Wanna bring EVO 5 to USA, can I?
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Joined: Jun 2002
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Wanna bring EVO 5 to USA, can I?
I own a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 5, left hand drive and i want to bring it to the USA. I am in the Caribbean and can land it in Florida but is it legal and if so what kind of changes will i have to make? Please help. 
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Boostin, it may be possible, but you would be taking a chance. Here's the exact message from Jigga explaining the process:
Mark
By: jigga
OK, EvOsix and deepcover6, I'm going to answer this question, and I hope everyone that's interested in knowing the details read this post before asking me yet again the same questions I've been hearing over and over again. So, here it goes:
Imported the car from RALLIART UK. Original owner was a girl (yep, crazy one too).
Did all the logistics myself, this is what I do for a living, although not specifically importing cars. Got a 20ft container, filled all the paperwork necessary to present to US CUSTOMS once the car arrives (form HS-7), paid US CUSTOMS taxes of 2.5%. Car took close to a month to arrive, anxiety was at its highest peak ever. I also had my Tank on the same boat, a retired British MV, although you don't need to pay taxes on such vehicles, nor any vehicles older than 1973. A special license is required to iimport military vehicles, you must fill form 6 from the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms). Had both vehicles come in through Florida.
Had my Evo titled in Florida, paid state taxes there of 6%, and I decided to keep registered and insured in FL since insurance is cheaper, and there are no emmissions required since its a clean air state. Had my tank titled in Indiana, easier to pass police inspection over there, then transfered it to New York where I paid taxes (after they refunded me Indiana taxes), insured it as an antique vehicle (cheaper, as long as you currently have another vehicle insured), and only safety inspection was required since cars older than 73 had no emmissions requirements.
Don't ask me the details of how I titled the car. All I can say is that the vehicle is titled as a Mitsu 4 door, silver, it's insured as a Mirage LS, and I call it a super mirage.
OK, EvOsix and deepcover6, I'm going to answer this question, and I hope everyone that's interested in knowing the details read this post before asking me yet again the same questions I've been hearing over and over again. So, here it goes:
Imported the car from RALLIART UK. Original owner was a girl (yep, crazy one too).
Did all the logistics myself, this is what I do for a living, although not specifically importing cars. Got a 20ft container, filled all the paperwork necessary to present to US CUSTOMS once the car arrives (form HS-7), paid US CUSTOMS taxes of 2.5%. Car took close to a month to arrive, anxiety was at its highest peak ever. I also had my Tank on the same boat, a retired British MV, although you don't need to pay taxes on such vehicles, nor any vehicles older than 1973. A special license is required to iimport military vehicles, you must fill form 6 from the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms). Had both vehicles come in through Florida.
Had my Evo titled in Florida, paid state taxes there of 6%, and I decided to keep registered and insured in FL since insurance is cheaper, and there are no emmissions required since its a clean air state. Had my tank titled in Indiana, easier to pass police inspection over there, then transfered it to New York where I paid taxes (after they refunded me Indiana taxes), insured it as an antique vehicle (cheaper, as long as you currently have another vehicle insured), and only safety inspection was required since cars older than 73 had no emmissions requirements.
Don't ask me the details of how I titled the car. All I can say is that the vehicle is titled as a Mitsu 4 door, silver, it's insured as a Mirage LS, and I call it a super mirage.
Evolved Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 689
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From: VA
Simpler and equally illegal method which I believe has been mentioned. Find an old Mirage and do a VIN swap between that and the EVO. Getting the car into the country might be harder. Once the car is on US soil though I think this method should work fine provided you know the right people or have the correct funding.
OK, my name has been called upon in this matter. 
Loneleemee, dont try this, considering that the Evo's vin # is pierced through the firewall, unlike our american cars. I mean, you can definetely get away with such job, yet can be highly expensive considering you need to buy an equal mirage (maybe a retired rental car), do the swap (do it, just never mention it to anybody, specially on such public forums), and you still need to take care of all the fees and customs duties required to export your car from the designated country.
BoostinEvo5, you say you live in the caribean somewhere. By this you mean an independent country, not one of our commonwealths like Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, correct? Well, for the purposes of this explanation, I'll use Jamaica as the country. According to the NHTSA, you can import your car into the US for a grace period of one year, thus maintaing your country's registration, insurance, paperwork, etc., that is if you're a native of that country. Nope, residents don't count, and if you're resident alien in the USA (green card), or you're a citizen of this country, then you're **** out of luck and your only other option is to bring it in for racing and/or show purposes (WOW, big hassle, believe me).
Certain mods are required for it to be allowed in US roads, better check with your Ministry of Import/Export/Transportation for the exact requirements. I know that from England, I needed to weld a cat-converter that complies with the EPA's emmissions standards, had to alter the speedometer (not odometer) to MPH, and I did some alterations to the ECU (not required).
It's easier than you think, just complete the form HS-7 from US Customs, and check box 5 which states the following:
The vehicle or equipment does not comply with all aplicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft prevention standards, but I'm eligible to import it because I am an non-resident of the USA and the vehicle is registered at another country, I am temporarily importing the vehicle for personal use not to exceed a grace period of one year and will not sell it during this time, and I will export it no later than one year after entry, and the declaration contains my passport No. and country of Issue.
