"We used to make shit in this country, build shit. Now we just put our hand in the next guy's pocket." Re-elect *Frank Sobotka* for secretary-treasurer I.B.S. local 1514
We used to drive those all the time when I was in the Air Force stationed in Japan. If I remember right, some were diesel. Fun to drive. I would love to get one.
I just had a parent at the school I teach at tell me last week that they used to drive them when she was was stationed in Japan. She said they used them to move artillery at the range. The diesel ones are bigger, all these are gasoline.
Amazing detailed description of you purchase and import process! Very informative! Three small trucks were all over in Okinawa Japan, when I was stationed there 1995-2000.
Same here. I was only there for a year (November 1993-94, Camp Kinser). I had a 1984 Nissan Bluebird (like a Maxima) that came with a 2 year JCI. It had AC, power everything and even spoke Japanese (washer fluid low, you left your lights on, etc.) and I only paid $1000. I used it the entire time I was there and sold it for $1000 when I left. I really wanted to bring a car back with me; any car, but we were all told that it was impossible and/or too expensive. Now I want one of these trucks, so I can at least relive some of my youth.
Nice work Justin. I've always found those little vehicles interesting. When I was once visiting Yakushima Island in Japan I rented a little Suzuki Carry van. It was amazing and fun. I still have my Samurai.
Welcome to the club my friend. I have been with my Subaru Sambar for more than 4 Years and love all the attention on the road, and it is the only one in the city of Durham, NC.
@@DentedFenderGarage Cool, they are becoming very popular and everybody likes them and be prepared for photos and videos from other drivers on the road.
Thats very helpful information about the port of Baltimore. I am having one delivered there. I was surprised to hear you say 3-5 months because from what i've seen everywhere else its about 6-8 weeks.
I guess it depends on the seller. Also depends on if you’ve bought the first vehicle loaded on the boat or the last, which you can’t control. I want to import another but I have a really bad taste in my mouth about Baltimore and might pay more and wait longer to use Newport News.
@@DentedFenderGarage Im sure it will.. I own one as it is very common and cheap in the Philippines.. Im just amazed that people in the US fancy such a relatively small truck..
I've just imported a Kei Suzuki Carry into Australia. It was such a smooth easy process. I got a 2020 model that's automatic and only 47 000 kms. I did have to change the tyres, get the air con re-gased to Aus standards and install an FM radio as the Japanese AM didnt work here. but that was it. Seeing as in Japan they use kms not miles and drive right hand wheel like we do, I was super lucky with everything. I'm now excited to start building my micro camper on the back. Next step welding the frame 😊
@@ポォロロ Yes I have been super happy with the 2020 model so far. The cab cools down super-fast with the air conditioner and the sound isn't too loud. I hope it travels on grass campsites ok, otherwise I may need to upgrade to the 4WD version.
Im going to pick up my 2 kei trucks at baltimore in few weeks, luckily I found your video my friend, very informative, thank you, subscribed to your channel :)
Thank you. I hope it goes well and keep me updated. Did you get a broker to clear customs or are you going to customs yourself? Did they hit you with a cleaning fee? I have more content to post but the past few weeks my son and I have been putting an engine in his Mustang.
I contacted one of the brokers that my shipper recommend they want to charge me $2500 for 2 kei trucks, I'm like "no thanks" I called US custom border today and they said don't come to the port until they clear them (they want to make sure trucks are clean from any contaminations or whatever it might be) I did my ISF form from a 3rd party company call easyISF $25 for each truck, they did very quick within a day and sent me invoices, I also apply for TWIC card just in case for future purchase (cost $125 for 5 years at TSA office), now it's just a waiting game hopefully every will go smoothly, I'll keep you updated, thanks again @@DentedFenderGarage
Thanks! Appreciate the details step by step. I'm buying/selling/trading all the time. If I can't work a trade on one that's already here, I'll DIY like you did. Thanks again.
great content and explaination. sorry about corrupt port extortion. definition: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
I'm in North Carolina, and a year ago, I imported a 1993 Diahatsu Mira Walk-Through Classic Kei truck. (Mine has round headlights also) I used Japan Car Direct, which they were great. Long story short, mine went to the Port of Baltimore also. Customs held mine up for over 3 weeks, saying it needed an intensive exam....whatever that means. I ended up paying additional port storage fees for nothing as Customs didn't find anything. I will Never import anything through Baltimore again. My son imported through Savannah Ga and within 3 days his was cleared by Customs. I do love my Daihatsu Mira Walk-Through and have won 2 awards out of 3 shows I entered it in. Good luck and hope your Kei truck is all you wanted❗️
I know you have to go through license and theft agent and then bring that report to the DMV to apply for a title, right? is there any chance they deny you? thanks for any info
@badhamdixon3960 Once you bring the paperwork and the vehicle to License and Theft, they give you the paperwork, and you also bring the original Japanese title to the NC DMV where they fill out the title application and issue you the license plate for it. It's not a hard process once it's released from customs. Make sure when you buy it that it is 25 years old or older. If it's newer than 25 years, you will not be able to register or title it for road use and will be titled for off road use only.
Awesome video, i want one of these trucks so bad and I see them for sale in here NC but they are crazy expensive and always wondered how much it costs to import one myself thank you for breaking that down with honest prices and advice.
This is exactly why I made this video. I was so worried about hidden costs and such before buying mine and couldn’t find all the info, so I just did it myself to figure it out for others.
I really want to try to get one of these later this year but I wasn't sure where to start. Thanks for this video to show the process! I live in Texas though, so I'm still confused on the registration and street rules for once it gets here. If anyone here has one in Texas on the road I'd love the help!
Townace is in a higher price range, but if you check regularly you will see the prices go up and down and you can pick up on trends. Also look at BeForward.jp to compare some prices and shipping.
@@DentedFenderGarage Thanks for the update. I'm quite a bit older than you and the Kei sized units just make my shorts tingle a bit more than I like. I really enjoy many of your projects. Carry on Lad. Keep the adventures happening.
ah interesting. nice to know what the markup is on them. There's a dealer near me who imports them in batches. I think they started around 8k. which isn't to bad since really this would a be a business truck competing against used F-150s or sprinter vans.
Hello I purchased a 1998 Subaru Sambar Truck from Japan which hopefully will arrive in about two weeks time. I am very excited I must say. I have subscribed to your channel to stay connected.
Great video! Really makes me want to try and importing a Kei car. Also glad to hear NC doesn't restrict registering these vehicles. I saw an Autozam AZ-1 at the Morrisville, NC Cars and Coffee a few weeks ago. I thought I had a good idea how small these car are, but I was stunned. The AZ-1 is probably out of reach for me, but there's a lot of other options. Thanks for sharing your buying experience!
