RE: RE: Swiss ur-quattros

["Lewis, Gary M" <Gary.Lewis@West.Boeing.com>]

Stan Says:
> I have a friend with a Canadian Mazda, with metric gagues. So much  
> for that.
> 
Be careful with these judgements.  They can get you into very hot water.
For example, Canadian vehicles have (as a _very_ general rule) an exemption.

> I just recently checked with the CA DMV (their web page is down  
> currently, but try www.dmv.ca.gov) and read all the forms and  
> requirements for registering an out-of-country car and have not heard  
> anything about a registered importer. At least not in CA.
> 
Registration is a far cry from _importing_ onto US soil.  First things
first.  The US Gov't comes first.

> Here in the Valley I see quite often cars with German or Swedish  
> license plates. (frequently = once a week). I was also told by some  
> local car buffs that if you get a car pass CA smog cert that you are  
> pretty much set. It's just that you absolutely need the cat converter  
> to pass CA emissions. You will also have to change the side markers  
> (orange to the side, not white to the front) plus pay an extra fee  
> for pollution ($300), but that's it.
> 
There are an armload full of reasons why the cars you see are here.  There
is a 'similar to' list that states that all the cars on said list can be
imported with few or no modifications, as they were sold abroad in US
similar form.  The Ur-Q ain't on there.

> But then again, I've never done it, that's why I am posting here.  
> Also I don't want to make any money off it, I just want (as a Swiss  
> citizen) to bring a car which is registered under my name in  
> Switzerland over here. Others have done it before, I am sure.
> 
You just said the magic words.  Referencing again form HS7(let me make this
real clear: no form, no importation), look at box # 5.  It says:
"...I am eligible to import it because:
a. I am a nonresident of the US and the vehicle is registered in a country
other than the US.;
b. I am temporarily importing the vehicle for personal use for a period not
to exceed one year, and will not sell it;
c. I will export it not later than 1 year after entry..."
Passport # required.
Good Luck
Gary