http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm...ingyourcar.htm
Ok, in simple plain english these are the import laws for the US. This topic has been brought up before, so here it is.
Other than money the only other this from stopping you from importing a car is the EPA.
The car to be imported must meet the Federal emmissions rules and regulations for that year and type of vehicle.

 

EPA and DOT, and most vehicles are not built for the DOT regs.

 

If it was easy we would see some defender 110's driving around. I think I have only seen 1 or 2 in the US.

Willie

 

One of the NCLR members has at CT110 that was a scout vehicle for the Siberian Camel Trophy. I want to say it took about 5 years for that thing to finally get legal to drive here in the states.

 

A little info on importing defenders...

http://www.defenderimports.com

Sounds hopeless.

 

That wqs kinds my point to the thread, it is virtually hopeless, unless you have wads of cash.
But if somebody searches this in the future they will find the info.
I wish it was easier to do.
You can bring them over for 1 year to drive if you live in another country, but then you must send it back.

 

Hmmmm, a defender 1 year lease. I LIKE it! Where does it say you can import it for a year?

NVRMND. Found it and it pertains to non-residents only.

 

I live on the border-let's see, send one to Mexico, pay off the Federales with a couple of grand, get Mexican plates & drive it across the border....hmmmmm, the gears in my head are spinning.

 

Yes, non residents of the US can bring their car here, put a temp plate on it and then drive it for up to one year.

If you go to the US Gov site on importing it explains it all out in legal terms.
I sent a US auto importer a e-mail imquiring about this but I have not heard back yet.

 

Well be glad you're not in California. I've read some threads on importing at LRRForums, which is 80% CA members and it's even harder in this state than the rest of the country. I've read where an imported vehicle can be legal in other states but still next to impossible to register in this state.