importing a Diesel from Canada to USA - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chiwanga · #1 03-28-2006, 12:33 AM

I have been wanting a 90's model Diesel Toyota Hi-lux and or landcruiser for a while, and they seem to be available in Canada. I also would like to import several model cars from europe including the diesel mini couper. What all is involved in importing a non-smog car into California?

arcticathlon · #2 03-28-2006, 12:40 AM

my wife's dad works at a chrysler dealership and he said that you can only register a diesel in Cali if it has more than 75k on it. so if i were to want a Jetta or something in cali you need to buy one with more than 75k on it. i know there are other limitations and laws, as it is not possible to purchase a canada diesel smart car in canada and register it in the US. not sure, but it is not possible yet.

greasybenz · #3 03-28-2006, 12:42 AM

no no not 75K

7,500 miles. And as for registering an out of the country diesel into the US is like trying to find an alien in area 51. Almost impossible!

Many discuss this on the tdiclub forum when wanting to import a VW touareg TDI from central america but most of the time people arent able to. They said its easier to swap the engine with a diesel rather then bring the car itself. And if you import it illegally and the fed's find it they will take it and destroy it.

EDIT: if you want a diesel toyota, go to guatemala or a engine importer and get a hilux diesel engine and drop it in a toyota truck that has a blown 22R. They match right up to the tranny and engine mounts.

arcticathlon · #4 03-28-2006, 12:46 AM

found this, it might help you.

http://www.buyclassiccars.com/import.asp

compress ignite · #5 03-28-2006, 01:07 AM

There is a 204 H.P. turbo-diesel (inline Six) that Toyota has made "Forever" and
is available in the Land Cruiser 100 in Panama [and certain Carribean countrys].
You would cry at the miles per gallon (30) {with an automatic}
If you could "Sneak" one into the U.S. only "Loyd's" of London would insure ,and
then at pricey rates.

Because Mercedes and Volkswagen spent millions of dollars(U.S.) lobbying our
government back in the '80's "Gray Market" importing is virtually impossible.

If you pick an auto that already comes into the U.S. (say the Mercedes "C"
class) you would get a break from D.O.T. ,Because the chassis is already
approved.

BUT if it was the "C 200 D" ,"C 220D" or the "C 320 D" the E.P.A. would get you
BECAUSE North American Mercedes (Montvale ,N.J.) has not passed the
regulations for import of those motors.
It could be done ,BUT it is not economically feasible by an individual owner.

Think about the amount of pollution that a class 8 over the road diesel truck
emits.
Think about the amount of pollution that a single commercial jet emits.

AND the E.P.A. is beating us over the head about importing a diesel engine
THAT RUNS CLEANER THAN ANY GASOLINE ENGINE????????????????????????

FIND your congressperson and Senator(s) and kick them in the bank account!

Belay my last, our governmant is run by lobbypersons and BIG OIL (spelled :
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue) are not amused by your attempts at importing
a fuel efficient , non polluting vehicle on your own.
Not to mention Ford or G.M. , who would have you buy the crap they push
out the gate at their domestic plants.

compress ignite · #6 03-28-2006, 01:07 AM

There is a 204 H.P. turbo-diesel (inline Six) that Toyota has made "Forever" and
is available in the Land Cruiser 100 in Panama [and certain Carribean countrys].
You would cry at the miles per gallon (30) {with an automatic}
If you could "Sneak" one into the U.S. only "Loyd's" of London would insure ,and
then at pricey rates.

Because Mercedes and Volkswagen spent millions of dollars(U.S.) lobbying our
government back in the '80's "Grey Market" importing is virtually impossible.

If you pick an auto that already comes into the U.S. (say the Mercedes "C"
class) you would get a break from D.O.T. ,Because the chassis is already
approved.

BUT if it was the "C 200 D" ,"C 220D" or the "C 320 CDI" the E.P.A. would get you
BECAUSE North American Mercedes (Montvale ,N.J.) has not passed the
regulations for import of those motors.
It could be done ,BUT it is not economically feasible by an individual owner.

Think about the amount of pollution that a class 8 over the road diesel truck
emits.
Think about the amount of pollution that a single commercial jet emits.