My friend in Wake Forest just sent me a photo he took of an AZ-1 locally today. The AZ-1 is pricey. My son and I really like the Suzuki Cappuccino and I like the Honda Beat as well.
@@DentedFenderGarage Nice! I like the Cappuccino too, but I lean towards the BEAT as well. Is there a reason why you chose the port in Baltimore instead of Newport News Port in Virginia? The Newport News is closer to me and maybe you as well depending on where you are in NC. Just wondering if you looked into that port and decided Baltimore would be easier or cheaper.
@@DentedFenderGarage I talked to my exporter about that, he said he has heard the same issue with Baltimore, so they went ahead and did an extra cleaning for me before they were loaded on the ship, and swear that if they find any seeds, insects, or other contaminants like that upon arrival, then it will have been added at sea or at the port of Baltimore
I love these vehicles. We had a lot of them back home in England. The Suzuki Super Carry van is a fantastic vehicle. Very easy to drive these wee vehicles, and saved me a lot of time driving in London in traffic and one could take these down a few smaller back alleys to escape the traffic congestion. They’re surprisingly quick too. A lot of fun. The Suzuki Super Carry is also a five speed. A lot easier to deal with on the bigger more faster roads. Great video, and fantastic content mate.
@@DentedFenderGarage What I failed to mention was that I was talking about the Super Carry which would’ve been a mid nineties van. Those came in various body styles. Including as a camper van. I see that they do a new style just Carry now. I didn’t realize that before I sent you a message before. There’s a Kei truck in our area which I’ll try to get the owner to allow me to do a video on as these are definitely fun, and versatile vehicles for sure.
Years back I worked for a company that imported German and Austrian trucks and their parts ( Mostly Swiss military surplus), U.S. customs for the most part is either laughably inept and uneducated, or corrupt to the point that it would make a banana republic dictator embarrassed. I know that at least two customs officials were caught stealing (usually the German made tool kits) from our shipments, and got off with little more than a finger waggle. I've personally had all kinds of stuff stolen by customs when I came back from trips to Japan, and the overall response when I pointed out that the thieves were Customs officials was best described as "annoyed indifference".
Thanks man! This answered a bunch of questions I had about this. I was wondering how much markup the domestic "dealers" were putting on them. I'm sure for a lot of people they will spend that extra money vs the hassle and wait time vs buying something ready to go on a lot but knowing the costs of a DIY import can open it up to a lot more people who just can't spend 7k or more.
The whole process was eye opening to me, but it seems most set the markup at 100% or more. Most importers can buy more in bulk and save even more than an individual.
Do the dealers normally fix them up or are they just as the ones you ordered over seas where they need work done. Can you buy ones that are fixed already on this site?
There are plenty of people selling them already over here. I was watching a TH-cam channel, Way Before The Fame yesterday and he was showing some already imported in NY selling for around $4500.
Tempted to get a Subaru Sambar just for hauling plywood and bulky items, but just don’t do it enough for it to be worth it for me. I wish we updated these import laws because new utility trucks like the Toyota Hilux Champ would be very interesting in the US for people not looking for a passenger truck.
What’s keeping the new Toyota away from us is not the import laws or safety standards, it’s the majority of US buyers who think a vehicle needs all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay all the money for air conditioned seats and heated steering wheels and 2 extra doors that they never use. Not enough minimalists to adjust the market.
Have a Toyota Hilux in Portugal and it is a 1994 and it is more fun to drive than a new pickup. Just a utilitarian beast. Am also seriously looking at an Honda ACTY. Good video not sure how NY handles the DMV
3:59 time mark. Importer Security Filing filing. You glossed over the Customs Broker. Who did you use? How did you find them? You mentioned that you had expected them to clear customs for you. Did that mean taking care of all the paperwork and running around at the port of entry (including delivery to your home)?
I did not use a customs broker. For my ISF I used an online service (importersecurityfiling.com). They offered to clear customs for me but then wouldn’t answer any more emails. I cleared customs on my own the day of pickup at customs at the airport, which was really easy. I gave them all my paperwork (bill of laden, ISF receipt, invoices, title, etc) waited about 15 minutes and then they had me pay my customs tax and they gave me my papers to take to the port and to DMV. From there I went to the escort service and then on port and picked up my truck. Had I used a customs broker to clear customs I would not have had to go to customs at the airport but it would have cost me an extra $250-$300. I’m glad I did it myself, it was literally zero filling out paperwork.
@@DentedFenderGarage Thanks. Taking a look at other vids on the process, it seems that their customs broker would take the process all the way to delivery to the buyer's doorstep (unknown additional fee structure). BTW, I plan on using Eezyimport online services to help me with the paperwork. Reviews of the service seem halfway decent. Hard to judge reviews since customer expectations vary so widely.
I think the most stressful thing for me was the ISF filing since there’s like a 72 hour window, after that it was just keeping track of everything. What port?
The importing process as many will know is a pain in the ass. Would be nice if japan or the U.S would implement some sort of system where either country will allow bulk wholsale vehicles with less hassle.
I see you are in NC also. Did the tag office give you the inspection waiver since it was not from there? I am looking to buy one also for my homestead but need the 4x4 since my dirt road floods sometimes. The place I am using in Japan keeps sending there inventory. So always seeing other vehicles I want. I will end up with a fleet of Kei vehicles and one van like a Toyota Hiace. Only the budget and logic prenvents that.
I imported a Celica with CarFromJapan around May. They really are great to deal with. Luckily mine came through Newark and they seem really chill there as long as you have your paperwork in order. Was your truck on the Swallow Ace?
Greetings from New Jersey. I live in southern Jersey where there are a couple places close by that sell imports in Philadelphia, Pennsauken and Newark/Trenton NJ. You're definitely helping others 💯 Keep up the great work.
I’m glad it helped. The seller will provide an itemized invoice that separates the price of the vehicle and shipping/insurance/etc. car tax is much cheaper but like I mentioned in the video, 25% for trucks.
$3,500 for a base model without any refurb or reconditioning done to it is not half bad. Even though it must be a pristine example to be worth the hassle.
My cost included local DMV, so that would be additional cost no matter where you get it. For me the hassle was worth the cost over and over. A similar truck bought local would have cost me almost double.
Your van probably has a 4x114.3 lug pattern, which is not as common here as the 4x100 lug pattern my truck has, but there are still plenty of wheels out there. You also need to consider offset of the wheels, and they do make 4x114 to 4x100 adapters but that will change offset. But, once you figure out wheels you can go to 14” or 15” an have more tire size options.
