You can import a CDi (previous generation 450) from Canada or Mexico but that's about it.
and even then it's a bit by hook or crook, since it is not legal per the federal regulations... ever. Once it's in the country some states are more lenient than others and some have found it possible to register in the states, but the car is technically always liable for seizure (they probably won't, but it's a possibility).
You'd have to decide if it's worth the risk...
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Well, from previous posts on this and the Canadian Forum there are 26 known CDI's registered int he US. These numbers come from trutworthy sources... and they are also members of this and the Canadian board. There are LARGE BUNCH of CDI's in Canada including this one which is currently in the US. (its mine but I am a snowbird and it is registered in Canada) My point being, it is possible and it is being done.
Well, from previous posts on this and the Canadian Forum there are 26 known CDI's registered int he US. These numbers come from trutworthy sources... and they are also members of this and the Canadian board. There are LARGE BUNCH of CDI's in Canada including this one which is currently in the US. (its mine but I am a snowbird and it is registered in Canada) My point being, it is possible and it is being done.
There could be a 100 registered and it still wouldn't make them legal. The CDI was THE smart sold in Canadia -- during which time we had SOME that were legally imported (VERY expensive process). Just because we treat Canadia like they were states, it turns out thats a WHOLE different country up there! What they allow to be imported is WAY different that what the US allows (bummer too, they got some better and more friendly regs up there).
No one has gone through the official EPA and DOT process to get a diesel in, and it would be a tough go. You don't have to believe me, do just a little research. There are LOTS of sites about importing a car from abroad -- I've actually done it myself, so I pretty much know what I'm talking about on this one (not bragging, just saying). Go to the EPA, DOT, or better yet the Customs website and start reading. There is NO legal way of doing it now. Heck, you could be the first -- I'll piggyback my Diesel after you get your approved! Got DEEP pockets?
BTW, if a person actually has a residence in Canada, or Mexico, you can drive it in the US (for up to a year), after which the car has to go away. If you are a snowbird, then it would probably work out OK. But, you can't legally be a US resident and register the car in the US. Unless you go through an authorized importer (no one doing that now as I understand, and no one EVER did the diesel). The fully-legal route would be horribly expensive.
BTW, if a person actually has a residence in Canada, or Mexico, you can drive it in the US (for up to a year), after which the car has to go away. If you are a snowbird, then it would probably work out OK. But, you can't legally be a US resident and register the car in the US. Unless you go through an authorized importer (no one doing that now as I understand, and no one EVER did the diesel). The fully-legal route would be horribly expensive.
I have no doubt you are correct but how are the diesels that are registered there getting registered there. We saw a US registered diesel in Vegas last year. Can't remember the state but it seems to me it was from the east.
Well, it works like this. Someone for Canadia, or South Texas (Mexico) drives the car into the US, and hands it off to someone who lives in an 'easy' state that allows the car to be registered. They aren't supposed to do that, but it happens sometimes. Now, you are supposed to provide the DMV papers from the DOT and EPA that say either the car complies with US regulations (same as model sold in states), or the car has been brought into compliance by a registered importer, or the car is 25 years old or older. Some states evidently are a bit slack on that. Tx requests all of those documents when a car is first registered in the country (for instance), but if you have a title from another state they will accept that in lieu of the import paperwork. So...
I brought in a car from the UK (1963 FIAT 500), and a person from customs actually went out to verify the car was older than 25 years. Had it not been I would have gotten an order to either destroy the car or ship it back out of the country. I heard that was a bit unusual, so I don't know if they are cracking down or what, but it's a real risk that you could get it seized if it is shipped in but isn't in compliance (or can't be brought into compliance).
So, even if you manage to find a state that will let you register it (and you may), it will not meet the federal law that governs ALL cars that are driven in the country. I'm not saying it WOULD happen, but if they wanted to they could seize the car. If I had a diesel car (and I want one), personally I would definitely keep it on the down-low.
It's not a political form, so it would be inapropreiate to talk about how stupid that is, so I won't
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Well, it works like this. Someone for Canadia, or South Texas (Mexico) drives the car into the US, and hands it off to someone who lives in an 'easy' state that allows the car to be registered. They aren't supposed to do that, but it happens sometimes. Now, you are supposed to provide the DMV papers from the DOT and EPA that say either the car complies with US regulations (same as model sold in states), or the car has been brought into compliance by a registered importer, or the car is 25 years old or older. Some states evidently are a bit slack on that. Tx requests all of those documents when a car is first registered in the country (for instance), but if you have a title from another state they will accept that in lieu of the import paperwork. So...
I brought in a car from the UK (1963 FIAT 500), and a person from customs actually went out to verify the car was older than 25 years. Had it not been I would have gotten an order to either destroy the car or ship it back out of the country. I heard that was a bit unusual, so I don't know if they are cracking down or what, but it's a real risk that you could get it seized if it is shipped in but isn't in compliance (or can't be brought into compliance).
So, even if you manage to find a state that will let you register it (and you may), it will not meet the federal law that governs ALL cars that are driven in the country. I'm not saying it WOULD happen, but if they wanted to they could seize the car. If I had a diesel car (and I want one), personally I would definitely keep it on the down-low.
It's not a political form, so it would be inapropreiate to talk about how stupid that is, so I won't
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Red Pearl
Tioga Montana
NO diesels in U.S. 
Tucker
2004 Smart cabriolet
FIAT
Got DEEP pockets?
Today
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