Importing Vechicles.

starry8, Jul 24, 12:16pm
So we all know about new importing regulations etc etc. Forgetting cost, would I be able to do following . Import a 1999 Toyota Alteeza, but doesn't have an installed engine and then install an engine out of a wrecked car that is registered in New Zealand. For all they need to know I have just done an extensive body repair and that's it. Would love to hear your thoughts
carstauranga001, Jul 24, 12:18pm
You can import whatever you like. But you won't be able to comply a 1999 model. Dosn't have the three didget chassis prefix so a no go.
wimwom, Jul 24, 12:20pm
Cant see why not.The vehicles condition accident wise will be recorded at border check and often the engine number isn't recorded at compliance.The biggest hassle would be the cost of transport in Japan with the car not driving.
The idea of a extensive body repair is far worse through the system than a missing engine!
wimwom, Jul 24, 12:22pm
Yep, what carstauranga says will be right, ive not imported since 05.
andy61, Jul 24, 12:30pm
The freight cost on non-rolling cars from Japan would make that idea very expensive.
starry8, Jul 24, 12:47pm
But it I would be using an engine that is already in the country, complied and registered
carstauranga001, Jul 24, 12:49pm
The car isn't complied though. Needs chassis number, not engine number. Or are you concidering stealing the identity of a car already complied!
chebry, Jul 24, 12:53pm
Basicly your doing a reshell but moving the vin from one shell to another which isnt kosher, you arent meant to mess with vin tags
kcf, Jul 24, 1:08pm
"engines" aren't registered and complied.

Bodyshells are registered and complied.

You'd be importing a non compliant vehicle.Useful if you were wanting to build a really slow race car, a small garden shed with four doors, or a wheelbarrow with no handles.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 24, 1:11pm
Why on earth would you even bother importing a going 99 Altezza! (assuming you could get it complied which you can't)

Do the math people! DO the math!
geedubu, Jul 24, 2:59pm
As a former altezza owner (from new) I can't even imagine why you would consider importing a grief-ridden part vehicle when you can buy the same car already in the country for a real bargain price.This probably the best place on the planet to buy one of these in ready to go nick for a good amount.FFS
carlz05, Jul 24, 6:40pm
As everyone else said, it can't be done then put back on the road.You cannot get compliance for cars before 2005 now.
wimwom, Jul 24, 6:55pm
Is that the cut off now!I saw a 03 mazda i liked :(
gammelvind, Jul 24, 7:01pm
Why would you bother, there are 100 plus for sale here on TM and they are complete.
wimwom, Jul 24, 7:06pm
If that's for me it's because i have done it before, enjoy it and like the 50 plus percent i get to keep over buying one local.What a silly question!
franc123, Jul 24, 7:27pm
Real bargain price! Not from what I see, they look damn expensive to me for a not particularly fast, good looking or handling Jap car that was designed and manufactured last century, with awful instrumentation and a Yamaha engine that looks and performs like an outboard motor. The 6 cyl option isn't any better. If someone can explain what the fascination is, go ahead, and DON'T say its because its a Lexus with Toyota badges on it!