How long do you have to pick up once it’s arrived? I live in nc too and will probably go to Virginia. But it’s about 3 1/2 hours so I can’t be there in an hour or something might hold me up for a couple of days. Didn’t want to get stuck with a super high storage fee.
Oh, it’s not super short, you might have the first week. I went over that because of the whole “cleaning fee” fiasco and it was just another $15. There is a thing if it goes a long time it goes into different storage that’s really expensive. But no, it’s not like hours.
I have no restrictions by law, only by speed. I don’t know the top speed. I take it on roads with 55mph speed limits but wouldn’t be comfortable on the 70mph highway close to my house.
@@DentedFenderGarage in Indonesia, *Bagong* is the designation for vehicles with big round headlights. because there is a puppet character named Bagong, whose characteristics are having big and round eyes. so if there is a car with round lights in front, it is called a *Bagong* car.
So it was $3500 for the Truck all together!? I've been on the fence for a while but if anything happens to my car I may seriously consider it. I'm sick of giant trucks that start at $40,000. If everyone driving a 12 tonne compensator to get coffee in the morning took a Kei truck instead, world would be a happier place.
Yes, here’s a the breakdown: $2579 vehicle/shipping $25 money transfer fee from bank $140 ISF filing $177.65 Hoegh Autoliners $10 bank transfer $310.68 customs
Nope, I drive it as-is, on the right. Honestly, I’m not a fan of having a right hand drive vehicle in a left hand drive country, but it’s not a big deal. It would be a bigger issue if it was a bigger vehicle. The main issue is drive-thru windows, but again, it’s so small I can reach across.
2WD are the better fit for anyone who is not off roading or working in dirt or loose driving conditions. The 2WD of course have less parts, and with it being so old I believe it to be the better choice.
In the next video I do change the oil and air filter, it’s not way in depth though. Since then I did have to cross reference for a fuel filter and change that and also changed spark plugs. I should have videoed it, but sometimes just getting it done is all I have time for.
It was for me and as I think about doing it again it’s still stressful. I was hoping though that this video would make it more attainable for everyone.
@@DentedFenderGaragethanks for replying! I reached out to car from Japan yesterday regarding a Subaru Sambar, they responded today. Still seems suspect to send money to someone I don't know. I suppose if I paid with my card I have some security? Where did you research and find the paperwork?
@AngryLS1 it’s a legitimate business, you can look them up online and see real people (like me) who have bought from them. Stories, videos, photos. It was a little weird wiring money to them from my bank but it was all on the level. I’ve seen where some people pay the extra couple hundred to use their credit card so they will have added protection, but I’d seen enough real people do it that I trusted the site.
@@DentedFenderGarage Update - i stumbled upon a unicorn from a different site, a buddy has a broker. trying to pull the trigger on a supercharged sambar!
It’s a lot to think about, but I thought about it long enough to go for it. Probably not for everyone, but I wanted to help give people enough information to see if it was for them.
The port escort service I used was A-1 Escort Service, they are one of only 3 that Port of Baltimore allows. Customs in the airport was hard to find, I asked a few people. I remember being in the terminal and it was far to the left. The door was not well marked.
I am very happy to see kei trucks being treated well in the United States! I would like to send the kei trucks to the United States, they are sending a lot of kei trucks to be dismantled😢
@stephenbrown3929 that ISF company had it filed in about 4 hours. Even if I’d had a TWIC card I would not have known what to do at that port, where to go, who to talk to, etc.
@@DentedFenderGarageI am in the process of getting one to the same port with cars from Japan. I have heard that if you do not submit the ISF before it leaves Japan there is a $5,000 fine, or is that something completely made up? That is my biggest stressor for this process at the moment. Awesome Video by the way!
@alexandersmith8037 the ISF was the biggest stress for me because there is fine involved if they will just not ship your cargo. As soon as you get the notice and bill of laden, file the ISF. I used an online ISF broker and they bonded it so that it was insured to go though. I paid $140 for peace of mind.
Yep, I'm also in PA and it looks like the antique registration is really the only option to put it on the road. The kei vehicle must be at least 25 years old.
Hi Justin, I’m looking to buy a van from Japan but I’m worried about modifications that may have been done to the van. How did you handle that with your truck? Thank You
The vehicle has to have been made 25 years ago to be able to imported and legally titled and licensed for road use in the US. This keeps importers from bringing in 1-5 year old cars and undercutting car sales by US businesses. As long as the car is 25 years old it can have any new parts on it.
If you use a port escort you will not need a TWIC. The port of Baltimore uses 3, I think, different port escort services, I’m sure other ports have the same or more. You pay them by the hour to get you on and off the port. Even if I had my TWIC I wouldn’t have known where to go or what to do, so I preferred using the escort service.
I'd love to have one in the future. my dad still have a Toyota Tundra V8 but that thing is a gas guzzler and more expensive with emission stuff, though we only use that for utility purpose. If he had a kei truck, I bet he would've save hundreds of dollars and probably still be able to haul the same amount of stuff. I live in GA so I 100% don't know every law but can you take kei trucks and other small japanese vehicles on the highway in NC?
@@JimsEquipmentShed Thanks for the info! That's actually pretty helpful, because we really don't use the whole bed on the tundra anyways (usually like 10 bags of soil at most). But more would be nicer if there's ever a need for a bigger bed
@@beta-carotenefunk7373 I use ours a lot for bagged horse shavings. The truck is pretty much designed specifically for packages kind that. I had a second gen double cab tundra, (6ft bed) and this can carry a lot more than that truck could. Although, the tundra was handy for towing…… ;-)
Great video thank you for all this information. I do have one question though, you mentioned that Hoegh invoiced you for $177.65, what exactly was that for? And were you expecting that? Or did you not know about it till a week before arrival?
The ship had contacted me before that bill to let me know that it was coming. It was random fees, one I remember was a “wharfage” fee. I talked to the Hoegh people on the phone and they were super helpful and friendly.
@@DentedFenderGaragewhen small cars use less natural resources. and more fuel efficient. and roads are not easily damaged. but American auto companies didn't like it because it caused demand for oil to drop.
@@nico7226 you can. It’s just really expensive. Ran into a guy with CA plates that was registered. He said the Kei was $4.5k to purchase and an additional $5k roughly to have it registered.
Your thoughts? Importing a 50k+ car. I'm on the fence of doing it myself or have an American importer do it for me. Just don't know how much more for someone here to do it
Kei trucks are awesome. Modern US trucks are way too big and oversized, and so many of them barely see a load over 100lbs. You honestly don't need much more than a kei truck for hauling stuff. They're so much safer too, since they are so much lighter they exert a lot less force if someone were struck by one, and you can actually see what's in front of you. Makes me wonder why modern US trucks are built like they are today, just for luxury?
