I need help oppo, JDM Legacy GT-B

"Once_upon_a_pvt" (eagleruwe07)
03/10/2014 at 16:13 • Filed to: None

I've happened upon a unicorn of sorts. 1997 legacy gt-b. Right hand drive, ej20r twin turbo manual wagon. Its literally perfect.

I've seen a few imported to the states, how? My buddy owns it but doesn't want to do the leg work, and I've seen a few in different places that got imported. I've emailed several RIs and heard nothing back yet. I don't have long to make a move on it, but I want it as long as I can keep it. Forever. In the US.

Anyone have any info on importing a legacy? I've been told by a slightly unreliable source that you can ship them because the usdm legacys were essentially the same. I want this thing... bad. If anyone can help please lemme know. He is literally giving it to me.

DISCUSSION (22)

jkm7680 > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:17

Possibility 1. If a car has proof that is the exact, identical model. It can be imported.

Possibility 2. It could be imported illegally, the Gtr importer for Fast and Furious did this.

Possibility 3. They could be grey market vehicles.

Possiblity 4. Diplomats, foreign officials

I've seen a Dacia at cars and coffee, so anything is possible. I believe the story between that car, is that it belonged to a foreign official, and after a certain period of time, the car would have to be "Deported"

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:22

You could do the most sketchy thing in the world and put VIN tags from a legit Legacy of the same year onto it. I'm pretty sure that is illegal and if it is, it might even be a felony. But let's keep it as plan B for now.

A legit importing company should be able to prove that

A) That car's basic chassis and safety structure was deemed suitable for public roads by the NHTSA and whatnot when new
B) It can pass emissions tests
C) It has a defineable market value and is a mass produced vehicle nearly identical to the USDM version therefore, it can be insured.

That should be it.

NickWea > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:23

http://www.rightdriveusa.com/ they might be able to help you. Also some of the ones you see might be the USDM models made to look like the JDM models with all the JDM parts like the Legacy Matt Farah filmed on Tuned.

Once_upon_a_pvt > jkm7680
03/10/2014 at 16:23

I've researched the temporary race and show car routes, seems most I can hope for is a 1 year temporary import. There are possible extensions, but ice need like 5 years. I move back to the states in 2017 so it wouldn't be 25 yet.

vicali > jkm7680
03/10/2014 at 16:23

5. move here to Canada

jkm7680 > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:24

You can get the temporary import. Then switch it over to Show/Racing only. Use it for track days, until 25 years. That is the best legal way, because if the Feds find out that you have the car illegally, they will crush it. No doubt about it.

Good luck with it!

Once_upon_a_pvt > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
03/10/2014 at 16:25

Hopefully one of these so called legit importers will actually email me back. Seems to be the best bet.

Party-vi > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:26

To import a non-USDM vehicle to the US it must have the following criteria met:

1) Be over 25 years old.

2) Have previously been crash tested in the US

3) Have previously been emissions tested in the US

In theory the Legacy would not have any issue being imported, but you cannot keep the JDM engine as the equipment on it was never tested for emissions compliance in the US. That being said, States do not give a flying fuck about what car you register or what engine it has, as long as you can pass the emissions in that state. Only the Federal Government cares about your imported car.

jkm7680 > vicali
03/10/2014 at 16:27

Haha, good one. I've been wanting a Renault Clio Sport V6 for a while now.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > jkm7680
03/10/2014 at 16:27

Re #1: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/imp…

It's not on the list, though.

Once_upon_a_pvt > NickWea
03/10/2014 at 16:27

That's true about clones. I did see one review of a new supposedly freshly imported, which gave me hope its possible.

jkm7680 > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
03/10/2014 at 16:28

Ok, I think that #1 applies for Canadian-Usa imports only.

NaturallyAspirated > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:29

I can't help with the importation, but I just wanted to say good luck. I love the look of those GT-Bs. I have a LHD modified set of those Kouki headlights on my own Legacy, and I wouldn't mind picking up one of those front grilles and a set of taillights from a GT-B someday.

Once_upon_a_pvt > Party-vi
03/10/2014 at 16:31

Emmisions makes sense, as being the only big road block. I've heard things like windows and b pillars are different in euro spec and rhd cars and the US gov douches get all pissy about crash structures.

I live in Ohio so I can register whatever the hell I want, regardless of emmisions. So maybe that's good

jariten1781 > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:32

The form is here:

http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/imp…

If you meet 2A you're good to go, if you don't you'll need to go through a registered importer if you want to be legal.

Once_upon_a_pvt > NaturallyAspirated
03/10/2014 at 16:34

Hey if I find a wrecked one over here I'll let you know! I literally fell in love in 1 minute, I want to keep this thing forever. Upgrade all the lines, hoses and accessories. Keep it as clean as possible. Its so pretty.

Party-vi > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 16:36

Ah, I forgot - if you import a vehicle legally then you have to Federalize it, meaning DOT-spec headlight and taillights, DOT-approved airbags, things like that. Basically if it carried a "DOT" stamp on the US Legacy then yours will need it too.

JeffFurbs > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 17:27

Sorry I can't help either but keep OPPO updated! I want to know if you are successful. That is a cool car man

Once_upon_a_pvt > JeffFurbs
03/10/2014 at 17:47

Best believe if it ends up in my hands there will be a full on resto thread bringing it back to glory.

Makoyouidiot > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/10/2014 at 23:41

I know it'd be expensive...but rent a car size storage unit in Canuckistan till it turns 25, then bring it in?

Once_upon_a_pvt > NickWea
03/11/2014 at 01:49

Right drive USA emailed me back, AMD the only deal in cars over 25.

NickWea > Once_upon_a_pvt
03/11/2014 at 09:00

Thats too bad.