Fortunately, the demand for the Nissan Skyline is so high that many of them can be found for sale on American soil, and dealerships have sprung up all over the place that specialize in JDM imports. Once they have gone through the importation process, these cars can be purchased and sold in the same manner as any other domestic U.S. vehicle. However, there are a few extra requirements to meet if you wish to bring your own GT-R.
The process is substantially simplified because so many businesses that specialize in JDM are willing to handle the import snafu for you. One of the top importers in the United States at the moment is TopRank Importers, based in Cypress, California. Typically, shipping costs are fixed plus an additional import charge. Where things can become complicated is with this import tariff, as TopRank notes. As the import market for automobiles continues to heat up, the existing import duty rate of 2.5 percent may change.
There is a flat $5,500 price for export from Japan and import into the United States, said Sean Morris, owner of TopRank. Additionally, transportation to their California dealership is included in this set price.
In This Article...
What is the cost of importing a Nissan Skyline from Japan?
Before January 2024, the vehicles cannot be imported. Depending on condition, current prices (March 2022) range from $160,000 to $250,000.
Can you import a skyline legally?
The NHTSA gave import automobiles older than 25 years of age amnesty in 1998. So even though it doesn’t comply with requirements, you can now import any Nissan Skyline that was manufactured in 1995 or earlier. Only in California are you at risk of problems.
Can you import an R34 legally?
You’re now posing the proper queries! It turns out that is not just acceptable but also fairly typical. For automobiles intended for track use or for exhibition and storage solely, there has long been a gray area.
Before 2024, an R34 may be brought into the country legally for use on the racetrack only; it cannot be registered or used on public roads, in accordance with NHTSA regulations. To do so, you’ll need the NHTSA’s formal consent and the car’s conversion to track-only use before importing. Once the vehicle reaches the age of 25 it can be modified and registered for use on the road.
Nevertheless, R34s are still driven on American roads today. It has between 280 and 500 horsepower and is capable of 1,000 BHP, which means it can travel at speeds of up to over 200 mph on the highway. Some rebellious drivers in Los Angeles, Miami, and rural Texas regularly drive at these speeds while feigning to be in Mexico.
Is it worthwhile to import a Japanese car?
When importing an automobile to Ireland, you will incur a number of expenses, including:
The new import tax in Ireland is based on the vehicle’s original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (OMSP).
FAQs
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is due at the time of registration when importing a vehicle into Ireland. The payable VRT is often based on a particular percentage of the recommended retail price, which includes all taxes, in the case of small vans and cars. The open market selling price is this.
Many Japanese auto exporters provide used vehicles from Japan to countries all over the world. You can visit the websites of these exporters to see all the vehicles they have offered. When you locate a car you like, you may place a bid on it and pay the supplier the required sum. Keep in mind that selecting a trustworthy source is crucial.
You can acquire a Japanese car for a reasonable price because they lose value quickly owing to a mix of taxes and other costs. Additionally, Japanese automobiles are renowned for their dependability and quality. In light of this, importing a Japanese car is undoubtedly worthwhile if you make an informed purchase selection.
Yes, you should have no trouble locating parts for Japanese import vehicles in Ireland considering the popularity of Japanese automobiles throughout the world.
R32 costs how much in Japan?
Nissan would bring back the Skyline GT-R nameplate in 1989 after dropping it in the early 1970s. The E-BNR32 chassis, also known as the R32, would be assigned to the third-generation GT-R, which would go on to quickly establish a reputation both on and off the racetrack.
At the time of its release, the R32 GT-R was regarded as one of the most cutting-edge automobiles. It coupled a remarkable 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged RB26DETT I6 engine with an advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system to produce 276 horsepower.
The R32 GT-R started going into production in August 1989, and later in the car’s lifespan, special edition vehicles like the Skyline GT-R Nismo were introduced.
The R32 GT-R’s performance was so good that it could compete with much more costly cars of the era, but how much did it cost and how much would that be worth today?
The R32 GT-R’s launch price in Japan was 4,450,000 yen, making it somewhat more expensive than the base R32 model but considerably less expensive than most of its rivals. The R32 GT-R’s key pricing variations during production are summarized below, along with what they would have cost in today’s currency.
What is the cost of importing an R32 from Japan?
Following the lab tests, a number of further payments are ready to take money from your pocket. A tariff tax to the federal government, customs fees, port fees, and the Terminal Handling Charge (THD) that you pay at the arriving port for unloading a container are some of these expenses. You also need to pay processing, filing, and bail fees, so it’s not over yet. If you don’t want the car to end up at the pier covered in dust and spiderwebs, you should hire a customs broker.
