Import guides · United States
Import a Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB to the United States
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB (GDB) was built from 2000 to 2007: 2.0 L turbo flat-four (EJ207), all-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 Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB in decent, mostly original condition typically sells for about ￥1,800,000 to ￥5,000,000 at auction. Here is the full cost stack for a ￥3,400,000 car, at ¥157.98 per USD (live rate, 2026-10-15). Likely range $26,588 to $29,513.
| 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). | $21,522 |
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. | $2,690 |
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. | $75 |
Harbor maintenance fee(0.125%) 0.125% of the car's value for anything arriving by ship at a listed US port. | $27 |
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 | $28,051 |
| 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 WRX STI GDB 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 2000YesLikely eligible via 25-year exemption (NHTSA)
- Built 2001 to 2007UnlikelyUnlikely: only through special exemptions
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 2007 car
25-year exemption (NHTSA): Built 2007, about 18 years old. It needs to be 25. Roughly 7 more years (month of manufacture matters, so check the build plate). Show or Display: 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. Registered Importer conversion: 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.
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)NO
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 2007, about 18 years old. It needs to be 25. Roughly 7 more years (month of manufacture matters, so check the build plate).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | January 2025 to December 2025 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 2001 | January 2026 to December 2026 | Depends on the build month. Every car built that year is old enough in 46 days |
| 2002 | January 2027 to December 2027 | The first ones become old enough in 77 days |
| 2003 | January 2028 to December 2028 | The first ones become old enough in 442 days |
| 2004 | January 2029 to December 2029 | The first ones become old enough in 808 days |
| 2005 | January 2030 to December 2030 | The first ones become old enough in 1,173 days |
| 2006 | January 2031 to December 2031 | The first ones become old enough in 1,538 days |
| 2007 | January 2032 to December 2032 | The first ones become old enough in 1,903 days |
What to check on a WRX STI GDB auction sheet
- Age. Only the earliest GDB cars are near 25 years old; see the countdown and check other pathways for your country.
- Spec C versions are lighter and rarer. Check the grade line against the listing.
- Replaced panels (XX) and repaired corners (W).
- Modifications in the notes; many have tunes and exhaust 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 WRX STI GDB 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.