Re: Importing hassles

["Jeremy Walters" <jjwjr@ix.netcom.com>]

I've heard of all the hassles, but there must be a way.  Today I saw a lady
driving a Nissan crew-cab pickup, a relatively new model, which I know is
not imported to the US, don't ask me why, because it probably would sell
well.  It had european headlamps, and did not have the rear side marker
lamps.  She must have gotten it in somehow.  I think it may have been a
diesel, so it would not have to pass emissions testing.  If I remember
correctly also, trucks do not have to pass the same passenger safety
regulations as cars, so there may be some leeway here.

I think there are ways around the system, but they are illegal.  If you can
get it past the docks, and your state does not have any inspections for
emissions or otherwise, there are several ways.  The problem is that the DMV
will see the 10th digit in the VIN being a number, and not a letter, as used
in the US to determine the year.

I work for an auto auction, and we have sold Canadian and Mexican market
cars for the US Marshall's Service, and as long as we announce it, it seems
to be OK.  We say "must be exported", but I know they are not truly
exported.

Good luck-

Jeremy Walters

-----Original Message-----
From: Stuart Friedman <stuartf@plainfield.bypass.com>
To: geir@black-hole.com <geir@black-hole.com>; quattro@coimbra.ans.net
<quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 5:53 PM
Subject: Importing hassles


>You can go to the NHTSA site for all the details
>
>http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
>
>Youwil eventually need to get a letter from Audi as well as the services of
>of Registered Importer.
>
>Keep us posted.
>
>Stuart Friedman
>