Importing a GT4 (Revisited) Options

[K12UDE]

I didnt say it was 15,000 to 20,000 I said to me it would be a fair price.

I really cant see it costing more the 10,000 but then I dont know enough about your DOT rules & regs to know the exact cost.

I got a check list for the DOT regs but there is no mention of airbags...

1) Remove and replace the speedometer (If not already KPH)
2) Install a warning light with the word "BRAKE" into the speedometer
3) Replace headlight assemblies with DOT certified lights
4) Install a high mounting, third brake light
5) Modify/Replace door locks with US certified door locks
6) Install a tire information label
7) Replace the passenger side mirror to reflect "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR"
8) Install a seat belt & key warning buzzer
9) Install door beams into the doors to comply with side impact protection regulations (FMVSS-214)
10) Install a rollover valve
11) Install engraved VIN (vehicle identification number) plate
12) Install VIN location label
13) Install a certification label
14) Remove and document bumpers
15) If necessary, modify and reinforce bumpers to comply with US federal bumper standards (FMVSS-581)
16) Determine if there are any outstanding recalls on this vehicle
17) Remedy all outstanding recalls

To do all of that wont cost much I'm sure, but some of these things are really stupid like number 7 I mean how many cars have mirrors that show an object its exact size???? if you dont know that you should be on the road for god sake.
& number 2 what the hell read the soddin car manual, I mean what are they going to do next get you to read a note with diagrams on how to put a key in the ignition & turn the engine on everytime you drive the car????

Yeah sad story about WRC but you have to admire the workmanship of the tur-bot one guy said it was such a pro job they could believe what they were seeing

This post has been edited by K12UDE: Oct 6, 2004 - 10:03 AM

[pokemeintheeye]

My friend got his type r for around $13,000. Its gonna cost the r32 and r34 from around $30,000 to $40,000. $15,000 for a low miles gtfour I would gladly pay for if I could find the funds for it. Cause for one thing, its worth more than that. You can still find '98 & '99 gt's for that much money. I don't believe you'll be able to buy, import and legalize a gtfour for $10,000 and under.

[turboinduction]

did a little research. The only way a GT4 could be imported, is if....

1. Toyota of Japan signs a legal paper saying that the GT4 model year will pass safety standards and present crash test data for the model year. Unlikely imho.

2. The vehicle must be a pre-1996 unless you plan to install OBDII on it. Very expensive.

3. Since the vehicle doesn't have the OK from EPA and the DOT, you'll have to get a RI (registered importer) to make a petition for the vehicle to be imported in good intrest.

The only thing the GT4 has in common with the GT USDM is the name. The engine used was never made in the US. The drivetrain is unlike no US model. And of course its RHD.

According to DOT, the only RHD Japanese vehicle that has fully been made street legel (underline street) is the Skyline GTS GTR 1990-1999.

I say goodluck, but guys...dont hold your breath.

-Ti

[K12UDE]

Thats doesnt sound too good but dont give up hope didnt 95WRC say he imported his GT4????

Maybe he could provide more details as to what is or is not needed.

I am just thinking if the car has to go through the DOT test why would Toyota need to write a statement saying the car met the safety standards wouldnt that come out of the DOT tests????

[boosted_K2]

theres no guarantee 95WRC is going to get his car street-legalized yet. he hasnt said anything about it so far.

because the DOT testing requires crash test results, and unless we want to pay for the cars the US government needs to do the testing, we need Toyota Japan to provide their crash test results which is unlikely

[boosted_K2]

[95WRC]

hey,
my car will never be legal in the way you might think . like i said 10 years of waiting and research will not go to waste ..

i am not even dealing with DOT as that is a waste of time ..

my car was brought in as clip (listed as 2 clips) so there is no way i could go to DOT anyway ..

i have not talked about legalizing since my car still needs repaired so i have not even started titling yet ..

i am not saying do this but look at kid in NH with red ebay 96 GT4 .. it has swapped vins, went through inspection and no issues .. cops make fun of him for driving on wrong side..

heck i was stopped by some guy in MT at a mcdonalds and this buddy had a RHD silva titled in MT . with jap vin ..

like i said you get GT4 into country and rest will be easy ..but car will never be DOT legal at least on paper ..

[ST205_Wales]

Not all ST205's are RHD

some do come with dual airbags i believe

easy to get KMPH speedo's as the japanese cars have these

99% of WRC cars are 1993 and 1994 cars

and they Rock sorry could'nt resist that .
btw didnt you get the gen 3 3S GTE in the mr2 turbo . latest ones ?

This post has been edited by ST205_Wales: Feb 22, 2005 - 7:26 AM

[Watanbe88]

I have an actual GT-4 in the US and it is titled and tagged in New Hampshire. I have had to go through the list of what is required. I can help a bit if anyone has questions. Also rhd is perfectly fine in the US I have even gotten pulled over and the cop didn't care, just said nice car and to not leave my high-beams on (was talking to friends and didn't see her on coming). Even the inspection station just said nice car and to not mess it up. As far as what it has to have, it basically has to have all the safety and emissions gear of a celica of the same year.

[Watanbe88]

Also note that once a car is through customs and accrossed the border, the DOT and everyone else could care less about it, they only care upon it's entry into the states. Just claim it as a parts car or race car, note that SCCA membership is only $55 and shows that you race or are getting into it.

also 95WRC, mine is also a 95 not 96.

This post has been edited by Watanbe88: Feb 23, 2005 - 10:20 PM

[prompt]

With being in the Navy getting stuff imported is always easier

So I plan on getting a GT-4 by next year

This post has been edited by prompt: Feb 23, 2005 - 11:07 PM