Importing a Car from Mexico
One person recently quipped that if you want to begin a life long project, undertake to import a car from a foreign country into the United States. Importing a car from Mexico has one major problem.
The big problem with importing a car from anywhere to anywhere is paperwork and taxes. The shipping cost, on the other hand, is going to be the shipping cost. It is established by the transport companies based on normal competitive factors. Custom taxes and importation taxes are made at the caprice of the local government. Paperwork is also going to be very complicated simply because it is government connected. Importing a car from Mexico into the United States is going to mean that you will have to deal with these issues on both sides of the border.
The biggest problem, however, in importing a car from Mexico is not going to be the paperwork. The common border between the United States and Mexico and the close relationship between the two countries has led to a rather easy custom system. Each country has its paperwork, but compared to overseas importation, it is not overly complex. The problem comes when you go to register the imported car in the United States.
Mexico does not have the same level of emission standards as the United States. In most States, the car will simply not pass emission standards without extensive modifications. Even though the car is an American make, if it is manufactured in Mexico or for sale in Mexico, it will be made to Mexican standards.
The proper procedure when thinking of importing a car from one country to another is to do the research. Contact both involved countries and ask about the current regulations regarding importation. Even when you are planning to use a shipping company, it is helpful to do the research. Although the agents with the shipping company will be familiar with the laws and ready to assist in the preparation of the paperwork, you will be more prepared with the necessary documents if you go to them with an idea of what is needed.
What the shipping company might not be prepared to help you with, or even tell you about is the problem of passing emission standards testing in the destination state. If you wait until the vehicle is shipping to discover that it can not be registered and legally driven, you are going to be very unhappy. This does not mean that importing a car from Mexico is impossible or that it is not done frequently, and successfully. It does mean that it is a process that requires that you be aware of the possible pitfalls. It is important to hire a reputable shipping company and make them aware of your concerns. They should be able to help you, but do not forget to do your own homework, too.