 So you want a GT4 JDM?, how to ship a gt4 from japan |
 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?
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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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