American wanting a 2007 Defender imported

[agilent]

Hello everyone, I am new here and I joined to assist in obtaining a 2007 Defender. Previously, I purchased my Land Rover in the United States, so this will be my first import purchase. I am looking for a right hand drive 2007 Defender. I was told that the vehicle has to be modified to meet my countries requirements. I welcome advice or referral information on how to go about this.

Thanks

[Rich_P]

Hi. :)

My understanding is the following.

The current Defender does not meet the USA regulations, therefore is not offered in that market. The only way to get them over there is either they are 25+ years old, or do some very dodgy work that involves 'changing' the age of the Defender by fitting ID of a vehicle that is 25+ years old, but by changing the ID of the vehicle you can find yourself in big trouble with the authorities.

[agilent]

Thanks Rich, I know it is going to require some extra effort. Can you recommend a good dealership in the UK that I can call. It is 1:30 PM my time now, I am guessing it is around 6:30 PM your time, so I probably can't call today. I could call tomorrow though.

[Rich_P]

Unfortunately I can't as I've never stepped inside a Land Rover Dealership to date (it's what comes from owning an old leafer ;)). Someone else on here should be able to provide you with that information, and I would expect them to come along soon.

I do know for a fact that Dave-H has recently just got himself an '07 Defender (and nice it is too!).

[boot it]

Agilent, Don't bother trying to get a defender into the states, you got no chance no matter what you do to it. Won't get past customs, crushed as soon as it gets to port.

where in the states are you??

[Rich_P]

I'd like to add that if you're patient, over the next few years the early One Tens will be old enough to import into the USA. These models typically have either the 2.25 Litre Petrol/Diesel, 2.5 Litre Petrol/NA Diesel or the 3.5 Litre Rover V8 (low compression variant).

[agilent]

I am in Florida. Surely, there has to be way to get one into the United States. I have no problem paying a company to alter the vehicle so that in meets USA's requirements.

[boot it]

there is NO legal way to do what you want to do. The only way that is even remotely legal is to buy a vehicle, have it dismantled, bring it in as parts, and put it back together as a "kit car". Even then, it is not 100% legal, because the engine will not, or does not meet EPA specs. Also, only a few states will allow you to register the car. Do yourself a favor and get a NAS90. Prices are reasonable enough on those now that no one should risk going to prison over a 90-- 110 maybe .

[agilent]

1997 was the last year they made the NAS90 for the United States, correct?

[Dave-H]

Greetings :)
As said i have an 07 Defender [very nice too]

Spoke with LR today on another matter :rolleyes: and enquired about your query.
No you can't import a Defender to USA, didnt give reasons but said it can't be done.
Sorry

[agilent]

Dave-H, thanks so much for finding that out. I just had to find this out for myself. Everyone was telling me "no no no", but if it could be done, I wanted to try it.

I guess my focus will be on locating a nice used NAS90 and be happy with it.

[boot it]

Agilent. Try this place;
http://www.copleymotorcars.com/land_rover5_3.html
Expensive but some of the best in the US. Talk to Keith.
Always D90's selling here to;
http://www.d-90.com/

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Import one via Mexico and leave it on Mexican plates as a visitor? dunno if its allowed or how long for.

I had a guy bought some landy parts off me via ebay. He paid £25 for the part and $150ish for shipping. Anyway he was tapping me to start importing 'new' 110s on pre 83 plates. He said he had good luck at the ports and all I need do was buy one, swap ID and drive it to Liverpool for RoRo. I didn't fancy the risk!

[jvelador]

I agree with the others, look for a NAS D90 or 110 and don't risk any headaches. But if money is no object, try either Skytop Rovers or East Coast Rovers.

http://www.skytoprover.com/roverfreedom.htm

The next best thing to buying a new Defender is to buy an ECR Defender.

http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Defenders.html

If you do go with one of these places, let us know how it goes and post pics.

Javier

[SgtPepper]

I have been working on the issues of import of the 2006/2007 Defender for almost 2 years. I have gone to customs, talk to dealers and tried to find a way to get in the US. With no results that are positive. I went to London and tried to get more information. With 3 customers here in Colorado and Califorina I spent lots of money just trying to find out.
Here is what I know.

I can get a 2007 Defender here: ONLY after almost 125 hours of breakdown, and rebuild, plus shipping in seperate pieces. After re-construction there is only 1 place I can find that the rover can be titled. After all this work and research, you almost triple the cost of the 110.

As a result of this I have had 1 Defender 110 rebuilt from scratch on a 93 frame. Mike at ECR built the truck, excellent job! We have done several upgrades to the truck even after the rebuild. We've added the newer style seats in the rear, second row, and heated power seats in the front. Lifts and other goodies. It's number 157 on the ECR website. If you want more infomation or pictures I would be glad to help a fellow Defender fan.