Twenty questions we’re asked most, answered straight. For the full process see How It Works; for the law see The 25-Year Rule; for the legal terms see Terms of Sale. Anything not here: call (754) 303-1194 or use the contact form, and we’ll answer within one business day.
Legality
1. Is it legal to import a European car into the US?
Yes, once it’s 25 years old counted month-for-month from the date of manufacture. At that age it’s exempt from federal safety standards (49 CFR 591.5(i)) and, at 21 years, from EPA emissions standards (40 CFR 85.1511). No modifications are needed. Under 25, it’s not legal, and we don’t sell them.
2. Is the 25-year rule based on the model year?
No. The build date, month-for-month. A car built in November 2001 is legal in November 2026. We confirm the build month with the manufacturer before we buy a car.
3. What happens if a car is a few months short?
Customs refuses entry. The car is re-exported or seized; in documented cases, crushed. There is no fine, no waiver, no “store it until it’s 25.” We check the build month before purchase so this never happens to our customers.
4. Will the car pass US emissions testing?
Federally, no test is required: the car is exempt. In states with emissions inspections, 25-year-old cars are usually exempt by age. The exception is California for cars built after 1975 (see question 13).
Price
5. What does “landed price” include?
The car, European export paperwork, transport to the port in Portugal, ocean freight to your chosen US port, all-risk marine insurance, US customs duty at the rate in effect on entry, licensed customs broker, US port fees, MPF and HMF. Not included: inland transport from the port, state sales tax, title and registration fees.
6. Is there a doc fee or an import fee?
No. No doc fee, no import fee, no port fee on top. The landed price is the price.
7. Why does the price change by port?
Ocean freight to Long Beach costs $600–$1,100 more than to the East Coast and usually goes by container. Houston and Savannah sit between. Each listing shows the price to all five ports.
8. Why are your cars cheaper than restomod Defenders and G-Wagens?
Because they’re not restomods. Our cars are honest, original, inspected drivers and good examples, bought in southern Europe where prices run below Germany and the UK, with no $100,000 of restoration on top. If you want a $250,000 Defender with a Corvette engine, there are good companies for that. We sell the car it started as.
Deposit and payment
9. How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
$2,000 for cars under $30,000 landed, $3,000 from $30,000 to $60,000, $5,000 above $60,000. Fully refundable for 7 days. After 7 days it’s non-refundable, because we’ve committed to the seller in Europe.
10. How do I pay?
By wire transfer. Deposit by wire; balance by wire within 7 days of signing the bill of sale, or by your lender’s wire. No cards, no PayPal, no crypto, no cash.
11. Can I finance?
Yes, through LightStream, Woodside Credit, Collector Car Lending, J.J. Best or your own credit union. Pre-approval before your deposit is strongly advised. See Financing.
Inspection and condition
12. How do I know what I’m buying?
Every car gets a pre-shipment inspection in Europe, before it leaves the seller: 60+ photos including underbody on a lift, video with cold start and drive, paint depth readings, and a written list of faults. You see it before you pay the balance, and within the 7-day refund window. You can also send your own inspector.
13. Can I register the car in California?
If built in 1975 or earlier, yes. If built in 1976 or later, California requires CARB lab certification for direct imports ($5,000–$10,000, several months, impossible for diesels). We do not guarantee California registration for post-1975 cars. Most California customers title the car in another state where they have a legal address, or choose a pre-1976 car.
14. Do you offer a warranty?
No. Every car is 25 years or older and sold as-is after a documented inspection. We’d rather show you every flaw than sell you a warranty that excludes them. Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcome.
15. What about rust?
We source from Portugal, Spain and Italy first because those cars have lived without road salt. Every inspection includes underbody photos and video. Where a car has rust, it’s in the report with photos. Where a car has had rust repair, we say so.
Shipping and delivery
16. How long from payment to delivery?
6–10 weeks from full payment to the car cleared at a US port. East Coast and Gulf ports are at the short end; Long Beach at the long end. Add inland transport time (2–7 days).
17. Which ports do you deliver to?
Baltimore, Newark, Savannah, Houston and Long Beach as standard. Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami, Norfolk, Tacoma and Oakland on request.
18. Can you deliver to my house?
Yes. Open or enclosed transport from the port, $300–$2,000 depending on distance, at the carrier’s price with no markup, agreed before the car ships.
Paperwork
19. What documents do I get, and will my DMV accept them?
A US title and bill of sale from Salvage Motors LLC, the stamped CBP Form 7501, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, the European registration document and the bill of lading. This is the standard package every state DMV uses to title an imported vehicle. Some states (NY, MA) ask for an extra inspection or form; we’ll tell you what to expect for your state.
20. Who is the importer of record?
Salvage Motors LLC, through its licensed customs broker. You never deal with CBP, NHTSA or the EPA. You deal with us and your DMV.