BajaNomad

Importing a Mexican Truck into the US

k-rico - 5-11-2010 at 08:23 AM

I'm looking for a another pick-up and my neighbor has just what I want for sale at a good price. It's a Mexican truck with BC plates. Eventhough I'm not planning on moving back to the states, you never know, and I'm wondering about importing Mexican vehicles into the US. Sort of the opposite of what the normal discussion is.

Anybody know anything about importing vehicles into the US from Mexico?

It's a 2003 Ford F-250.

DENNIS - 5-11-2010 at 08:43 AM

Does it have Smog equipment?

Bob and Susan - 5-11-2010 at 08:49 AM

you have to meet all the smog and safety requirments
plus lights, bumpers and glass requirements

plus in california a HUGE registration fee for bringing it into california

i'd pass or just keep it registered in mexico

just tell "the cop" you've only been in california less than 10 days
and are "goin to disneyland":tumble::tumble:

they will catch on after the 3rd or fourth ticket though:P

k-rico - 5-11-2010 at 12:05 PM

All good points but I think I'll just buy it or another Mexican vehicle if this one doesn't pass a closer inspection anyway.

It would be giant hassle buying a used truck in the states since I live in TJ. Crossing the border, probably several times, to test drive vehicles, going to the DMV, illegally registering it with my PMB address, etc. This truck is a minute walk from my house. Plus no smog tests, American insurance requirements, etc.

Guess it's time to get a Mexican driver license.

DENNIS - 5-11-2010 at 12:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
illegally registering it with my PMB address, etc.



What's wrong with that? I've been using one exclusively in Ca. for twenty years without a problem.

[Edited on 5-11-2010 by DENNIS]

oldjack - 5-11-2010 at 12:42 PM

Dennis....

Arnold says thanks for the income.... the boys in D.F. are looking for your home address..?????

DENNIS - 5-11-2010 at 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by oldjack
Dennis....

Arnold says thanks for the income.... the boys in D.F. are looking for your home address..?????


My new car is financed. What else can I do?
Anyway, up here on the north end, there's a lot more tolerance.

Screw Arnold. :barf:

k-rico - 5-11-2010 at 01:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
illegally registering it with my PMB address, etc.



What's wrong with that? I've been using one exclusively in Ca. for twenty years without a problem.

[Edited on 5-11-2010 by DENNIS]


I'm pretty sure using a P.O. Box is a no-no and if you used a USPS P.O. Box they would get ya because they have unique zip codes. PMBs hide the fact that you're using a mailbox. The car is supposed to be registered using the address where you live.

I think that's the rule, maybe not tho.

BajaBlanca - 5-11-2010 at 02:04 PM

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm we use a PO BOx for our "new" truck and have done so since we moved here 4 years ago. DMV never said anything ... we don't have an address in the States since this is our home. Our 2nd vehicle is registered here isnce it was older and therefore economically made sense to do that.

k-rico - 5-11-2010 at 02:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm we use a PO BOx for our "new" truck and have done so since we moved here 4 years ago. DMV never said anything ... we don't have an address in the States since this is our home. Our 2nd vehicle is registered here isnce it was older and therefore economically made sense to do that.


I could be wrong, or I could be right but CA would lose your registration fees if it followed its rules. Do you use a private mailbox or an official USPS mailbox?

Bob and Susan - 5-11-2010 at 03:29 PM

if you have a USPS PO Box and you don't update you CORRECT physical address it can be closed

not all PO Box Sections have a "unique" ZIP Code
only if the delivery zone is too big
actually most po box sections use the same zip code as the delivery zone

private mailboxes are called PMB's
they cannot let customers use the word PO Box

you are required to give them your correct physical address too
they give that to the post office for the inspectors to use later

if you dont update that info you can lose the right to get mail at a PMB

remember you can NEVER move out of a PMB
they just throw your old mail away
if you don't pay the rent
and it's all legal

DENNIS - 5-11-2010 at 03:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
The car is supposed to be registered using the address where you live.




What??? You mean to say a homeless person can't legally own a car? :?:

k-rico - 5-13-2010 at 04:11 PM

Turns out the truck I'm buying was originally bought in El Centro and my neighbor imported it into Mex last year. And, the door frame panel says it was made in Mexico.

So a truck made in Mexico, first sold in the US, imported into Mexico, and I'm concerned about importing back into the US.

At least I don't have to think about South Dakota plates!! :spingrin:

DENNIS - 5-13-2010 at 04:20 PM

Es un bote de gusanos.

jak - 5-13-2010 at 05:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
Turns out the truck I'm buying was originally bought in El Centro and my neighbor imported it into Mex last year. And, the door frame panel says it was made in Mexico.

So a truck made in Mexico, first sold in the US, imported into Mexico, and I'm concerned about importing back into the US.

At least I don't have to think about South Dakota plates!! :spingrin:


My head hurts.:(