Notably, you can also purchase the R32 Nissan GT-R through importers like Toprank Importers, but doing so would cost you over $10,000 (via Donut Media), which may seem excessive for a vehicle that is nearly 25 years old. Federal laws also permit the importation of automobiles that are less than 25 years old, but only if they will be used for show purposes solely and not for actual driving. This may be a simpler option if you only want to acquire a car for your collection.
What is the price of an R34 Skyline?
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R example with the chassis number BNR34-006741 is a base model, but it still has all the GT-R features, such as the RB26 DETT, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, and more. This is not a V Spec or a M Spec, which begin around $180,000 for a low-mileage model and can reach as high as $500,000 in some cases.
With 103,250 kilometers (64 156 miles) on the clock, this Nissan R34 GT-R is painted in white (paint color QM1). The timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs were replaced as part of a major service performed on the vehicle on March 23, 2017, at a certified Nissan dealer. The vehicle’s odometer read 100,340 kilometers (62,348 miles) at the time.
The automobile has a few nice improvements but is otherwise mainly stock. A full NISMO aero kit, featuring a front aero bumper, side skirts, rear under-spoiler set, carbon pillar garnish, and GT shift knob, is one of the numerous NISMO goodies that are included. A lightweight flywheel, a sports clutch, a clutch cover, and other NISMO components are also available.
Why does R35 lack a skyline?
One of the most renowned Japanese performance cars of all time is the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
The “Godzilla” (see here why the Skyline GT-R is called as Godzilla) has come to represent strength and performance throughout the course of several different generations.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R has become one of the most coveted names in Japanese performance driving despite being illegal in the United States at the time (see our article on why Nissan Skylines are illegal in the United States).
You probably already know that Nissan stopped producing the R34 Skyline generation in 2002 (for more information, see our buying guide for the R34 GT-R).
The Skyline actually kept on after that and is still going today, but it is now what is known as the “New Generation Skyline,” which is very different from the original Skylines. The new Skyline is more well-known in America as a line of Infiniti vehicles, including the Infiniti G35:
This New Generation Skyline was mainly focused on giving a premium touring car experience and never included a GT-R variant.
Due to the overwhelming demand from auto enthusiasts, the R35 GT-R was debuted in 2007 and is still in production today.
Indeed, the R34 GT-R was the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, to give an example.
What makes the Nissan GT-R of today the Nissan Skyline GT-R R35? After all, any car sporting those distinctive taillights must be a Skyline!
The reason the R35 GT-R is not a Skyline is rather straightforward, in case you’re wondering.
Earlier GT-Rs (such as the R32, R33, and R34) were built on the Skyline platform of that generation.
Consider the R32 GT-R, which was offered in a variety of trim levels and engine/gearbox combinations, including as a sedan.
Nissan used that generation’s Skyline base to build the R32 GT-R (the original “Godzilla”), turning everything up to 11.
There is no platform overlap with the existing Skyline. The R35 GT-R is a “standalone” vehicle, as opposed to the previous generations of GT-Rs, which were all the pinnacle of the applicable Skyline platform.
Although the R35 GT-R is essentially the spiritual successor to previous Skyline GT-Rs, Nissan opted not to utilize the Skyline brand due to the distinctive platform.
Why isn’t the R34 road legal?
In summary, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is prohibited from being imported into the US since it does not adhere to the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act. The Skyline was not designed with the necessary safety elements to abide by the applicable traffic safety regulations.
A vehicle is exempt from these rules once it reaches the age of 25, at which point it is allowed to be imported and used on American roads.
With California being likely the most noteworthy exception in terms of particular states where you would have difficulties importing due to tougher emissions control legislation, this means that vehicles like the R32 GTR (the original “Godzilla”) can be imported into the USA.
By 2024, you should be able to start importing the R34 GTR. The oldest versions of the R33 GTR are also starting to become legal for import and compliance.
Just a word of caution
As far as we are aware, there are no laws prohibiting you from importing one as a “show piece that isn’t allowed to be driven on the road but instead sits in your garage.” We’ve heard stories of people looking to buy and store Nissan Skylines with a view of registering and complying them once they turn 25 years old in the hopes of increasing their value. While it is likely not a bad idea, there is always a chance that the government could modify import regulations, leaving you with a depreciating burden rather than an asset that depreciates over time. Although it’s unlikely, it’s nevertheless important to remark.
We would be interested in hearing from you if you are aware of any other legitimate ways to buy a Skyline GTR in the United States. Please comment down below!