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

[Rivo]

Just as a side note, the 6th gen GT4's use MAP, not AFM. Pretty sure.

[coustoe]

pictures of 1994 gt4 modded with headlights, 18" rims, tinted windows, other mods unknown. Currently available $6500 (in japan)

[coustoe]

another GT4 available in japan cost

$12400; 1998; 26, 000 miles



This post has been edited by coustoe: May 18, 2003 - 6:50 PM

[macavely]

look what i found

This post has been edited by macavely: May 18, 2003 - 7:24 PM

[macavely]

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.

[coustoe]

did you read the first post mac?

[Coomer]

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.

[coustoe]

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

[coustoe]

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

[ScoobyDooCruiser]

QUOTE (macavely @ May 18, 2003 - 4:37 PM)

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.

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.

[coustoe]

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

[coustoe]

error, moderator please delete

This post has been edited by coustoe: May 19, 2003 - 3:37 PM

[coustoe]

anyone double checking my results? getting a second opinion would be nice.

[coustoe]

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

[coustoe]

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

[doGGy]

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

[macavely]

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..

[coustoe]

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.

[coustoe]

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.

[coustoe]

1993 JDM tt Supra 57k miles $2700
damage to rear panel, runs perfectly