Hi I hope this is the right place to ask.

Does anyone know if it would be possible to import my UK registered AP1 to Florida if I were to relocate there.

I've heard importing cars to the USA can be a nightmare unless they are 25 years old.

Thanks

 

It's a PITA even if the car is 25 Y/O

try one of these guys. they are both know importer of cars to the US.

www.blackopsperformance.com/ (South Florida)

http://www.rivsuimports.com/ (Orlando)

 

You will be far better off selling your car and buying another one here. Unless you plan on delivering the mail in your S as a right hand car if perfect for that.

 

What about importing the car for one year then when the time is up exporting it back?

 

I've often seen European cars here "on holiday," perhaps yours would be an extended one?

 

Ever driven an AP2? They are faster and more drive-able in my experience. You should buy one.

 

Its been about 12 years ago but, I used to bring over the original Mini Coopers from England. If my memory serves me well, there are several factors that will probably prevent you from bringing the car over:

A). 25 year - sliding exemption on the production year on the EPA standards, meaning the car has to be older than 1991

B). 20 year exemption on the 5-MPH bumper safety standards (now 1996 or older)

C). If the car was ever available/shipped to the USA from the Mfg. in a left hand version, during the production years of the car (1999-2009), then they would not allow the right hand drive version to enter. You could however bring over left hand drive versions, but would have to be altered to meet the USA EPA Standards.

D). If you are Foreign Military, there may be a one year allowance to bring it over but, would have to be "fitted" for the current EPA standards, converted to the Safety Standards for the USA.

Now I well know there are right drive Nissan/Skylines and other products over here but how they manipulated the protocols are beyond me and frankly, I don't want to know. It's not worth the jail time and losing the car permanently to be destroyed.

The car also has to be inspected through about 4 different Federal Agencies for "foreign dirt", VIN authenticity, and a couple of other items that I can't remember. It's a total hassle and seems it cost me about $3,000 for shipping, a Registered Agent, all of the Inspections, Agricultural Micro Organism Impound Storage. Plus the time it took me to drive to JAX, impound lots during all of the various inspection (about 30 days of waiting).

 

Just had a quote for £780 to ship my car from Southampton (UK) to Jacksonville (FL) with a roll on roll off crossing. This is with the understanding that's on a temporary import for one year and after the year the car must be shipped back to the UK.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...r-personal-use

 

Well shit. That sounds easy.

 

ship it with a hardtop and sell it for $3k once you get here!