Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
the intarweb ownz you :
http://www.j-garage.com/ the guys name is yoshi, and he's RIDICULOUSLY kind and honest. i've had a BUNCH of e-mals with him back and forth about shipping a GT-4 to the states, and the aorementioned stuff in this post is entirely true. it would be VERY easy to get a gt-4 or ANY of those cars on his site over here. if any of you guys are serious about it...check him out. |
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May 18, 2003 - 11:50 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Sep 22, '02 From Detroit Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I've been wanting to do this for some time, but why get a JDM? RHD costs more to insure, and you'll be paying more than enough for that already.
What I was thinking was find a German, Spanish, French... GT4. I know they have them in Germany, but not sure which other countries, and they are LHD with every bit as much power as the JDM version. |
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May 18, 2003 - 12:59 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Aug 29, '02 From ny to philly Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
thats a good idea but the LHD GT-FOURs in those countries cost a lot more due to their rarity. you'd be looking in the neighborhood of 15k for a 94. |
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May 18, 2003 - 1:28 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Raek Ive seen this site, I will call him because maybe he can help us, if we tell him we just want the cars as parts only. This guy seems to be in the business of importing cars without bypassing the safety requirements, and actually bringing them up to US specs which explains the High cost of the cars he has listed. |
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May 18, 2003 - 3:16 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Really, for bout $8k for the JDM gt4, you should also be able to get another $25k car financed, dont think it would be to heavy on the wallet, if you work full time and dont have to support a girlfriend.
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May 18, 2003 - 4:20 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Jan 5, '03 From Bay Area Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I skipped readin the replies and went ahead postin mines. Dont' know if i'll be missin nethin before postin this but here goes.
There's a place near me that supplies full uncut imported cars. An MKIV costs only about 8-10G!!! exept it's rhd. But there's a way to by pass that. So i'm thinking that it could be possible to have a GT4 shipped over here for a much cheaper price compared to the Mk4's price. My friend got his car from that shop and he's now runnin 11's. I got to feel the car yesterday nite!! all i can say is..WOW. I'm sick of runnin low 14's but wow 11s is very insane. |
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May 18, 2003 - 4:44 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
your joking right? whats this place called, regardless, Im going to be making a lot of phone calls this monday, but if you got the number to that place i bet they can clear up a lot of stuff on how to ship and probably do it cheaper then i could.
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May 18, 2003 - 5:08 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Apr 28, '03 Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Just as a side note, the 6th gen GT4's use MAP, not AFM. Pretty sure.
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May 18, 2003 - 6:45 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
pictures of 1994 gt4 modded with headlights, 18" rims, tinted windows, other mods unknown. Currently available $6500 (in japan)
  
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May 18, 2003 - 6:50 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
another GT4 available in japan cost
$12400; 1998; 26, 000 miles 
This post has been edited by coustoe: May 18, 2003 - 6:50 PM |
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May 18, 2003 - 7:16 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Nov 4, '02 From Hecho en la Republica Dominicana/Living in NJ Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
look what i found
This post has been edited by macavely: May 18, 2003 - 7:24 PM -------------------- |
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May 18, 2003 - 7:23 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 4, '02 From Hecho en la Republica Dominicana/Living in NJ Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
ok look what i found
If you are in the US : Firstly, the Japanese specifications (JDM) vehicle is a Right Hand Drive model. We are sorry to say that it is very difficult to import it into the US at present. Unless you wish to present crash test data for any Right Hand Drive car, it cannot legally be imported to the US. And we do not support to present crash test data. It may be possible to import of some JDM cars under regulations regulating these cars to race(competition) use only. Race cars cannot be registered for street use. As for the Skyline GTR, it is possible to import the only Skyline GTR into the US for street use although it is necessary to legalize the skyline to use it on the US road. The cost to legalize a Skyline GTR depends on the year of vehicles. There are also some conditions on some of the year models and where they are coming . But generally, the legalizing cost of a Skyline is 1990~ R32 Skyline GTR - around 16,000USD. 1995 R33 Skyline GTR - around 17,000USD. 1996~ R33 Skyline GTR - around 25,000USD (OBD2 system). 1999~ R34 Skyline GTR - around 25,000USD (OBD2 system). Also, it is possible to import some old JDM vehicles (25 year or old) into the US. -------------------- |
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May 18, 2003 - 7:30 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
did you read the first post mac?
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May 18, 2003 - 8:54 PM
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 Administrator Joined Aug 23, '02 From Seattle, WA Currently Offline Reputation: 14 (100%) |
Wow, that's some very interesting and helpful information. I'm interested to hear how this turns out, because it'd be awesome for someone to have a JDM GT-Four in the states.
-------------------- New Toyota project coming soon...
