Importing an S30 From Japan
06-16-2008, 04:53 PM
#1
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Importing an S30 From Japan
Well i posted here because it has to do with this car. But does anybody know if its hard to register/import a car INTO California from japan ? looked up on websites and all i came across was importing into CANADA. wich wasnt much helpful. Has anyone done this? or know what i must do to be able to Legally get the car registered into my name or import it into California. Im sure the question is pretty straight forward. I hope someone has some answers
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
06-16-2008, 06:05 PM
#3
The Cake Is A Lie!
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Originally Posted by 280zx2by2
i might be wrong
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/
google is your friend.
Last edited by entropy31; 06-16-2008 at 06:09 PM.
06-16-2008, 06:08 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by entropy31
yep, you're wrong. if it's old enough to not require emissions, it's surprisingly easy to import. otherwise, it has to meet emissions standards for the year it was produced, as well as quite a few other things.
oh but i forget the whole shaka kan or what ever rule
06-16-2008, 06:12 PM
#5
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Originally Posted by 280zx2by2
i thought that was only canada standards and thats why most people import cars through canada...oh but i forget the whole shaka kan or what ever rule
oh but i forget the whole shaka kan or what ever ruleand you're thinking of the Shaken. that has nothing to do with importing.
06-16-2008, 06:44 PM
#6
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Yeah you guys are great. i overread something about 25 year or older cars have it cake. but i wanted to make sure i was in safe grounds here. so a 69-73 fairlady shouldnt have problems period since they are smog exempt am i correct? id go to the local DMV and probly ask a question but why waste gas when its $4,.75 a gallon when i can ask here :P. ..... Q#2 does anyone know of a link or how i can register an imported fairlady? hopefuly someone must have already done this.
Really apreshiate the positive feedback. THANKS
Really apreshiate the positive feedback. THANKS
06-16-2008, 07:56 PM
#9
Good ol' DMV website:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm
A nonresident vehicle was last registered outside the state of California. Anyone who brings a vehicle into California, or purchases a nonresident vehicle while in California, should be aware of the registration requirements.
NOTE: California law prohibits importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards. If you acquire a 49-State vehicle (manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country, you may not be able to register your vehicle in this state.
NOTE: California law prohibits importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards. If you acquire a 49-State vehicle (manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country, you may not be able to register your vehicle in this state.
06-16-2008, 08:12 PM
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So pretty much have the title and pinkslip from JAPan and registering it here itl be given a new serial # or something. to the 240Z it doesnt seem to be a big deal since its no new car and the cars were made here in the states.... i should go however still call and ask for more specific questions :P haha
06-17-2008, 12:42 AM
#11
eff good grammar
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if you do get one be sure and get one what was registered or is still registered in japan for road use still. if it can pass inspection there then if in the event you need to smog it, it shouldnt be a problem
06-17-2008, 10:10 AM
#12
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Sweet. thanks man 
wich now brings me to my next question for the fellows that know here already. would they ask me to smog a smog exempt Z just because i imported it ? i mean the car is like 38 years old haha.
wich now brings me to my next question for the fellows that know here already. would they ask me to smog a smog exempt Z just because i imported it ? i mean the car is like 38 years old haha.
06-17-2008, 03:46 PM
#13
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I'd assume not, I mean considering they want it to be old enough that it's smog exempt to allow easy importation. Although if cali passes that thing where they wanted to start smogging the already smog exempt cars then you may be screwed.
06-17-2008, 08:53 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by 280zx2by2
oh yeah, the OBD2 thing, or something like that, if they are OBD1 they are excempt from most emmisons tests right?
06-17-2008, 09:36 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by entropy31
wrong. it all depends on the state. some states don't require OBD I cars to be tested, some do. but OBD was not a factor for cars from the S30 era anyways.
06-17-2008, 09:42 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by 280zx2by2
isnt that exactly what i said?
Last edited by entropy31; 06-17-2008 at 09:45 PM.
06-17-2008, 09:59 PM
#18
eff good grammar
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most of the time you run into an age limit not weither or not the car is ODB equipped.
20 years old and no need to smog here.
isnt cali like any thing on or after 1976 doesent need to be smogged?
for passenger cars and light trucks atleast.
20 years old and no need to smog here.
isnt cali like any thing on or after 1976 doesent need to be smogged?
for passenger cars and light trucks atleast.
06-17-2008, 10:43 PM
#19
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well from what ive heard its a vehincle 30 years or older is no longer required but that may not be the case. IF it were tough we would be up to 1978 :P 280Z would be smog exempt. hmmm. i wounder if its true tough. but yeah in my case the imported S30 shouldnt have problems being brought over from japan into long beach ..... AMEN! cali IS! one fked up state hahaha. preach on it lol
..... AMEN! cali IS! one fked up state hahaha. preach on it lol
06-19-2008, 06:33 PM
#20
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The 30 year rolling exemption got axed several years ago. Pretty much it's stuck at '75 and below are exempt. If you're importing a Z, I think the '72 and below are easier because of crash standards, but don't quote me on it. I remember a guy on zcar mentioning that a long time ago. And no, you won't have to worry about smogging if it's pre 75. Just good luck finding one in Japan that doesn't have major rust issues and won't cost an arm and a leg. Average prices for a 240z out there are in the mid teens to early 20's. Good to excellent can go as high as 40K or more.
06-19-2008, 08:29 PM
#21
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Interesting. i managed to get a hold of a JAP exporter from over there who understood somewhat english and he quoted me on a ALL STOCK. 72 S30z with somr rust issues on the hatch area and front right fender for around $8k SHIPPED to longbeach cali. rust aint a thang when you got several nissan junkyards here in chula vista huh 
haha
haha
06-20-2008, 01:11 PM
#22
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Wow, 8K shipped? That's way cheap. If the car is solid, go for it! I'm just saying from what I saw while I was there, anything less than 10K was definitely a "project" vehicle. Yeah it's nice having Ecology and Pick n' Pull for parts.
06-20-2008, 05:21 PM
#23
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you said it , man speaking of goign to JAP me and my couzin want to go so bad pick ourselves a 69-71 SSS and S30z. were thinking of doing just that sometime within the next two years. now that we know what we need to import them over. and around how much. unfortunatly we dont speak much JAP but my sister has taken some classes haha. this is when watching anime would come in handy :P lmao Jk
, man speaking of goign to JAP me and my couzin want to go so bad pick ourselves a 69-71 SSS and S30z. were thinking of doing just that sometime within the next two years. now that we know what we need to import them over. and around how much. unfortunatly we dont speak much JAP but my sister has taken some classes haha. this is when watching anime would come in handy :P lmao Jk
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