Importing Nissan Leaf from Japan to USA

[eyedrop]

I'm interested in importing a 2013 or newer Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi IMIEV from Japan into Arizona. I need to make sure I can register, insure, and daily drive the vehicle legally.

I've heard the importing process can be difficult with some vehicles. But it seems like the Leaf or IMIEV might be easier to import than others, mostly due to the fact that they are zero emissions, and the same models are sold in the USA. Hopefully the only difference is the RHD. The only thing Im afraid about is the safety regulations. Are these Japanese Leaf and IMIEV cars NHTSA certified? Also, will the local DMV and insurance companies give me any hassle?

And yes, Im aware that I could buy the same car for a couple grand less over here in the states. BUT, I have plenty of cash to throw around and dont mind paying extra for a RHD imported car. I think it would be fun and different. Ive always dreamed of owning a RHD drive car imported from Japan. I am willing to do it as long as it wont be a headache or nightmare getting it legal.

Can someone help me figure out if the Japanese Nissan Leaf is "substantially similar" enough to easily import and register here in Arizona?

 

[jkline]

I believe you must get that in writing from Nissan-- that it is substantially similiar. Good luck with that. I remember trying to import a Vokswagen Notchback once-- I gave up.

 

[cwerdna]

I can't speak to AZ, but a quick Google search turned up https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/~/requirements-for-importing-a-vehicle-%2F-vehicle-parts.

I searched for importing car into arizona site:.gov.

Here are some other hits that might help.
http://jalopnik.com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ%20Site/pages/page2.html
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

I remember hearing a story about Bill Gates having trouble importing a certain Porsche. Search http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/long-last-federalizing-porsche-959-has-been-long-road-now-least-it-can-be-traversed for Gates. I haven't read it.

Long ago, there was a company called Motorex that imported Nissan Skylines but IIRC, it turned out to be a scam in the end. Google will surely turn up hits on that.

 

[RockyNv]

There is a dealership in Oldsmar Florida called Montu Motors and their main business is bringing Japanese Right Hand Drive cars into the US for sale at their dealership. Claim is that they are the largest JDM Importer in the US. They may be able to assist you in your Quest or rather getting you in your Leaf.

http://www.montumotors.com/contact
http://www.montumotors.com/

How about a Nissan BE1:

Nissan PAO:

Nissan S-Cargo:

Nissan Figaro:

Nissan Safari:

 

[RonDawg]

The US has something called the "25 year rule" for importing cars that do not meet that car year's US FMVSS and/or emissions standards. It means that such car cannot be imported if less than 25 model years old unless it is for "off-highway" use or for parts, or a manufacturer is doing testing with the intent of re-exporting or destroying the car when that testing is done.

The cars pictured above are all 25+ years old, so they can be imported with no problem. Regarding cwerdna's post about the company that ran into issues with importing Nissan Skylines, I believe that had to do with mis-certifying the cars as being older (and thus outside the 25 year rule) than they really were, and/or importing the cars as "parts" vehicles but selling them intact.

Don't try to fool the Feds either. They don't take kindly to that sort of thing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzBFwFos-o0