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May 19, 2003 - 9:07 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
gt2gt4, i talked with jarco this morning, dont know if its the guy i talked to but he said they wouldnt send me an uncut celica gt4, Maybe because they know you they're giving you a break. I'll try again, maybe I'll get someone else
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May 19, 2003 - 11:08 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I'm really excited about this, there might be a real easy way of doing this, I might just get a Supra After all.
http://www.autoexporterjapan.com/# http://www.bestjapancar.com/shipping.htm there seem to be a lot of car dealerships in japan that specialize in exporting used cars from japan. This would solve the source and shipping all in one!!! I still have lots of info Im getting on shipping though ill post later. But I need your guys help Look for companies in japan that export cars to the US. I want to get a comprehensive list, then I will call them tonight or tomorrow. Thanks All
This post has been edited by coustoe: May 19, 2003 - 11:09 AM |
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May 19, 2003 - 1:42 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Oct 31, '02 From Boise, ID Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
I checked with the california DMV, they gave me the number of a place to call, and the guy I talked to said importing a right hand vs. left hand drive was no different. Maybe its just California, but thats what they said. Good chance they're wrong too. --------------------  psalm 69 |
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May 19, 2003 - 2:03 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I feel better, I looked at the NHTSA site again for a better way to import the car and bypass Registered Importers (RI) the guys that bring you car up to safety spec.
Car can be classified as a show car, you must limit the car to 2500 miles a year, this is better then the "as parts" bypass method i believe. here is the Document from NHTSA. Also I will soon list the intricacies behind shipping, for those who dont want to buy from a used car dealership in japan, but I am very tired at the office now, I will post more soon. This post has been edited by coustoe: May 19, 2003 - 2:04 PM |
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May 19, 2003 - 3:28 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
error, moderator please delete
This post has been edited by coustoe: May 19, 2003 - 3:37 PM |
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May 19, 2003 - 3:36 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
anyone double checking my results? getting a second opinion would be nice.
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May 21, 2003 - 7:49 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
so I am a bit closer to getting a gt4, I've emailed about 11 differenst sources in japan to act as brokers, or go betweens, in purchasing gt4s at auctions or classifieds or used car dealerships and shipping them to the US on Ro/Ro ships. So far I've only had 1 actively talk to me. Been quoting me ridiculously high prices, that dont even include the shipping and his commission. $9000 for a 96 gt4 and $12000 for a TT supra, He says the reason why the prices are higher is because hes getting the best cars. Shrugs, I guess i'll have to see the pics. Plus I think hes looking at cars with less then 30,000km or like less then 15k miles.
If you guys feel like helping here is a list of car exporters in japan. Japanese JDM Exporters |
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May 21, 2003 - 7:57 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I'll try to finalize customs procedures tormorrow or friday, I think I will import the cars on the NHTSA H-7 form as show cars. Already talked to a import broker and she said it should be good, Ill have to talk with a customs agent to. I'm waiting on the Customs forms and paperwork, I'll see if I can get them on their website instead of waiting through the mail.
Car cost to import: 1. Car $9,000 (really nice GT4, low miles, probably can get this down to 6500 or 7000 if you get a higher mileage and older gt4) 2. shipping $900 3. export commission-$250 (I think) 4. Import broker - $200 (not really neccessary, you can do all the paperwork) 5. duty fee - $200 (I'll have to double check this) Total - about $11,000 |
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May 22, 2003 - 1:19 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Oct 28, '02 From Europe, Lithuania Currently Offline Reputation: 8 (100%) |
Hey guys, i know that JDM GT4 is RHD so is it legal to drive it in US? Then Why to buy and ship it from Japan, then you can always buy it in Europe and have one with LHD?? The price is alittle bit higher here in europe on GT4 (you can get one for about 10000$ in europe and in Japan it costs about 8000$), but you will have GT4 with LHD and the shiping will cost less and the power ratings are the same... I can do some research over here in Germany, Italy, France or other countrys WEB pages for GT4 if anyone is intrested.
EDIT: Did some research: GT4 In Europe This post has been edited by doGGy: May 22, 2003 - 1:38 AM -------------------- Ex celica owner - just a guy from other side of the pond...
Full custom Projects from restoration to performance builds <<<<<< DCw / JDMart >>>>>>> |
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May 22, 2003 - 2:15 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 4, '02 From Hecho en la Republica Dominicana/Living in NJ Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Ok i don't know about any one else, but this post has made me really re think about doing an engine swap.. by they time i have the money saved and the time to do the swap i would be able to just import a whole gt-4d..
