How easy would it be to buy a car in a foreign country and import it here?

[Taverner]

I'm thinking specifically of the Toyota Alphard Hybrid (http://toyota.jp/alphardhybrid/index.html)

Thing is - there are a number of requirements an auto has to satisfy to be "street legal" - and I'm not sure how I'd go about that...

[LynneSin]

1. I know we use to do it all the time the other direction

I use to work for a car dealership years ago and we would ship Jeep Grand Cherokhees overseas to be sold privately. YOu'll have to find someone who handles Import/Export industry to help you out there

[Beware the Beast Man]

2. I'm not certain,

but I would imagine that it is not easy.

[Loonman]

3. Car has to meet American emissions standards

Modification could be expensive.

[LeftyMom]

5. Japan's standards are stricter

and it's a hybrid, so that shouldn't be an issue.

[LeftyMom]

4. I found a link to help

http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/7importingyourcar.htm#yourcarisnot

It looks like the big potential issue is that it has to meet US safety standards. Since the body's largely the same as the Sienna, I should think that's not a concern. :shrug:

A call to the DMV may prove helpful.

[RetroLounge]

6. My friends went to the Volvo Factory in Sweden

and bought one. Wasn't too complicated.

RL

[A HERETIC I AM]

7. Some models are illegal in the states without extensive, expensive

modifications. Also, if the vehicle you linked is designed specifically for the Japanese market it will be right hand drive. Something to consider.

[Taverner]

8. I found a company that does it!

http://www.batfa.com/

It's expensive though - an Alphard Hybrid (basically a Luxury edition of the Sienna)



retails $44.7K + $1.2K shipping. The Estima Hybrid (closer to the Sienna, but a little smaller)



retails $39K + $900 shipping. They also have used cars, and a used 2002 Estima Hybrid goes for $19K + $1.2K shipping.

Probably my next bet would be to call the DMV.

WOOT!