scott.. as for the exemption for the ex pats.. it is still on the DOT and EPA forms..  but it is very STRICT now.. and you can actually keep it here AFTER the first year and get an exemption for 2 more years.. and keep here if you apply for  mitigated  forfeiture .. and pay DOUBLE the duty.. as for mickey.. have you check with  donald dumps new office ...the dept of senile and STUPIC  about importing a car NOT over 25 years and older.. 

You may as well leave it as it is and enjoy it - a lot of things can change in the 8 years till it's legal.

I thought there used to be provisions for ex-pats to bring their cars to the US for a short period (2-3 years) with explicit understanding that the car cannot stay if it is not legal for ongoing registration. Have those gone away? I had coworkers from Germany bring their euro-only BMWs with them on ex-pat assignments in Chicago in the past. I believe the only requirements was a catalytic converter.  But then again... this was probably 15 years ago.

Must be OEM . body  and engine..  to import any classic mini or land rover defender..  also heard today.. CBP is NOT allowing any importing cars newer than pre 2002 as motor vehicle parts ANYMORE..  due to all the ILLEGAL Skylines R 34s coming in as parts  later bc

OK, would this it also be advisable to return the car to standard?  From the outside its is as per Rover intended.  However I have a 16v supercharged 1293 engine under the bonnet.  Engine block etc are from the original car.  Just the cylinder head, ecu and additional supercharger is none standard. Oh it also has straight cut drops and a clubman straight cut gear set.

Simple answer is you have to wait until 2025 to do it legally, unless you are in California where you will probably never be able to without an illegal VIN swap.

Pretty much all the SPi and MPi cars in the US (and I know it's a sweeping statement) have or have had 'interesting' VIN numbers at one time or another.

No I am NOT suggesting anything.. just fact of life..  and just wait until it is 25 years and older.. bc

Having reading a few other posts I am guessing that your refering doing something with the VIn's etc?  Not something I am will to do.

Would it be a lot easier once its 25 years old?  Or would that still cause issues with emmisions in some states?

well. you might call catalyn jennings and ask he she  / IT..as she is trans gender..  later b c

From what I have heard and read here, it depends a lot on what state you plan on registering it in. California NO!!! but others seems to be able to get them legal and go driving. As someone who lives north of the border, I'm unable to offer much more than that. We can import 15 year old JDM cars into where I live in Canada. Just need to pass a Provincial inspection and change the headlights to point to the other side of the road.

Hi, all first time poster.


I have been recently looking to move to the USA and would like to bring my 2000 Cooper Sport with me (I really don't want to have to sell it).  Having looked at the regulations it appears that it would be impossible to get this car imported as It would have to meet the specifications for bumpers etc as it is under 25 years old.

Yet, I have seen quite a lot of SPI and MPI minis in the states?  How have these been imported?  Could anyone point me in the right direction?