Can I bring a Defender back to the US with me?

[StumpXJ]

Ok, please forgive my ignorance on this subject, but I need afew questions answered.

A little background first. My Wife and I now live in Germany. My Wife is a Civil Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers (civillian) and works on Ramstein Air Force Base. I am finishing up a college degree (that was started 8 years ago)while over here, and playing with my Tacoma. Becuase the government is picking up the tab for our housing and utility expenses, and we were able to clear ALL our debts before we left the States after selling our home in Charleston S.C., It has left us in SWEET financial position. It was well worth me leaving my Motorcycle Mechanic career of 10 years behind in the States to say the least. We have been over here for a little over a year so far, and have few more to go before we move back to the States. My Wife (the money maker) wants to purchase a BMW X5 to take back to the states through a program they have over here (BMW and Mercedes US spec vehicles, VERY cheap while over here). I could care less what she gets, she has earned it, and deserves it my opinion.

I want a DEFENDER 110 to take back to the states with me. They are EVERYWHERE over here (UK, France, Germany, ect), and very reasonably priced.

What, if any, is the possibilty of me bringing one back? would it better to get one from the UK, or could I get one from Germany? would one be easier to get legal in the US? I was told that if the car is 20 years or older, there is no problem importing them, is this true? What about a newer model, sya 4-5 years old? The shipping of the vehicle would be no problem, Ive been qouted $1300 to get it to the East coast (which is where we used to live and have family) My Wifes car will be shipped back on the Goverments dime, but they only will pay for one vehicle. Just trying to think ahead here and see if it is worth it??

Anyone have any experience with this?

~James

 

[Andrew Walcker]

There is a lot of information on this site;

www.D-90.com

Use the search engine under the Forum.

Good luck and let us know what comes of it!

 

[HINO SG]

The easiest exemption is the 25-yr old rule, so if you can find somthing you like that's an '82 or older, you're in luck. I know a couple people who've brought such vehicles in and they said it was fairly painless.

I follow a lot of import auto fourms, and everybody wants somthing from somewhere else; a few models (and the Defender could be one) are similar enough to be modified to meet relavant standards at a reasonable cost.

Some people find ways to import non-conforming vehicles and get them registered in an oddball state, say, Arkansas- and then transfer the title into their home state. Supposedly the Feds will confiscate and destroy said vehicle if they find out.

If you can't afford a new US-spec. model from the manufacturer, start looking for a "Vintige" Land Rover. I've been watching Mercedes G-wagens on German ebay and there seem to be a fair number of nice old ones.

 

[StumpXJ]

Ok, Ive been reading until my eyes have finally crossed... Ive gotten more confused (imagine that?)

This site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Definately clears up the he said she said stuff ive been reading, but still not 100% sure on what years can and cant be imported. (aside from the 25 year or older rule, which does seem pretty painless)

This page has a listing of cars that are eligible for import, but has certain limitations. There is a Land Rover Defender 110 listed, but only the year 1993. I have to call and talk to someone about this... Im thinking its doable, just got to figure out all of the red tape. Even if its not, Id still be interested in bringing in a 1982 > defender back, would make a cool project, and there are some CHERRY older rovers here.

I will update this with my findings over the next few days.

~James

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ELIG010906.html

 

[Icewalker]

You won't get a defender that is 25 years old just yet - Sooooooo there are a couple of ways that I've heard of :

- Have someone in the military bring it back - active duty military get an exemption on EPA regs
- Have a defender 110 of the correct vintage bought to NAS specs prior to importation.
- Wait for another year or so - when the first 110's came out
- Have a 110 "built" in the UK and have the paperwork to show that it is pre-82 so this is basically building a 110 kit car in the UK. Forgive me I can't remember the name of the certificate/paperwork you need but I know this one is pretty recent - they covered it in LRM recently with regards to a Tomcat that was built on a Range Rover Chassis.
- Bring one over in bits and convert a NAS Range Rover to either a D100 or D110
- Last and probably the most dodgy - try to convince the Feds that your 110 is actually a Series 3 or a Stage 1

Hope that helps

Jeff

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Don't be too sure about that last "dodgy" bit. I know someone who owns a 110 Defender, legally registered as a 1960's Series II.

However, in general the 25-year-old rule is the only practical way to import an otherwise non-federalized vehicle. We're thus still a couple years away from easy access to the first 110s.

 

[staceyfb]

Heres another thought for fuel.
I work at a Land Rover Dealership. The last year we were able to import the defender was 1997. It however may have been a 90. Not sure on that.
Something you may want to check into.

 

[Robthebrit]

Don't be too sure about that last "dodgy" bit. I know someone who owns a 110 Defender, legally registered as a 1960's Series II.

I know a guy who has a 1998 mini. The DMV thinks its a 1970 or something, its pretty convincing with vintage vin plates and everything (You can buy blank vin plates for a mini)

Rob

 

[gjackson]

You can buy blank vin plates for a mini

You can do the same with Land Rovers. Rovers North sometimes sells them.

cheers

 

[Z O O R O P A]

Heres another thought for fuel.
I work at a Land Rover Dealership. The last year we were able to import the defender was 1997. It however may have been a 90. Not sure on that.
Something you may want to check into.

90s were imported until 97 in automatic only

110 was only '93

speaking of Rover dealers, I brought my 04 hse into the dealer to get the brakes done and they quoted me 900$ for the front and back pads only. So I took it down the road to the place I get my tires done and they special ordered the pads and did the whole job in just over an hour for 310$ :bowdown: I'm laughing all the way to the bank and the brakes are perfect :wings: