Small-time exports of cars

[Fanatik]

While I was in St Lucia last year, I talked to a few locals down there. They have crap for cars, and there are quite a few 'big-timers' on the island. There was a used, 2005 Escalade for sale for $90,000. Nothing spectacular about it. It was bone stock... I saw quite a few very nice cars for sale for prices 2-3 times those in the US.

My question being... What are the resources for exporting a vehicle to St Lucia? I know it's a specific question - but in general - if I wanted to export a vehicle to a Caribbean island, what kind of legalities could I watch for, research, taxes, etc?

I ran into this situation when I was moving back to the US from Japan. I was going to bring my Skyline back, but it was a pain in the ass the get everything accomplished, and I simply didn't have 8 months to wait for my car to get done w/ the refinements to make it US legal.

Any basis or initial direction you could point me would be much appreciated. Just trying to get some ideas flowing.

[jeremylorino]

Usually when importing a car into another country you must abide by the importing country's laws. My friend imports cars into Canada and must have them stock with no modifications or he is forced to pay a higher importation fee.

I also have another friend that exports cars to Mexico and Central America, because like you said they go for way more than here in the states, but he just drives them down there like he's on a trip and leaves it there. I do not suggest this type of action.

Try and contact someone in the country where you wish to export to and they will be the most help.

Also other countries don't have as stringent laws on making the car "legal" as the U.S. does.