Hello Scott - Hello Scott - Thanks for your very candid car review and maintenance advice. Over the past few months, I’ve come to rely heavily on your opinion when it comes to car purchases, repairs and maintenance. Here is my question. I currently l...
Hello Scott - Thanks for your very candid car review and maintenance advice. Over the past few months, I’ve come to rely heavily on your opinion when it comes to car purchases, repairs and maintenance. Here is my question. I currently live in Japan and transitioning back to America in December. I know you’ve always stated how good and trustworthy the Japanese cars are. I have a 2021 Toyota Hilux Diesel and a small Daihatsu Kei car as they are referred to here . With car prices so high now in Anerica, will you recommend I bring my cars with me ? They are all paid for and from what I can tell the shipping is on 1500 usd per car and the duty is 2.5% of the value of the car … which is not bad at all.
also, will you be interested in anything from Japan before I head
I have a 2021 Toyota Hilux Diesel
Before you get too carried away, I don't think you will be able import it, so talk to a broker and DMV first.
Even if you could, how are you going to get parts? Have you tried driving on American roads in the right side seat?
I'm going to echo exactly what @imperator said. Here's just one link which can give you an idea of what to expect; with the strict EPA regulations here I don't think it's going to be an easy process even if you could import them.
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car
I would total jump at a chance to bring JDM cars to America. We usually have to wait 25 years to even have a chance. If you can bring one in earlier, more power to you!
My only concern with both cars, is because those specific models are not available in America, it may prove difficult to find parts for it. Especially since the Hilux is a diesel and Dahistsu isn't even sold in the US anymore. Perhaps research to see what may potentially break down or need replacing down the road, and see if you will be able to obtain those parts in America. Or if you have connections in Japan, some way to get the parts to you. But as Scotty says, when there is a will, there is a way.
Please let us know your decision. It would be awesome if Scotty could do a review on both your cars!
This guy is in a pickle with respect to getting a proper scan tool that was intended for his region of the world (from an authorized source) and will also scan his import vehicle. Something to think about as well if you are a DIYer and want to scan your vehicles yourself :
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https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/trying-to-scan-a-toyota-landcruiser-prado/#post-285037
