Does anyone here have any experience importing a car from Mexico?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I've got one that is really rare, and in Mexico City. Been looking for one of these for 3-4 year now. But as you might imagine, Mexico City = suspicious and full of potential issues. Does anyone know anyone in Mexico City who can act as a broker rep and check it out and assist in the sale, or something like that? I'm a bit blind here - I don't even speak Spanish too well.

Thanks,

Wayne

Arizona_928 · 05-21-2021, 08:27 PM

2.5% import duty and title/bill of lading plus translated version.

Just drive it across the border....

Heel n Toe · 05-21-2021, 09:56 PM

With all the crime down there and corruption within the police? Be sure to send someone (or a team of retired special ops guys) who has some serious smarts and skills... the chances it could go sideways could be fairly high.

If you can get the seller to meet you somewhere on our side of the border to have a PPI done, that would be optimal.

Bill Douglas · 05-21-2021, 09:58 PM

Not being horrible or anything. But make sure it's not stolen from America and the original owner wants it back after you have paid for it.

Coverman · 05-21-2021, 10:42 PM

Why not just but one from Europe, where those Alpines are relatively plentiful?

Nostril Cheese · 05-22-2021, 01:10 AM

Alpine... cool!

KevinTodd · 10:47 AM

Wayne,

I've got some friends there. I have reached out to see if they're available and interested and if so, I will PM you.

PM sent

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Are you willing/able to drive it across the border? Or do you need to ship it here? A Mexican friend says as long as you have proof of purchase and the title, it should be good to go. But she'll check with some friends regarding anything you have to pay at/forms from the DMV.

Heck, just sign up for Dave B's Targa Baja this fall and drive it back with the rest of the peloton at the end of the event.

edit: Actually on second thought, if no one here can give you the advice you need, ask Dave B to get you in touch with the office of the mayor of Tecate, as the mayor is a friend of the event. I'd think the mayor would certainly know what strings to pull to help you navigate this legally.

Otter74 · 05-22-2021, 11:11 AM

That is probably a Dinalpin, not an Alpine. Not exactly the same car.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter74

That is probably a Dinalpin, not an Alpine. Not exactly the same car.

Correct. Firstly the Alpines in Europe are not on this continent. Secondly, they are mostly garage queens that are $150K. Cars just don't get very enjoyable anymore when they start to cost more than $80K or so. I like the more inexpensive stuff, as you can drive it and not have to "worry" about it, etc. The Mexican ones are physically equivalent to the ones in Europe, but about 1/2 to 1/3 the price, typically.

I like to drive my stuff - not worry too much about it. I remember when we drove the 959 on the track and spun it (Jack Olsen was in the car with me!).

-Wayne

Cooper911SC · 05-22-2021, 04:23 PM

It’s funny, a friend/client of mine bought a white A110 race car out of Mexico a decade ago. The car was rough to begin with...took over a month for it to finally arrive in CA and when it did... it was in much worse shape! Missing parts and a bunch of additional body damage.

Sad. He ended up just letting it go to another Alpine enthusiast more or less as a parts car.

Good looking car Wayne! Hope your purchase goes smoothly!

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Yes indeed. Those types of "issues" are what I'm trying to avoid here!

-Wayne

sc_rufctr · 05-22-2021, 08:41 PM

Does anyone know what "Pepe" is up to? (not 100% sure on his screen name)
- He started some paint correction threads here a while back.

I think his back ground is Mexican.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Does anyone know what "Pepe" is up to? (not 100% sure on his screen name)
- He started some paint correction threads here a while back.

I think his back ground is Mexican.

You mean the Cuban guy in Florida who details cars? Yeah, he'd be a big help here.

I may have a connection in Mexico City, let me look into it tomorrow. Mexico City has wealth in it that is beyond what most posters here can imagine...as well as poverty, of course. It's only the largest city in the world.

sc_rufctr · 05-23-2021, 10:19 PM

Apparently you have reading comprehensions issues you grumpy old basterd...

"I think his back ground is Mexican."

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Thanks. I like the car, the pricing seems fair (not low, but not high), and it's pretty much what I've been looking for!

-Wayne

rusnak · 05-23-2021, 10:58 PM

Maybe call up Ed Bolian and tell him you might be part of an interesting car story?

I would think there would be customs inspections and fees. Both the Mexican and US Govt would want their cut of the action.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Apparently you have reading comprehensions issues you grumpy old basterd...

"I think his back ground is Mexican."

Why would you think that, Albanian?

sc_rufctr · 05-24-2021, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Why would you think that, Albanian?

Note the Quentin spelling of "Basterd"

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne 962

Correct. Firstly the Alpines in Europe are not on this continent. Secondly, they are mostly garage queens that are $150K. Cars just don't get very enjoyable anymore when they start to cost more than $80K or so. I like the more inexpensive stuff, as you can drive it and not have to "worry" about it, etc. The Mexican ones are physically equivalent to the ones in Europe, but about 1/2 to 1/3 the price, typically.

I like to drive my stuff - not worry too much about it. I remember when we drove the 959 on the track and spun it (Jack Olsen was in the car with me!).

-Wayne

Let me guess, good tires but certainly not great ones.