importing a car
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
I checked into importing a Mercedes from Germany about 5 years ago. It was a nightmare. First, only a "registered importer" can do it. If the car was built after 05/95, it has to be OBD2 re-wired. (about $7K to do it here). Than there has to be about 70 changes made to it, such as the right outside mirror must have a sign saying that the objects are closer than they appear, and so on. Before all those changes are made, the bonds have to be posted with EPA and DOT. The custom duty is minor, it was 2.3% of the value of the car. I talked to 3 different registered importers. They all told me that for a pre-95 car they would do everything, except shipping, for about $6K. If the car was newer and had to be OBD2 re-wired, add another $7K.
Not worth it, unless you can get an S500 for 10K there, or something like that.
Not worth it, unless you can get an S500 for 10K there, or something like that.
