RHD rx7
#1
RHD rx7
I'm just curious if someone could fill me in on the regulations/laws for the 3rd gen rx7 as far as right hand drive goes. I'm more of a first gen guy, I know that the first gen from japan would be illegal due to the lack of a frame member where the storage compartments would be.
If I got a RDH 3rd gen, would I be able to register it?
Any info helps, thanks!
If I got a RDH 3rd gen, would I be able to register it?
Any info helps, thanks!
#6
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registering imported vehicles for daily use is such a pain. but if you were able to find a vehicle over 25 years old it would be exempt from a lot of dol bs which makes it easier to register, but finding one would be harder. do your research or look for one that is already registered and try to buy that.
#7
Mr. Links
iTrader: (1)
This is no documentation from Mazda which states the safety tests are exactly the same for a RHD FD as compared to a LHD FD. As such, it's not legal by DOT standards (Federal). However, there are no state laws against RHD cars directly, so you can "no-so legally" get them licensed most of the time in non-picky states. However, that still doesn't make them 100% legal.
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#18
Rotary Freak
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For some big cash I would even drive them to you
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=42
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=44
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=45
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=42
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=44
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=45
#19
For some big cash I would even drive them to you
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=42
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=44
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=45
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=42
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=44
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=45
#20
Mr. Links
iTrader: (1)
These owners also thought they were buying from a legit importer:
https://www.rx7club.com/automotive-news-lounge-22/kaizo-raided-feds-went-through-records-861492/
As I said, you may get the car licensed at the state level, but it's not legal at the Federal level. Does that mean they'll come to your house and get the car? Who knows, but why chance it when LHD are easily accessible?
https://www.rx7club.com/automotive-news-lounge-22/kaizo-raided-feds-went-through-records-861492/
As I said, you may get the car licensed at the state level, but it's not legal at the Federal level. Does that mean they'll come to your house and get the car? Who knows, but why chance it when LHD are easily accessible?
#23
1.5 Goodfella's Tall
iTrader: (97)
The DMV = State. You do realize the FEDERAL Government at any point in time could seize/crush/dowhatevertheyplease to your car because it is RHD?
This is the kind of pseudo statement "Oh I just took my car to the DMV" that gets people in trouble. A show car/collectors piece that is only taken to shows/tracks you might get away with. You MIGHT get away with have a RHD JDM car forever...but you MIGHT also have your car legally seized because technically it is not Federally compliant.
If you are ok with the risk then go for...it is NOT Federally legal...as has been discussed ad nauseam.
This is the kind of pseudo statement "Oh I just took my car to the DMV" that gets people in trouble. A show car/collectors piece that is only taken to shows/tracks you might get away with. You MIGHT get away with have a RHD JDM car forever...but you MIGHT also have your car legally seized because technically it is not Federally compliant.
If you are ok with the risk then go for...it is NOT Federally legal...as has been discussed ad nauseam.
#24
Full Member
iTrader: (7)
Yes I realize the implications. I also know that at any time I can disassemble the car, produce reciepts for a chasis engine and tranny and re-register in my home state as a kit car. Don't believe me? Ask the owner of the 1992 RHD FD featured in Import tuner. Same deal except registered through PA.
Is the car DOT hell no. It is grey market all day.
Also registering a show car/collector car is completly different and 100% legal. There is an annual inspection that occurs to make sure you don't exceed "x" miles. Where x is the annual mileage you are alloed for travel to shows. Usually it is 3000 miles.
So how to get the car Federally legalized? I'm sure it has been discussed to death but here are cliff notes for those interested again.
Get a letter of bond from Mazda stating the differences in the car from JDM to USDm compliance. Submit this to the DOT/EPA along with a copy of proof from an acknowledged RI showing the differences have been brought into compliance. Submit paperwoek, pay STUPID amounts of money...pass countless inspections again and again....get a bond released and new VIN number.
:Why doesn't this work with skylines?": Because no similar model car was released in US for Nissan to compare it to in their letter to the DOT. Can you get one? SUre R33 GTR in the year 1995. It was the only one added to the authorized import list after the motorex fiasco. Problem is there are no authorized RI's for that vehicle at this time.
But back to the point: The OP asked how he could register the car....we answered him. He did not ask how to federally import the vehicle.
Oh and for the Canada thing. It is harder and costs more in the long run actually.
Is the car DOT hell no. It is grey market all day.
Also registering a show car/collector car is completly different and 100% legal. There is an annual inspection that occurs to make sure you don't exceed "x" miles. Where x is the annual mileage you are alloed for travel to shows. Usually it is 3000 miles.
So how to get the car Federally legalized? I'm sure it has been discussed to death but here are cliff notes for those interested again.
Get a letter of bond from Mazda stating the differences in the car from JDM to USDm compliance. Submit this to the DOT/EPA along with a copy of proof from an acknowledged RI showing the differences have been brought into compliance. Submit paperwoek, pay STUPID amounts of money...pass countless inspections again and again....get a bond released and new VIN number.
:Why doesn't this work with skylines?": Because no similar model car was released in US for Nissan to compare it to in their letter to the DOT. Can you get one? SUre R33 GTR in the year 1995. It was the only one added to the authorized import list after the motorex fiasco. Problem is there are no authorized RI's for that vehicle at this time.
But back to the point: The OP asked how he could register the car....we answered him. He did not ask how to federally import the vehicle.
Oh and for the Canada thing. It is harder and costs more in the long run actually.
#25
Full Member
iTrader: (7)
Oh yeah I forgot the most important thing....
The federal Gov't is not going to come kick in your door and take your car. The cops are not going to ask for a copy of your DOT bond during a routine stop.
Here is the trick to keeping your grey market car away from a crusher......ready......it's tricky.....
DON'T DO STUPID **** IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!
The federal Gov't is not going to come kick in your door and take your car. The cops are not going to ask for a copy of your DOT bond during a routine stop.
Here is the trick to keeping your grey market car away from a crusher......ready......it's tricky.....
DON'T DO STUPID **** IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!