Importing to California, bad news??

[Gallo Pinto]

Hello, I have been reading the importing threads trying to gather information in order to import a diesel cruiser from Costa Rica into California. Most of the threads say 25 yr or older no problem, use an importer, etc. Now I have read that one can no longer register these vehicles in California, true? Did the rules change? Any options? Thanks in advance.

 

[amaurer]

Register them in a different state first. If you import directly to California its a 50/50 shot.

 

[Gallo Pinto]

Thanks! That is what I was thinking, I could leave it registered in FL for a while before bringing it to San Diego. Since vehicle inspections are rather strict in CR I am pretty sure it can pass any test that CA might require.

 

[amaurer]

Thanks! That is what I was thinking, I could leave it registered in FL for a while before bringing it to San Diego. Since vehicle inspections are rather strict in CR I am pretty sure it can pass any test that CA might require.

CA won't require testing, so long as you have a US title from another state.

 

[CycloSteve]

CA will require a weight certificate if it is a pickup...not a biggie, but necessary for out of state vehicles. 25+ are not too much of a problem, just be patient and prepared to jump through a few hoops.

 

[Gallo Pinto]

Thanks for your replies. It will not be a pick up but probably a BJ70 or a BJ60 (if I can find one). The original plan was to have shipped from the Caribbean port to Miami and then shipped to California. I have some friends in NW Florida so the truck could stay registered there for a bit. So, do you recommend the use of an importer to handle the paperwork?

 

[diesel69er]

someone correct me if I'm wrong but from what i've read, if you can make 2 check marks you can save yourself a few hundred dollars and do it yourself if the vehicle is 25 years or older...

NHTSA: Form HS-7
Check BOX 1 since vehicle is more than 25 years old:
"The vehicle is 25 or more years old or the equipment item was manufactured on a date when no applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or Theft Prevention Standard was in effect."
Here's the form - http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf
EPA Form 3520-1
Check Code E since the vehicle is more than 21 years old:
“Vehicle at least 21 years old and in original unmodified configuration is either exempted or excluded from EPA emission requirements...”
Here's the form - http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/documents/3520-1.pdf

 

[diesel69er]

CA will require a weight certificate if it is a pickup...not a biggie, but necessary for out of state vehicles. 25+ are not too much of a problem, just be patient and prepared to jump through a few hoops.

just out of curiosity, where do you go to get the weight certified?

 

[CycloSteve]

just out of curiosity, where do you go to get the weight certified?

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/programs/wm/licensedlocations/licensedWMlocations.html

Not expensive, and locations all over the state.

 

[47coeman]

Most truck scales can certify your weight just ask for a DMV certification, you will need your registration for verification from previous state or pink it cost me 10 bucks for mine a couple of months ago and away you go.

 

[amaurer]

someone correct me if I'm wrong but from what i've read, if you can make 2 check marks you can save yourself a few hundred dollars and do it yourself if the vehicle is 25 years or older...

NHTSA: Form HS-7
Check BOX 1 since vehicle is more than 25 years old:
"The vehicle is 25 or more years old or the equipment item was manufactured on a date when no applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or Theft Prevention Standard was in effect."
Here's the form - http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf
EPA Form 3520-1
Check Code E since the vehicle is more than 21 years old:
“Vehicle at least 21 years old and in original unmodified configuration is either exempted or excluded from EPA emission requirements...”
Here's the form - http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/documents/3520-1.pdf

You can... but you'd have to be present at the port when they're doing the customs entry, which can be a pain in the ass if you don't live close.

Lots of agents will do the entry for you (with the above forms) and they don't have to be an RI. Your freight forwarder, for example, will be able to handle this for a small fee.

 

[Gallo Pinto]

I got some good news today, I stopped by the local DMV to get some information about registering an imported Cruiser in CA. According to the lady with whom I spoke as long as the vehicle (25 yrs or older) meets federal safety and the customs paperwork is in order shouldn't be a problem getting the Cruiser registered in California. So, I guess that there's no mandate that says that these vehicles can't be brought legally into the state. Now I have to find an importer. Any suggestions? Advice?
Thanks!

 

[Gallo Pinto]

Today I spoke to two people who are selling HJs already in the states, both said that these vehicles, although older than 25 years, can't be registered directly in California. One of them recommended what already has been suggested in this thread and to register it in another state before bringing it into California. One of them said that if I had an address (wink, wink!) in a neighboring state things could be done very easily.
Has anybody done this recently? One of the HJs has a price equivalent to what it'd cost if I import a vehicle from Costa Rica, without the hassle.

 

[doug720]

You should look at moving to Arizona, well at least your LandCruiser! The DMV there will allow registrations via mail and the rates are so much lower than Kalifornia.

 

[Gallo Pinto]

Looking at real estate in Yuma right now ; )

 

[1tontoy]

"Believe half of what you read and none of what you hear....."

 

[wardharris]

Read regs/follow rules, don't get too creative and it will all work out...

 

[Gallo Pinto]

Sound advice. Yeah, I plan on following the rules, not keen on taking chances. Worst case scenario I just keep my FJ60, fix it up and buy another Suzuki as my D/D and work truck. But it would be AWESOME to own a diesel Land Cruiser!!

 

[wardharris]

But it would be AWESOME to own a diesel Land Cruiser!!

Yep - crack for grown-ups.

 

[77-fj-40]

Yep - crack for grown-ups.

X2 Ward


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