Japanese Imports In US

[papageorge]

I own a 91 Hilux Surf imported from Japan to Canada. My wife and I are planning on moving from Calgary back to California. Does anyone know if there is big problems of bringing my Surf down to Cali and insuring it there? What should I expect? Thanx!

 

[ironadrenaline]

only thing i can thing of is the smog check at inspection. make sure your car is up to date on legallity

 

[papageorge]

I realize the smog test is a given. Adding a propane injection would help clear that up. But what about laws against Right hand drive? They are quite common here in Canada, are they in the states?

 

[kvanderploeg]

I know that quite a few rural route postal drivers special order right hand drive Subarus for mail delivery. These vehicles are owned by them and not by the postal service, so I don't think that part will be a problem.

 

[Uneek]

Right hand drive shouldn't be a problem. A buddy of mine had a JDM Integra Type R, not a USDM with the Japanese front clip, but RHD. Also, Rex Motoring is the leading importer of Skylines for the US. So I don't think your car being RHD will be a problem, however driving on some one-way streets will be a little difficult.

 

[slimjim]

right hand drive? could be worst...you could have bought a pathfinder. haha.

 

[4RunnerRon]

Right hand drive is not illegal, at least not here in California. The main thing to check for is the front windshield has to be DOT-approved glass with a small opening to show the VIN. Some right hand drive cars don't have this and the VIN won't show, which could cause you problems. Other than that, it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

[papageorge]

Thank god. I thought i'd have to get ride of it. thanks for the info

 

[mole177]

T4Runner06 hit the nail on the head.

 

[Koz]

I thought Cali had there own separate pollution requirements to pass inspection.

Koz