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May 30, 2003 - 8:53 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
okay I changed my mind, bringing a car as show and display would take a extadinary amount of work, Though you can bring the car in temporarily for up to 5 years for training and research, but then they make you bond the vehicle so basically if you dont export it then they will keep the bond. But This might be negliable, if the bond is 100% of the value of the car then a Gt4 that cost $6000, then giving up that $6000 would be cheaper then of course bringing the vehicle up to safety specs.
Instead I will try to bring the car in as a racing vehicle, I've established a few contacts in Japan, I will see if when they get the car they will basically gut the interior and ship the components seperatly, unknowest to the custom agent of course, This will ad more cost to the car though, but probably reasonable. I going to try to apply this next week for the exemption, just need more input on my racing car mod thread. |
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Jun 10, 2003 - 8:49 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Have done more research. This seems to be a little complex.....
I think the easiest solution might be to import the a jdm vehicle into an mexican free trade zone port. The only mexican requirement is to obtain insurance for the vehicle while it is in the trade zone $15 last time I checked or actually import the car into mexico which is a little more expensive. Then drive the car through a us border crossing as a visiting/tourist car. I have been able to locate a few supras in japan for bout 600,000 yen or $5,000 same with gt4s. I will be going to texas in september for work for several months. Will try to cross border into free trade zone and pickup a supra from japan and drive it across. If this works, I will try to help anyone else out who wants a JDM supra or gt4. I am also still working on the racing exemption which is becoming a hassle. Oh well nothing risked nothing gained. |
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Jun 10, 2003 - 8:59 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
1993 JDM tt Supra 57k miles $2700
damage to rear panel, runs perfectly  
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Jun 10, 2003 - 9:02 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
1995 JDM Supra 42k miles $4666
  
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Jun 10, 2003 - 9:21 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 30, '02 From Anaheim, CA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
man that's cheap. are you gonna try to get that one? i was going to buy a 1992 jdm gt4 that was up in seatle. some guy imported it as a parts car with no wheels on it and then put on some steel rims. to register it i found out that i had to install and egr system and a cat. converter then take it to a chp station(this is for CA) and the chp guy would look it over, check for smog equipment, and issue it a VIN# then register and insure it as a 1992 celica st!! i would love to have a RHD 6th gen GT4. the only real problem i see with importing a car is if it is 1996+ because obd2 would have to be installed. get a 1995 gt4 amd that would make it cheaper and easier. couldnt you bring in the car with no wheels, claim its non op and for parts. take it home, get some wheels on it, add smog stuff if needed, and then register it as a project/kit car(dont remember the exact term but i read on the dmv site that if a car is made up of parts from several cars with reciepts saying it was, that the car can be registered and might even be smog exempt) i really hope that a way to easily and cheaply import jdm cars is found, if not im gonna have to buy front and rear clips of a gt4 and do a swap/awd conversion. -------------------- 1994 Celica GT4 WRC Edition
@gt4.wrc on Instagram |
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Jun 10, 2003 - 9:35 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Ive explored the as-parts import option. It sounds iffy, I'm not sure how these other people imported their cars as parts only, but it seems to be up to the customs agent at that particular port (talked to several customs agenst at ports). Some customs agents could get assasnine and say the car is still possibly driveable even though it has no wheels and or engine, then bond the vehicle until its up to safety and emssissions.
the gray way of doing this is importing it as parts as a different car in a container and hope that the customs inspectors dont know jack bout cars and dont check the container contents agaisnt the manifest (custom agents dont check all containers, too many random checks). This is the similiar approach drug runners take. The risk being you get caught and the custom agent is not a total dufus then you car gets bonded. Shrugs, I want to find a way that is somewhat legit, minimum complexity, low risk as possible. The as-parts option seems simple but not totally legit and somewhat high risk. |
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Jun 13, 2003 - 2:25 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jun 9, '03 From Fontana, CA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
won't you still need the crash test info considering there weren't any GT4's here in the US? (to make it legal for EU cars).. Motorex is able to import Skylines, maybe somebody needs to setup a business to import used GT4's from Japan and make it legal  Should be able to sell quite a bit for them AUTO-X'rs.. This post has been edited by funks: Jun 13, 2003 - 2:29 PM |
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Jun 13, 2003 - 2:47 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Oct 31, '02 From Boise, ID Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
Also, RHD is legal in the US. A little unusual granted, but perfectly legal. I would almost prefer it. It would take some getting used to, but it would be totally different, and would really make people notice. Parellel parking would be wierd tho... -------------------- psalm 69 |
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Jun 13, 2003 - 7:00 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I know an importer over AIM. He can get me a GT-Four with under 60K miles, great condition, for 5K. That's just the cost of the car, of course. I'm starting to get interested in this...maybe It's good that I haven't bought my Celica yet. Heck, I might could get a Supra for cheeper.
