Has any one considered a Japanese Mini?
- Thread starter bx2230orange
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woodhe1
Member
Jim, About 2 years ago the EPA put restrictions on importing these trucks. The motors must be EPA certified to insure they meet the US emission requirements before they can be imported.
I know that Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Daihatsu mini trucks are being imported (the most poplar brands). These have certified motors (about $10,000 for the testing). Once a motor is certified, than you can import that model year as long as it is under 50,000 mi. In other words, I'm certifying the 2011 Suzuki 660cc motor. Once it has been accepted, I can import them as long as they are under 50k miles.
This requirement threw everyone out of the picture except for about 5 companies. This has also raised the price of a base truck about $1000-$1500/truck (along with dollar/yen & transportation)
That's the latest requirements.
Again, I know of no one that has certified the Subaru or Honda.
A good source for searching the requirements is Japanese Mini Truck Forum - Powered by vBulletin search EPA and there is a lot of discussion.
pic. is a 2010 Suzuki (same as a '99-'09)
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jimgerken
Veteran Member
Above, you say that the engine and year must be certified before they will be allowed to be imported. Later above, you say that you know of no one who has certified the Subaru. But on your website you offer a couple of Subaru trucks. What am I missing here?
AND, does the above mean that EVERY importer must certify every year and engine combo? What if one importer did the certification, then can other importers say "me too" ? If not, there must be some serious money in the certification, since it pretty much must go on non-stop somewhere.
woodhe1
Member
The Subarus that I have were imported in before the new law took effect. They were trade ins on new Suzuki trucks for an oil refinery.
What I import must be certified to clear Customs (MY trucks and ONLY my certifications) (model and year so far). There is a little trading back and forth between importers but not much. If someone is insistent on a new Nissan, I'll direct them that way. The importers do the same for me ..... hopefully. There is some serious money being spent.
dan
Scooby074
Super Member
Just to clarify,
Each dealer must certify his own vehicles? That seems incredibly wasteful (gov't i know
) Why cant they create a central database of approved vehicles? It'd be easier all around.
Each dealer must certify his own vehicles? That seems incredibly wasteful (gov't i know
) Why cant they create a central database of approved vehicles? It'd be easier all around.woodhe1
Member
Just to clarify,
Each dealer must certify his own vehicles? That seems incredibly wasteful (gov't i know
Yes, each importer must certify their own vehicles.
A central data base would be nice ..... but we are dealing with the Feds here.
I think most importers would object to it. They have so many of their dollars invested over past two years to be compliant to the new rules..
woodhe1
Member
With any luck, I'll get a video posted today. It is Suzuki Carry, 4wd, 6 speed, dumping a load of gravel on the driveway I'm extending
Tkblacktail
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2011
- Messages
- 298
I had to view this thread to confirm we were referring to a "motor vehicle"......
:laughing:
I wish I had one of them trucks, does the exhaust smoke/stink like some of the European versions?
Yup, still referring to a "motor vehicle".
:laughing:
:laughing:
I wish I had one of them trucks, does the exhaust smoke/stink like some of the European versions?
Yup, still referring to a "motor vehicle".
:laughing:
