importing a car from europe?

[euro tang]

I have a dream to one day import a Ford Escort RS (cosworth) but I had heard that it cant be done for some reason.

Is anyone know if it is possible and/or worth it to do this?

[88CRX]

it can only be imported if it was made over 15 years ago... no exceptions.

[4wheeldrift]

In a few years you'll be able to try. For now, keep dreaming.

[euro tang]

why in a few years? why not now?

[4wheeldrift]

Because the car isn't on the approved list for import, making it virtually impossible to get it into the country now. However, any vehicle over 15 years old is fair game.

[three.eighteen.]

mmm escort RS...why are all the good fords not found in north america when ford is/was an american company first?...europe gets the best euro cars, same with japan...

[4wheeldrift]

Originally posted by three.eighteen.
mmm escort RS...why are all the good fords not found in north america when ford is/was an american company first?...europe gets the best euro cars, same with japan...

Because of draconian crash test regulations and emissions standards.

[Arthur Dent]

I'll getting me a Lotus Elise when they hit 15 years old.

[Abom]

Originally posted by Arthur Dent
I'll getting me a Lotus Elise when they hit 15 years old.

I'd love a Lotus Elan M100 Turbo (they are available in Canada). Best handling FWD car ever.

[Ferio_vti]

if you have the time and $$$$, get a dealer plate.

[4wheeldrift]

Originally posted by Arthur Dent
I'll getting me a Lotus Elise when they hit 15 years old.

Won't have to wait that long, they'll be in the US legally within 3 years.

[rage2]

Yep, 15 year old rules apply! But don't tell that to the Vancouver Escort RS Cosworths that somehow snuck their way over here... registered in B.C.!

I used to dream of owning an Escort RS or a rally car of any type... awesome dry performance, and awesome winter performance... but you know what? They have the WRX STi here now... no need to wait so long!

[Pennzoil GT-R]

Get an RS500 over while you wait. Amazing cars

[treg50]

For now you can choose from the Ralliart Lancer, the Evo VIII (well not quite yet but hopefully soon? Maybe the Evo IX?), the WRX, and the WRX STI.

If Subaru is intelligent enough to make a WRX STI comply with Canadian emissions standards and crash test standards, then maybe Ford should smarten the hell up and get with the program. Knowing that your car won't fold and crush you to death in the event of a crash = that's a good thing, not draconian. Knowing that your car company is trying to be as responsible to the environment as it can = that's a good thing, not draconian.

[4wheeldrift]

Originally posted by treg50
For now you can choose from the Ralliart Lancer, the Evo VIII (well not quite yet but hopefully soon? Maybe the Evo IX?), the WRX, and the WRX STI.

If Subaru is intelligent enough to make a WRX STI comply with Canadian emissions standards and crash test standards, then maybe Ford should smarten the hell up and get with the program. Knowing that your car won't fold and crush you to death in the event of a crash = that's a good thing, not draconian. Knowing that your car company is trying to be as responsible to the environment as it can = that's a good thing, not draconian.

Do you have any idea what it costs to re-engineer a vehicle to meet our standards? Its precisely the reason why the Escort RS and numerous other models never made it over here. For a car they are only making 500 of, its not worth spending the money, regardless of what you think of the laws that say you have to have certain equipment.