Hi peeps,

This is my first post on this forum and I would greatly appreciate some help.

I am planning to order a body kit from China to LA for my F-type, I was wondering would you guys happen to know about the taxation of California regarding automotive body parts?

The price + freight is roughly 2400 USD.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

 

My experience with China parts has been very poor, don't always fit right.

 

Maximum import tariff on Chinese auto parts is 2.5%. Knowing the typical Chinese shipper, they will understate the value on the export documents to minimize your cost.

 

I do understand the risk. However the company i will be getting from is relatively well known in China I believe. They produce body parts for quite a few well known vehicles, haven't heard much complain as far as I know. Fingcrossed, hoping the hood would fit without much hassle.

BTW any opinions on the original hood, should I sell the hood or keep it if I am planning to sell my car in 2-3 years.

 

Thank you for the information. Do you happen to know if that tariff on top of the normal 9% sales tax of CA?

BTW any opinions on the original hood, should I sell the hood or keep it if I am planning to sell my car in 2-3 years.

Sorry for all the questions asked as I am not US citizen and it is my first time modding my car.

 

If U.S. Customs charges you the 2.5% tariff, they will notify your state of residence of the declared value of the shipment. Most states will then send you a bill for the sales tax.
Unless your replacement bonnet is an OEM bonnet, you should keep the original to reinstall before you sell in 2-3 years. Otherwise the value of your car will be heavily discounted because of the aftermarket body panel.

 

Which kit are you purchasing? Replacing the hood on this car is ballsy but I hope it works out for you. Definitely, do not sell the stock hood.

Only hood replacement that I have seen on the market so far is from DarwinPro which also makes other carbon fiber pieces..

 

I can almost guarantee these two things:

1) There wont be much tax if any. As someone else noted, shippers in China declare low values. I paid some tax once. I received a bill from Fedex in the mail. They had paid it on my behalf (I have an account with them, so that might have been a factor).

2) The hood won't fit well. Save your original. Just based on my experience dealing with factories over there.... I could be wrong, and I hope it works out well for you.

 

Notes taken, appreciate it!

 

Oh crap I guess I am too naive, thought replacing the hood would not be that hard lol compared to bumpers and diffusers. My shop quoted me roughly 550-650 usd for paint + installment (dunno if fitment included though). I am getting the hood from DarwinPro. Currently general review for their auto pieces ranges from perfect fit to slight work done. I asked today and they did tell me the fitment is rather good but may need little bit of work. I am still holding back from pulling the trigger lmao.

 

Ahhh I see, how long did shipping took for you?

Thank you for all the kind wishes. As stated previously, minor work needed, I hope its true. LA labour is pretty heavy IMO.

 

I see DarwinPro makes a hood with a glass panel in it. You'd think Jag would have done that for the trunk and hood from the factory. Think they will do glass panel doors?