After you get it here into the US, I'll teach you how to get it legit, considering your vehicle is left hand drive and should be a piece of cake.
regards,
Lee
Loneleemee, dont try this, considering that the Evo's vin # is pierced through the firewall, unlike our american cars. I mean, you can definetely get away with such job, yet can be highly expensive considering you need to buy an equal mirage (maybe a retired rental car), do the swap (do it, just never mention it to anybody, specially on such public forums), and you still need to take care of all the fees and customs duties required to export your car from the designated country.
BoostinEvo5, you say you live in the caribean somewhere. By this you mean an independent country, not one of our commonwealths like Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, correct? Well, for the purposes of this explanation, I'll use Jamaica as the country. According to the NHTSA, you can import your car into the US for a grace period of one year, thus maintaing your country's registration, insurance, paperwork, etc., that is if you're a native of that country. Nope, residents don't count, and if you're resident alien in the USA (green card), or you're a citizen of this country, then you're **** out of luck and your only other option is to bring it in for racing and/or show purposes (WOW, big hassle, believe me).
Certain mods are required for it to be allowed in US roads, better check with your Ministry of Import/Export/Transportation for the exact requirements. I know that from England, I needed to weld a cat-converter that complies with the EPA's emmissions standards, had to alter the speedometer (not odometer) to MPH, and I did some alterations to the ECU (not required).
It's easier than you think, just complete the form HS-7 from US Customs, and check box 5 which states the following:
The vehicle or equipment does not comply with all aplicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft prevention standards, but I'm eligible to import it because I am an non-resident of the USA and the vehicle is registered at another country, I am temporarily importing the vehicle for personal use not to exceed a grace period of one year and will not sell it during this time, and I will export it no later than one year after entry, and the declaration contains my passport No. and country of Issue.
After you get it here into the US, I'll teach you how to get it legit, considering your vehicle is left hand drive and should be a piece of cake.
regards,
Lee
Last edited by jigga; Jun 5, 2002 at 05:43 AM.
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BoostinEvo5, your student visa can definetely facilitate the process mentioned above. US Customs wouldn't give you **** since you're under a student visa, and driving your vehicle in the states is something they cant deny. Again, US Customs policies and methods of handling certain cases have changed extremely due to terrorism. Make sure you have all your paperwork correct, dont allow for mistakes. I'm sure a local Cargo & Courier company in Haiti can assist you with all the requirements the car must meet when exiting your country. It pays to let a professional do the logistics for you. I would offer you my services, for a fee of course 
, yet I dont deal with your country. I would guesstimate costs to be around 4K with taxes from your country to the US.
regards,
LEE
, yet I dont deal with your country. I would guesstimate costs to be around 4K with taxes from your country to the US.regards,
LEE
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Joined: Jun 2002
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Originally posted by jigga
BoostinEvo5, your student visa can definetely facilitate the process mentioned above. US Customs wouldn't give you **** since you're under a student visa, and driving your vehicle in the states is something they cant deny. Again, US Customs policies and methods of handling certain cases have changed extremely due to terrorism. Make sure you have all your paperwork correct, dont allow for mistakes. I'm sure a local Cargo & Courier company in Haiti can assist you with all the requirements the car must meet when exiting your country. It pays to let a professional do the logistics for you. I would offer you my services, for a fee of course , yet I dont deal with your country. I would guesstimate costs to be around 4K with taxes from your country to the US.
regards,
LEE
BoostinEvo5, your student visa can definetely facilitate the process mentioned above. US Customs wouldn't give you **** since you're under a student visa, and driving your vehicle in the states is something they cant deny. Again, US Customs policies and methods of handling certain cases have changed extremely due to terrorism. Make sure you have all your paperwork correct, dont allow for mistakes. I'm sure a local Cargo & Courier company in Haiti can assist you with all the requirements the car must meet when exiting your country. It pays to let a professional do the logistics for you. I would offer you my services, for a fee of course
, yet I dont deal with your country. I would guesstimate costs to be around 4K with taxes from your country to the US.regards,
LEE
Well, like I said, I know zero when it comes to Haiti. I know that a ConEx box, or a 20ft container, most places in Europe and Asia costs anywhere from 1500 to 3000. Then again, Haiti is like a few hundred miles away from Florida's southern tip, so this should definetely be cheaper and quicker (you might not even need an enclosed box for shipment). Well, just know that $500 is paid towards US Customs taxes, that is, if you claim your car's actual cost (20K).
Hey guys, I'm still selling my Evo for those interested. Testing out ebay yet again:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1834409872
OH, got my R33 in the country already. Will be bringing it into NY probably by July or August. Will post pics as soon as it's here, or check it out at the August ImportXpression Show.
regards,
LEE
Hey guys, I'm still selling my Evo for those interested. Testing out ebay yet again:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1834409872
OH, got my R33 in the country already. Will be bringing it into NY probably by July or August. Will post pics as soon as it's here, or check it out at the August ImportXpression Show.
regards,
LEE
jigga, how much for your service? I am getting more and more serious about imorting a lancer. What can your do for me with a buget of $20k and under. I even know a dealer in japan that ships world wide and charges nearly nothin in lancer terms. Please, Im veary intrested.
Originally posted by LancerEvoV
hey jigga whats up bro!? dude just to let u know i kick your evo up $7000! lol god i want that car!
hey jigga whats up bro!? dude just to let u know i kick your evo up $7000! lol god i want that car!
On topic, please. Keep those things in IMs and PMs.
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