Taking Canadian LS 400 to California...Any Emmisons issues?

[V6LE]

Hey guys,

I am taking a 95 LS 400 from Ontario to California to keep in CA. Will I have to do anything to the emmisions to make it smog legal or whetever in CA?

Thanks!

Mike

[digger08]

Probably not, as Canadian cars already have stringent emission standards. Meaning not much would have to change.

I would think you will have a tougher time getting DOT approval to register the car. Best bet is to try and leave the vehicle registered in Canada.

I had a nightmare trying to bring a Canadian car to Georgia for registration. DOT was the most difficult part.

[silver04rollas]

i.e Mitsubishi EVO is legal in the US while it is illegal in Canada since it does not meet the emission standards of Canada.

[V6LE]

thanks guys..will look into it

[Razo-E]

Originally Posted by silver04rollas

i.e Mitsubishi EVO is legal in the US while it is illegal in Canada since it does not meet the emission standards of Canada.

you sure?

i think the Evo didnt make it to Canada because the intercooler was so vulnerable to damage in a front end collision, that it would be too costly to repair...

[Fresco Bob]

yeah we've got the 8km/h bumper test or somethin like that, I was reading that when they bring the Vitz over they have to apply a different bumper to it

[Hitesh]

Originally Posted by digger08

I had a nightmare trying to bring a Canadian car to Georgia for registration. DOT was the most difficult part.

can you pls. explain what exactly is required for DOT registration... we were contemplating giving our nephew (in New Jersey) our Ontario registered 92 Camry, but would be inclined not to bother if the requirements are onerous or too costly..thanks

[digger08]

Originally Posted by Hitesh

can you pls. explain what exactly is required for DOT registration... we were contemplating giving our nephew (in New Jersey) our Ontario registered 92 Camry, but would be inclined not to bother if the requirements are onerous or too costly..thanks

It will depend on the build of the car (Canadian, Japanese, USA), year, engine ect. You must declare the car a gift, but still have a bill of sale or transfer ownership. You will still probably be charged the value of the car...ie sales tax pending state rules. The best way is to contact USA d.o.t. for information. A visit to any border (Buffalo) office will also be assisstance. DOT will issue some paper work. This paper work can only be signed off at the border, pending a vehicle inspection. The papers must be noterized and sent to you from the recieving parties. It took me 4 tries at the boarders...before they finally signed off on the paper work.
It is extremely onerous, with a lot of organization by both parties. There is car importers that will handle this stuff, for you at a cost. But probably not worth it on a 1992 vehicle.

Can't hurt to ask the questions

Digger08

[1kdude]

There are import brokers that deal with these issues for a living. I'd talk to one to avoid any potentially ugly surprises, although there may be none.