Overhaulin'

Can you buy a car in Mexico and bring it to the USA?

I see many people buy cars in the US, legalize them, and take them to Mexico. Can people buy cars in Mexico and bring them here (USA)? Any companies that help? Some cars are unavailable here like the VW air cooled bug, VW Bora, Ford Lobo etc. Did NAFTA help in this matter?

Public Comments

1. yes of course as long as you get an american liscense plate.
2. I dont know...how deep is the Rio Grande??
3. why would u wanna get a car in mexico...bad quality
4. AS long as you leave your old clunker there!!!
5. You will have to make it legal here when it is registered with your DMV. Smog certification, safety requirements, etc. That could cost you a lot of money.
6. You are allowed to personally import vehicles, but you still do need meet the US law to get it registered and tagged. Smog, safety, head-lights, etc all need to meet the current US regulation. Be prepared to spend alot of money to do this.
7. NO YOU CANT BECAUSE IT FROM MEXICO SORRY
8. You can buy a car in Mexico and bring it to the US. The cost, however, is very high. First, you have to have the vehicle cleaned and inspected by Customs. No soil must cross the border on the undercarriage. Second, the engine and exhaust system must meet US standards for the year the car was built. For most vehicles, this is a VERY expensive upgrade, as it usually means replacing the engine with one made for the US and modifying the car to fit. Third, it must meet safety standards, including airbag, seatbelt, brakelight, and impact standards. Also major expense. You can palletize the car and bring it in to the US in "kit" form, but that means that some parts of the car must be purchansed and assembled in the US before a title will be issued. This includes the wheels, tires, and since it still has to meet emission standards, the engine. Still not cheap.
9. Most of the cars south of the border will not pass the smog requirements of the U.S. There is nothing that prevents you from trying though, a lot of people bring them from Europe or Asia. Sometimes it costs more to make the car drivable in the U.S. than it is worth. Remember that the headlights, taillights, catalytic converter and other items need to be in accordance with U.S. requirements. A registered importer can do these modifications to vehicles. Good luck.