can I ship this car into the United States from Australia?

Question

hi, I am fifteen and I know I won't be driving for while but, I am really interested in the Australian car Industry. The car I had in mind was the Holden Commodore Platinum (Chevrolet SS). I know what your thinking, why don't you get a Chevrolet SS? I want the Holden Commodore VFII because you don't see Holden's everyday here in America. sure, the Holden Commodore VFII is the Chevrolet SS underneath but I want to ask my parents (I know they won't buy me it) if I can get it. will it pass the California Sate Laws even though its the Chevrolet SS Underneath? I will put in the links.

Chevrolet SS: http://www.chevrolet.com/ss-sports-sedan.html


Holden Commodore VFII: http://www.holden.com.au/cars/commodore
I have family in Australia and thats how I'm interested in the Australian Car Industry.

Answer 1

Nope. It's not just CA smog or laws you would have to worry about. It's federal. The car was not certified via EPA to be brought into the states and trying to do so for one car would cost you many times the cost of the vehicle, not to mention the time.



Perhaps you'd be better off using Google

Answer 2

California pollution and emissions laws are very strict-some of the strictest in the U.S. I believe so that would probably be an issue. You can still do it, you would just have to first make sure that it met all the necessary standard, which would cost a bit of money in addition to the shipping part.



If you poke around this website a little https://www.a1autotransport.com/services/international-car-shipping.php you'll get an idea of the cost of shipping cars between countries. It's expensive, not just because of the distance involved and the actual transport part, but also because there are different laws and regulations that have to be met. On top of all that, you'll likely have to pay some import fees (taxes, duties, tariff, etc) on the value of the car. So all told, sure it can be done. That said, you probably should start saving now!

Answer 3

Probably not. California has unique air pollution requirements; even cars from other states in the U.S. aren't acceptable. (There are exceptions for someone who bought a car when living in another state, and wants to move to CA and keep the car, but basically no exceptions for someone in CA buying a new car).

Answer 4

Consider the fact that Australian cars are right hand drive.

Conversion is expensive.