Modifications to qualify a US S2K to EU Standards?
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: Brussels, Belgium
Hi Amaru,
I already sent you an e-mail message with lots of details, but I'll reply here for the other interested folk.
When your car arrives here you can drive it without any mods for a reasonable amount of time, with Texas plates. Just make sure you have valid Dutch insurance, because this is way different than in the US and required!!
You are not allowed to sell the car here within one year after Dutch registration, because otherwise you'll have to pay tax (amounts to more than 10.000 bucks!!) After one year, you're free! If you find a buyer, you could maybe make a tidy profit..?!
The slight mods that are necessary (clearing out headlamps on 2000-2003MY and addition of rear fog lamp) shouldn't give any problems in the US. Rear fog lamp is not prohibited in the US (see 'new' Oldsmobile Intrigue). If 'the man' has issues with the front lights, stick temporary amber reflectors to the sides of the front bumper and put in a 59 cent amber bulbs for parking lamps when problems arise.
You don't need self adjusting lamps, nor do you need headlamp washers.
NOTE: Only as long as you intend to ship the car as "Moving Goods" these lenient rules are applicable!!!
Best regards,
Siepel
I already sent you an e-mail message with lots of details, but I'll reply here for the other interested folk.
When your car arrives here you can drive it without any mods for a reasonable amount of time, with Texas plates. Just make sure you have valid Dutch insurance, because this is way different than in the US and required!!
You are not allowed to sell the car here within one year after Dutch registration, because otherwise you'll have to pay tax (amounts to more than 10.000 bucks!!) After one year, you're free! If you find a buyer, you could maybe make a tidy profit..?!
The slight mods that are necessary (clearing out headlamps on 2000-2003MY and addition of rear fog lamp) shouldn't give any problems in the US. Rear fog lamp is not prohibited in the US (see 'new' Oldsmobile Intrigue). If 'the man' has issues with the front lights, stick temporary amber reflectors to the sides of the front bumper and put in a 59 cent amber bulbs for parking lamps when problems arise.
You don't need self adjusting lamps, nor do you need headlamp washers.
NOTE: Only as long as you intend to ship the car as "Moving Goods" these lenient rules are applicable!!!
Best regards,
Siepel
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Portugal
With the Euro this high (1euro = US$1.27), bringing a US S2000 would be great. If I were you, I'd try to find a NEW MY2003 (2.0L engine) and ship it after the 6 month period Siepel mentioned.
US$61000 in Holland
US$33000 in US
===============
US$28000 CHEAPER !!!
(I'm from Portugal, here the S2000 is sold for 45300
US$61000 in Holland
US$33000 in US
===============
US$28000 CHEAPER !!!
(I'm from Portugal, here the S2000 is sold for 45300
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 10
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Whoa, really. That's good news. That means it is possible at some point to update a pre 04 model with the new instrument cluster and keep the 9K redline readout on the tach!
Probably more hidden difficulties, but in theory......
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark Turner
Probably more hidden difficulties, but in theory......
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark Turner
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
The warranty is definitely no good anymore if you take the car out of the US, so don't ven worry about purchasing any extended warranty. I guess you'd have to rely on the good will of the local Honda affiliate to see if they will include you on any recalls, etc. Since you are moving and not just engage in some kind of a grey import, your chances are probably better than average.
A few years ago, my dad took a Corvette with him from the US to Germany. One of the bigger car carriers and import/export sevice providers is E.H. Harms, and they not only shipped the car for him but also did all of the modifications in their terminal in Northern Germany. You might want to check their website and perhaps send them an e-mail asking for further information. I am sure they could give you details and prices.
E.H. Harms Website
At the very least they should be able to point you to a company that deals with Hondas that are shipped to the US.
Good luck.
A few years ago, my dad took a Corvette with him from the US to Germany. One of the bigger car carriers and import/export sevice providers is E.H. Harms, and they not only shipped the car for him but also did all of the modifications in their terminal in Northern Germany. You might want to check their website and perhaps send them an e-mail asking for further information. I am sure they could give you details and prices.
E.H. Harms Website
At the very least they should be able to point you to a company that deals with Hondas that are shipped to the US.
Good luck.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Madison
Are the prices of the S2000 the same in all the countries in Europe? Or are they higher in Holland? I'd be worried about the lack of warranty coverage and compatibility of parts.
I'd probably have any necessary changes made there.
There are a couple of new MY03 at the dealership where I live in Madison, WI. Red and silver. Keep in mind that the EU MY03 had more power than the U.S. version. The EU MY04 may have more than the 250 of the old 2.0.
But if you aren't familiar with it, I would research the U.S. MY04 before going with MY03. Check out Temple of Vtec. The improvements in power and torque with the U.S. MY04 are more than 10% improvement as Hockey stated. This car does make close to 270 hp and 170 torque. It's a faster car than than the MY03 and it will be faster than the EU MY04.
I'd probably have any necessary changes made there.
There are a couple of new MY03 at the dealership where I live in Madison, WI. Red and silver. Keep in mind that the EU MY03 had more power than the U.S. version. The EU MY04 may have more than the 250 of the old 2.0.
But if you aren't familiar with it, I would research the U.S. MY04 before going with MY03. Check out Temple of Vtec. The improvements in power and torque with the U.S. MY04 are more than 10% improvement as Hockey stated. This car does make close to 270 hp and 170 torque. It's a faster car than than the MY03 and it will be faster than the EU MY04.
