Who has real experience importing from Japan? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

GhostlyCoupe · 12-08-2012, 08:54 PM

So I'm planning to bring in a car thats older than 25 years, so no big hassle

I'm curious if anyone can recommend shippers and what kind of price range did you pay for shipping to port in Los Angeles?

Jtuned_andy · 12-08-2012, 10:29 PM

talk to these guys. shipping and paperwork is going to be a couple grand at least

J's Garage Export Co., Ltd.
1602-8 Tomitsuka-cho Naka-ku
Hamamatsu-shi Shizuoka-ken Japan 432-8002
Yoshitaka Ikeda [email protected]

GhostlyCoupe · 12-08-2012, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtuned_andy

talk to these guys. shipping and paperwork is going to be a couple grand at least

J's Garage Export Co., Ltd.
1602-8 Tomitsuka-cho Naka-ku
Hamamatsu-shi Shizuoka-ken Japan 432-8002
Yoshitaka Ikeda [email protected]

Thanks!

I was planning on around $3000-$4000 but I wanted to get more opinions to make sure I was being reasonable

SLiDe_WaYz · 12-08-2012, 11:47 PM

Why not buy from Canada? Just wondering. Samething, but would be relatively cheaper.

Homeboyx · 12-09-2012, 01:21 AM

Keep this thread updated when you find some info. OP! I'm interested to know as I'm sure a lot of us are also.

rb25_s13*CHUKI · 12-09-2012, 01:23 AM

+1 on canada!

GhostlyCoupe · 12-09-2012, 05:58 PM

To bring in a car that complies that all regulations, it must still be brought to a customs approved port of entry.

You can't just drive it across the Canadian border and legally register it in the US. So while I understand why it seems like an easier/cheaper way .. the reality is it's not in most cases. Once you add in the higher initial price (markup) from the importer (or private seller) for what they paid to take the car from Japan to Canada, then add transportation from Canada to the USA it's really not that much cheaper.

SLiDe_WaYz · 12-09-2012, 06:08 PM

You can't legally import anything anyways. You can however buy one from Canada for cheaper than what they are over seas, and get them legally state titled.

So wouldn't that in sense be easier.

GhostlyCoupe · 12-09-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLiDe_WaYz

You can't legally import anything anyways. You can however buy one from Canada for cheaper than what they are over seas, and get them legally state titled.

So wouldn't that in sense be easier.

You are misinformed.

It is legal for a Registered Importer to import vehicles that are newer than 25 years old provided the vehicle is either on the NHTSA approved list or bears a FMVSS label.

It is perfectly legal for an individual to import vehicles which were manufactured 25 years before the current date, as long as they are in their original configuration.

Meaning, if its 25 years old or older and has not been modified, it becomes a very much federally legal vehicle to operate on public roads, provided of course you follow the procedures that the NHTSA and CBP set forth.

truckmtrS13 · 12-09-2012, 06:48 PM

+1 for the facts

SLiDe_WaYz · 12-09-2012, 07:29 PM

Guess I should have clarified, no cars worth importing 25+ years in age. Except maybe a 70s skyline.

I'm fully aware of what the laws are.

jdizzy204 · 12-09-2012, 07:35 PM

R30-31 skylines are pretty cool. What are you thinking about importing. I go to auto auctions here in Kansai and might be able to help you find what you want.

GhostlyCoupe · 12-09-2012, 07:44 PM

Got my eyes set on a 200ZR (mid 88 manufacture date) .. maybe a nice FC3S too if I'm having to rent an entire container anyway

derux · 12-09-2012, 08:27 PM

it would be cheaper to get a running car and do a roro (roll on roll off). That way they just drive it on and drive it off. The only problem is then you either have to drive it home or have it shipped from LA.

Edgar · 12-09-2012, 08:36 PM

Honestly find the car state side and save yourself a headache.

GhostlyCoupe · 12-09-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derux

it would be cheaper to get a running car and do a roro (roll on roll off). That way they just drive it on and drive it off. The only problem is then you either have to drive it home or have it shipped from LA.

That is actually perfect I didn't know such a method existed!

I'm in Phoenix so trailering the car back home from LA is no issue at all.

Whats the typical price range for this from JP to CA?

*fliprayzin240sx* · 12-09-2012, 08:45 PM

Buddy of mine brought back a full container and he spent roughly $7k for a 50 ft. Now, with the shitty exchange rate, its probably closer to $10k now. He brought back his FD and loaded up the rest of the space with engines to sell so he can recoup his money back for the container.

jdizzy204 · 12-09-2012, 10:53 PM

Shipping RoRo is generally cheaper but the time of year, type of car, port its going to and other things affect price. I would expect shipping to be around 2-3k to LA though.

GhostlyCoupe · 12-09-2012, 11:35 PM

That would probably be a little bit cheaper. Sent out some inquiries from some freight forwarding companies and it looks like it's the way to go.

