Importing GCC Spec 2016+ LX to USA? (1 Viewer)

[prwillard2]

Have tried to search around and find what the difference is between the US spec LX are vs the GCC spec LX but cannot find a definitive answer. I know that to import a vehicle that is less than 25 years old to the US requires it to comply with Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standards, but does anyone know, or where I need to look, to find out if it's possible to import a vehicle from the UAE to the US? I assume the biggest issue would be emissions, but I would "assume" that the emissions remain the same for all the LX's. I highly doubt that the dealer here will be much help as they'll probably tell me exactly what I want to hear in order to make a sale.

I'm stationed here for a year and the used market over here is cheaper than the US, plus my work will ship a vehicle back to the US for me for free.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

You have to comply with EPA and DOT regulations. IIRC, 23 year exemption on EPA and 25 on DOT; thus the round up to 25 years old. I think you are going to find it next to impossible and I'm pretty sure if it's less than 25 years old it would have to be imported through a registered importer so you might find one of those in the US and ask. Others know much more about this subject than me so don't take my word alone for the relative impossibility of the task but you will absolutely find it cost prohibitive. Good luck.

Why don't you find a 1996 or 1997 80 series with a 1FZ and 5 speed? I'm on the lookout for one of those but they are hard to find in decent condition.

 

[M1911]

The cost to do so makes it basically impossible.

 

[105X]

The GCC spec lx has a “Black Edition S” model, but that’s really the only main difference (VS US spec).

 

[prwillard2]

The cost to do so makes it basically impossible.

Because of what exactly? Does it require an emissions modification?

 

[fos373]

The cost to convert it to US EPA and DOT specs. Any arbitrage you think you will make between the different countries will go up in smoke. New ECU, exhaust, safety systems, plus inspections and certifications.

There’s a reason why you don’t see this done - it doesn't really work.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Pretty sure you have to file for and get an exemption in addition to bringing everything into compliance. It's my understanding some 100 series have been imported this way but they still have/had to go through a registered importer and still have to have the modifications and testing done.

 

[04UZJ100]

What about importing for off-road/private land use only?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Again, no expert but I think that possible exemption only applies to vehicles that were not manufactured primarily for on road use. In other words, if it was manufactured primarily for on road use then it must comply; regardless of your intended use. So maybe you could get away with a Unimog but probably not a Land Cruiser.....and I'm not even sure about the Unimog.

 

[MikeVpdx503]

I recall importing for showroom or private use is possible with exemption import, but big caveat, you won’t be able to title and register with DMV.

 

[105X]

Also keep in mind the US LX has more hp.
362hp vs 383.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I recall importing for showroom or private use is possible with exemption import, but big caveat, you won’t be able to title and register with DMV.

Apparently they typically don't allow that for mass produced vehicles. Seriously if there were easy loop holes around the 25 year rule then it would be very common knowledge how to get it done.

 

[fos373]

I’ve imported motorcycles and cars for off-road/closed course racing purposes. You will sign a nice letter acknowledging the sole use of the vehicle and the fines that will be levied if you do not comply.


that was not really a hard process, but getting a vehicle certified to comply and to be able to be registered..... different story.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Just to put some of the modifications required in perspective, we were living in the UK for several years and I found a used 2003 DB7 and I thought; how cool to have a right hand steer DB7 in the US? The lease on my wife's car was coming due and the price was fairly reasonable compared to a new BMW 3 series. It was at an Aston dealership and upon inspection there was a nice big EPA compliant sticker on the engine. Great I thought; we're home free. We'll buy this puppy and taker her back in a few years. So I asked the kind man at the dealer to inquire with the factory (which wasn't far away) as to what, if any, modifications would be required to import said vehicle into the US in due course. Two weeks passed and I got a nice email with a 3 page list. Seriously, 3 pages long. I didn't even bother to ask for a price.

 

[M1911]

Because of what exactly? Does it require an emissions modification?

Everything. It isn’t just emissions modifications, it is performing the testing to prove that it meets emissions reg. Headlights and reflectors all have to meet NHTSA standards. The issues are enormous.

 

[prwillard2]

Alrighty then. Very sad to hear. But better to spend the extra 15 grand on a US spec LX than try to get a GCC spec one to meet standards.

Thanks everyone.

 

[M1911]

If it was feasible people would already have done it.

 

[HGB]

From personal experience, there’s no way around it.

Depending on your state, you get 6 months in the US at a time before you have to go to another border (Mexico for example), leave and come back for another 6 months. Trust me- this is obviously not sustainable nor practical. It gets old. You will also be using your UAE reg plate and unable to register it in the states.

When it comes time to sell, you have to ship it back and sell it back home. I don’t understand the law here and why it’s a problem. I understand they want to stimulate the economy here but there should be some exceptions to the rule and maybe a 10 year restriction; but 25 is far too long.

 

[Reckless]

Why not buy a 25 year old Nissan Patrol and import that in? They have a four banger thats very popular in the sand dunes.