Lalanda

Hi,

two years ago I shipped my car which I purchased in the US to the UK. I had it adjusted and licensed to run here.

Now I'm moving back to the US. I can't afford a new car. Would it be impractical to ship my car back to the US? What kind of hoops do I have to jump through, and roughly how expensive are they?

Thanks.

ian-mstm

Yes. Sell the car.


Buy a used one with the money you get from the sale.

Ian

ottotheboar

A specialist car carrier like Wallenius Willhemson should do roll on roll off for around $1200 to the East Coast depending on the size of the car. As long as all the stickers are in place and as the car was sold in the US there should be no issues. It would need to be steam cleaned as if any dirt is found they will charge you around $600 to clean it or maybe send it back. Never leave any docs in the car and keep a spare set of keys. You can not put anything in the car. If you have a title you can get plates and drive it out of the docks. I have done that before although it would not be state inspected.

Awesome Welles

I would say totally dependent on the value of the car.
I've re-imported a US built car too - very simple.

Lalanda

Thanks for the responses.

It's a 5 year old Mini Cooper S. Not sure how much I'd get for it here in UK. It's left hand drive, etc. Would the value be similar to the Kelly Blue Book price?

What stickers would I need to be in place?

I read something about the steam clean. I can probably sort that out. Not sure where though.

I have the old title and the old bill of sale.

Would I be paying duty on it? How can I apply for plates?

Are there any unexpected steps/charges? Do I have to have the car reconverted for the US, headlights, etc.? Anyone have any good sites which explain the steps?

Really appreciate this.

S Folinsky

I would use Edmunds.com "true value" to determine the sale price. KBB is based upon asking prices and tends to be on the high side.

Lalanda

Edmunds. Ok. Do you know if I'd pay duty based on the Edmunds price?

EDIT - Edmunds price is about $14,500.

S Folinsky

I have no idea -- do remember that it is a used car which was already imported into the US.

ottotheboar

I do not see how you would pay duty on a car sold in America and then exported. Take the title to the DMV and apply for plates, you may need proof or insurance but it is very easy. The lights need to be switched or you will blind everyone but to be honest I have had cars pass inspection with UK lights.

Lalanda

So as far as I can work it out, here are the steps and fees of importing a US car back into the US.

1) Contact a specialised vehicle shipper.

Cost: Price of shipping.

2) Get bottom of car steam cleaned.

Cost: Price of cleaning.

3) Take title and proof of insurance to DMV.

Cost: Registration and plates. Insurance.

4) Collect car at other end.

Cost: None. No duty to be paid.

5) Get car passed for licensing. (Wouldn't this have to happen before plates?).

Cost: Vehicle test.

6) Potentially have to adjust headlights.

Cost: installing new headlights.


Does that seem comprehensive? Anything I've missed? Any recommendations on companies, etc.?

cheers

I think you will have to collect the car first and take it to the DMV to have the identification number checked before you can register it.

You say its a US car made in the UK but it was imported previously so they are going to have to check that out, however, you say you have the original title so that should make things simpler.

Assume that bringing the car back in will be difficult and you won't be disappointed.
If you think back to when you took the car to Europe it was difficult I would think.

ottotheboar

When you say "get the car passed for licensing" do you mean state inspection ?. This is not connected to the DMV in Virginia you can get plates and tags wthout it. I would not make a big deal about the car being overseas for 2 years it is a road legal US spec vehicle the DMV can make mountains out of molehills . Google Wallenius Willhelmson in the UK and ask their rates, they will ususally clean the car in the docks.

Lalanda

Hi Guys,

I found this piece of information. It may be useful for people in the future.

"Re-Importing A Previously Exported Vehicle
A vehicle taken from the United States for non-commercial, private use may be returned duty free by proving to U.S. Customs that it was previously owned and registered in the United States. This proof may be a state-issued registration card for the automobile or a bill of sale for the car from a U.S. dealer. Repairs or accessories acquired abroad for your vehicle must be declared on your return and may be subject to duty."

ian-mstm

How was your car "adjusted"?

Ian

ottotheboar

Do not start quoting customs regulations to an officer. This is a sure fire way to irritate them. If you are are bringing in a US spec Mini with rhd lights they should have little or no interest. They love documentation have copies of the title bill of sale and any other documents you may have at hand. They are far more interested in someone taking a new 2012 non compliant vehicle and doing a re-vin with a 25 year old MOT failure to sneak it in. The more simple you keep it the better.