Selling Iglhaut Sprinter 4x4 German reg in US?

[mhiscox]

In 2000 diesels had no emission requirements I'm aware of (in Texas my 03 doesn't require an emissions inspection). May be easier than you think to get a 2000 diesel certified anywhere but California.

Folks, the issue is not with your state government and its regulations. Some state DMV regulations are draconian, others are a doodle, but first you have to have the truck legally enter the country, which is difficult to do if the truck isn't 25 years old for the US, 15 years old for Canada. Once it's in the country, then you deal with the state/provincial motor vehicle department.

That said, it's important to know in advance how your DMV will react to the truck. It's possible in some states--California is the poster child--to have a truck that Customs (acting for the EPA and NHTSA) allows in, but then the state regulations would keep it from being licensed.

 

[Ozarker]

And, what happens if there was a slight accident and it was sold to a salvage yard and parts were sold? We did that in Germany, took them to salvage, dismantled them, rebuilt them and got new German titles. Work in reverse?

 

[GR8ADV]

Did I miss pics and description of this most excellent sounding vehicle? Of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most.

thanks, ken

 

[mhiscox]

And, what happens if there was a slight accident and it was sold to a salvage yard and parts were sold? We did that in Germany, took them to salvage, dismantled them, rebuilt them and got new German titles. Work in reverse?

Sadly, I don't think that's going to fly. Any part that's regulated--like the engine with the EPA or the bumpers with the DOT--can't enter unless it meets the standards or is exempt by being 25 years old. It does leave open the importation of non-regulated parts, and I've always wondered how it'd work to buy up the 4WD components from a wrecked European Sprinter and use them for a conversion. But lots about a whole truck, down to the airbag in the steering wheel, probably couldn't get in legally.

 

[Mrknowitall]

Sadly, I don't think that's going to fly. Any part that's regulated--like the engine with the EPA or the bumpers with the DOT--can't enter unless it meets the standards or is exempt by being 25 years old. It does leave open the importation of non-regulated parts, and I've always wondered how it'd work to buy up the 4WD components from a wrecked European Sprinter and use them for a conversion. But lots about a whole truck, down to the airbag in the steering wheel, probably couldn't get in legally.

While you are correct that you can't just declare a vehicle salvage and then import it, you can bring in parts- half cuts have been coming in especially from Japan for a long time. Engines aren't a problem with the feds, but especially CARB states can be a challenge for registration. Here in MI, they don't care at all. Axles and gearboxes are not restricted afaik.

 

[mhiscox]

While you are correct that you can't just declare a vehicle salvage and then import it, you can bring in parts- half cuts have been coming in especially from Japan for a long time. Engines aren't a problem with the feds, but especially CARB states can be a challenge for registration. Here in MI, they don't care at all. Axles and gearboxes are not restricted afaik.

That's not my understanding. Taken directly from the USCBP website:

Vehicle parts must also be conformed to U.S. Standards depending on the part being imported. (For example: Engine must meet EPA and a Fender must meet DOT standards).

Obviously, anyone wanting to do this approach will need to do some research.

 

[incognito]

Hi,
I am René from Germany. I will send my Mercedes Sprinter Iglhaut 4x4 year 2000 Camper to the US this fall and would like to sell it next summer after travelling. Does anyone know if this is possible and if there is a market for selling this very special van. Anyone has an idea, what I could aim for in the US. Which state would be good to sell the van. I will be in the west most propably.
Thanks for your help
Rene

Hy,
if you wait until 2015 you could sell it in any canadian province, since for importing European vehicles in Canada needs to be at least 15 years or older.Alberta, British Columbia have mountains so a 4x4 van could be more desirable . then you need a buyer and he has to do inspection in order to have candian plates,but if the van is in good condition should not be a problem. also if there is a market depending a lot of the price, many people would want a Mercedes 4x4 van but not many would want to pay a big price big my opinion, ( but how knows maybe you'll sell it in one day, you could never know in advance)

incognito

 

[Victorian]

Hi Rene,

I'm a German living in Canada... Over the last 5 years I have been closely following the market both in Germany and in Canada for Westfalia T3 Vw's , Unimogs 1300 and smaller. My general impression: A nice vehicle can be up to three times more expensive here than in Germany. Look around Mobile.de and compare the T4 campers with the ones in our region: http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/1995-VOLKSWAGEN-WESTFALIA-CAMPER-_20897111

btw, I may be interested in your van! Do you have pictures? Specs?

Cheers,
Andreas

 

[badtours]

Rene,

Is the vehicle still for sale/price - with a view to then shipping out of the US towards Europe/Asia?

thanks,

Barb