I see posts from EU owners showing all the rust in their cars. Why not buy a "rust free" California car and ship it back? Would that cost more than a car plus repairs over there?

And could the Brits convert one cheaper?

 

It may be an option for EU owners, but the location of the steering wheel is a problem for UK owners. High value rust free California cars are imported as the basis for restorations. These tend to be cars like E Types and Triumph TR's. However, unless they are pampered and well rust proofed they will not remain rust free as we coat our roads with salt at the slightest sign of frost and our moisture levels can be a little on the high side!

On a positive note, our cars don't tend to suffer from sun related issues, such as faded paint, perished rubber, brittle plastic interior trim or damage to timber veneers.

My car needs work to the rear end and I had to replace the rear subframe last year. I think that rather than import a California car I should export a Brit to California!

 

Steve,

It sounds such a simple idea until you get to grips with European Union bureaucracy.

A few members have imported to France and then found problems getting EU CoC (Certificate of Conformity) for a US-spec car. They may be LHD and look the same but without Type Approval they can't be imported.

Have a look at this thread from the Europe Region forum for an idea of the frustrations involved in getting an import vehicle registered:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/e...-france-79182/

Presumably a similar situation applies on importing to the US from Europe?

Graham

 

I think a lot of it depends on the state. For instance, I looked into registering a grey market XJS in Illinois that was imported new in 1987. Since it does not comply with US emissions, can't be titled or registered in Illinois even though it's 25+ years old and has been in the country this long. So there's that. Also, I know new Defenders can't be imported to the US for failure to meet US safety specs. Any other car that you try to import now, new or used, has to be federalized and brought up to US safety and emissions specs unless it was built before 1968, I believe. And it's not even possible to bring certain cars up to standard due to fundamental design issues. Also, and new car you try and import can't compete/be the same as any other model currently for sale in the US. I'm sure there's many other restrictions but this should give you can idea of the bureaucracy involved no matter which way you go. US to EU or vice versa.