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Old 04-27-2005, 09:03 AM   #1
labest1
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Question How do I import a Pontiac/Daewoo Matiz from mexico or Venezuela?

I want to import a Pontiac Matiz from mexico.
In Venezuela it sells as a Daewoo Matiz.
There has to be a way to import this killer looking, fuel economic car into the US.
Maybe as a Lease? for my company....?
Or maybe with some modifications.
The car sells NEW in Venezuela for like $6,000. US Dollars...
So who cares if I have to spend like another $4,000. It is still cheaper that buying a new car here in the US
I know it may be hard but I am willing do exploit loopholes <grin>
So please, don't hold back.
Thanks.
CP
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Old 04-27-2005, 09:22 AM   #2
Mugan
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Re: How do I import a Pontiac/Daewoo Matiz from mexico or Venezuela?

Quote:
Originally Posted by labest1
I want to import a Pontiac Matiz from mexico.
In Venezuela it sells as a Daewoo Matiz.
There has to be a way to import this killer looking, fuel economic car into the US.
Maybe as a Lease? for my company....?
Or maybe with some modifications.
The car sells NEW in Venezuela for like $6,000. US Dollars...
So who cares if I have to spend like another $4,000. It is still cheaper that buying a new car here in the US
I know it may be hard but I am willing do exploit loopholes <grin>
So please, don't hold back.
Thanks.
CP
This is a very complicated process legally you have to be epa approved
also dot approved. Or you could have some one remove engine and transmission and imported as a kit car.
Good Luck
www.usaimportparts.com
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Old 04-27-2005, 12:59 PM   #3
labest1
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Talking

AH. many thanks... I was wondering what had to be removed to make it just a parts car... I thought it was just removing the engine.
Once I do that, then how do I get a registration and/or title?? so that I can get a plate and insurance?
Thanks again and keep up with the sneaky way sugestions hehe.
CP.
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Old 10-12-2005, 06:54 PM   #4
AssassinFive
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Importing Foreign Cars

Yes, you can import foreign vehicles into the US. There are two primary options.

1- There are Vehicle Importing companies that buy the vehicle and have it cleared through customs and then re-titled to you. They can be expensive primarily because they dont "haggle" and because they charge you for every little expense.

2- You can go through customs yourself. But this means that you have to:
a) "purchase" the vehicle in a country it is sold in and pay all fees/taxes
b) arrange for shipping to the US ($1k to $2k)
c) have the vehicle customized to US standards (steel beams in doors, safety windshield etc) This step can be accomplished in the country of origin. Ive seen this cost anywhere from $1k to $6k. The poorer the country the cheaper this can be (hint-hint).

The vehicles do not have to pass any other "crash test standards". (Do you think a Cobra or lambo kit has to go through a crash test?) Nothing more than your states normal emissions and safety tests. (Think Salvage Title or Kit Car) You will basically be issued a "Foreign Origin" Title.

If you have problems you can import the car as a "collectors item" -Not For Road Usage until you get all the kinks worked out. But of course you cant drive it during this period.

If the car is coming from south of the border you could actually buy it and licence it in the country of origin. (NOTE: You will need proof of insurance for EVERY country you drive through. They may claim at some borders that you do not have the proper insurance and sell you a 15 or 30 day policy to drive through. Hey...a lowly border guard has to make a living. MAKE SURE ALL COUNTRIES ARE LISTED ON THE POLICY!!!) Once you drive it home the MOST you will have to do is follow the same process you would for a salvage or kit car title. (Or bringing a car from a different state HINT HINT) In my state you simply make an appointment at the local state police station. They will perform a safety inspection and possibly have you also do an emissions test depending on your state. You will then be issued a "Foreign Origin" Title.

There are Attorneys who specialize in titling vehicles, primarily for kit and resto vehicles, but they can also help you.

I once lived in a state that required an annual inspection. Folks with cars who were afraid they would not pass often hooked up with mechanics they knew to perform the inspecion. (HINT HINT)

If you are serious, where there is a will there is a way.

Follow the Hints (drive it in, get to know someone at MV, just register it)
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Old 10-13-2005, 05:06 PM   #5
labest1
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Talking How do I import a Pontiac/Daewoo Matiz from mexico or Venezuela?

Assassinfive
Sir, you are a saint stright from the heavens of god
I knew there was a way to do this, just like you mapped it out.
I just didnt know how to go about it.
It would be of some help if you could email me Labest1@bellsouth.net
for details on some of the info.
This is alot of help and Im confident I can figure it out but if i can get just a little more info it would just be fantastic.
Many, Many thanks to you....
and may the way that be smile upon you in your ventures =)
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