@DentedFenderGarage when inquiring about the truck were you able to ask questions about it mechanically to show that was mechanically sound , so that when it came to the port they're not going to give you a car that has an assortment of major issues? Since obviously doesn't help that you cant be there physically to over view and test drive the vehicle
Honestly, I didn’t try to ask. On the descriptions of the cars if something doesn’t work it tells you. It also tells you when the timing belt was serviced. The vehicles have to be able to drive on and off the ship under their own power. You can get pre-inspections and insurance. This is a big company that moves enough volume worldwide that they’re not trying to risk their reputation by selling junk vehicles. I did pay attention to a lot of the trucks that had undercarriages that looked too clean and had fresh spray paint.
I am shocked that customs, at the port, of Baltimore could be corrupt. This is truly unexpected
Is this sarcasm? Haha
LOL ...is a corrupt run city... what did u expect ?
Not shocked LOL
"We used to make shit in this country, build shit. Now we just put our hand in the next guy's pocket." Re-elect *Frank Sobotka* for secretary-treasurer I.B.S. local 1514
Hahaha
We used to drive those all the time when I was in the Air Force stationed in Japan. If I remember right, some were diesel. Fun to drive. I would love to get one.
I just had a parent at the school I teach at tell me last week that they used to drive them when she was was stationed in Japan. She said they used them to move artillery at the range. The diesel ones are bigger, all these are gasoline.
I've seen deisel kei trucks , they are rare but do exist
I drove these, when I was in the Coast Guard, here in the states.
Its awesome to hear that Car from Japan pulled through like that. Been looking into shipping a car into jacksonville with the.
They really did more than they had to, I’ll definitely use them again.
Read my message above
I'm interested in bringing one into Jacksonville as well!
Awesome response from : Cars From Japan!
Amazing detailed description of you purchase and import process! Very informative! Three small trucks were all over in Okinawa Japan, when I was stationed there 1995-2000.
Same here. I was only there for a year (November 1993-94, Camp Kinser). I had a 1984 Nissan Bluebird (like a Maxima) that came with a 2 year JCI. It had AC, power everything and even spoke Japanese (washer fluid low, you left your lights on, etc.) and I only paid $1000. I used it the entire time I was there and sold it for $1000 when I left. I really wanted to bring a car back with me; any car, but we were all told that it was impossible and/or too expensive. Now I want one of these trucks, so I can at least relive some of my youth.
Truly the best video ive seen on the subject. instant subscribe.
Thank you so much. I was very much in the dark doing it on my own and was hoping to offer some light.
This info is excellent. Thank you
Nice work Justin. I've always found those little vehicles interesting. When I was once visiting Yakushima Island in Japan I rented a little Suzuki Carry van. It was amazing and fun. I still have my Samurai.
Good hearing from you. I might be saving up for a little van.
Thank you! I been considering getting a truck to turn into a camper van.
That would be awesome.
Welcome to the club my friend. I have been with my Subaru Sambar for more than 4 Years and love all the attention on the road, and it is the only one in the city of Durham, NC.
Not too far from me.
@@DentedFenderGarage Cool, they are becoming very popular and everybody likes them and be prepared for photos and videos from other drivers on the road.
Thats very helpful information about the port of Baltimore. I am having one delivered there. I was surprised to hear you say 3-5 months because from what i've seen everywhere else its about 6-8 weeks.
I guess it depends on the seller. Also depends on if you’ve bought the first vehicle loaded on the boat or the last, which you can’t control. I want to import another but I have a really bad taste in my mouth about Baltimore and might pay more and wait longer to use Newport News.
Great description of the process, curious to see what you do with it…
Thank you.
I imagine he will drive it and use it to haul stuff.
thank you so much, manifesting a kei truck as my first purchase once I am free of debt. Ban all usury. Build small trucks america!
Hey Budy! Thanks for your advices !
Defanatly I will follow you !
Thanks for uploading this video with tons of info..
I pray for your success in your project
Thank you, I hope it helps people who want to do the same thing.
@@DentedFenderGarage Im sure it will.. I own one as it is very common and cheap in the Philippines.. Im just amazed that people in the US fancy such a relatively small truck..
I just ordered one last night, a 93 Mitsubishi Minicab with only 15k miles! from CarFromJapan, hope everything goes well thanks for the video!
Very cool! Your first deadline will be the ISF filing when the boat leaves port. Keep me updated.
@@DentedFenderGarage Just filed my ISF yesterday, it got approved! Used turboisf.
@PowerlineRider keep me updated, the process wasn’t hard but it was stressful.
❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊@@DentedFenderGarage
how did it go?
I've just imported a Kei Suzuki Carry into Australia. It was such a smooth easy process. I got a 2020 model that's automatic and only 47 000 kms.
I did have to change the tyres, get the air con re-gased to Aus standards and install an FM radio as the Japanese AM didnt work here. but that was it. Seeing as in Japan they use kms not miles and drive right hand wheel like we do, I was super lucky with everything. I'm now excited to start building my micro camper on the back. Next step welding the frame 😊
2020モデルは
エンジンが驚くほど
静かでしょう、他のオーナーはホイッスルマフラーを付けてる人がいます😁
@@ポォロロ Yes I have been super happy with the 2020 model so far. The cab cools down super-fast with the air conditioner and the sound isn't too loud. I hope it travels on grass campsites ok, otherwise I may need to upgrade to the 4WD version.
Im going to pick up my 2 kei trucks at baltimore in few weeks, luckily I found your video my friend, very informative, thank you, subscribed to your channel :)
Thank you. I hope it goes well and keep me updated. Did you get a broker to clear customs or are you going to customs yourself? Did they hit you with a cleaning fee? I have more content to post but the past few weeks my son and I have been putting an engine in his Mustang.
I contacted one of the brokers that my shipper recommend they want to charge me $2500 for 2 kei trucks, I'm like "no thanks" I called US custom border today and they said don't come to the port until they clear them (they want to make sure trucks are clean from any contaminations or whatever it might be) I did my ISF form from a 3rd party company call easyISF $25 for each truck, they did very quick within a day and sent me invoices, I also apply for TWIC card just in case for future purchase (cost $125 for 5 years at TSA office), now it's just a waiting game hopefully every will go smoothly, I'll keep you updated, thanks again @@DentedFenderGarage
How much did you paid ?
Thanks! Appreciate the details step by step. I'm buying/selling/trading all the time. If I can't work a trade on one that's already here, I'll DIY like you did. Thanks again.