This post has been edited by Inferno: Jun 13, 2003 - 7:00 PM |
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Jun 13, 2003 - 7:07 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
to make importing gt4 into the US legal you would have to start a campaign with your local representative or form some type of lobbying group.
The import restrictions set on cars and other imports are protectionist measures to help domestic manufacturers. Instead of directly tariffing certain products the government through nonsensical irrelevant regulations can close and protect local markets agaisnt foriegn competitors. Japan is nortorious for this, Of course the US is a freerer market, but still makes it difficult to import cars not produced in the US (creates US jobs). The Crash test is not nessecary for GT4s read www.epa.gov and www.nhsta.gov The only way to import a gt4 is to go through the governments loopholes this is all to make it difficult and raise the cost associated with importing cars, so imports not produced in the US will not flood the domestic market. If we started to en mass import gt4s then the Customs would notify the trade commission which would take action to close that loophole we were using. |
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Jun 14, 2003 - 7:44 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 9, '02 From Scranton, Pa Currently Offline Reputation: 7 (100%) |
i didnt notice anyone mention but DOT glass would have to be fitted.
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Jun 15, 2003 - 8:54 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Aug 28, '02 From NY Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I tried this crap a year ago it ain't gonna happen that easy.
1.) RHD cars are not legal in most states maybe temporary registration. 2.) Unless you know a customs inspector the one that is working that day it ain't getting off the docs. 3.) The importors will gladly take your money while your car is being seized. 4.) Some importers will make the car of your dreams U.S. Legal for a price, But none will touch a GT4 Nothing on the car is U.S. Legal all glass, all restraint mechanisms, all lights, all emmisions. 5.) Nothings impossible I would seperate the engine from the car and ship seperately and say it's a race car! that might work in getting it here but you'd have to do some dancing to get it registered. I would never buy a right hand drive car anyway there are a lot of nice left hand drive ones for sale in Europe. If I can find the pictures I will post them of the one I had lined up. But I would rather spend that kinda of money on a turbo supra and it's legal. |
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Jun 15, 2003 - 11:46 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Apr 29, '03 From Davenport, IA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
But the Euro ones are LHD....
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Jun 15, 2003 - 5:33 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Mar 17, '03 From you like to know. Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
so lets see why not go down to mexico since i live so close to it anyway!!! and have it shipped there for less than it would be to ship here tarrifs ect. drive it across the boarder and have it regestered here in cali???? sounds like a plan to me
all you would ahve to do is have the vin put on it...also i have seen right side steering cars here in cali so i know thats not a problem... This post has been edited by gjunon: Jun 15, 2003 - 5:34 PM |
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Jun 15, 2003 - 6:20 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
yoz, some of your points have been discussed, but the taking the engine out and importing the vechicle as a race car is novel. i've talked to NHTSA to many times about this exemption. You basically have to apply for the exemption from the NHTSA, You could possibly lie about the engine, I'm not sure how much of a edge that would give you ingetting the car imported as a racing car. The NHTSA agent kept on talking racing feature such as seats, stripped interior, roll cage etc..., Its a good idea though. Maybe if you tell him its a 700 hp supra then take out the engine you could get your racing car application exemption approved.
There are a lot of ways of doing this, like i said it can get complex. This post has been edited by coustoe: Jun 15, 2003 - 9:11 PM |
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Jun 15, 2003 - 6:28 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
some people seem to be confused be the term "safety" as covered by the National highway traffic safety adminstration. This doesnt mean if the car has seat belts or not, it means the whole car so when I say "get past safety regulations" it means getting past all the regulations concerning the car body.
. This post has been edited by coustoe: Jun 15, 2003 - 6:31 PM |
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Jun 15, 2003 - 8:57 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Just updated the first post with reference material.
I'm going to make major info updates and reference material directly to the first post of this thread, from now on. so you wont have to read the whole thread
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Jun 15, 2003 - 9:22 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Hmm. I remember someone saying something about if we had crash-test data about the car, it would be a lot easier to get it registered as a daily driver. Has anyone thought about calling Toyota Japan? You know darn well that they have crash-test data. They have to. We could get a signature from some top official, and get it faxed or mailed to us. Sounds like a good idea to me.
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Jun 15, 2003 - 9:46 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 16, '02 From Somewhere around Chi-Town Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
i know europe has been brought up a few times, but did anyone actually look to see the best market in Europe? Belgium. i know it sounds weird but it is. Plus its LHD there. I cant speak German or French and i don't know any specifics about Belgian safety standards/ Emissions Standards (The 2 main problems with legalizing an imported car...) But i have been put under the impression that they would fit our requirements. Perhaps someone would research this. I would, but i don't have the time or the connections. Plus its lookin more and more like my car is gonna end up being all show and a little go anyway (I doubt my dad will let me have a 300+ HP car in the garage even if i can pay for it. And definitely he wont let me have anything illegal going on my car) So just an extra insight.
