Importing LC300 to USA

[MoJ]

I was just referring to the chassis itself, not the body. At least for the sequoia and tundra, it is pretty much the same. I can’t imagine much variation for anything else that uses the same chassis.

Picture a ladder. The ladder can be widened, narrowed, shortened or lengthened. The space between the rungs (steps) of the ladder can increase or decrease. The location of the attachments to the ladder can change. The curvature, or lack there of, can change as well. The overall ladder design can still be manufactured on the same assembly line. There’s your TNGA frame as I understand it from a manufacturer perspective. So just because it’s “TNGA” does not mean a Tacoma is a Tundra is a Sequoia is a Cruiser.

 

[MoJ]

Where did you get the info?

I am planning on a 600 or Tundra for my next purchase.

Wondering if the front differential is the same across the board too as I would like a locker, and to also regear it to 3.90.

Doing research now.

Info about it being much larger? It’s all over the place.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Is Big, Brash, and Hybrid Only

Based on the same platform as the new Tundra and Land Cruiser, the Sequoia packs up to 583 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo V-6 with hybrid assist.

www.roadandtrack.com

It’s a full size (Tahoe, Expedition) SUV

 

[Joe T]

Great thanks, cliff notes:: They said it will be bigger (no specs yet though) and also have a solid rear axle and 9,000 towing capacity. Will only come as a hybrid and start around $60,000.

I assume some of this is High and Low specs. Willing to bet it comes without Hybrid and also with 2wd. Bet the tow specs drop for hybrid 4x4 because of weight.

Anyway, hope they come with a front locker that can go over to the Tundra or Lx. I think its kinda fugly.

 

[MoJ]

Great thanks, cliff notes:: They said it will be bigger (no specs yet though) and also have a solid rear axle and 9,000 towing capacity. Will only come as a hybrid and start around $60,000.

I assume some of this is High and Low specs. Willing to bet it comes without Hybrid and also with 2wd. Bet the tow specs drop for hybrid 4x4 because of weight.

Anyway, hope they come with a front locker that can go over to the Tundra or Lx. I think its kinda fugly.

Absolutely expect the size difference to be inline with previous generations. In terms of merchandising pecking order, the only thing changing is the elimination of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

 

[dnh1]

Reviving an old thread.

It appears that one might actually be able to import an LC300 here. I am going to research it more but I may try to see if I can make this happen.

“If the vehicle is less than 25 years old and was not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, and/or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, it cannot be lawfully imported into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless NHTSA determines it eligible for importation. The agency makes those determinations on its own initiative or the basis of a petition from a registered importer. These are business entities that are specifically approved by NHTSA to import nonconforming vehicles and to perform the necessary modifications on those vehicles so that they conform to all applicable FMVSS. The petitions must specify that the vehicle is substantially similar to a vehicle that was certified by its original manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS and is capable of being readily altered to conform to those standards, or, if there is no substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle, that the vehicle has safety features that comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with, the FMVSS based on destructive test information or other evidence the agency deems adequate. Import eligibility decisions are made on a make, model, and model year basis.

An additional requirement for the lawful importation of a nonconforming vehicle is that it be imported by a registered importer (RI) or by an individual who has contracted with an RI to bring the vehicle into conformity with all applicable FMVSS. A bond in an amount equivalent to 150 percent of the declared value of the vehicle must be given at the time of importation to ensure that the necessary modifications are completed within 120 days of entry. A list of RI's can be found on our web site at nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle. You might want to contact one or more of the listed RIs to obtain their opinion on the feasibility of conforming the vehicle that you seek to import to the FMVSS, and the costs involved in petitioning the agency to determine that vehicle to be eligible for importation, as well as the costs for conforming the vehicle to the FMVSS.”

First, the LX600 appears to be substantially similar. Next, the LC 300 should actually be able to conform with the safety standards.

I realize thus would be an expensive and perhaps ridiculous venture, but I am going to look into it.

 

[Pura Vida]

Reviving an old thread.

It appears that one might actually be able to import an LC300 here. I am going to research it more but I may try to see if I can make this happen.

“If the vehicle is less than 25 years old and was not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, and/or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, it cannot be lawfully imported into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless NHTSA determines it eligible for importation. The agency makes those determinations on its own initiative or the basis of a petition from a registered importer. These are business entities that are specifically approved by NHTSA to import nonconforming vehicles and to perform the necessary modifications on those vehicles so that they conform to all applicable FMVSS. The petitions must specify that the vehicle is substantially similar to a vehicle that was certified by its original manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS and is capable of being readily altered to conform to those standards, or, if there is no substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle, that the vehicle has safety features that comply with, or are capable of being altered to comply with, the FMVSS based on destructive test information or other evidence the agency deems adequate. Import eligibility decisions are made on a make, model, and model year basis.

