Importing Vehicles from Overseas

[TWFodor]

It has been a long time dream for me to someday own a Kia Pride Wagon. Obviously there's an issue because they were never sold here in America, so I will need to import one from Germany. I don't plan on doing everything myself because of how much there is to do, so going through a import company is my best option. Has anyone here had any kind of experience with this? If you have, is there a company you recommend? How was your experience?

I've done some basic quick research, but there is just so much information out there. I still need to save more money before I'm ready, so I haven't called anywhere yet.

Oh and I've been falling in love with this one - 34k miles and looks to be in excellent condition - all for less than a grand! So good!

http://www.theparking-cars.com/used-cars-detail/kia-pride/kia-pride-kombi-glxi/DEM8U4PZ.html

[xXxEpicxXx]

definitely suggest a private party importer rather than a big business one. i have friends who have imported cars and there's a local guy who does it here in Seattle who did one for my buddy. he bought the car for 500$ after port fees import fees takes and shipping he ended up paying roughly 8000$ titled for his Honda van. i was thinking of this too. was discussing it with my friend on Sunday actually. Haha. i am all for the 5 door wagon but i gotta save some moo-la for an import like that.

[TWFodor]

he bought the car for 500$ after port fees import fees takes and shipping he ended up paying roughly 8000$ titled for his Honda van.

Woa. Talk about sticker shock. I was figuring it would be around half that. That's crazy! What kind of van was it?

[tehretadr]

I would think that for something like this you'd want to shop around for a price and know how much it would cost before you buy it. That being said I've never bought a car from overseas but I did ship a Festiva from Flordia to Ohio I google search for car shipping and found a site that took my info and let a bunch of car shippers know and then they all contacted me and gave me quotes. Then also you'd probably want to figure out what you have to do for importing a car by calling the local DMV/BMV. That way you should get a rough idea of what the total cost would be.

[w4rkry]

There are a lot of good articles out there talking about peoples experiences (regarding shipping, US customs, registration, etc) and pricing with importing cars from Japan, UK, and Germany. From what I have read, 2k is a minimum price to get a car into the US. Definitely a lot to look into!

[xXxEpicxXx]

11 - 1989 Honda Acty 4WD - Picture courtesy of Murilee Martin_0.jpg this is what he bought (not the exact one) but it was a honda acty its a cool little van though and definitely gets noticed. he lets people advertise on his van since its so unique

[chrisofna]

There are some places that charge a flat rate of $5500 to import, which is ridiculous. I got a quote for about 3k for purchase, tax, tag, and title for a Kei truck by Japstarz. It's who you go through.

[F3BZ]

i can personally recommend highly a big co called SooHoo. they arrange for importation of many things other than cars. i used them to import the GTX from Canada to me in PA. basically, they will send you forms to sign over power of attorney. write a check and wait for the car carrier to show up at your door. they handle everything. port of entry, border crossing, storage, arrange for shipping and all the official paperwork. the cost was well worth it. they were helpful even after i had the car and i was dealing with a hassle from the PA DMV for title. i don't think it matters where the car is coming from, their price is the same. shipping charges will obviously be the biggest expense.
things to consider:
don't buy a car less than 25 years old.
read the federal gov't websites that explain the procedure, requirements and forms needed.
if your state requires an annual inspection or just a first time inspection for title, be aware that you might have to dumb down the car for USA FMVSS such as replacing Euro headlights with halogens. some things are supposed to have DOT labelling such as windshield and glass, lights/lenses, tires, fuel filler pipe with flapper and hole for unleaded nozzle, etc.

[TWFodor]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]21401[/ATTACH] this is what he bought (not the exact one) but it was a honda acty its a cool little van though and definitely gets noticed. he lets people advertise on his van since its so unique

I dig it!

[Eaglefreek]

Great. I didn't know a wagon excited and now I want one.

[w4rkry]

Great. I didn't know a wagon excited and now I want one.

3 door hatch, 5 door hatch, 4 door Sedan, Wagon, they made them all!

[TWFodor]

3 door hatch, 5 door hatch, 4 door Sedan, Wagon, they made them all!

I'd love to have one of each! Probably won't happen though

[Eaglefreek]

Great. I didn't know a wagon excited and now I want one.

Darn auto correct. That was supposed to be existed.