loftedfalcon

Hiya,

I guess that the title of this post says it all.

Can this be done? Has anyone actually tried it and what is the procedure if so?

MrEmjoy

Before we go any further, what kind of car is it, year etc.

loftedfalcon

Hiya,

Its a Subaru Imprezza WRX and it's an 03 plate (6 years old)

The reason I was thinking of thinking of importing it is that I won't be able to buy one of my own as I don't even have a visa to go yet and my fiancée and I won't have enough money for a while for her to get one for me to drive in her name.

Is it even viable in your opinion and if not, why not?

MrEmjoy

So you're sending it ahead for your fiance to use!

Well firstly people do do it, but it's more common for the older cars, the newer the car the less likely it is to do it.

There are many things to take into consideration and when you add up all the costs, you may find it easier to sell the car and use the money to get a new car.

This website may be of assistance

CLICK IT

loftedfalcon

Thanks for that although the reason is different.

My Fiancée already has a car and I intend to go over in November and use my car over there. We can't afford a decent second car and my car isn't worth very much so I doubt the sale would cover the cost of a new one over there in Kansas.

Change your mind?

henryh

Importing will cost several thousand. It's not worth it except for cars that are extremely valuable, or those that are impossible to buy in the US. Forget it.

penguinsix

There are two major issues, the duties/fees involved and the safety/emissions requirements. It's actually quite difficult to bring a car into the US unless it is > 25 years old (ask all the folks trying to import Rovers & London taxis). (Note: the emissions requirements may vary depending on the state you live in)

http://foreignborn.com/visas_imm/ent...ingyourcar.htm

fatbrit

I'm going with HenryH. Bad idea! Sell your Subaru and buy again here.

mayhemuk

Just looked at craigslist.com and there are recent models for $15k and older ones for less the $10k.
Which makes it look less and less economic. Plus yours is presumaby RHD.
Not sure what issues servicing/repair will present either?

Ray

You will get tied up in red tape and type approval ..forget it ...

chartreuse

Cheaper than that, if he's less fussy. We bought an '04 Grand Am for under $5K the other week and that was from a dealer. Looking on autotrader UK, the cheapest car like the OP's is going for £4500, so he could sell it in the UK, buy a car over here and have a good chunk of cash left in his pocket.

Compared to that, shipping it would be lunacy.

Bob

Simply put...naaa...it's not a goer, not for a banged out Suburu....if you want to recoup some money on it, part it up and sell it as a parts car.

loftedfalcon

Thanks guys.


I've signed that one off as a terrible idea!

BritishGuy36

Shipping a car over under these circumstances would be lunacy - forget it.

The shipping charges and fees etc alone would be enough to buy something to get your fiance by!

OP, just do what makes sense - sell it and send her the money!

Nice. My 2005 Grand Am was $7k 6 months ago.

veryfunny

Only 4 days ago, I saw a mini cooper, right hand drive on the road. So, it is possible.