> Actually I guess one could import anything, it is the licensing that is
> tricky.
Thats why you choose a RI that has a proven track record. Its the same with
choosing an attorney....you want the one who walks into the court and the
judge says "how the hell are you!?!)
> How do you get a non-US spec model registered? What about crash testing,
> emissions, DOT safety glass, etc...
Interesting note: My recent Consumer Reports issues mentioned that the
Porsche Boxter has yet to be crash tested. So how did they get it here?
My research on the DOT web site revealed a great deal to me. You must prove
on most items that the standards that the car was produced to are equal or
better than the USA standards. This is where the paper work and leg work
aspect comes into play.
> My understanding is that there is a list of vehicles
> that are admissible because they share US tested engines, and are close
> derivatives of US models (structurally) and therefor can forgo the crash
> testing, etc. They just need to be modified (cats, glass, ride hight,
> etc.)
> to meet the current criteria.
True, one could argue that the easiest Peugeot to import these days would be
the 405s made in Chile and sold in Mexico.
You could also argue that the approved Citroen XM shares the same basic
platform as the Peugeot 605, thus making the 605 eligible.
> Is there something I am overlooking? Some
> legal loophole? There is the "show car" bill, but I don't think that has
> been passed yet
>
Yes there is, I have yet to discover it, but yes there is.
How else would you explain the guy selling his 93 Citroen XM so that he can
buy the new one? (DOT has only the 92-93 model XMs as approved)