Seems as I watch videos, more and more people are buying these k vehicles
very interested to get one of these kei truck
I’ve had mine almost a year and have not been unhappy about my purchase once.
great content and explaination. sorry about corrupt port extortion.
definition: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
I'm in North Carolina, and a year ago, I imported a 1993 Diahatsu Mira Walk-Through Classic Kei truck. (Mine has round headlights also) I used Japan Car Direct, which they were great.
Long story short, mine went to the Port of Baltimore also.
Customs held mine up for over 3 weeks, saying it needed an intensive exam....whatever that means. I ended up paying additional port storage fees for nothing as Customs didn't find anything.
I will Never import anything through Baltimore again.
My son imported through Savannah Ga and within 3 days his was cleared by Customs.
I do love my Daihatsu Mira Walk-Through and have won 2 awards out of 3 shows I entered it in.
Good luck and hope your Kei truck is all you wanted❗️
I considered using Savannah and I may do that next time.
Those Miras are really cool looking
Make a youtube video
how hard was getting it titled in NC?
I know you have to go through license and theft agent and then bring that report to the DMV to apply for a title, right?
is there any chance they deny you? thanks for any info
@badhamdixon3960 Once you bring the paperwork and the vehicle to License and Theft, they give you the paperwork, and you also bring the original Japanese title to the NC DMV where they fill out the title application and issue you the license plate for it.
It's not a hard process once it's released from customs.
Make sure when you buy it that it is 25 years old or older. If it's newer than 25 years, you will not be able to register or title it for road use and will be titled for off road use only.
This was the video I needed. Leaving the military in 4 months and wanted to build a trail buggy for my hunting lease. Luckily I live near Galveston TX
If you have any more questions when it’s time I can help with the little knowledge I have. Thank you for your service.
Awesome video, i want one of these trucks so bad and I see them for sale in here NC but they are crazy expensive and always wondered how much it costs to import one myself thank you for breaking that down with honest prices and advice.
This is exactly why I made this video. I was so worried about hidden costs and such before buying mine and couldn’t find all the info, so I just did it myself to figure it out for others.
Great video and very informative
Thank you.
I really want to try to get one of these later this year but I wasn't sure where to start. Thanks for this video to show the process! I live in Texas though, so I'm still confused on the registration and street rules for once it gets here. If anyone here has one in Texas on the road I'd love the help!
I can’t help you with the TX stuff but I’ve seen forums with more state specific things.
I’ve seen several of these with legal Texas registration. If your county gives you trouble go to other ones
Thanks Justin. I just got on the Cars From Japan site. Looks great. Not many $2500 units left. ;~) I'm looking for a Townace sized rig.
Townace is in a higher price range, but if you check regularly you will see the prices go up and down and you can pick up on trends. Also look at BeForward.jp to compare some prices and shipping.
@@DentedFenderGarage Thanks for the update. I'm quite a bit older than you and the Kei sized units just make my shorts tingle a bit more than I like. I really enjoy many of your projects. Carry on Lad. Keep the adventures happening.
Funny about the Suzuki Samurai ,thats how i ended up wanting one also , was looking for a tin top originally but now i want a kei truck instead
I loved my Samurai, the main thing from Samurais that helped this purchase was knowing how solidly build Suzukis are.
Thank you very much!!!
ah interesting. nice to know what the markup is on them. There's a dealer near me who imports them in batches. I think they started around 8k. which isn't to bad since really this would a be a business truck competing against used F-150s or sprinter vans.
Hello I purchased a 1998 Subaru Sambar Truck from Japan which hopefully will arrive in about two weeks time. I am very excited I must say. I have subscribed to your channel to stay connected.
Thank you. Hopefully I can upload again soon, I have a long term review of my truck but just haven’t had time to get it together.
Did you receive the truck? Was it to east or west coast and what was your total cost?
Thanks for the great video. I’m in the market here in SW Florida. Buying one that is already here costs about $9K.
Yeah, the markup is pretty crazy, but since so many people are afraid to do it themselves, they get to ask whatever they want.
I'm in Orlando.
Went thru be forward
Being shipped
Thanks for the info!
Great video! Really makes me want to try and importing a Kei car. Also glad to hear NC doesn't restrict registering these vehicles. I saw an Autozam AZ-1 at the Morrisville, NC Cars and Coffee a few weeks ago. I thought I had a good idea how small these car are, but I was stunned. The AZ-1 is probably out of reach for me, but there's a lot of other options. Thanks for sharing your buying experience!
My friend in Wake Forest just sent me a photo he took of an AZ-1 locally today. The AZ-1 is pricey. My son and I really like the Suzuki Cappuccino and I like the Honda Beat as well.
@@DentedFenderGarage Nice! I like the Cappuccino too, but I lean towards the BEAT as well. Is there a reason why you chose the port in Baltimore instead of Newport News Port in Virginia? The Newport News is closer to me and maybe you as well depending on where you are in NC. Just wondering if you looked into that port and decided Baltimore would be easier or cheaper.
Baltimore was cheaper to ship to and some gets more vehicles, some wouldn’t even deliver to Newport News. I’m definitely much closer to there.
There's actually a mini truck dealership in Mount Airy, NC
@danielmejorado6098 yep, he has so many kei trucks. Seems like a cool guy and he has premium trucks, but I couldn’t afford the markup.
I also just bought a k truck from the same company. It’ll arrive in Newport News sometime next month. I’m also in NC.
You’re lucky you got shipping to Newport News, I wish I would have.
I've got a few kei trucks coming in to Baltimore myself, I tried to use Newport News but it would have been more costly and taken much longer 😮
@johnburney6364 same, I wanted Newport News as well. I’m betting Baltimore customs will charge you cleaning fees.
@@DentedFenderGarage I talked to my exporter about that, he said he has heard the same issue with Baltimore, so they went ahead and did an extra cleaning for me before they were loaded on the ship, and swear that if they find any seeds, insects, or other contaminants like that upon arrival, then it will have been added at sea or at the port of Baltimore
I love these vehicles. We had a lot of them back home in England. The Suzuki Super Carry van is a fantastic vehicle. Very easy to drive these wee vehicles, and saved me a lot of time driving in London in traffic and one could take these down a few smaller back alleys to escape the traffic congestion. They’re surprisingly quick too. A lot of fun. The Suzuki Super Carry is also a five speed. A lot easier to deal with on the bigger more faster roads.
Great video, and fantastic content mate.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the comment and love hearing other people’s experiences. I would love to import a Carry Van.
