CharCharXD
07-26-2012, 02:40 PM
Thanks for clicking my thread! :bowrofl::rofl: Okay so the reason I'm starting this thread is because I've been getting a lot of mixed answers while I was searching how to import and register a Japanese vehicle. Some things factual and others not. But my goal with this thread is to get set information that from an experienced Zilvilian lol. With over 100,000 users on this site I'm sure at least 1 or 2 of you have imported a car from Japan (lol probably hundreds or thousands:rofl::rofl:). And I'm sure many of you have gotten them legally registered as well. I know it's probably not an easy task but still, I don't want any hate on this thread. I want to keep this totally positive. So don't go posting negative comments and useless information. I don't want the "Just buy an s14 here, who cares about RHD." :fawkd: While I was researching I came across many different answers. So I have a list of questions that I'd like to be answered by someone that has imported a vehicle from Japan and has gotten it registered in the states.
1. How do I import the car I want?
I know there are a bunch of auction houses in Japan. How do they work? Whats the shipping process and how long does the process take? + can someone appoint me to an easy, reliable auction house site? I read that I must give the importer a filled Pro-Forma Invoice? and send money through wire transfer?
2. Once it's here, where do I pick it up?
At this point do you have all the documents of the car yet? Or does that arrive with the car?I'm in Las Vegas so it's pretty easy for me to drive down to LA. Apparently this is a popular drop off point for cargo ships. (lucky for me :D) Who clears the car through customs? How do I hire a Shipping Agent? <-- how did you go upon this issue?
3. What were all the fees you had to pay to pick up the car in the states? (ex, tax, shipping?) How much did you pay for shipping, tax, and shipping agent (if you had one? is it required?)?
4. What paperwork must be filled out? Where do I get this paperwork from from? What fees must be paid to register it? How long does this process take?
Okay so theres all my questions laid out. If someone can answer all these questions that'd be great but you don't have to. But I'm just asking for straight answers and what you had to do to import and register your car. What was your experience like and would you do it again? Rate the difficulty by *. 1 * being easy. 5 * being extremely hard. What car did you import? Looking forward to reading your responses! :rofl: If you read through this whole post I thank you.
1. How do I import the car I want?
I know there are a bunch of auction houses in Japan. How do they work? Whats the shipping process and how long does the process take? + can someone appoint me to an easy, reliable auction house site? I read that I must give the importer a filled Pro-Forma Invoice? and send money through wire transfer?
2. Once it's here, where do I pick it up?
At this point do you have all the documents of the car yet? Or does that arrive with the car?I'm in Las Vegas so it's pretty easy for me to drive down to LA. Apparently this is a popular drop off point for cargo ships. (lucky for me :D) Who clears the car through customs? How do I hire a Shipping Agent? <-- how did you go upon this issue?
3. What were all the fees you had to pay to pick up the car in the states? (ex, tax, shipping?) How much did you pay for shipping, tax, and shipping agent (if you had one? is it required?)?
4. What paperwork must be filled out? Where do I get this paperwork from from? What fees must be paid to register it? How long does this process take?
Okay so theres all my questions laid out. If someone can answer all these questions that'd be great but you don't have to. But I'm just asking for straight answers and what you had to do to import and register your car. What was your experience like and would you do it again? Rate the difficulty by *. 1 * being easy. 5 * being extremely hard. What car did you import? Looking forward to reading your responses! :rofl: If you read through this whole post I thank you.