Options/dealers to buy EK9 CTR and import into US?

[Dave7CDMTYPER]

I am considering getting an EK9 CTR in Japan, and having it stored there until the 25 year rule allows it to be imported into the US.

I don't know much about the dealers/vendors that offer this service, but I'm sure there are some out there. I live in Los Angeles. (When I import heR, I'm planning to be living in another state by then, to not have to deal with CA Smog etc.)

If you know of some reputable companies that can assist, let me know.

Thanks!

[coolhandluke]

I've reached out to a few community members who have imported or who plan to import. I hope they chime in to offer feedback.

[TurboLS]

You're not the first to go after an EK9. Unless an importer outfit deems the car valuable enough to import without a deposit, you'll likely need one to get folks really looking.

You'll also likely need to wait 6 months to a year before the car arrives stateside. The cars need to be found, attributes agreed upon (mileage, color, etc), and then, if you want a reasonable import price, you'll need to wait for other vehicles for other buyers to also be sourced and loaded onto a single container (or more) depending on demand over a given time frame.

If interested in further discussions, shoot us an email at helixautoworks at gmail.com

[Do1313R]

I've been thinking about the same thing. Buying a EK9 and waiting until it reaches 25 year to impost it.
Need to find a trustworthy company in Japan that wont over charge on the vehicle or the storage fees.

If you find any solid lead, please share.

[MINTY FRESH]

Hello,

The importing process is not too bad. I ordered in December 2016, and received the car in 2017 March. The biggest problem I had was relying on the word of the Japanese seller/auction house to honestly describe the car.

Andrew

[Dave7CDMTYPER]

I've reached out to a few community members who have imported or who plan to import. I hope they chime in to offer feedback.

Thank you sir.

[L1MTD]

I’ve bought cars from both RHD Specialties and Toprank and would recommend both.

Carlos that owns RHD is next level though when it comes to customer service and shooting you straight.

On the other hand, I didn’t have the best experience at all with Garage Defend. Terrible customer service/communication and couldn’t beg them to sell me a car for some reason, and I was obviously a serious buyer.

Storage quotes have been similar from many that I’ve ask, which for me, was tough to swallow at $300 month for outdoor and $500-600 for indoor. I also learned that, in California at least, if you import to Toprank or another CA importer, you pay sales tax on the storage. Another tough one to swallow.

[Dave7CDMTYPER]

@L1MTD : Thanks for your input! I've actually heard of those 3 companies you mentioned in the past few days (thanks @Touringteg). Glad I have a better idea which ones to consider. I actually emailed Carlos this morning.

[coolhandluke]

...Storage quotes have been similar from many that I’ve ask, which for me, was tough to swallow at $300 month for outdoor and $500-600 for indoor. I also learned that, in California at least, if you import to Toprank or another CA importer, you pay sales tax on the storage. Another tough one to swallow.

Ouch! That's a keep tip to try and avoid.

[MINTY FRESH]

Hello,

Another possibility is importing a car already in Canada. For example here is a link to 1999 CTR that the dealer has been sitting on for awhile https://maruyichi.com/inventory/1999-ho ... r=1999&p=1. There are other Canadian Importers that could bring a car into Canada and hold onto it until the 25 years comes up.

Just a thought.

Andrew