An additional requirement for the lawful importation of a nonconforming vehicle is that it be imported by a registered importer (RI) or by an individual who has contracted with an RI to bring the vehicle into conformity with all applicable FMVSS. A bond in an amount equivalent to 150 percent of the declared value of the vehicle must be given at the time of importation to ensure that the necessary modifications are completed within 120 days of entry. A list of RI's can be found on our web site at nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle. You might want to contact one or more of the listed RIs to obtain their opinion on the feasibility of conforming the vehicle that you seek to import to the FMVSS, and the costs involved in petitioning the agency to determine that vehicle to be eligible for importation, as well as the costs for conforming the vehicle to the FMVSS.”

First, the LX600 appears to be substantially similar. Next, the LC 300 should actually be able to conform with the safety standards.

I realize thus would be an expensive and perhaps ridiculous venture, but I am going to look into it.

You should also ask a lawyer if you haven’t already

 

[hoser]

@dnh1 This is what I have been saying! The way I'd approach it is to go through the existing list of non-conforming vehicles that were successfully petitioned. Some of the vehicles that caught my eye were the G-wagen Short Wheelbase SUV's..... why? Because I find it a bit of a stretch a SWB G-wagen is substantially similar to the LWB G-wagen in terms of safety. I even used to see the convertible SWB G-wagens imported into CA before the 25 yr mark. The Nissan Skyline R33 was also successfully petitioned before the 25 year mark... stating it was substantially similar to the 300Z. The 99-06's Land Cruisers were also successfully petitioned. They are indeed similar but maybe those Registered Importers can be more helpful given they've dealt with LC's before.

If you search the Docket Number of the vehicles, it'll tell you which company was the Registered Importer. Those are the RI's I'd call first.

 

[VentoGT]

Would be great if that worked - if so I'll buy one

 

[Joe T]

I think they have to crash test them too.

Before making the financial decision to buy a 600, one of the things I briefly looked at is the prices of these 300/600 in other markets is higher than the US market. Looks like they import 4,000-6,000 LX600 a year.

Probably better off converting a base or Luxury 600 over to a comparable LC300. The Fsport is unique with the Torsen diff and labeling/trim in the interior.

I actually day dreamed converting my Fsport to a LC300 GR (the best looking one of this line up IMO followed by my blk/blk Fsport).

 

[OGBeno]

You’ll need to buy ten of them, destroy 9, then make all of the necessary engineering changes to the one you keep for it to conform.

This is probably a good way to spend $1.5 million.

 

[hoser]

You don't need a lawyer. You don't need to buy 10 and destroy one. You don't need to crash test anything. You're not starting from scratch trying to import a completely new vehicle. You are trying to ride the coat tails of the LX600 that is already sold here.

You would need a GOOD Registered Importer that can convince the NHTSA one version of the LC300 is substantially similar to any US version of the LX600 (or a letter from the manufacturer saying such... which would probably be more difficult to obtain). Once the petition is conditionally approved, you would need to a bond in the amount of 1.5 times the dutiable value of the vehicle.... and the vehicle would need to be brought into compliance (if needed). Compliance items could be DOT approved glass, LHD headlamps, side marker/corner lamps, MPH speedo, etc.

This does not sound impossible to me as the two vehicles are built at the same plant using the same or very similar frame, safety equipment/airbags, drivetrain, etc. There are more extreme cases like the Skyline R33... that are indeed eligible for import.

Here's a list of active registered importers. Start making calls:

Registered Importers | NHTSA

www.nhtsa.gov

 

[brian az]

You don't need a lawyer. You don't need to buy 10 and destroy one. You don't need to crash test anything. You're not starting from scratch trying to import a completely new vehicle. You are trying to ride the coat tails of the LX600 that is already sold here.

You would need a GOOD Registered Importer that can convince the NHTSA one version of the LC300 is substantially similar to any US version of the LX600 (or a letter from the manufacturer saying such... which would probably be more difficult to obtain). Once the petition is conditionally approved, you would need to a bond in the amount of 1.5 times the dutiable value of the vehicle.... and the vehicle would need to be brought into compliance (if needed). Compliance items could be DOT approved glass, LHD headlamps, side marker/corner lamps, MPH speedo, etc.

This does not sound impossible to me as the two vehicles are built at the same plant using the same or very similar frame, safety equipment/airbags, drivetrain, etc. There are more extreme cases like the Skyline R33... that are indeed eligible for import.

