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Any experience importing a car? - biotechee - 04-07-2011

Does anyone have any experience importing a car, or know of a reputable agency/company that can do it for you?

Any experience importing a car? - williamoss - 04-10-2011

This is a long shot. When I bought my car from Pete RS Barn I used a company called Coast to Coast Auto Transport. I friend has made 13 cross country trips with them. I was very pleased also. Their phone number is 800-794-9009. Tell them you know me, William Moss, and my friends name is Art Dworkin. I am sure if they do it it will be a good job, if not perhaps they can recommend someone to you.

Any experience importing a car? - biotechee - 04-10-2011

Thanks William... for the time being, I'm just doing some fact finding so I'll give them a call and see what they know.



If I'm fortunate enough, a 968 coupe as a daily driver may be in my future. Right now, I'm at about 15% possibility. If I get closer to 100%, I'll be looking for a coupe and I definitely want a unique color... No silver (sorry Jay!), no red (sorry Tomikaze) and no black (unless Big Carl wants to sell his M030!).



I'd love to snag a maritime blue or speed yellow (fat chance!). Amethyst or violet blue are at the top as well. Then there's the choices if you import - signal green, rubystone, etc.

Any experience importing a car? - hot968 - 04-10-2011

I found a Porsche I really wanted but it was in Japan. I was ready to buy when we found out it was not equiped with what is needed for US market. I was told I could not buy it. It can be in another country but has to be built to US spec's. If it is Euro spec's no good. I am not sure if this is what u were asking about importing a car. I was so dissapointed when I found out I could not have this car. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Any experience importing a car? - jg968 - 04-11-2011

A friend of mine imported a 928GTS from Europe and used his existing 928GTS to supply parts to the certification company in order to get it to pass the US specs. He was successful. Not sure what it cost him but I'm sure the fact that he didn't have to buy new parts saved him a bundle.



Jerry

Any experience importing a car? - jeff968 - 04-11-2011

Jerry,

How did your friend find out what needed to be changed? The Japanese 968 already has left hand drive and airbags. I wonder what else is different? Now that the 968s are getting older importing should get easier. I know a number of 959s are in the US now based on the "older show car" rules.

Jeff

Any experience importing a car? - tim944s - 04-11-2011

I have brought cars into Canada from the US and Japan. Apart from airbags, seatbelts and daytime running lights, I would think it would be easier to bring into the US. I may be wrong.

Any experience importing a car? - Big Carl - 04-12-2011

Sorry Biotechee, no chance im selling!

As far as bringing a car into the US, find someone serving overseas and have them bring it in. Im not sure on the rules and regs, but my friend was air force, stationed in Germany for 5 years, when he finally came home he was allowed to bring 1 car. Between his 944 and his 328is he chose the bimmer, something about his wife not liking the p-car... <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Any experience importing a car? - flash - 04-12-2011

i've only done it once, it was quite a while ago, and for a customer at my shop, so my memory is a bit fuzzy on this one but:



ride height can be a problem - they measure the center of he headlights and tail lights - there is a specific minimum they must meet, and 968 M030 cars do not meet it at euro spec ride height, so you have to spin them up to US height



tires must be DOT approved



brakes must be DOT approved



check engine light must function



license plate size and fitment front and rear must be US spec



obviously the airbags and cat and such, and i'm sure there's more

Any experience importing a car? - jg968 - 04-12-2011

The 928GTS was coming from Germany, so the steering wheel was in the right location :-) The US certification facility, located in Houston, told him what was needed. As I remember, two of the items were headlights and the catalytic converter. He was bringing in a '92. They only sold '93-'95 928GTS's here. I would think the 968 would be very similar.



Jerry

Any experience importing a car? - williamoss - 04-14-2011

I thought there was a one time lifetime exemption to allow you to bring in a non USA model car. Of course getting it registered might be a problem.

Any experience importing a car? - hot968 - 04-14-2011

I really wanted this car and have called a few people even spoke to Vu at the PCNA headquarters and it seems there is no way to bring this Porsche here. I don't kwow for sure what it is missing in reference to the emissions and safety futures. The tires ride height all can be worked out, but at this point I have to give up on it. So dissappointing. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Any experience importing a car? - hot968 - 04-15-2011

Just a thought I know alot of forum members travel. Anyone going to Japan by any chance or a member that lives there?

Just a thought I know alot of forum members travel. Anyone going to Japan by any chance or a member that lives there?

Any experience importing a car? - jg968 - 04-16-2011

The 928 owner I mentioned that brought a European 928GTS into the US and got it certified is on the RL 928 forum. He can give you all the details if you are interested. He told me it cost him over $13K for certification and that was using donor parts from one of his other cars. Anyway, if anyone wants the details, post your question there. He's "pcar928fan" on the list.



Jerry