Hi, I'm new to the forum and wanted to get some feedback from other fellow forumites.
I've been thinking of importing a Canadian diesel to the US for resale. I've done this once before but it was the other way around, a US vehicle heading into Canada. It was fairly involved process but in the end it worked out well for both the buyer and the seller. I got to visit with family and the buyer got a great deal.

Anyone else considering doing the same? Or looking for something specific? I imagine there is a small population interested in Non-US models for conversion.

Michael

Have a look here for some useful information about importing used vehicles.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel...-before-posting.html

Michael,

Any vehicle over 25 years old is considered a "classic", and pretty much can be imported without restrictions. However, if your local EPA has Smog testing, that may still apply.

Vehicles less than 25 years old are a bigger problem, assuming there is no "US Version" available.

There are a few loopholes. And, it will certainly help if you have friends & family on both sides of the border.

I think some of the loopholes are things like:

• If you inherit a vehicle from a Canadian Family Member who dies, you can import it to the USA without restrictions.
  
• I think there is also something that a Canadian can drive a vehicle into the USA... (perhaps with a temporary import). But, then change their mind, and sell the vehicle in the USA.
  
• The DOT/EPA has cleared some vehicles (most with similar US counterparts) for import. They have to be imported using a "Registered Importer", and will likely require some modification. You may be required to replace the O2 sensor, make sure you have a MPH speedometer, scrub the car, including undercarriage, etc.
  
• It is possible to become a "registered importer". I think it costs about $5,000 / year to register. As a registered importer, you can sponsor a review of a vehicle by the EPA/DOT, also for a couple of thousand, perhaps with an annual maintenance fee to sponsor it.

If you are wanting to import 1 or 2 cars, primarily for "personal use", you might try to get one through using a loophole.

However, if you wish to make a small business, then I'd encourage to go through a registered importer, or become one yourself, and "do it by the book".

Ohhh..

Here is the "official" EPA notes:

http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/canadian.htm

I think it says you can import any 1988 to 1995 vehicle.
The 25 year rule would apply to 1984 and older vehicles.

So, there is a gap between 1985 and 1987.

Also, see the additional notes for other specific models, listed by year.