Service King Galleria

Is Importing a Car to the U.S. Really Worth It?

We love foreign vehicles here in this country and there are a lot cool cars that will never reach North American shores unless people are willing to specifically import them here. So, if you're dreaming about a classic British Land Rover or one of those sleek throwback Japanese coupes of the 1970s, the process of importing a car can be discouraging, especially with the long list of regulatory details that can seriously impact the vehicle's legality.

Brought to you by Service King Galleria, here is a succinct overview of the most important things to keep in mind when bringing your foreign dream car home to Houston, state] or anywhere else you live in beautiful USA.

Will importing a car from a different country going to save me money?

Probably not. Generally, importing a vehicle is a relatively costly enterprise. Whenever you transport a car, van or truck, you are going to have to pay for its journey. If this entails crossing the ocean via a ship, that passage can add up, and the costs don't stop when the vehicle finally arrives either. While some vehicles that are sold in foreign countries are considerably less costly than vehicles in this country, it's usually because of the fact that often those models don't have safety features or emissions control systems that are mandated for cars marketed domestically. If a vehicle does not meet U.S. standards for safety and emissions, it must first be brought into line before it can even be considered for registration. So, if you're hoping to save a few dollars on getting a new car, it's probably smarter to purchase a budget car that is currently marketed in this country rather than looking internationally.

What if the car is old?

Most people import older vehicles, because the U.S. gives cars older than 25 years exemptions from many of the safety and emissions requirements that they enforce today. If you've got a classic old car that you want to bring here from overseas, it won't need any special customizations to be completely street legal.

How can I be sure that the vehicle is 100% legal?

Working with a certified and internationally registered vehicle importer is the best way to ensure complete legality. These organizations register annually with the federal government and publicize their willingness to modify cars for resale in the United States. While it is possible to work in conjunction with private sellers when importing a vehicle, doing so will definitely increase the chances of getting something that isn't compliant with stateside regulations.

Do I need a specialized license?

Registering an import is exactly like registering a normal vehicle in the U.S. and requires a valid driver's license.

How much will it cost to insure my imported car?

Insuring an imported vehicle may be more costly than insuring a domestic vehicle for a wide range of reasons. Most notably, repair costs are generally much higher for imported cars, because parts are normally very difficult to find. This, in conjunction with the fact that many of the types of cars that people choose to import are sports models or relatively rare or classic vehicles, can boost auto insurance premiums.

Sources: Legal Zoom, DMV.org and AAA