This is a sticky so that new members can quickly check. I will start with California and Nevada, you guys can reply to the states commenting yes/no details. Anyone else can add other states of interest and do the same
I’m working on importing a Honda Acty into Idaho.
My broad question is, is it worth it to find a 25yr+ old model, or should I look at newer models?
The Idaho Transportation Department will issue plates for newer Kei Trucks as UTVs, which in our state can be driven on most county and city roads, and are only excluded from highways/freeways, and any cities that make ordinances specifically restricting them.
None of that impacts the way I intend to use my Acty, I’d be fine with that limited registration. I’m actually planning to replace our UTV with it, and while a cab means I might be willing to drive it a bit further than our UTV, I have no intent or need of driving it more than a few hundred yards on any highways or freeways to essentially cross from one county road to another (which, our local law officers generally allow with OHV titled vehicles).
I haven’t seen specific examples of anyone getting a full title in Idaho on a 25+ yr Kei, and I suppose it could be possible, but again, there’s nowhere I want to go in mine that wouldn’t be covered by a UTV registration.
So my question is, does the age make a difference for the Federal/customs import process? Will I have an easier or cheaper time (apart from paying duty on the cost of the vehicle) getting my Acty through customs if it’s 25+ years old, or does the 25+ year only affect registration and titling in states?
I’ve been thinking about saving money by importing instead of buying through a dealership. I am nervous about going this route because I know very little of how importing and customs work. Is there any advice and basic steps that anyone can help me out with?
I’ve been looking into Japanese kei trucks like the Honda Acty and the Daihatsu Hijet, and I think they could be a lot of fun as a little truck while still being able to get around. I’m currently in the market for one, but the only one in AK I’ve been able to find is in Anchorage, and while I could get a trailer and bring it back up here, the time combined with the pice they’re asking is just a bit to much for me right now. Thanks!
What is the piece called that is bolted to the back of the cab that has different points for tie downs called? I have a Subaru Sambar, but unfortunately do not have that part and I am trying to find one. Can anyone tell me what it is called, tell me where I can find one (I live in Japan), or provide me a link on where I could buy one?
https://preview.redd.it/yqvgzorwjn381.jpg?width=728&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41d210c3e87c34149d66de535955316999d4e825
Hello All,
I am looking into purchasing a 1995 Honda Acty SDX for use as a commuter around Nevada. As I was looking into the process of getting one registered I read that they may not be allowed for road use in the state of Nevada. Does anyone know of a resource or regulation that states whether they are or are not allowed to be registered in Nevada? I would hate to purchase one and get it imported, just to be denied by the DMV.
Alternatively, since the truck I am looking to import is more than 25 years old, does that mean that it is allowed to be registered? I am not sure if the DOT would be the one to deny the registration of a Kei Truck, but if so then it seems like the models older than 25 years would be fine to register.
Thank you!
does anyone know where i can get a 1/10 kei truck body? gonna try and use it for a drift build :) trying to be original lol
I used this guide to import my van, it is very comprehensive but I will also run through the process below including some of my experience. It's been a year now so forgive me if I've forgotten anything.
Since the #1 question everyone asks is how much it cost me....freight $1160, shipping company fees $173.15, customs $71.63, ISF $30, port fees can't find receipt...under $200ish? So $1600 or so + cost of the van.
Prelude: Make sure the vehicle you are purchasing is 25 years old down to the month as of the date of arrival or it can get seized for non-compliance with DOT regulations. Good exporters will take a picture of the tag on the seat belts, it will have the year and month of production printed on it or you can decode the vin online.
As long as the vehicle's value (not including shipping) is below $2,500, making it an informal entry, you will not need a customs bond or importer number and therefore a lot easier as an individual.
Step 1: Purchase a vehicle from your exporter of choice. I used Mitsui Co. Ltd. They were super helpful, thorough and punctual. They went as far as to take many many pictures with a tape measure when I asked for interior dimensions and they post of a video of the vehicle even from underneath. I paid the full amount at once through PayPal, the total included shipping and there were no other fees from their end. They also sent me the paperwork with an English translation without being asked.
They will notify you with expected departure, shipping company, etc.
Step 2: File your ISF 10+2 online. I forgot about this and ended up filing really late, but did not incur any fees somehow. Don't be like me, file it on-time, meaning within a day or so after the vehicle is loaded in the foreign port. You can do this all online, you will need some info from your exporter and around $30. I used https://www.turboisf.com/ and had my confirmation in a few hours.
Step 3: Wait. My van took 2 months in the midst of the pandemic because many dates got cancelled. Should be about 1 month of actual boat time. During this time your exporter should be mailing you the paperwork you will need, make sure they send it in a timely manner so you have time to prepare. You will need from them: 2 originals of the Bill of Lading, Purchase Invoice, Export Cer
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Those of you that have imported your Kei Truck, what import duty percentage did you pay? It seems that the trucks get slapped with a 25% import duty, is that your experience? Or have any of you paid the 2.5% due on a passenger vehicle?
