Importing '03S from Saudi to Houston
 

Hi 986Forum,

I live in Saudi Arabia and must return to Houston next month. I have a 2003 Boxster S with about 60k miles and it's well-maintained. I would like to know what issues I might have importing it. A local sale would be easier but there's no viable market at the moment given massive layoffs.

My local mechanic says that it already has catalytic converters. The lights are new and DOT approved.

Any other obstacles I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance,
Rexie


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Since you're right there... and we're thousands of miles away, my recommendation would be to consult with automotive shipping brokers or agents in your city or neighborhood. The Saudi's have been known to ship cars to the states.

Come back and report to us that information when you've completed that task. :rolleyes::cool:

One item that I forgot about and was pointed out was speedometer dials. The electronics are switchable but the dials will require overlays, I think.

Rexie, shipping the car inside a 20ft container (properly laced..) or on a roll-on/roll-off vessel would be easy and at fairly reasonable rate.

Which country was the car first sold..? IMHO, your concern should be what are the local DOT requirements to register the car in TX, you may want to visit the local DMV to see what they need you to comply in order to register the car in TX.

.

As far as I know...the car must be 25 years old to be eligible to be imported into the US and registered, per DOT.

https://clearitusa.com/25-year-rule-antique-car-imports/

https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/a1707441/who-really-benefits-25-year-import-rule/

As a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, I advise you to enlist a professional U.S. company that specializes in the importation of vehicles to handle the transaction from Saudi Arabia to Houston, which is a U.S. port.

Be advised that the total cost may surprise you. (Not necessarily in a good way)

Just sayin'......

TO

+1 to T.O.
Pay a lot of money for a broker/importer ...and I don't think you have enough time to do the process unless you already have a good start.

Almost 20 years ago I was in Germany returning to the USA and had a couple vehicles that I wanted to bring. I quickly found that it was not going to be worth the hassle and expense. Regardless of the state registration requirements that were mentioned it has to get through customs before you can even think about state registration. Even bringing my USA origin car back to the states there was a rigorous inspection. I failed the first time at the port in Germany because of a few dog hairs and some dirt in the fender well (US Department of Agriculture requirements).

Reading your post, it sounds like you are familiar with some of the process already. In 2001 with my BMW 1802 and Diesel VW Transporter I remember DOT Safety equipment and EPA emissions were the two big categories. I think that your car will need certification (stickers and paperwork certifying compliance) prior to import.

My experience was through the military, but I think the same facts will apply regardless of you affiliation. Check this page for some info: https://www.schumachercargo.com/military/importing-pov-us-military-department-of-defense.html

Customs: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. There was a local market after all, as I had two local buyers fighting for it once they saw how it had been maintained.

I've been a long-time lurker on this board, and hope to return once settled back in Houston.