Hilux Surf Import

mr1337357

mr1337357

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Hilux Surfs are getting old enough that they can be imported without inspections in the US. Does anybody have experience with importing cars? If so do you think it's worth looking into?
 
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I was in that situation but in the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

I wanted to bring a first generation from US to EU. The shipping cost's between €2000 to €2500, it depends of the shipping company, if you prefer a container for your 4R or share it with other vehicles, and the kind of insurance you want.
The paperwork to import it is around €400.
Besides that, you have to trust the seller to drive the vehicle and documentation to the nearest port in US, or pay an exporter to do it, or travel and see the 4R and do it yourself.
The cost increases, but in my case, I had the oportunity to buy parts in US and put them inside the truck before shipping, because you don't easily get replacements here, and when you do, they're expensive.

For me, it was something to think about because the 4R first generation're not easy to find here, I think I'm the owner of one of the 10 you can find in the continent :happy:

At the end, one of those 10 4R appears in an advertisement in other European country and I went for it. That day I pretended I was inspectig the 4R in front of the previous owner, I did it because I didn't want to look over excited, it was the first time in my whole life seeing and touching a first generation 4Runner :happy: and beside that, like a buyer, I wanted to pay a reasonable price... that means as less as possible.
Well, I payed for ther vehicle and I brought it home. It's in the backyard now, waiting for its 'rehabilitation'. I'll create a new thread about it and I hope all the 4Runner gurus in the forum came to see and help me.

By the way, I wanted to bring a Hilux from UK also, but the steering wheel in the other side makes things difficult for me.

Hope my experience helps.
 
Last edited:
mr1337357 said:
Hilux Surfs are getting old enough that they can be imported without inspections in the US. Does anybody have experience with importing cars? If so do you think it's worth looking into?
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you could try contacting [MENTION=134144]1UZrunner[/MENTION]

he has brought some vehicles in from Ozstralia
 
When you import a vehicle, doesn't it need to meet strict standards? I've heard of people importing Skylines and having to even change glass on the car because the ratings don't meet US safety standards.
 
superkenny9192 said:
When you import a vehicle, doesn't it need to meet strict standards? I've heard of people importing Skylines and having to even change glass on the car because the ratings don't meet US safety standards.
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Once they reach a certain age the restrictions are far less



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
I'm sure the import rules vary from state to state. After a vehicle hits 25 years, yes, the safety standards are greatly relaxed. I bought a Surf here in TX from an importer who brings in JDM vehicles frequently. I really wanted a 1st gen diesel. I'd look for someone who's already importing vehicles and knows the legalities. You'll pay a premium for their expertise, but it's well worth it to avoid the crazy impound stories you hear from people who import on their own IMO.
 
I have imported a 92 Hilux Surf and 2 Prados. My first prado is for sale if your interested! But seriously, I can fill you in on the process and where I have had luck buying from. Send me a message and I'll get you the info.
 
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