So you want to import a ROW Defender?

[globallandrovers]

ROW Defenders - What's legal.

To clear this thing up:-
For imports you need a 25 yr old vehicle or older with its original engine, original chassis, not repainted (original paint), and original interior. Brand new seats in a 25 yr old truck have recently caused a vehicle to be refused entry.

300tdi's are not legal in the USA even if you fit them yourself. You can however import a 200tdi and fit it as long as its a unit built 21years ago. You cannot import any vehicle with a 200tdi fitted.

You cannot import any vehicle which has had a LHD conversion done abroad (considered to be vin tampering by the feds)
You cannot import any vehicle on a glavanised chassis (also considered to be vin tampering by the feds)

Legal engines for ROW Defenders in the USA are 2.286 petrol and diesel, 2.495 petrol and diesel, 2.495 Diesel Turbo and 3.5V8 petrol

 

[Corprin]

Weird.

I guess I am imagining the '82 Mini in my garage that was imported with new paint, new interior, not an original engine, new front sub frame, new brakes, new wheels, new bumpers, new grill, LHD conversion done overseas, etc.


...or is this just something that applies to the Defenders alone?

 

[globallandrovers]

As far a I know it applied to all vehicles, I was given most of this information by the NHTSA and some by the DOT.

 

[Mongo]

he's stating what's considered legal...your mini is obviously not and there are a thousand examples of shit that has gotten thru which by the letter of the law are not legal for import. But it is now obvious that ICE/CBP/DHS is reacting to the situation...even if this is a isolated incident, I wouldn't be advertising on public forum...

 

[ptschram]

Weird.

I guess I am imagining the '82 Mini in my garage that was imported with new paint, new interior, not an original engine, new front sub frame, new brakes, new wheels, new bumpers, new grill, LHD conversion done overseas, etc.


...or is this just something that applies to the Defenders alone?

There is always someone who claims to have something grey-market.

 

[KyleT]

It's not the law, it's how the law is interpreted that second of that minute of that day by that inspector and what time he drank his coffee, took a dump, and sneezed....

We replaced chassis at the dealer on customers cars. Toyota did a ton of them on tacos. Body shops replace them. Why is it now considered vin tapering?

 

[Tugela]

To answer the OP's question,

No, I don't want to import a ROW Defender.

I would rather import a LHD 3.0 TDV6 Discovery 3...or....

export myself to the ROW where I can drive all the desirable vehicles not allowed into the US market.

Since the practicality/legality of the former makes that goal unrealistic for the time being, I should focus instead on the latter.

 

[seventyfive]

I suggest everyone settle down and wait to see what happened....you might learn a thing or two.

 

[Devildog01]

I suggest everyone settle down and wait to see what happened....you might learn a thing or two.

Stop being silly.You can't learn anything on this forum.

 

[Corprin]

he's stating what's considered legal...your mini is obviously not and there are a thousand examples of shit that has gotten thru which by the letter of the law are not legal for import. But it is now obvious that ICE/CBP/DHS is reacting to the situation...even if this is a isolated incident, I wouldn't be advertising on public forum...

I have no problem posting anything about the Mini on a public forum. I am not afraid of the man taking the car and/or arresting me at any point. My car is not the VIN swap you seem to think it may be. I know this because my wife and I owned the car in Japan for 2.5yrs while we painstakingly restored it. We then brought it back to the states with a big pile of receipts and photos to cover each step in the process. While there were parts replaced, items used were not outside the original configuration of the car, thus NOT illegal. Everything done to the car was cleared through letters to DOT/EPA/NHTSA, aka working with them.

Letter of the law is vague, and if you work WITH the federal government, and cover your ass, you will be amazed what is legal to import to the US.

http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/23894.ztv.html

There is always someone who claims to have something grey-market.

Yep, and they are all full of shit too, right?

There is so much conjecture on the subject, and a thousand people who regurgitate what they read on some forum, not actually having any real-world experience or knowlege.

BTW it is 100% LEGAL to import a ROW; 93 LHD Defender 110, and LHD 90 built before 9/1/97

 

[mgreenspan]

BTW it is 100% LEGAL to import a ROW; 93 LHD Defender 110, and LHD 90 built before 9/1/97

Not entirely correct. You can read the list of approved non-conforming vehicles. Although 93 110 is on there it has to have all the same equipment as the NAS 110. The built before date is also not correct as the list gives a very specific VIN range.

 

[Mongo]

Didn't I see you at a Holiday Inn Express?

 

[mgreenspan]

Didn't I see you at a Holiday Inn Express?

Maybe. I don't look down at short people though so I'm not sure if it was you or not.

 

[Mongo]

[/QUOTE]BTW it is 100% LEGAL to import a ROW; 93 LHD Defender 110, and LHD 90 built before 9/1/97[/QUOTE]

Yep, but it's not simple or easy...
Only certain vehicles are eligible
they must be federalized, meaning brought up to safety standards for that year.

Couple of problems with this, the equipment/components aren't available anymore and finding a truck that falls within the accepted vin ranges will also be a challenge.

So yes, your right, it is possible, but is it realistic, not really. As for yours, never said it was vin swap and I can post up the titles for the 2 110 I have, big deal. You got it in and got tags as have a lot of people, but does that make it legal, who knows...

 

[Blueboy]

No, just bring back my Rangie when its time to come home.

And although it is a US vin number I still anticipate bs just because.

Jaime

 

[globallandrovers]

ROW lhd units have to have a v8, diesel trucks are not eligible. The V8 trucks must have the right chassis number.

 

[Corprin]

You got it in and got tags as have a lot of people, but does that make it legal, who knows...

I guess legality lies in the eye of the person who holds the letters stating it was legal to modify the car and still import.

I stand corrected on the Defender 90, it needs to be a '97 with high or low comp V8 and catalytic converters, and the VIN to prove it.

 

[msggunny]

Why would you want to spend that kind of $$$ and ass pain on a POS anyways? Save your money and headache and buy a disco.

The only thing good about the defenders are their "cool factor", and I dont think that is worth the markup. Much rather have a disco and be comfortable.

I still cant understand why people spend serious money on a shit vehicle like a defender.

Not saying I dont want one, but no way I would buy one here in the USA.

If i end up back in Africa, maybe. Probably end up with a Land Cruiser though.

 

[LR Max]

No. I'd much rather drive around in a LR3 than a cluttery old Defender.

I guess driving a Series 3 has made me realize the benefits of a good interior when sitting in the seat all day.

 

[Blueboy]

After owning / driving a D90, D110 w 300 tdi, a rhd D1, a SIIa 109 on 110 drivetrain, and 2 LWB RR, my favorite is the current LWB. The 110 though is a very close 2nd and the 109 was just the coolest of them all.