@@DentedFenderGarage What I failed to mention was that I was talking about the Super Carry which would’ve been a mid nineties van. Those came in various body styles. Including as a camper van. I see that they do a new style just Carry now. I didn’t realize that before I sent you a message before. There’s a Kei truck in our area which I’ll try to get the owner to allow me to do a video on as these are definitely fun, and versatile vehicles for sure.
Did you buy it from carfromjapan?
Yes
cool thx planing on buyinhgone
Years back I worked for a company that imported German and Austrian trucks and their parts ( Mostly Swiss military surplus), U.S. customs for the most part is either laughably inept and uneducated, or corrupt to the point that it would make a banana republic dictator embarrassed. I know that at least two customs officials were caught stealing (usually the German made tool kits) from our shipments, and got off with little more than a finger waggle.
I've personally had all kinds of stuff stolen by customs when I came back from trips to Japan, and the overall response when I pointed out that the thieves were Customs officials was best described as "annoyed indifference".
I was amazed at how little oversight there was at the port and how little security. It was a mess. They could charge for anything they made up.
Thanks man! This answered a bunch of questions I had about this. I was wondering how much markup the domestic "dealers" were putting on them. I'm sure for a lot of people they will spend that extra money vs the hassle and wait time vs buying something ready to go on a lot but knowing the costs of a DIY import can open it up to a lot more people who just can't spend 7k or more.
The whole process was eye opening to me, but it seems most set the markup at 100% or more. Most importers can buy more in bulk and save even more than an individual.
Do the dealers normally fix them up or are they just as the ones you ordered over seas where they need work done. Can you buy ones that are fixed already on this site?
Some importers only import and re-sell. Others might do some work to them first, but no work needs to be done to the trucks to make them legal.
I’d pay someone a grand to procure one of these for me start to finish…and I live a little over an hour from Baltimore-in Virginia.
There are plenty of people selling them already over here. I was watching a TH-cam channel, Way Before The Fame yesterday and he was showing some already imported in NY selling for around $4500.
😮 Nice truck! Cool that you put the whole import story together. Where do I sign up?
Thanks. Getting over the mental hurdle of buying a car on the other side of the world is was the hardest part.
Tempted to get a Subaru Sambar just for hauling plywood and bulky items, but just don’t do it enough for it to be worth it for me. I wish we updated these import laws because new utility trucks like the Toyota Hilux Champ would be very interesting in the US for people not looking for a passenger truck.
What’s keeping the new Toyota away from us is not the import laws or safety standards, it’s the majority of US buyers who think a vehicle needs all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay all the money for air conditioned seats and heated steering wheels and 2 extra doors that they never use. Not enough minimalists to adjust the market.
Have a Toyota Hilux in Portugal and it is a 1994 and it is more fun to drive than a new pickup. Just a utilitarian beast. Am also seriously looking at an Honda ACTY. Good video not sure how NY handles the DMV
I don’t know either but there is another TH-camr, WayBeforeTheFame that has import vehicles and he is in NY.
3:59 time mark. Importer Security Filing filing.
You glossed over the Customs Broker. Who did you use? How did you find them?
You mentioned that you had expected them to clear customs for you. Did that mean taking care of all the paperwork and running around at the port of entry (including delivery to your home)?
I did not use a customs broker. For my ISF I used an online service (importersecurityfiling.com). They offered to clear customs for me but then wouldn’t answer any more emails. I cleared customs on my own the day of pickup at customs at the airport, which was really easy. I gave them all my paperwork (bill of laden, ISF receipt, invoices, title, etc) waited about 15 minutes and then they had me pay my customs tax and they gave me my papers to take to the port and to DMV. From there I went to the escort service and then on port and picked up my truck.
Had I used a customs broker to clear customs I would not have had to go to customs at the airport but it would have cost me an extra $250-$300. I’m glad I did it myself, it was literally zero filling out paperwork.
@@DentedFenderGarage Thanks. Taking a look at other vids on the process, it seems that their customs broker would take the process all the way to delivery to the buyer's doorstep (unknown additional fee structure).
BTW, I plan on using Eezyimport online services to help me with the paperwork. Reviews of the service seem halfway decent. Hard to judge reviews since customer expectations vary so widely.
A broker is the easy way to go but from my experience it would have added significant cost and I was trying to go as cheap as possible.
Thanks for doing this. I have a Hijet from cfj about to go on the boat.
I think the most stressful thing for me was the ISF filing since there’s like a 72 hour window, after that it was just keeping track of everything. What port?
Not surprised of the cleaning racket
It still bothers me. Haha
The importing process as many will know is a pain in the ass.
Would be nice if japan or the U.S would implement some sort of system where either country will allow bulk wholsale vehicles with less hassle.
I'm looking into getting one and turning it into my new pool cleaning truck.
👍
I see you are in NC also. Did the tag office give you the inspection waiver since it was not from there? I am looking to buy one also for my homestead but need the 4x4 since my dirt road floods sometimes. The place I am using in Japan keeps sending there inventory. So always seeing other vehicles I want. I will end up with a fleet of Kei vehicles and one van like a Toyota Hiace. Only the budget and logic prenvents that.
I took all my papers from importing to the local DMV tag office and they registered it like any other vehicle bought out of state.
@@DentedFenderGarage Ok thanks for the reply. I buy lots of cars from out of state since no inspection the first year.
@mrj-charles6383 same, I’m 10 minutes from VA
You get surplas isuzu carry mini truck here in philippines f0r 1000 usd..and its already converted into left hand drive😂
It’s okay, I’d rather live in the US. 😂
I imported a Celica with CarFromJapan around May. They really are great to deal with. Luckily mine came through Newark and they seem really chill there as long as you have your paperwork in order. Was your truck on the Swallow Ace?
Mine was on the Hoegh Jeddah
Thanks for the info. Awesome video 😎 I'll share this with my friends who also want to get a Kei Truck or import car. Liked and subbed.
Hoping this helps people. Thanks for the sub
Greetings from New Jersey. I live in southern Jersey where there are a couple places close by that sell imports in Philadelphia, Pennsauken and Newark/Trenton NJ. You're definitely helping others 💯 Keep up the great work.
Sounds like we should avoid the Port of Baltimore , to avoid hassle
Great vid you answered my main question. What price do they tax at customs.
I’m glad it helped. The seller will provide an itemized invoice that separates the price of the vehicle and shipping/insurance/etc. car tax is much cheaper but like I mentioned in the video, 25% for trucks.
Great video!
Hey is that mustang for sale ? Ty good video.
Nope, it’s my son’s.
I remember riding in a Maruti Suzuki Omni and it was like a death trap on wheels!
That is a completely different vehicle from a kei truck.
Great video sounds like if you can drive to a port drive to it and pick it up your self
$3,500 for a base model without any refurb or reconditioning done to it is not half bad. Even though it must be a pristine example to be worth the hassle.
