I don't know about the applicable laws but it would probably be easier to sell it and buy a good body USDM RX-8 with a blown engine and put a new motor in it. You can probably get a good '8 that way for $5k if you've got a buddy state-side with a garage and an engine crane.

 

A RHD(which is what you are thinking of; USDM cars are LHD) car can be imported, but driving it in the US is another story.

I would second NAP. An RX-8 isn't a Mark IV Supra/FD, where the LHD version is significantly more expensive, to be worth the hassle.

 

Without getting into the finer details of this be prepared to spend some money to get it up to US spec. This not something you can do in your spare time either. There are company's that do this and they are not cheap. Unless things have changed (quite possible I got out of the service years ago) if you did not bring a car with you, I believe you incur most of the shipping costs as well. Sell it save the money and buy one when you get here, unless you just must have that steering wheel on the wrong side of the car.

 

You can ship your car worldwide, the only one thing you will have to deal is the paperwork as the law is different from country to country, you will need to ensure yourself that your car respects the rules and the law,

 

Yes and no. A car must be at least 25 years old to be legally imported into the USA. Unfortunately, will need to wait almost another 10 years for a JDM RX8.You could import an FD RX7 though. To properly import 25-year old vehicles into the USA you will need the following documents:

1. Bill of Lading (issued by the shipping company)
2. Export Certificate (Car title)
3. English Translation of Export Certificate
4. Invoice (in English)
5. ISF filing form.

 

Totally legal to drive RHD vehicles in the US so long as it was properly licensed and insured.

 

Legal doesn't mean convenience.

I have done the opposite, which is driving LHD cars in Japan. Not fun. Every parking lot I go to when I am driving alone, I have to get out of the car to get the parking permit, and then pay for the parking when I am done. It's especially fun if it's pouring outside.

And normally, I don't use the drive-thru, but with COVID, it has become a necessity at times. Another annoyance in RHD cars.

Of course, those are relatively minor things, and then there is the insurance. I don't know about the US, but I have talked to people in Ontario, Canada with RHD cars. None of the insurance companies except one will insure RHD cars, and you can imagine the pricing with the monopoly on RHD drivers.

Either way, other than getting something special like a Spirit-R, what's the point? USDM and JDM RX-8s are identical. It's not something special like an R32, or like a Supra where the pricing on the RHD is significantly lower than the LHD counterparts.

 

There a lot of RHD JDM cars in Vancouver. Wonder if it is the proximity to asia. There are a few dealerships that do nothing but sell these JDM imported cars. Saw a Mazda Kei car AZ-1 once. Soooooo cool.

The inconvenience of driving on the wrong side in the car is dangerous. Not sure why we even allow it here.

 

I know what you mean, I'm driving a LHD RX8 in a RHD country so it makes it a bit harder to see around corners and drive thrus are trickier. I got used to it though, just takes some practice. Luckily here Covid isnt a thing anymore. Expecting to get the all clear next month.

 

Yea, if you are going through all that trouble you better be importing something special. Not really worth all that hassle for a $5k car.

 

Actually, it's not that bad when you get used to it. When I was in Japan, I actually see quite a few LHD cars because some cars are LHD-only. People manage them just fine. It's not convenient as I mentioned, but doable.

I mean, it's your money, do whatever you want, but just make sure what you are into first. Being able to get insured doesn't always mean being able to get insured at a reasonable cost.

The guy I talked to in Ontario told me that he basically either has to pay a crapload for the upfront cost of an LHD Supra or get boned by insurance if he gets an RHD one. No winning here.

 

going full retard should definitely be illegal, we’re going to need a much bigger prison system though ...

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The king has spoken!