Information Re: Importing to the USA and Complete DIY How-To (2 Viewers)

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My approach, whether it is right or wrong, here in NJ is…once accepted into the country and registered from another state…just process the paperwork and it is like any other previously registered vehicle in the US states. If I bought a Chevy from Joe’s Chevrolet in PA and sold it to a guy in Vermont, he just goes to DMV and fill out the

Wow… things sound different there. In my 56 years of buying vehicles, not as a pro but as a civilian guy who buys a car every few years it sounds strange but I am no expert. I have lived in Florida, Vermont, New Jersey and 1 overseas import purchase.. however, the import title was a South Dakota title and simply transferred to NJ in less than 15 minutes with tags and title. That alone is a miracle…DMV has been revamped and they now make appointments to do paperwork exchanges and registration… some stuff you can do online…EVEN BETTER!
Yeah ill know this week - but this came about as the state of GA has banned all Kei trucks from being registered but ive read theyve denied some JDM owners registration because of this. It only came about maybe a year ago i believe.
 
…that does provide more clarity…good luck when you go!!
 
Yeah ill know this week - but this came about as the state of GA has banned all Kei trucks from being registered but ive read theyve denied some JDM owners registration because of this. It only came about maybe a year ago i believe.
Good luck. Hopefully such enthusiasm doesn't spill over into Alabama.
 
Was able to get a tag and changed over title. Nothing was even said from tag office.
Congratulations….glad it went smoothly. As @WarDamnEagle mentioned….” Hopefully such enthusiasm doesn't spill over into Alabama. “ or NJ although I would love to move
 
I believe in the case of Georgia, our bureaucratic friends in Atlanta are only targeting the Kei trucks.
 
I believe in the case of Georgia, our bureaucratic friends in Atlanta are only targeting the Kei trucks.
Definitely seems that way but did read on Reddit that a few people were denied in certain counties. Never know if thats the truth though. I live in Henry County and they didn't say a word. She did ask what kind of automobile it was and that was it.
 
Definitely seems that way but did read on Reddit that a few people were denied in certain counties. Never know if thats the truth though. I live in Henry County and they didn't say a word. She did ask what kind of automobile it was and that was it.
No issues in Southern Georgia (that I’m aware of).
 
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Definitely seems that way but did read on Reddit that a few people were denied in certain counties. Never know if thats the truth though. I live in Henry County and they didn't say a word. She did ask what kind of automobile it was and that was it.
When I registered my Bandierante and she asked what it was…I said “ Toyota pick-up”. Oh… ok
 
My first Land Cruiser was a 1978 45 Series pickup imported from down under. When I went to our local tag office (nearly 20 years ago) the clerk that I worked with was baffled by the short VIN. She eventually looked up from her computer screen and noticed the Cruiser setting in the parking lot. She then said “isn’t that like a Jeep”. My initial thoughts were to be a bit peeved, but I reluctantly said yes. She then asked “is it something that would be used on a farm” and I answered “yes” although I failed to mention that I didn’t own a farm. From that point, my Land Cruiser was listed as “farm equipment”.
The good ole days …. 😁
 
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Brings up a few memories
Funny you mentioned the short serial numbers….. the Bandierante had this issue and apparently all VIN numbers are 17 digits OR ELSE!
I did need to bring them a photo of the VIN ID plate showing the numbers but it did say Toyota in bold black letters and the photo also had a picture of the vehicle and it was “a pickup.”
 
Brings up a few memories
Funny you mentioned the short serial numbers….. the Bandierante had this issue and apparently all VIN numbers are 17 digits OR ELSE!
I did need to bring them a photo of the VIN ID plate showing the numbers but it did say Toyota in bold black letters and the photo also had a picture of the vehicle and it was “a pickup.”
That was what some counties were cracking down on - the short VIN was making them ask questions.
 
That was what some counties were cracking down on - the short VIN was making them ask questions.
I recommend going fairly late on a Friday afternoon when everyone just wants to go home. 😊
 
Good info. Going to be hard to find what I am looking for but I'm going to hold out till the one I want comes available. Coil front suspension pickup with removable hardtop.
 
This is some great info thanks for the advice. I have a 2005 prado 120 can’t wait for it to be 25 years of age to send back home to Nj I do have a lj71 I might think of sending it over. Thanks for everyone who chimed in on this.
 
This is some great info thanks for the advice. I have a 2005 prado 120 can’t wait for it to be 25 years of age to send back home to Nj I do have a lj71 I might think of sending it over. Thanks for everyone who chimed in on this.
By the time your Prado is eligible to exercise the 25 exemption hopefully the import insanity will have settled, its nightmare right now with tariffs imminent.
 
Hello everyone,

I wanted to get some input in our situation.

My dad and I are planning on importing a 1991 USDM FJ80 back into the US. However, since the engine failed and diesels are more popular there, we had the engine swapped with a 1HDT. Now, I know that being a 25 year old vehicle, the only hurdle we’d face is that it must be in original condition for the EPA. It can be discussed that a 1HDT is one of the “options” for the model, in that country. In fact, it is the original engines used. Therefore, if the vehicle is imported as a 25 year old vehicle, not as a “re-import of a USDM vehicle back into the US”, would we be fine?

I understand that there’s some risk involved. But to be fair, what’s the difference between and 6BT-engine swapped FZJ80 here in the US aside from this vehicle has travelled to a different country and wants to come back home 😂

Thank you!
 

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