Has anybody imported an Estima to the US? - GreenHybrid

Dan · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 02:44 PM

I've seen articles talking about the Estima's proposed US launch dating back to 2001. I have my doubts about the current proposal of a 2007 launch.

So has anyone tried, or know how to, import an Estima to the States from Japan or UK?

lars-ss · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 02:53 PM

A quick Google search shows that it is very possible and common in the UK and New Zealand to import Japanese-only cars to those countries, but nothing showed for the USA. I would imagine it has been done by Military families who bought Estimas while stationed in Japan or Okinawa, but I have no info for you....Sorry....

AZCivic · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 02:59 PM

It would be the same as any other non-US market car. Do a search for how people register Skyline GT-R's and Porsche 959's and stuff. The bottom line is that it's really only worth doing for extremely high dollar specialty cars that you intend to put on 5000 or fewer miles a year.

Dan · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 03:12 PM

Honestly my biggest concern is getting steering wheel to the left side of the car. I might call Toyota tonight and ask if it is being sold in any market that has the wheel on the left side of the car.

For you globe trotters out there, does anyone do that except North and South America? I didn't think anyone outside of our (US) hemisphere did?

AZCivic · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 03:49 PM

Correctify me if I'm wrong, but it's a minivan. I don't think it's real hard to buy comparable minivans in the USA. Maybe buy something that's already sold here and that you can have serviced, repaired, and insured in the USA?

Dan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 07:39 PM

Well it's the only hybrid minivan currently in production (that I know of). Gets north of 40 MPG. If you look at the link here you will see the "hybrid" on the license plate. If you can read Japanese you can probably get all the nice details. I know there are a lot of imports to the UK so you can probably get the specs in english from one of those sites.

<disclaimer text="Don't flame me, this is just my opinion, and I hope I'm wrong">

My wife and I have both pleaded with Toyota for a US release, but since they've been stalling since 2001, I have my doubts that they will release in the states at all until one of thier competitors do. Plus in the soccer mom market it would compete with the Highlander Hybrid. Like it or not, the majority of Americans could probably give a squat about fuel efficentcy. There would have to be a huge shift it US consumer perception for Toyota to consider the US as anything besides a test market.

</disclaimer>

I know a premium would be paid on importing, but I would think that a lot of this would go to the tarrif that you pay indirectly when you go to a dealer. I'm sure it's probably not worth it, but may be the only way to get an eco-friendly minivan without doing an EV conversion aftermarket (which I'm not to fired up about).

We will probably wait it out. Won't need a new minivan until 2010 so we have some time.

gonavy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Honestly my biggest concern is getting steering wheel to the left side of the car. I might call Toyota tonight and ask if it is being sold in any market that has the wheel on the left side of the car.

For you globe trotters out there, does anyone do that except North and South America? I didn't think anyone outside of our (US) hemisphere did?

The only places that are on the wrong side are the British Empire and Japan, AFAIK. Canada became independent before the auto came around, so they adopted our side.
GO CANADA!

(Japan adopted the wrong side becuase they were enamored of all things technological that came from the UK at the turn of the century...ships, machinery, autos...)

fernando_g · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonavy

The only places that are on the wrong side are the British Empire and Japan, AFAIK. ...)

The US Virgin Islands, drive on the wrong side, however 90% of all vehicles there are US-market vehicles!
Makes for some crazy and unnerving feeling, if you are a front passanger!

Similar things happen in the BWI Islands (i.e Cayman), where vehicles, mostly of japanese origin, have the steering on the proper side for their wrong side driving. However, a large amount of old, used-up US school buses and large trucks end up there, too.