2012 HiLux @ SEMA Article

[Joash]

I'm a noob, so bear with me: What is the big obstacle to bringing a HiLux to the US? I believe they are sold in Mexico. If I were to buy one in Mexico, what in particular would prohibit me from taking it home and registering it in CA?

Can it be modified to US legal specs inexpensively?

Where exactly are the impediments?

Is it a federal agency that has an import restriction? Is it state regs. that will make it impossible to register? Where do I begin?

 

[4xdog]

EPA and FMVSS regulations make private imporation of a late model vehicle near impossible if it wasn't built certified to US standards. If you'd like to learn more, google is your friend -- there are hundreds of sites talking about this, and near the top will be FAQs from the relevant agencies. I wouldn't encourage you to spend anything more than idle time dreaming about it --

Don

 

[Clutch]

25 year import rule on non-US spec vehicles...you can get one and keep it for a year here, but lots of hoops to jump through, have to return it to its' country where it is legally registered when the year is up. Mexican spec HiLux is non-diesel, 4 cylinder petrol engine only. http://www.toyota.com.mx/veh%EDculos/camionetas/hilux.aspx

All and all, sure they are cool and what not, but it really isn't going to do anything vasty different than what we have available here. Just about anything can get you
out there and go exploring. Our Tacoma is more than enough, really...