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Jun 16, 2003 - 9:44 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
doggy lives in europe, read his post on this thread on gt4s from europe, They still cost 2x as much as a jdm and you still have the same safety and emission hassles.
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Jun 16, 2003 - 1:03 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jun 3, '03 From hazard,ky Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I don't know about any other states, but i've been researching this for a few months and in kentucky **where we have no emissions, no general requirments for safety** importing a Gt-4 is almost impossible. . . . .i have found several possible loop holes but none have come through as being reliable ** all have been mentioned in the previous post*. . . .but as far as if you want a legal 6th gen Gt-4 be prepared to go through hell with toyota japan to get crash test data(it is required). . . . .i've tried for 4 months almost and have gotten nothing. . . . .and just because we have Gt's here in the states the front support bar is completely different and if customs see it it'll be bonded and the stock gt one won't fit because it's too short. . .i'd had pictures of both somewhere but can't find them right now.
The importing it to mexico and bringing it across is the simplest idea i've found. . . . .because if need be you can strip it down to frame and say it's a stolen recovery and bring it across in pieces, a lot of work but isn't a gt-4 worth it =). . . . . |
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Jun 16, 2003 - 2:00 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jun 3, '03 From hazard,ky Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I don't know about any other states, but i've been researching this for a few months and in kentucky **where we have no emissions, no general requirments for safety** importing a Gt-4 is almost impossible. . . . .i have found several possible loop holes but none have come through as being reliable ** all have been mentioned in the previous post*. . . .but as far as if you want a legal 6th gen Gt-4 be prepared to go through hell with toyota japan to get crash test data(it is required). . . . .i've tried for 4 months almost and have gotten nothing. . . . .and just because we have Gt's here in the states the front support bar is completely different and if customs see it it'll be bonded and the stock gt one won't fit because it's too short. . .i'd had pictures of both somewhere but can't find them right now.
The importing it to mexico and bringing it across is the simplest idea i've found. . . . .because if need be you can strip it down to frame and say it's a stolen recovery and bring it across in pieces, a lot of work but isn't a gt-4 worth it =). . . . . |
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Jun 16, 2003 - 4:16 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Called more places today mexico consulate, US border control, Car engine importers, US customs.
So I confirmed with the Mexican consulate that I can Drive a car off a ship in the free trade zone by the border, All I need is a title, registration, drivers license and mexican insurance. I told the consul that it sounds to simple and she said it is that simple. The only problem now is getting a title for the car and registration. In texas its impossible without having a previous title to register the car, in virginia its possible, but you must have extensive paperwork showing you attempted to find the original owner. The other option is of course getting a salvage title from a junked supra, might be difficult to do. Anyways once you get the title your basically home free. Drive the car off the ship in tiajuana mexico, put on your US license plates, drive to the border, Show your license registration, and title to the border patrol if asked. Then its all fun from there. Of course I'm still researching the two other options, Ive been told by clip importers that they have succesfully brought cars in as Racing Vehicles and Parts. Man I just took 400 mg of caffeine can barely type. I'll write more later |
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Jun 16, 2003 - 5:13 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Mar 17, '03 From you like to know. Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
o yeah i talked with my dad he said to get a vin issued here in the states you will need to have it pass safty standards so all we will have to do is add the safty equipment which could run around 5 grand i am thinking at the most i could be wrong (pulled # outta no where) so once that is done though all we will have to do is get the vin and wala your done.. what if you towed it to your home from mexico??? i think that could work or right at the boarder just call AAA and tow it home???? lol it has possibilities... can anyone get the safty specs of a jap to a usdm ??? compair the 2 cars o btw i would rather get the SUPRA
btw i live in SD so i am very close to boarder hehehe
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Jun 16, 2003 - 5:22 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 29, '02 From New Jersey Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
so wait, lets say that the car is here in the states somehow. Now how would i go about getting it registered? Can you just buy the title/VIN numbers from a junkyard and register it as a regular st. Then say that you did a 3sgte swap, 4wd swap, and RHD transfer? Has anyone actually looked into buying a title from a wreck?
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Jun 16, 2003 - 8:05 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
your dad needs to read the first post
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Jun 16, 2003 - 8:20 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
its different for each state, of course the whole point of this import is to bypass the $30k-50k cost of safety and emissions. you will have to contact your local dmv and find out how to get a title without a vin if possible. There are so many loopholes, you just have to find them, remember there are 51 states/districts with different dmv laws for titleing and registration. lifting the vin off a surpa salvage title is an option, im sure there are infinite possible combination of loopholes and interstate loopholes to register/title your car. It would be great if everyone could mention ways they could do this at their dmv. |
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Jun 16, 2003 - 8:47 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I was looking at virginia titles, the titles dont actually state the model of the car, only the make. So getting a toyota title with at least a 93 year from the junk yard would be pretty easy.
