How to nationalize a Jeep Rubicon purchased in Mexico?

[Levin_tom]

My dad lives in Mexico and purchased a Jeep Rubicon in 2018. It has less than 5,000 miles on it. I want to know if there is any legal process to bring it into the USA and nationalize it/legalize it and sell it over here? Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[aldo98229]

I don’t. But if Canada is any indication, the VIN will flag the vehicle was built for a foreign market, rendering all warranty coverage null and void in the US.

Other than that, you can check with an import broker about federilizing the vehicle, like replacing the speedometer, the odometer, etc.

Good luck.

 

[PaulW]

I do not think it can be converted to a US registration. There is plenty of discussions on the subject if you want to verify my statement.
However that Jeep can be driven in the US with US insurance. Usually what folks do is buy insurance in Mexico and get a provision for driving in the US.

Turns out the reason cars and trucks are cheaper when bought in Mexico, or other foreign destinations, is because the vehicle content regulated by DOT and the EPA are not required. It makes no sense to even try to make the vehicle changes then get the rig tested by the US authorities.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

I have no idea about required changes to make it legal in another country, but I’d bet it’s easier to change over and will sell for more in Costa Rica. Jeeps are rare there and 4WD in general are in demand. There’s a dealership in San Jose but I never see Jeeps on the road. I have only found one place to rent them and it seemed kind of sketchy and expensive to boot. I usually end up with a Mitsubishi vehicle.

 

[runningshoes]

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

Here's the gov't information. It seems the key point is as noted by another poster - was the Jeep built to meet USA EPA and Safety specs or not?

 

[Gregj]

@Levin_tom did your dad by it new from a dealership? If he did you are pretty much out of luck as it will not meet the DOT or EPA Regs. If he bought it from a private party it may be a US market Jeep that was taken to Mexico. Look at the drivers door jamb for the sticker with the VIN and all the other info and
it will say “this vehicle conforms to all applicable U.S.A. Federal Motor Vehicle _____ etc” and under the hood there will be a sticker that looks like this.

If it has these then it was a US market vehicle taken abroad and and can be re-imported. Just follow the instructions from the link posted above by @runningshoes.

Small disclaimer *a LOT* of vehicles are stolen every day in the US to be sold in foreign countries. If you show up to register it in the US and it was stolen, be prepared to answer a lot of questions.

Gregj

 

[Dyolfknip74]

You can wait until 2043 and import it.

 

[zrickety]

My dad lives in Mexico and purchased a Jeep Rubicon in 2018. It has less than 5,000 miles on it. I want to know if there is any legal process to bring it into the USA and nationalize it/legalize it and sell it over here? Does anyone have any experience with this?

I hear there's a gap in the fence in Texas... just drive it across.

Kidding.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

Here's the gov't information. It seems the key point is as noted by another poster - was the Jeep built to meet USA EPA and Safety specs or not?

I believe there is a process to make it meet US spec...probably only a handful of parts or an ecu flash plus documentation of the differences.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

If you know someone with a tow company or auto repair shop, have them file a mechanics lien on it, then apply for a title. Then they can sign the title over to you. Not sure if that will work where you are, but I've seen Mexican vehicles here in Texas done that way. Double check first to make sure that loophole wasn't changed.

You could also buy a badly wrecked JL cheap, then use the Mexican one to "rebuild" it. It would then be titled as a rebuilt salvage and have a much lower market value. But it would be titled and you would be able to insure it.

 

[Pinky Tuscadero]

Pretty sure the 25 year rule applies and then your free to register it here
The Mexican standards are different like the seat belts can be crocheted and the airbag feature is a helium nozzle in the rear to blow up balloons for fiestas. The margarita machine option is rare but well worth the upgrade, Jeep offers that instead of the hard top for that market but it does come with a much better air conditioner which is needed to make the ice.
Nice units but they simply don't make the same standards
Governments trying to stop us from having any fun !!!

 

[BXFXJeep]

I have no idea about required changes to make it legal in another country, but I’d bet it’s easier to change over and will sell for more in Costa Rica. Jeeps are rare there and 4WD in general are in demand. There’s a dealership in San Jose but I never see Jeeps on the road. I have only found one place to rent them and it seemed kind of sketchy and expensive to boot. I usually end up with a Mitsubishi vehicle.

it's usually close to 100% duty/taxes/fees etc on importing vehicles into Costa Rica

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

it's usually close to 100% duty/taxes/fees etc on importing vehicles into Costa Rica

I didn’t know it was that high. Never mind…

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