Import guides · United States
Import a Nissan 180SX to the United States
The Nissan 180SX (RS13, RPS13, KRPS13) was built from 1989 to 1998: 1.8 or 2.0 L four-cylinder (CA18DET or SR20DET turbo; non-turbo SR20DE in the Type S), rear-wheel drive. Here is what one costs landed in the United States, whether you can import it, and what to look for on the auction sheet before you bid.
What it costs landed in the United States
A Nissan 180SX in decent, mostly original condition typically sells for about ￥1,800,000 to ￥4,500,000 at auction. Here is the full cost stack for a ￥3,150,000 car, at ¥157.98 per USD (live rate, 2026-10-15). Likely range $24,801 to $27,726.
| Line | USD |
|---|---|
Vehicle price Hammer or FOB price converted from JPY. Duty is based on the price paid for the car. Exporter fees and Japanese inland transport are extra (roughly ¥50,000 to ¥150,000). | $19,939 |
Shipping to the US (RoRo)est. Roll-on roll-off to a West Coast port (Los Angeles, Oakland, Tacoma). East Coast ports (New York, New Jersey, Baltimore) cost more, roughly $2,000 to $4,200, and take about 45 days via the Panama Canal. Typically $1,200 to $3,000 | $2,100 |
Customs duty(12.5%) Japanese passenger cars 25+ years old: 2.5% normal duty plus the Section 301 tariff on Japanese goods (in force since 24 July 2026), 12.5% in total. Pickups and kei trucks: 25% (the long-standing truck rate; Section 301 adds nothing on top). Tariffs are changing fast and the 301 tariff is being challenged in court, so confirm with a licensed customs broker before you buy. | $2,492 |
Merchandise processing fee(0.3464%) Charged by US Customs on every formal entry (any car worth over $2,500): 0.3464% of value, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86 from 1 October 2026. | $69 |
Harbor maintenance fee(0.125%) 0.125% of the car's value for anything arriving by ship at a listed US port. | $25 |
Customs broker, entry bond and ISF filingest. A customs bond is required to release the car, and an Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before a RoRo ship arrives (a late filing can cost $5,000). Most people pay a licensed broker to handle all three. Typically $575 to $1,400 | $988 |
Port and terminal handlingest. Destination port, terminal and wharfage charges. If Customs picks the car for an exam, add roughly $1,000 to $2,000. Typically $500 to $800 | $650 |
| Estimated total landed | $26,263 |
| Excludes exporter commission and Japanese inland transport, state sales or use tax (0% to about 10% depending on the state), title and registration, insurance, and any Gas Guzzler Tax (see below). Every line is an estimate; tariffs in particular are changing fast. | |
Estimate only, from the same rules as the calculator (last checked 2026-10-05). Auction prices are a rough guide (checked 2026-10-16): Estimated from Japanese dealer listings (carsensor.net, retail asking prices run roughly 15–35% above hammer), exporter-published hammer ranges (acrossjpn.com, logi-net.com) and exporter listings (jdmbuysell.com), checked 16 Oct 2026. Ranges target a straight, driveable car, not concours or special editions. Condition, mileage, grade, colour and trim move prices a long way, especially for GT-Rs, Supras and NSXs.
Can you import a 180SX to the United States?
A car from Japan has to clear two federal rule books: NHTSA safety standards and EPA emissions rules. Once a car is at least 25 years old it is exempt from the safety standards, and from 21 years old the emissions rules can be met by keeping it in original configuration. Newer Japan-only models are very hard to import legally.
- Built 1989 to 1998YesLikely eligible via 25-year exemption (NHTSA)
With the build month unknown we assume December, like the rules do. A car built earlier in the year may qualify sooner.
The full answer for a 1998 car
Built 1998, about 27 years old, which meets the 25-year threshold.
A car from Japan has to clear two federal rule books: NHTSA safety standards and EPA emissions rules. Once a car is at least 25 years old it is exempt from the safety standards, and from 21 years old the emissions rules can be met by keeping it in original configuration. Newer Japan-only models are very hard to import legally.
Every pathway we checked
- 25-year exemption (NHTSA)YES
A vehicle at least 25 years old is exempt from US safety standards. NHTSA measures this to the month, from the date of manufacture, and it is declared in Box 1 of form HS-7. EPA form 3520-1 code E (21+ years, original unmodified configuration) covers emissions.
Built 1998, about 27 years old, which meets the 25-year threshold.
Official source (checked 2026-10-05) - Show or DisplayMAYBE
For a short list of cars of unusual historical or technological significance, NHTSA can allow import before 25 years, limited to 2,500 miles a year.
Only applies if this exact model is on NHTSA's approved Show or Display list. Most cars are not: a model generally can't qualify if more than 500 were built or a US version was sold. Check the list before bidding.
Official source (checked 2026-10-05) - Registered Importer conversionMAYBE
A Registered Importer can bring a car under 25 years up to US standards, but only for models NHTSA has already declared eligible.
Only for models on NHTSA's import eligibility list, which needs a substantially similar US-certified version. Japan-only right-hand-drive models generally can't use this route, and it needs a DOT bond of 1.5 times the car's value.
Official source (checked 2026-10-05)
- A car that doesn't meet US standards and isn't exempt must be brought into compliance, exported or destroyed. Don't ship a car under 25 years old without an approved route. source
- An Importer Security Filing is required for RoRo cars at least 24 hours before arrival. Late filing can mean $5,000 in liquidated damages. source
Rules last checked: 2026-10-05
When can I import it?
25-year exemption (NHTSA): a car qualifies once it is 25 years old, counted from its build date.
| Built | 25 years from build date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | January 2014 to December 2014 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1990 | January 2015 to December 2015 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1991 | January 2016 to December 2016 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1992 | January 2017 to December 2017 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1993 | January 2018 to December 2018 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1994 | January 2019 to December 2019 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1995 | January 2020 to December 2020 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1996 | January 2021 to December 2021 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1997 | January 2022 to December 2022 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 1998 | January 2023 to December 2023 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
What to check on a 180SX auction sheet
- Drift history: R or RA grade, repaired corners (W) and replaced panels (XX).
- Rust in the rear arches, under the hatch and in the strut towers.
- Pop-up headlight motors and trim cracks (Y) are common faults at this age.
- Modifications listed in the notes, especially engine, turbo and suspension work.
- On any car: an R or RA grade means accident repairs, and a replaced or doubtful odometer means the real distance is unknown.
Codes to watch for on this model
Upload the auction sheet and get every damage mark on a car map, the inspector's notes in English, the landed cost in the United States for that exact car and a clear eligibility answer, in about a minute. From A$15.
The 180SX in other countries
General information, not legal or tax advice. Model names are used only to describe the cars; Kensa-ya is not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always confirm with a licensed importer or compliance workshop before you buy.