Here's a list of active registered importers. Start making calls:

Registered Importers | NHTSA

www.nhtsa.gov

I've been browsing some of these NHTSA petitions that are based on the substantial similarity argument. What I've learned from reading the denied petitions is that, having a good RI is crucial. Honestly, it's probably money well-spent to have a lawyer assist in drafting the petition and advising on the process too. For example, check out this denial where the RI tried to import a Chevy Cheyenne pickup that was produced for the Mexican market. Seems like it'd be slam dunk for the RI as these trucks are pretty much the Mexican version of the Chevy Silverado sold here, but the petition was denied. Looking at the NHTSA denial statement, it seems like a lot, if not all, of their objections could have been avoided if the RI had done a better job.

Another thing I've noticed in the handful of denial decisions I read, is that, in each one, NHTSA reached out to the vehicle manufacturer for their opinion, and in each case, the manufacturer said the vehicles were not substantially similar. Which makes sense, why would they go out on a limb, they have nothing to gain. I'd expect NHTSA to reach out to Toyota if someone tries this, and my gut feeling is that Toyota will not be supportive.

Also, food for thought, check out this application from an RI in Maryland. In 2012, this RI petitioned NHTSA to have IFS 100 Series Land Cruisers from other markets deemed substantially similar. It was approved. The petition listed out the things that would have to be changed.

Another interesting one, is this very old (year 2000) petition denial for 1989-1991 VW Golf sedans. In this one, VW chimed in and said that the European versions are heavier, have a different four wheel drive configuration, and approximately 100mm of additional ground clearance, and therefore would require crash testing.

Anyway, I like doing legal research. That was fun.

 

[onemanarmy]

very interesting.

yea...i doubt toyota would say a Saudi 300 is very similar to a USA LX600.

they know the floodgates would open and 300s would be shipped in......not good for Toyota dealers.

this is the exact reason the 25 year rules exists to this very day......Merc Benz (and others) didn't want buyers just importing themselves.....they wanted the new MBs to be sold at dealers.......and the sheep masses enjoy the fruits of that 40 years later!

 

[hoser]

@brian az Yes, for sure you'd want the most experience R.I. you could find. A lawyer would certainly help but nobody wants to pay for one out of their own pockets... on an uncertain venture. We should crowd-fund this endeavor.

As for choosing an R.I., the list has business interest codes. I'd first start by filtering them by #10, 2, 3.

For example, check out this denial where the RI tried to import a Chevy Cheyenne pickup that was produced for the Mexican market. Seems like it'd be slam dunk for the RI as these trucks are pretty much the Mexican version of the Chevy Silverado sold here, but the petition was denied. Looking at the NHTSA denial statement, it seems like a lot, if not all, of their objections could have been avoided if the RI had done a better job.

Maybe 15 years ago, I helped a friend import his Mexican Spec Land Cruiser 100. I told him, as long as it has the FMVSS sticker on it, it'll be no problem getting it across the border and legally importing it. There was no sticker/plate. I told him where they might be and we discovered under a "Mexican" sticker there might be something else. He carefully pulled the Mexican sticker off and Voila! FMVSS sticker was present!

 

[brian az]

There was no sticker/plate. I told him where they might be and we discovered under a "Mexican" sticker there might be something else. He carefully pulled the Mexican sticker off and Voila! FMVSS sticker was present!

Hilarious. I love it

 

[Joe T]

If you are a non resident you can import one and drive it for one year (with plates from you country of residence). So just get a new one every year?

But this may just be Mexico and it is illegal to sell it and can be confiscated after one year if not returned.

 

[dnh1]

You should also ask a lawyer if you haven’t already

I am a lawyer

 

[dnh1]

You’ll need to buy ten of them, destroy 9, then make all of the necessary engineering changes to the one you keep for it to conform.

This is probably a good way to spend $1.5 million.

This is not true. You can keep saying this, but it's not true. Exactly why do you think an LC300 would not "conform" to US standards anyway.

 

[dnh1]

@brian az Yes, for sure you'd want the most experience R.I. you could find. A lawyer would certainly help but nobody wants to pay for one out of their own pockets... on an uncertain venture. We should crowd-fund this endeavor.

As for choosing an R.I., the list has business interest codes. I'd first start by filtering them by #10, 2, 3.

View attachment 3705337


Maybe 15 years ago, I helped a friend import his Mexican Spec Land Cruiser 100. I told him, as long as it has the FMVSS sticker on it, it'll be no problem getting it across the border and legally importing it. There was no sticker/plate. I told him where they might be and we discovered under a "Mexican" sticker there might be something else. He carefully pulled the Mexican sticker off and Voila! FMVSS sticker was present!

100% you need a really good RI.

 

[OGBeno]

This is not true. You can keep saying this, but it's not true. Exactly why do you think an LC300 would not "conform" to US standards anyway.

It was tongue in cheek. Simmer down.