AND the E.P.A. is beating us over the head about importing a diesel engine
THAT RUNS CLEANER THAN ANY GASOLINE ENGINE????????????????????????

FIND your congressperson and Senator(s) and kick them in the bank account!

Belay my last, our governmant is run by lobbypersons and BIG OIL (spelled :
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue) are not amused by your attempts at importing
a fuel efficient , non polluting vehicle on your own.
Not to mention Ford or G.M. , who would have you buy the crap they push
out the gate at their domestic plants.

Diesel Giant · #7 03-28-2006, 05:02 AM

If you want to import and car into the US it needs to be 25 years old or older. Otherwise is will cost thousands to get the EPA emisson letter, replace ALL the glass to DOT specs and bumpers, seat belt light etc. etc.

The govt. makes it all put impossible to do it due to the $$ needed to bring it up to spec.

OMEGAMAN · #8 03-28-2006, 10:29 AM

I imported a truck from canada once and all that was involved was going down to the DMV in denver and registering it. They sent me a title a few weeks later in the mail.
I also used to do some work for a car dealer in Vancouver who would export to the US all the time. Some of the cars could be driven across the border with no problems and others needed the help of an importer. Most canadian cars meet US federal crash standards and emission standards. For example Acura Legends used to be built the same for both markets except for the speedo you could drive it across the border with no problems and have it converted into miles when you got here.
Contact an importer and tell him what you want to do you might be suprised!

Tomlinson · #9 03-28-2006, 10:35 AM

To Import a vehicle into the US you need to get a letter form the manufacturer that in the year it was manufactured it met all EPA and DOT safety standards that were in effect at the time. If you bring a car in illegally A) there is a $5000 fine, B) you will not be alble to register it because you need paper work from US customs. I have imported vehicles form Canada and it is not as bad as it seems. It easier to use a vehicle importer, they title the vehicle, change the speedo, and take about $500-$700 of your money. Try NAFTA in Lethbridge Alberta, yes that is the name of the company. I tried to find a listing for it, it is behind the Chrylser dealer.

Gary T

Mismost · #10 03-28-2006, 11:04 AM

You know I see strings of mini-trucks heading south into Mexico all the time and I see cars outta Mexico heading North all the time. What would stop you from just buying the truck and driving it home? Find a similar "salvage truck" and salvage the VIN numbers....car crooks do it all the time! Ain't legal I'm sure of that, but it ain't like bank robbing either....you're just helping the truck make it's transition to it's new country and making it easy for the local deptartment of motors to do their paperwork and collect the taxes. Don't break any laws, but bend 'em a bit.

Frankly, I liked the buy a crate motor and transplant idea. I don't bend near as many laws as I used to!

JWJ · #11 03-28-2006, 11:33 AM

How do you explain to the Inspection/Emission station that you have a diesel engine in a car/truck thats VIN says its a gas?

pawoSD · #12 03-28-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWJ

How do you explain to the Inspection/Emission station that you have a diesel engine in a car/truck thats VIN says its a gas?

What if your state doesn't have any emissions inspections?

(Many do not, including Michigan)

pmari · #13 03-28-2006, 12:03 PM

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/VIG_Canada07032.html

Martin · #14 03-28-2006, 12:49 PM

I drove a right hand drive Nissan diesel pickup across the Canadian border, registered it in California and insured it with State Farm. No problems what so ever. I made sure I had an EPA excemption letter and a DOT compliance letter (even though they were never requested when I registered the truck), both of which are available online. You need to keep in mind ...

25 years old or more
diesel - California doesn't require a smog inspection
most important - the same type chassis was sold in the US

These newer Landcruisers that you see on eBay may pose a problem with DOT certification since those chassis types were never sold in the US. FJ40, FJ45, FJ60, etc. were sold here so there is no DOT issue.

On the other hand, you may get lucky. The DMV clerk may not give a rats ass about what you're trying to register and just push the paperwork through.

Diesel Giant · #15 03-28-2006, 05:32 PM

It may be a little bit easier to drive across the border, than having it shipped via a container and ship. That goes straight to customs and then you better have a good amount of the proper paperwork.