I appreciate the input jdizzy

Chuki_KA24e · 12-10-2012, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLiDe_WaYz

Guess I should have clarified, no cars worth importing 25+ years in age. Except maybe a 70s skyline.

I'm fully aware of what the laws are.

Good luck finding a 70's skyline for $4000-5000 lol. Those go for closer to $40,000+U.S. if they even sell it to you. Most places won't even sell a 70's skyline to anyone but a highly experienced wrenchy. Many car lots in Japan will also not sell or ship to the U.S.A. in general.

SLiDe_WaYz · 12-10-2012, 08:06 AM

Actually, there more than that now.

theericsmith · 12-10-2012, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuki_KA24e

Good luck finding a 70's skyline for $4000-5000 lol. Those go for closer to $40,000+U.S. if they even sell it to you. Most places won't even sell a 70's skyline to anyone but a highly experienced wrenchy. Many car lots in Japan will also not sell or ship to the U.S.A. in general.

he said he was expecting shipping to be 4-5, not spend that much total. and if he has the money to even consider this, i don't think "most places" would hesitate to sell him an old skyline. not everyone cares about a good home for their old baby when the money is in their face.
but thanks for the completely open ended opinions with no facts to back them.

*fliprayzin240sx* · 12-10-2012, 09:51 AM

Shit, look around goo-net for a hako and you'll have a fucking heart attack. Sad part is, there is one in Oki thats slowly rusting to death for less than $10k. But when I say rust, paint is the only thing keeping the car together.

derux · 12-10-2012, 10:09 AM

The hakos are not that bad in price. I think a good one that does nto have a big motor or something is like 15k. lots of them come up on the auction block and we can not see those. The ones on goo-net are pricey but the auction ones are cheaper. If you want help importing one you can try this place Welcome to Feast Auto Group | Feast Auto Group

I have used them to find parts for both of my skylines and he also can bring in cars.

vehicle336 · 12-10-2012, 10:14 AM

Vintage Japanese Vehicles Sales and Restoration | JDM Legends

Based out of Utah, former (maybe current?) employee of Cobb started it. Good stuff.

Chuki_KA24e · 12-10-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theericsmith

he said he was expecting shipping to be 4-5, not spend that much total. and if he has the money to even consider this, i don't think "most places" would hesitate to sell him an old skyline. not everyone cares about a good home for their old baby when the money is in their face.
but thanks for the completely open ended opinions with no facts to back them.

Have a look at this add, it should close up some open ended opinions with a fact or two. But thanks for being a complete fucking douchebag.

HAKOSUKA VINTAGE JDM Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT-X Modified | 1971 KGC10 GT-R Style HAKOSUKA VINTAGE SKYLINE

SLiDe_WaYz · 12-10-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuki_KA24e

Have a look at this add, it should close up some open ended opinions with a fact or two. But thanks for being a complete fucking douchebag.

HAKOSUKA VINTAGE JDM Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT-X Modified | 1971 KGC10 GT-R Style HAKOSUKA VINTAGE SKYLINE

That car is on a different level than the average one you would find FS on a lot or privately FS.

*fliprayzin240sx* · 12-10-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLiDe_WaYz

That car is on a different level than the average one you would find FS on a lot or privately FS.

Thats the funny thing, even the non-GTR ones are going for $20k now. Even the 4 doors are getting pricey for what they used to go for now.

derux · 12-10-2012, 12:09 PM

ya that one is built really well. cheaper ones are not as done up.

greenwood · 12-10-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLiDe_WaYz

Guess I should have clarified, no cars worth importing 25+ years in age. Except maybe a 70s skyline.

I'm fully aware of what the laws are.

what it is worth to you and what it is worth to him are two totally different realms and not one of the pieces of advice that is asked for by the OP.

12-08-2012, 08:54 PM	#1
GhostlyCoupe Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 42 Posts: 221 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Who has real experience importing from Japan? So I'm planning to bring in a car thats older than 25 years, so no big hassle I'm curious if anyone can recommend shippers and what kind of price range did you pay for shipping to port in Los Angeles? __________________

12-08-2012, 10:29 PM	#2
Jtuned_andy Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast Posts: 1,086 Trader Rating: (28) Rides Gallery: Jtuned_andy Feedback Score: 28 reviews	talk to these guys. shipping and paperwork is going to be a couple grand at least J's Garage Export Co., Ltd. 1602-8 Tomitsuka-cho Naka-ku Hamamatsu-shi Shizuoka-ken Japan 432-8002 Yoshitaka Ikeda [email protected] __________________

12-08-2012, 11:47 PM	#4
SLiDe_WaYz Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Age: 35 Posts: 1,282 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Why not buy from Canada? Just wondering. Samething, but would be relatively cheaper. __________________ Last edited by SLiDe_WaYz; 12-09-2012 at 09:20 AM..

