Where are you located OP?

Local regulations on certifying cars for the road can tack on thousands of dollars to the expense of getting a non USDM car in your driveway legally. I looked into doing a BMW import and it was a minimum of $1,500+??? to get the car emissions tested, and that was after doing an engine swap to US spec engine including all the electronics and emissions equipment. This may be an exclusively Californian problem but I believe several states have their own quirks when it comes to importing gray market vehicles.

And after googling, this post was more helpful than the hours I spent trying to figure it out on my own last year:
http://forums.nicoclub.com/emissions...a-t589291.html

I believe the idea is to capitalize on the smog exemption rule for older vehicles.

California does not have rolling smog exemption and OP hasn't specified his location. Yes many places have a exemption of X number of years (I think I've seen anywhere from 15-30 years old) for emissions compliance, California is not one of them. There are a few counties that ignore the regulations but they're usually in the middle of nowhere.

All vehicles produced 1976 and later must comply to emissions regulations and go through regular testing every 2 years. Even cars built as far back as 1968 must have emissions equipment (that's why there's no USDM 1968 Porsche 911S), however unless they're being imported and registered for the first time nobody will check after it's been registered.

1976 BMW 2002, Datsun 280Z, Lamborghini Countach? Smog every two years. Brand new LS engine and Chevy OEM ECM in a 1989 Miata? Smog every two years after you've received referee certification. If my FA20 doesn't last I'd love to go rotary, a nice little 13B. Nope, engine older than chassis.

Show up to a California DMV with a vehicle imported from overseas built after 1975, they'll take one look at the VIN and require a CHP inspection and to get CARB/BAR emissions certified. Lots of stories on the internet about it, the guys with EDM BMW's seem to be the most thorough about detailing the process online.

Source:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_fa...t_cars_faq.htm

I just tried to google and see if anyone has a legally imported and registered R32 in California under the 25 year rule and came up blank. Wouldn't mind seeing some success stories if they do exist.

Edit: I've heard whispers of California street legal R32's existing but I think they were brought in by Motorex, maybe Mav's buddy is one, maybe he "lives in florida" which seems not to give a flying fuck about what you drive.

His car is a completely legal MotoRex car, hence the reason for the absurd offers he gets.

The car just sits there though.

-alex

My local performance shop has an R32 that has been sitting there for months waiting for certain parts. You just have to buy one knowing that it can be a pain sometimes and it can't be your primary vehicle unless you don't care about being stranded for weeks when/if something goes wrong. Seems like a big hassle to me unless you have money and space for a project.

Most people that have owned older Japanese cars from the 80s and 90s know that there are several items that tend to go bad over time.

TPS, IACV, even things like vacuum hoses and others need to be replaced on a regular basis, especially on cars of a certain age.

Cars are only as reliable as they are maintained. The only way to truly get a good R32 is to fly to Japan yourself, and find one and buy it. All others will either be "market price" and require work, or be a mint condition car and be above market price.

-alex

Yep. Sean is definitely the guy to go to. My Dad and I actually assist in doing the vehicle appraisals for him.

For those who didn't know, it is possible to get financing for these cars, provided the paperwork is all in order and an appraisal has been done on the vehicle.

Im in Washington, so the 25 year old rule applies.

I thought all R32s and R34s by Motorex were no longer valid, even if they once were. Only the R33s.

Just fyi, it isnt only the boonies. My parents are thirty minutes north of santa rosa and dont have to smog in cloverdale.

What cracks me up is seeing the outrageous prices people Stateside are paying to import these things. When I arrived in Japan in 2011, R32 GT-Rs were typically selling for.....~$8k. The prices in Yen have appreciated considerably in the last 2 years but due to the exchange rate, they are still only about $10k USD.....but when they arrive on US shores they sell for $20k+ plus. LOL.

If you really want to pay that much to inherit a 25-year old maintenance nightmare that will get spanked by a C5 Corvette, be my guest. I can kinda understand the emotional attachment. I have my mind set on owning a Gallardo someday in the distant future, even though a C7 w/Z51 package is probably a FAR better way to spend my money.

Totally, the car is a beast but an outdated beast. Other option is to bring a c10 gtx sedan and swap the rb26 in there. Make Paul Walker proud.

R33/34 were the problem cars because of OBD-II issues.

To each their own... there's a huge market in Japan for the Astrovan, of all things.

Just because it's shit over there doesn't mean it's shit over here.

-alex

I really wouldn't rip on anyone for wanting to pay a reasonable amount of money to drive their dream car.

Still, considering that I live in California, I could never obtain an R32 unless it is a legal Motorex car or it was obtained through illegal means. Hopefully, Drazic is lucky to live in a different state to have that option.