Importing

[Gilgland]

Hi I am new to the world of cars but it has come to my attention that cars in Japan are like 30%-70% cheaper than they are here. I would like to import cars that are soled here (Civics, integras, supras ect.) but that are right side steering. Where can I find out what cars need what to get them up to U.S. standards so that they are street legal?
P.S. I do not want a skyline.

[MioCLK]

Originally Posted by Gilgland

Hi I am new to the world of cars but it has come to my attention that cars in Japan are like 30%-70% cheaper than they are here. I would like to import cars that are soled here (Civics, integras, supras ect.) but that are right side steering. Where can I find out what cars need what to get them up to U.S. standards so that they are street legal?
P.S. I do not want a skyline.

You will need to find a Registered Importer (RI) certified by the Department of Transportaion and have them import the car for you and also convert it to US-specifications.
There is information about this in the NHTSA website.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov

[Gilgland]

If a car is soled in the U.S. but I want a right side steer version will there be much to upgrade to get it to standard?

[MioCLK]

I think the most complicated part is to meet the safety standards.
So the modification could include bumpers, and air bags.
Including a proof from the manufacture stating the right-hand drive car has "similiar" crash-standards as the left-hand drive cars which had already been certified in the US.
Also there are small things like orange side-marker placed on the sides of front bumper (some are built-in with the headlights).
Insurance could also be another problem.
Its best for you to talk to a Registered Importer and your insurance company first.