My cost included local DMV, so that would be additional cost no matter where you get it. For me the hassle was worth the cost over and over. A similar truck bought local would have cost me almost double.
why didn't you buy a later model i.e. newer?
You can’t import a vehicle into the US that is newer than 25 years old.
I have a suzuki van R turbo. I'd like to know where to source my parts if you could help would be much appreciated.
I will be talking more about this as I find mine. So far I’ve been cross referencing numbers online and looking on eBay.
They are great little vehicles. Priority tire has our tires. Located in Pennsylvania
I put 14” Miata wheels on mine last week so that I can have more tire size options.
@Dented Fender Garage I may sure enough look into that as well. Great idea for sure
Your van probably has a 4x114.3 lug pattern, which is not as common here as the 4x100 lug pattern my truck has, but there are still plenty of wheels out there. You also need to consider offset of the wheels, and they do make 4x114 to 4x100 adapters but that will change offset. But, once you figure out wheels you can go to 14” or 15” an have more tire size options.
How long do you have to pick up once it’s arrived? I live in nc too and will probably go to Virginia. But it’s about 3 1/2 hours so I can’t be there in an hour or something might hold me up for a couple of days. Didn’t want to get stuck with a super high storage fee.
Oh, it’s not super short, you might have the first week. I went over that because of the whole “cleaning fee” fiasco and it was just another $15. There is a thing if it goes a long time it goes into different storage that’s really expensive. But no, it’s not like hours.
Great video! Very helpful. I was wondering - what’s the top speed of a kei truck? Can you take yours on the highway, or is it for just around town?
I have no restrictions by law, only by speed. I don’t know the top speed. I take it on roads with 55mph speed limits but wouldn’t be comfortable on the 70mph highway close to my house.
In Indonesia, the name of this car is call *Carry Bagong*
Is there a “Bagong” badge on the truck?
@@DentedFenderGarage
in Indonesia, *Bagong* is the designation for vehicles with big round headlights. because there is a puppet character named Bagong, whose characteristics are having big and round eyes. so if there is a car with round lights in front, it is called a *Bagong* car.
Oh! 😂
How can you keep the Japanese Licesne Plate?
This is a replica Japanese plate from eBay.
So it was $3500 for the Truck all together!?
I've been on the fence for a while but if anything happens to my car I may seriously consider it. I'm sick of giant trucks that start at $40,000. If everyone driving a 12 tonne compensator to get coffee in the morning took a Kei truck instead, world would be a happier place.
Yes, here’s a the breakdown:
$2579 vehicle/shipping
$25 money transfer fee from bank
$140 ISF filing
$177.65 Hoegh Autoliners
$10 bank transfer
$310.68 customs
What about the left side driver seat in US vs right side driver seat in Japan, this type of issue? Do you modify your car or what?
Nope, I drive it as-is, on the right. Honestly, I’m not a fan of having a right hand drive vehicle in a left hand drive country, but it’s not a big deal. It would be a bigger issue if it was a bigger vehicle. The main issue is drive-thru windows, but again, it’s so small I can reach across.
2WD are the better fit for anyone who is not off roading or working in dirt or loose driving conditions. The 2WD of course have less parts, and with it being so old I believe it to be the better choice.
These are hard to find in Ohio. Ive been toying with the idea of importing a container load, keeping one and reselling the rest.
I’d love to be in the position to be able to do that, but sadly I’d fall in love with all of them and just end up with a personal fleet.
@@DentedFenderGarage Well, yeah theres that; they're like puppies.
I’m in Ohio and looking to buy one. Lol
@@natehill8069 Very good description lol.
I would love to see you servicing the truck, putting some new oil, new filter, step by step everything.
In the next video I do change the oil and air filter, it’s not way in depth though. Since then I did have to cross reference for a fuel filter and change that and also changed spark plugs. I should have videoed it, but sometimes just getting it done is all I have time for.
Thanks so much! I'm looking to import one, but it is intimidating. 😢
It was for me and as I think about doing it again it’s still stressful. I was hoping though that this video would make it more attainable for everyone.
@@DentedFenderGaragethanks for replying! I reached out to car from Japan yesterday regarding a Subaru Sambar, they responded today. Still seems suspect to send money to someone I don't know. I suppose if I paid with my card I have some security? Where did you research and find the paperwork?
@AngryLS1 it’s a legitimate business, you can look them up online and see real people (like me) who have bought from them. Stories, videos, photos. It was a little weird wiring money to them from my bank but it was all on the level. I’ve seen where some people pay the extra couple hundred to use their credit card so they will have added protection, but I’d seen enough real people do it that I trusted the site.
@@DentedFenderGarage Update - i stumbled upon a unicorn from a different site, a buddy has a broker. trying to pull the trigger on a supercharged sambar!
This got me hyped up to try on my own instead of a dealership still don't know though
It’s a lot to think about, but I thought about it long enough to go for it. Probably not for everyone, but I wanted to help give people enough information to see if it was for them.
@DentedFenderGarage this video got me more interested forsure now that I know my nearest port is only 5hrs away
What port export service did you use? Can’t find anything on them. Also where was customs in the airport?
The port escort service I used was A-1 Escort Service, they are one of only 3 that Port of Baltimore allows. Customs in the airport was hard to find, I asked a few people. I remember being in the terminal and it was far to the left. The door was not well marked.
Can you drive it home from the port?
I saw a video where they drove a car from the port and they said they could with insurance and tags. I wouldn’t know the ins and outs of that.
I am very happy to see kei trucks being treated well in the United States!
I would like to send the kei trucks to the United States, they are sending a lot of kei trucks to be dismantled😢
That’s sad. I love my truck and everyone I meet loves it and wants their own.
Start sending them over and I'll buy them from you.
Great video! Who did you use for your ISF? I am trying to find a broker now.
I used www.importersecurityfiling.com/ for my ISF, I did my customs clearance myself in person.
@@DentedFenderGarage thanks for the response! I already have my TWIC card so I'm not worried about the pick up part but the ISF application was crazy.
@stephenbrown3929 that ISF company had it filed in about 4 hours. Even if I’d had a TWIC card I would not have known what to do at that port, where to go, who to talk to, etc.
@@DentedFenderGarageI am in the process of getting one to the same port with cars from Japan. I have heard that if you do not submit the ISF before it leaves Japan there is a $5,000 fine, or is that something completely made up? That is my biggest stressor for this process at the moment. Awesome Video by the way!
@alexandersmith8037 the ISF was the biggest stress for me because there is fine involved if they will just not ship your cargo. As soon as you get the notice and bill of laden, file the ISF. I used an online ISF broker and they bonded it so that it was insured to go though. I paid $140 for peace of mind.