Well I guess that solves the last problem. I'll still work on the parts and racing vechicle options until I go to texas this september.
This post has been edited by coustoe: Jun 16, 2003 - 8:48 PM |
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Jul 11, 2003 - 2:32 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
*bump* I really don't want this thread to die because I'm seriously interested in it.
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Aug 16, 2003 - 2:23 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Jul 18, '03 Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
yeah, hows this coming ?
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Aug 16, 2003 - 5:13 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Dec 2, '02 From Gainesville, GA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
i don't know about any of this stuff, but once u get one car registared over as a show car......thats it correct! show car for life!
but if u get it transfered as a parts car, this is if they give u a complete car frame with the engine and tranny sent seperate.. then buy up a wrecked something another from the junkyard....with a salvaged title, and transfer onto the gt-4.....and if you are still worried about stuff, temporary solution would be to put a normal hood and front from a 6th gen on there to make it stock lookin........then after you get your title, tags, etc......put the gt-four stuff back on and there u go! no more hassels! just be careful and not wreck!!!! |
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Aug 16, 2003 - 7:02 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Aug 30, '02 From Anaheim, CA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
you are allowed to drive a show car a total of 1500 miles a year, and some one is sent to check the car yearly. its pretty easy to disable an odometer but you do have a very good point, and that is another method one can take to import a gt4. -------------------- 1994 Celica GT4 WRC Edition
@gt4.wrc on Instagram |
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Aug 16, 2003 - 8:03 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Oct 31, '02 From Boise, ID Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
I was talking to my dad bout stupid american importing laws, and he had an idea.
Import the car into meixco to avoid the hassle at the docks. Take an old junker celica down, same year, hopefully a GT. Switch VIN numbers. Re-registar the next time. Then sometime after you registar, go to the dmv with the false vins removed, say "someone switched vin numbers when I bought it. Look there are differnt ones underneath this sticker." Then on your registration they will switch it to the correct ones. My dad bought a porsche from italy, and the importer wrote down the wrong vin. When he took it by the DMV, they checked the real vin, then switched it, no questions asked. So, you've got a gt-4 registered as a GT with the gt-4 vin number in the database. Mildly illegal, but I'm gunna do it in a couple years once I get the money ($3,500 from summer work in my "gt-4" account.) -------------------- psalm 69 |
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Aug 17, 2003 - 12:11 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Jun 10, '03 From Miami, FL Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Check this site out, very useful info. Should help with a lot of the questions about show cars, racing cars etc.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ |
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Aug 17, 2003 - 1:25 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Aug 30, '02 From Anaheim, CA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
i think some one should send in an application for determination of whether a GT4 is special enough to import as a show car
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import...termineelig.pdf or supply me with pics that would make is look special enough to have as a show car. like a couple of rally pics and a few pics of nice, modified GT4's and i will send in the app. along with info on how the car performed in rally's and total production numbers. if the car is approved, then that will open up the door for having a gt4 as a show car, drivable for 2500 miles a year. if not, then its something we tried. -------------------- 1994 Celica GT4 WRC Edition
@gt4.wrc on Instagram |
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Sep 23, 2003 - 12:32 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 18, '02 From Northern, Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
yes, I know Ive been gone for a while, sorry guys, been getting into martials arts hardcore so its been taking up my time. Well as I promised I'm finally here in texas so I'm going to start the process of actually importing the car, I'll try to become more active on this board. you know just been busy with other interest. so havent post a lot.
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Sep 23, 2003 - 12:56 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 5, '03 From Bethesda, MD Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
well I have been reading over this thread and I think that this is a great idea. But I have a better idea on how to get a 3sgte because that is basically what you are going for here. If there was a large natural disaster like the hurricane I just whent through you could claim insurance and just convert your Celi for free like I am! Now where to find some natural disaters that will ruin everyones engines without completely destroying the car...
