2004 old school beetle

[thinmints]

Hello

im in the process of buying a 04 old style beetle from mexico my question is how can i have it titled here in the usa and is it possible to get it emmision compliant?

[BoatCop]

I've heard it's been done, but they are considered "Grey Market" vehicles, and it's illegal to register or title them for highway use in the US.

It's not just the emissions problems. They don't even come close to meeting US safety standards. Things like bumpers, lights, reflectors, safety glass, airbags, crumple zones, seat belts, and a host of other things.

It HAS been done, (registered/titled) but they're usually a fluke, getting through with some inside DMV help, or snowing an inexperienced DMV agent.

Most grey market vehicles never get past the US Customs at the border.

Either way, they are illegal for US operation.

[thinmints]

[quote=BoatCop]I've heard it's been done, but they are considered "Grey Market" vehicles, and it's illegal to register or title them for highway use in the US.

It's not just the emissions problems. They don't even come close to meeting US safety standards. Things like bumpers, lights, reflectors, safety glass, airbags, crumple zones, seat belts, and a host of other things.

ok so if it is more of a safety issue were the usa bugs back in the 60.s anybetter? my brother had a 68 bug in highschool... as for getting it across the border i have seen many bugs with mexican plates here in the states so couldnt i just drive it across?

[BoatCop]

New safety standards are adopted and mandated every year. Does that mean that all the older cars that don't comply need to be junked?

No. It only means that vehicles in the model year the standards are adopted can't be sold or imported into the US.

As far as the Mexican tagged "New" classic Beetles, they are here on temporary passes (supposedly) and cannot legally stay permenantly, or have their registration transferred to US States.