So I assume you live in a state where its legal to register these? I live in PA and there is only a few roundabout ways of registering.
Yes, legal in North Carolina.
Yep, I'm also in PA and it looks like the antique registration is really the only option to put it on the road. The kei vehicle must be at least 25 years old.
george terbush that’s good since you can’t import one with a title unless it’s over 25 years old.
Hi Justin, I’m looking to buy a van from Japan but I’m worried about modifications that may have been done to the van. How did you handle that with your truck? Thank You
My truck was completely stock and I could tell from the photos. Are you seeing something that concerns you or are you just thinking about it?
Does sound like Baltimore has a bit of padding going on.
Yep, I’ve heard this from others as well.
We could use this type of vehicles in South Africa
I live more in land. I can't imagine it would be easy or cheap to get it shipped to somewhere closer :/
Yeah, I really don’t know how much it would cost to transport from the port to somewhere else.
What broker did you use for ISF file?
www.importersecurityfiling.com
@@DentedFenderGarage thank you!!
About the twenty five year rule,, whats the difference between a new model and an old one with a new motor,trans etc? They also look the same
The vehicle has to have been made 25 years ago to be able to imported and legally titled and licensed for road use in the US. This keeps importers from bringing in 1-5 year old cars and undercutting car sales by US businesses. As long as the car is 25 years old it can have any new parts on it.
Thinking of buying a car from the website just scared to do all the paper work. Do you need your twic to get inside the port ?
If you use a port escort you will not need a TWIC. The port of Baltimore uses 3, I think, different port escort services, I’m sure other ports have the same or more. You pay them by the hour to get you on and off the port. Even if I had my TWIC I wouldn’t have known where to go or what to do, so I preferred using the escort service.
How much would you charge to help me get one ?
If you were local to me I could help you out but I made this video so that people could have the answers to do it themselves like I did.
Was the broker you used local to you?
I only used an online broker for the ISF filing, everything else I did myself.
Cleaning means something more like fumigation than vacuuming. The goal is to make sure anything that could cause a problem is dead
Actually, the description they sent me said that they had to sweep and vacuum out the entire vehicle, capture the contaminants, and incinerate them.
Heck ya PLEASE DO VIDOS ON EVERY THING YOU DO TO IT I WANT ONE AND THE PRICE OF THE PARTS AND WHERE YOU GOT THEM PLESE AND THANK YOU
We would like to get one but we don't know how to get start.??😮😮😮
Check out the CarFromJapan.com website and start there.
I'd love to have one in the future.
my dad still have a Toyota Tundra V8 but that thing is a gas guzzler and more expensive with emission stuff, though we only use that for utility purpose.
If he had a kei truck, I bet he would've save hundreds of dollars and probably still be able to haul the same amount of stuff.
I live in GA so I 100% don't know every law but can you take kei trucks and other small japanese vehicles on the highway in NC?
Depends on their top speed.
@@DentedFenderGarage
thanks!
will even make sure with the law, if there was an opportunity to get a new vehicle.
The bed will actually carry more than the tundra. No fender wells intruding into the bed, so every square inch is usable.
@@JimsEquipmentShed Thanks for the info! That's actually pretty helpful, because we really don't use the whole bed on the tundra anyways (usually like 10 bags of soil at most). But more would be nicer if there's ever a need for a bigger bed
@@beta-carotenefunk7373 I use ours a lot for bagged horse shavings. The truck is pretty much designed specifically for packages kind that.
I had a second gen double cab tundra, (6ft bed) and this can carry a lot more than that truck could.
Although, the tundra was handy for towing…… ;-)
Great video thank you for all this information. I do have one question though, you mentioned that Hoegh invoiced you for $177.65, what exactly was that for? And were you expecting that? Or did you not know about it till a week before arrival?
The ship had contacted me before that bill to let me know that it was coming. It was random fees, one I remember was a “wharfage” fee. I talked to the Hoegh people on the phone and they were super helpful and friendly.
Question brother, so they send you BOL after the 🚢 is out of the port, and then you fill the ISF +10 OR HOW it is?
Bill of Laden should be as it is loaded on boat and then you can file ISF.
They then load the van but the boat doesn't leave that same day, right?
@torresctt usually the boat is in port a few days.
The real question is where do you get parts for the truck?
I’ve cross referenced oil filters and spark plugs, other parts from Amazon or eBay, they aren’t hard to find. Raven Rock? Like the park?
@@DentedFenderGarage Indeed, I do. Keep the truck videos coming
How long did your truck sit at the port?
Once the ship landed less than 2 weeks. I could’ve gotten it sooner if the Port of Baltimore wasn’t scamming me with a cleaning fee.
California has their own special fees for them 😖
California is the worst.
@@DentedFenderGaragewhen small cars use less natural resources. and more fuel efficient. and roads are not easily damaged. but American auto companies didn't like it because it caused demand for oil to drop.
@justwannaname do you know if it’s even possible to register one of these in California? Seen some around but always have out of state plates
@@nico7226 you can. It’s just really expensive. Ran into a guy with CA plates that was registered. He said the Kei was $4.5k to purchase and an additional $5k roughly to have it registered.
@justwannaname that’s crazy. I don’t even live in CA and want to move out of there.
Your thoughts? Importing a 50k+ car. I'm on the fence of doing it myself or have an American importer do it for me. Just don't know how much more for someone here to do it
If it’s over like $5k you have to have an import broker.
Kei trucks are awesome. Modern US trucks are way too big and oversized, and so many of them barely see a load over 100lbs. You honestly don't need much more than a kei truck for hauling stuff. They're so much safer too, since they are so much lighter they exert a lot less force if someone were struck by one, and you can actually see what's in front of you. Makes me wonder why modern US trucks are built like they are today, just for luxury?
People have been convinced they need luxury even in a pickup truck and some just want to be better than their neighbors.
@DentedFenderGarage when inquiring about the truck were you able to ask questions about it mechanically to show that was mechanically sound , so that when it came to the port they're not going to give you a car that has an assortment of major issues?
Since obviously doesn't help that you cant be there physically to over view and test drive the vehicle
Honestly, I didn’t try to ask. On the descriptions of the cars if something doesn’t work it tells you. It also tells you when the timing belt was serviced. The vehicles have to be able to drive on and off the ship under their own power. You can get pre-inspections and insurance. This is a big company that moves enough volume worldwide that they’re not trying to risk their reputation by selling junk vehicles. I did pay attention to a lot of the trucks that had undercarriages that looked too clean and had fresh spray paint.