The 25 year rule: Which car would you import?

[spencurai]

The 25 year rule means cars from 1989 or older can be imported. Canada got some nifty models that we did not namely the http://www.gtrusablog.com/2014/01/first-1989-nissan-skyline-gt-r-imported.html first 1989 Nissan Skyline to come across the border LEGALLY.

What would you bring into the states?

 

[Cascadia]

I was looking into this but mine was not 25 years old. It was an 08 Audi s3 tdi Quattro. Too bad it wasn't a 5 year rule.

 

[spencurai]

We have Mercedes to thank for that...always trying to keep the Audi lovers down!

http://www.gtrusablog.com/2011/03/this-is-reason-nissan-skyline-is.html

 

[Cascadia]

Just asking. I have seen quite a few rhd and Japanese versions of Hondas and Acura. Legit ones with papers, not conversions. Are these illegal then? How are they registered if not?

 

[TJDukit]

I know there is a way to do it, I never looked too far into it when I was stationed overseas but I know there are legal ways to import a car.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

There is legal-legal, and then there is grey market legal... i.e. they are here and they are titled but they don't meet EPA compliance (which says 25 years) and could be subject to expulsion and or forfiture. I have dozens of customers in both categories and I myself have a legal JDM import Land Cruiser (and more en route ). All depends on how much $$$ you have, how much risk your willing to take and how sneaky you want to be about something. I want to use my Cruisers, advertise my Cruisers and allow customers to see them as well, thus anything I do is 100% US import legal.

 

[Rock Taco]

That would depend on how much money I had.

 

[Stephen]

Shooting from the hip here, not much thought:

Peugeot 205 T16
Audi S1 Quattro Sport
Nissan Skyline R32
Toyota AE86 (JDM Spec)
Lada Niva
Lancia Delta S4 Stradale
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Ford RS200
MG Metro 6R4

List could go on.

 

[dutchman]

Nissan Skyline R32
Toyota AE86 (JDM Spec)
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Ford RS200

Top ones on my list.

 

[Stephen]

Top ones on my list.

Then you have good taste.

 

[rondo]

Nissan patrol, followed closely by mil spec Mercedes g wagon then mil spec land rover.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

i'd like a V8 diesel Patrol. But i don't think they made those 25 years ago.

 

[Rock Taco]

Here are a few.

70 series land crusier

2nd gen nissan skyline gtr (prefer 1971)


1969 or later toyota 2000gt

 

[Stephen]

1969 or later toyota 2000gt
View attachment 87631

Here you go:

http://bringatrailer.com/2014/01/03/bat-exclusive-restored-1968-toyota-2000gt/

Only $849,000!

 

[Rock Taco]

I'm gonna have to check my change jar and see what I can come up with.

 

[skeptic]

I dunno, maybe a TVR S? As cool as some old Euro/JDM cars may be I think the US is entering a good period of time for cars. I know, loss of Hummer and some GM brands, but look at cars in general. You have companies like Hyundai selling a ~350hp RWD coupe for under $35k. Mustang/Camaro/Challenger battles. Subaru BRZ/Toyota FR-S. Sporty AWD?? We now get the Evo, WRX and STi. Not to mention all the other AWD cars out there..

Maybe I'm just soured on classic cars. I can't think of a single 25+ year old car that was never imported to the US that I'd consider buying over a much newer car that's already here.