HELP! Questions on importing from UK

[e30325is603]

Hey everyone,

So I am looking into importing a 1990 325i Touring from the UK!! But I have never imported a car before and I am confused as hell on the process. I am sure there are other threads on this, but I was having trouble finding a good one, and was hoping this might be quicker.

Has anyone here ever imported a car from the UK before?

Some general questions I have:

1) Do I need to use a registered importer, or am I exempt because the car is 25 Years old?
2) If I do not need to use an RI, is all I have to pay shipping, the 2.5% duty when I pick it up, and the dock fees at the port I pick it up in here in the states?
3) If you have done this before, what is a good shipping company to go through.
4) What else should I know/keep an eye out for?

Thanks in advance to anyone who has some helpful information

[ST1G]

I have spent a lot of time reading about the subject. Your best best is going to be finding someone who has done it and is willing to answer any questions you have. It's tricky.

[roguetoaster]

Hey everyone,

So I am looking into importing a 1990 325i Touring from the UK!! But I have never imported a car before and I am confused as hell on the process. I am sure there are other threads on this, but I was having trouble finding a good one, and was hoping this might be quicker.

Has anyone here ever imported a car from the UK before?

These insights are all based on German or Dutch cars leaving the Netherlands.

Some general questions I have:

1) Do I need to use a registered importer, or am I exempt because the car is 25 Years old?

You do not need a registered importer if this is a car that isn't going to raise any eyebrows. If it's a Mini, Defender or Skyline I would use one.

2) If I do not need to use an RI, is all I have to pay shipping, the 2.5% duty when I pick it up, and the dock fees at the port I pick it up in here in the states?

Yes, and the fee your state collects based on the bill of sale that you need with the paperwork.

3) If you have done this before, what is a good shipping company to go through.

I have used NMT twice, they are super easy and have reasonable rates for filing the import arrival notice in advance (which must be done before the ship leaves the UK).

4) What else should I know/keep an eye out for?

Insurance on the trip if the car is valuable. If you plan to handle customs yourself you will need an escort to the customs house (if in the secured area of the port). If you do the customs paperwork yourself (which is far less expensive) you will probably need to pay in cash. Have a full understanding of your shippers release/clearing policy when the car hits the US port as the car will need to be cleared prior to doing customs and then released after completion of the customs paperwork. Be sure to not leave the car more than a week in the port or you'll face fees. Ports have very odd days when they do not work, check your local schedules.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has some helpful information

If you have more questions post them here so everyone can have the answers.

[e30325is603]

Does anyone know any good websites or sources to locate cars for sale in Europe? I have done a lot of google searching, but I am not sure if there is a better method to track down what I am looking for.

I am trying to find the right car before pulling the trigger prematurely

[Julien]

https://www.autoscout24.com/