Buy Imported Cars - How To

Before you spend any money, you must ensure the car can legally enter and stay in the country.

Buying an older imported car involves unique risks. Experts at MotorTrend recommend focusing on: how to buy imported cars

In the United States, vehicles that were not originally sold in the domestic market generally must be at least 25 years old to be exempt from Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety and emissions standards. Before you spend any money, you must ensure

If the car is worth more than $2,500, you will likely need to file a formal entry, often requiring a Customs Broker to ensure accuracy. 3. Inspections: What to Look For If the car is worth more than $2,500,

There are three primary ways to acquire an imported vehicle, each with its own balance of cost and convenience:

You will need the original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and specific customs forms like DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1 .

Buying directly from an exporter or auction (common with Japanese JDM cars). This is often the cheapest route but requires you to manage customs, shipping, and compliance yourself. 2. Critical Compliance & Legal Rules