lol
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Sep 23, 2003 - 2:37 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 30, '02 From Michigan Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
coustoe... if you are buying a GT4, are you keeping your other celica? with the combat kit and everything too? just curious, thanks
--------------------  Believer, you'll leave her, in leaving them all No but I don't buy it Like anything you do, as anyone you are Cause I'm... Ten Speed, of God's Blood & Burial |
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Sep 23, 2003 - 10:44 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Wrong. A modded-up 3S-GTE is better with AWD instead of FWD. |
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Sep 23, 2003 - 11:18 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 19, '03 From S/East. UK Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Guys
I have imported a few cars from japan I have a few contacts. I am also looking into ways of importing JDM cars into the US remember where there's a will there's a way I must say the Mexico one sounds the greater option to me. Sourcing the car of your dreams is no problem average cars sold at auction / week 70,000 I will keep an eye on this thread & let you guys know as soon as i find out any more details. I am also trying to get a crash test report for the GT-Four There is another way of owning a GT-Four.......................move!!! lol (sorry you'll get used to my humour) -------------------- ....'SilverMachine'.... Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 "Hybrid"
 for more info visit:- http://www.jordanracing.moonfruit.com |
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Sep 24, 2003 - 1:22 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Nov 15, '02 From Corona & Vallejo, CA Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Importing into the US isn't the issue... the main issue is FEES... fees up the yin yang...
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Sep 24, 2003 - 5:05 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Sep 6, '03 From Fairbanks AK Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
question about your mexico option, is there anyway to do this in canada? mexico is bit far from alaska!!!! and if there are any importers bringing them over in the lower 48 i would be interested in flying down and driving back up.
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Sep 24, 2003 - 10:22 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined May 17, '03 From Ontario, Canada Currently Offline Reputation: 1 (100%) |
Canada is not an option unless the car is more than 15 years old!!!
I checked into this and the rules are VERY strict here. Thank the autoworkers for protecting their jobs... If it is more than 15 years old, it is easy... Here is a very good article on the rules and a guy who imported a london taxi: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mj/import.htm |
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Sep 24, 2003 - 2:12 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Sep 4, '03 From Twin Cities MN Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
ok, first off i must admit i did not read all these posts, so sue me if im making someone else's point, but has anyone thought about how you would get insurance on this car? You sure cant use the oringinal vin in the states being that it isnt street legal or in any insurance database. Yes, you could get a title from a wreck and claim it as a st or gt, but if your car gets broken into, stolen, or in an accident, you are likely going to kiss the car goodbye. Not to mention if the accident is your fault, cause then you are likely to have your car impounded permanently due to the fact that it isnt street-legal unless you paid tons of cash to have it provenn that it meets crash test standards. It has always been my understanding that the rules are so strict that pretty much it's impossible to make a car that was not sold or intended for sale in the u.s. street legal. Anybody remeber the porsce 959 back in the late 80's? Bill Gates wanted to have one to drive here in the U.S., but even he couldent make it happen after he found out he would have to crash test a few to prove its saftey. So, i'm assuming that if he couldent make it happen, im thinking most people can't. I'll wait till i have proof before I become a believer.
-------------------- Car #3: 98 Accord LX- purchased 5/06, totaled 8/06
Car #2: 95 Celica GT- purchased 8/03, current daily driver Car #1: 01 Focus ZX3- purchased 5/01, sold 8/03 |
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Sep 26, 2003 - 5:18 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Riiight..."Bill Gates can't afford a few cars." Uh-huh.
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Sep 26, 2003 - 10:51 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Sep 4, '03 From Twin Cities MN Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
its true- it was a big joke i dunno, about 6 years ago or so on the news, i swear to it- They said that since porsche diddent crash test anybecause it was so low volume, he would have to buy about 10 of them and have them crash tested to see if they would meet federal standards. He said forget it and gave up.
-------------------- Car #3: 98 Accord LX- purchased 5/06, totaled 8/06
Car #2: 95 Celica GT- purchased 8/03, current daily driver Car #1: 01 Focus ZX3- purchased 5/01, sold 8/03 |
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Sep 28, 2003 - 11:00 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Mar 5, '03 Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I wonder if you could take the car apart and rebuild it, then register it as a kit/replica car?
hehehe
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Sep 28, 2003 - 11:51 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Dec 26, '02 From Alabama Currently Offline Reputation: 2 (100%) |
take it and a US celica.... put your door panels, rear end, interior parts that will fit, and anything else that has any chance of fitting on it...(including your vin number and such) and claim you built it from the ground up. You are ever-loving screwed if they discover you did it,(insurance fraud anybody?) but if you never had any problems, you would be the man!
Jon |
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Nov 9, 2003 - 9:46 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
*Bump*.