12-09-2012, 01:23 AM	#6
rb25_s13*CHUKI Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cali Age: 36 Posts: 2,759 Trader Rating: (16) Feedback Score: 16 reviews	+1 on canada! __________________ Obliterate

12-09-2012, 05:58 PM	#7
GhostlyCoupe Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 42 Posts: 221 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	To bring in a car that complies that all regulations, it must still be brought to a customs approved port of entry. You can't just drive it across the Canadian border and legally register it in the US. So while I understand why it seems like an easier/cheaper way .. the reality is it's not in most cases. Once you add in the higher initial price (markup) from the importer (or private seller) for what they paid to take the car from Japan to Canada, then add transportation from Canada to the USA it's really not that much cheaper. __________________

12-09-2012, 01:21 AM	#5
Homeboyx Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Age: 34 Posts: 228 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Keep this thread updated when you find some info. OP! I'm interested to know as I'm sure a lot of us are also.

12-09-2012, 06:08 PM	#8
SLiDe_WaYz Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Age: 35 Posts: 1,282 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	You can't legally import anything anyways. You can however buy one from Canada for cheaper than what they are over seas, and get them legally state titled. So wouldn't that in sense be easier. __________________

12-09-2012, 06:48 PM	#10
truckmtrS13 Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lancaster Posts: 200 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	+1 for the facts

12-09-2012, 07:29 PM	#11
SLiDe_WaYz Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Age: 35 Posts: 1,282 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Guess I should have clarified, no cars worth importing 25+ years in age. Except maybe a 70s skyline. I'm fully aware of what the laws are. __________________

12-09-2012, 07:35 PM	#12
jdizzy204 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: berlin Age: 37 Posts: 1,041 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	R30-31 skylines are pretty cool. What are you thinking about importing. I go to auto auctions here in Kansai and might be able to help you find what you want.

12-09-2012, 07:44 PM	#13
GhostlyCoupe Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 42 Posts: 221 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Got my eyes set on a 200ZR (mid 88 manufacture date) .. maybe a nice FC3S too if I'm having to rent an entire container anyway __________________

12-09-2012, 08:27 PM	#14
derux Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Grass valley, Ca Age: 47 Posts: 413 Trader Rating: (22) Feedback Score: 22 reviews	it would be cheaper to get a running car and do a roro (roll on roll off). That way they just drive it on and drive it off. The only problem is then you either have to drive it home or have it shipped from LA.

12-09-2012, 08:36 PM	#15
Edgar Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indianapolis,IN Posts: 4,980 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	Honestly find the car state side and save yourself a headache. __________________ Drift Indy

12-09-2012, 08:45 PM	#17
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	Buddy of mine brought back a full container and he spent roughly $7k for a 50 ft. Now, with the shitty exchange rate, its probably closer to $10k now. He brought back his FD and loaded up the rest of the space with engines to sell so he can recoup his money back for the container. __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

12-09-2012, 10:53 PM	#18
jdizzy204 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: berlin Age: 37 Posts: 1,041 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	Shipping RoRo is generally cheaper but the time of year, type of car, port its going to and other things affect price. I would expect shipping to be around 2-3k to LA though.

12-09-2012, 11:35 PM	#19
GhostlyCoupe Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 42 Posts: 221 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	That would probably be a little bit cheaper. Sent out some inquiries from some freight forwarding companies and it looks like it's the way to go. I appreciate the input jdizzy __________________

12-10-2012, 08:06 AM	#21
SLiDe_WaYz Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Age: 35 Posts: 1,282 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Actually, there more than that now. __________________

12-10-2012, 09:51 AM	#23
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	Shit, look around goo-net for a hako and you'll have a fucking heart attack. Sad part is, there is one in Oki thats slowly rusting to death for less than $10k. But when I say rust, paint is the only thing keeping the car together. __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

12-10-2012, 10:09 AM	#24
derux Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Grass valley, Ca Age: 47 Posts: 413 Trader Rating: (22) Feedback Score: 22 reviews	The hakos are not that bad in price. I think a good one that does nto have a big motor or something is like 15k. lots of them come up on the auction block and we can not see those. The ones on goo-net are pricey but the auction ones are cheaper. If you want help importing one you can try this place Welcome to Feast Auto Group \| Feast Auto Group I have used them to find parts for both of my skylines and he also can bring in cars.

12-10-2012, 10:14 AM	#25
vehicle336 Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Spocompton, WA Posts: 187 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Vintage Japanese Vehicles Sales and Restoration \| JDM Legends Based out of Utah, former (maybe current?) employee of Cobb started it. Good stuff.

12-10-2012, 12:09 PM	#29
derux Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Grass valley, Ca Age: 47 Posts: 413 Trader Rating: (22) Feedback Score: 22 reviews	ya that one is built really well. cheaper ones are not as done up.