Can you import a leon cupra r into the US?

[AssassinFive]

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.

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" Nothing more than your states normal emissions and safety tests. (Think Salvage Title or Kit Car)

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.

Furthermore...IT IS NOT PROTECTIONISM......companies do not import into the US because they have determined it would not be economical. Companies like Fiat, Renault and Citreon have tried in the past without showing much of a profit. The cost of these vehicles compared to Asian vehicles already sold here (the primary competitors in size) prohibit it. But why do you not see the same Asian autos in Europe??? PROTECTIONISM!!!!!! EU tarriffs on foriegn vehicles are outrageous and push the cost of vehicles out of anyones reach compared to simular EU vehicles.

Personally, I would love to see Seats and Skodas sold here...as well as other little turbo diesels .....but it just isnt economical.

[AssassinFive]

To follow up.....a seat is eligible for import because it is basically a VW....simular drive train and safety features....not to piss off any purist....because VW is appoved for import you can import a SEAT and it will not need to be manufacture approved because a simular vehicle (VW) has alread be approved....one of the many DOT loopholes.

[AssassinFive]

I keep forgetting things...sorry.....collector/show only/display vehicles CAN be driven....but only like 12000 miles a year....but does the DOT come to your house and check the odometer?