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Nov 9, 2003 - 10:56 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 9, '03 From St. Louis Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
bringing back old threads---grr
-------------------- [img]http://photos-081.facebook.com/n6/081/n15913038_30266081_3342.jpg[/img]
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Nov 10, 2003 - 4:30 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 9, '03 From winter springs, fl Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
well i am new here and just saw this thread. wich is kind of funyn because i have been trying to fidn a way to import a gt-4 for quite awhile now. a lot of good sounding ideas on here. i actually have all the paperwork needed to get a replica/kit car/rebuild title. you need all the major reciepts showing that you built it. you have to have the title of the chassis, and it coudlnt have been in a accident. and it has to be american parts.....damn. i then called all around trying to find out what would have to be done, the DOT, and i got the ultimate run around, each person i called would give me someone elses number and so on, i ended up calling about 22 people and the last guy i talked to gave me the number of the first girl i taked to....great....so that went nowhere. right now i am talking to an importer in miami to see if he can get a gt-four, but thats only half the problem. i still need to make it legal/register and inusre it. so right now im still baffled. but i want one really bad.
what ever happened to coustoe?....did he ever import his supra? |
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Nov 11, 2003 - 8:52 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Sep 30, '02 From Washington Spokane / Coeur D' Alene Idaho Currently Offline Reputation: 11 (100%) |
#bump#
-------------------- yea your 3sgte is cool but ill stick to my 7agte
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Nov 11, 2003 - 9:01 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jan 30, '03 From Virginia Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I haven't heard from Coustoe in a while. I hope to hear from him soon.
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Nov 20, 2003 - 7:43 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 9, '03 From winter springs, fl Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
so i guess nobody has anyhting new for his huh? this was such a good thread too, woulda been nice to know if someone pulled it off.
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Nov 23, 2003 - 3:59 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 18, '02 From Texas Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I've got a question: what about kit cars that you see people driving on the street? I see people driving around dune buggies where the body is nothing but a tube cage. Does anyone know how these are legal to drive on the streets, maybe there's a loophole that might work, just a a thought.
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Dec 1, 2003 - 1:04 AM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 18, '02 From Texas Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
So nobody knows about these types of cars??
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Dec 4, 2003 - 9:10 AM
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 Enthusiast Joined Oct 24, '03 From Cyprus Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
Hey guys I feel so sorry for you.
I got my GT4 by just making one transfer of money to Japan and a month later i went to the port, pay customs about 1.5 times additional duties and taxes and drove off. A lot of people in my country just put the GT4 engine in their regular Celicas. It just fits in but the some problems arise with the gearbox if you abuse it. |
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Dec 4, 2003 - 12:13 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 4, '02 From Davenport Iowa Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
I am not familar with other states laws but in Iowa there are NO emissions.. we have not tests or inspections or anything. I would think if you could find a seller in japand or europe or where ever you located a gt4 and had then stript the car down and ship as much as poissble via ups or fedex or another company like that... im talkin hood fenders interior motor etc.. the car that would be shipped over would basically just be a shell.. think that would be real easy to pass off as parts
something you also have to think about... we all own celicas as it is.. which means we have a full set of vin numbers that are already street legal.. yea it's kinda shady but in a state like iowa where they're not too strict on things it would be easy to pass a left hand gt4 off as a repainted gt with the same vin# that would also cover the insurance thing.. just tell them that you did a motor swap and such. I know what I am talkin about is illegal but hey I would take the chance. Personally if I where to import a GT4 then I would just save up a litte more and get a skyline..which I am serisouly thinking about doing if I dont end up getting a 350 nexy year. another thing you will have to consider about getting the gt4 is the avaliablity of parts for the 205 3sgte.. there EXPENSIVE> its one of the reasons I swapped the top end on mine to a 185 --------------------  99 project version 3.0.. hello SEMA 2010 =) |
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Dec 11, 2003 - 9:26 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Jun 14, '03 From VANCITY Canada Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
OMGSH this is something I so want to do! Since I'm in Canada I'll have to wait till 2009 before I can import a GT-4 T.T
Oh well, I won't have enough cash before then anyways. |
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Dec 31, 2003 - 9:49 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Dec 6, '03 From Jersey Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
im bringing thios thread back.
can we make this thread a sticky?? well i read couple replies, and btw how bout that guy whos sellin his GT4 in New York?? damn its just like an hour away from my place. where is that guy on this site??? i wanna hear ur reply is his GT4 strett legal?? can u just take a vin number from regular celi and say u put bod kits and engine swap on it?? when insepction comes cant u just buy an inspection sticker??? my dream is to import a 97-99 GT4 with c-one front bumper. if its possible
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Jan 1, 2004 - 8:03 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Nov 18, '02 From Texas Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
That guys name was truejigga and I'm not sure if he actually sold it yet
NO, it wasn't street legal, he just had some Florida plates on it and never got pulled over. You could possibly take your vin number off and say that you've put a body kit and all that stuff but its very illegal and your car would most likely be impounded indefinetly if you got caught. Pretty much same thing with the inspection, it would be illegal but I'm sure it happens all the time. |
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Mar 30, 2004 - 2:11 PM
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Enthusiast Joined Jun 14, '03 From VANCITY Canada Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) |
OMFG.......someone get this..QUICK
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