American auto enthusiasts sometimes look across the pond at cool cars offered overseas—but not in the US. And we wonder, “Why do they get those rides but we can’t?”
Here’s the solution to getting your hands on models like the Nissan Skyline R33, an M5 Touring wagon with BMW’s V-10 engine, or those sporty JDM drift cars? Be patient and wait for the infamous 25-year rule to kick in.
What Is the 25-Year Rule?
1990 Toyota Sera
In 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a legal import option for cars sold in foreign markets. It applies to the many overseas vehicles that were not built to pass US emission and safety standards. Some of them are right-hand drive. But for whatever reason, NHTSA kept them off of US shores and away from American dealerships.
The ability to import these cars is now on a rolling basis, thanks to the 25-year rule. In other words, it’s based on the exact date of manufacture. So when January 1 arrives, all foreign cars made through December 31, 1996, can be legally imported in the US. And 1997 models will start to become available as we move through 2022.
Be advised that it might be legal to import a car based on federal laws—but some states will still restrict their registration. You should double-check the legalities with your local authorities before hitting the Buy button.
Here Come the 1997 Models
The EK9 Honda Civic Type-R is fast, nimble, and highly collectible.
Start by looking at eBay’s right-hand-drive vehicles. Or filter your search by specific years or desirable models just hitting their 25th birthday. If you’re lucky, you might discover a rare Lotus Exige, Renault Alpine A110, and the rally-ready Mitsubishi Pajero.
Some enterprising auto-import companies snap up desirable cars early before they reach their 25th birthday. These importers play the 25-year rule market and expect demand to go up.
They store hot models in the host country until they age 25 years and can be legally imported. That’s why you might see 1996 import cars listed on eBay—more than other years.
Our Recent 25-Year Rule Favorites
We did a quick search for excellent imports on eBay from 1994 to 1996. Here are our recent faves that meet the 25 year-rule.
1996 Honda Honda Integra Type R DB8
You can’t go wrong with a Honda Integra Type R. Row through the close-ratio five-speed manual transmission while the front-wheel drive suspension helps you carve up the corners. The top speed is listed at 145 mph. The four-door version, the DB8, is the rarest of the lineup.
1996 Nissan GT-R R33 Skyline
The GT-R Skyline, featuring all-wheel drive and twin turbos, is the holy grail of imports. The inline six-cylinder engine puts out more than 300 horsepower. Until this GT-R became 25 years old, you could only drive it virtually in Gran Turismo. But now, you can legally import it. Unfortunately, the next-generation R34 won’t be available until 2024.
1994 Mitsubishi Evolution 2 RS
The Mitsubishi Evolution, recently listed on eBay, provides a 2-liter four-cylinder engine for over 250 horsepower. And it adds four-wheel drive and a five-speed manual. Rally drivers covet these no-frill models. It has manual windows, no radio or speakers, and basic cloth or vinyl seats. But this Evo can reach 60 mph in under five seconds.
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4X4
The 1996 Toyota Prado was the first year for the second generation of the Toyota J90 platform. But alas, it was not offered in the United States. In Australia and other markets, the model’s eight-seat capacity was super popular. The Prados are known for combining rugged 4X4 off-road capability with cabin luxury. Toyota announced that its Land Cruiser will no longer be sold in the United States starting in 2022. So these Land Cruiser SUVs available in foreign markets will only become more popular.
DIY Importing Under the 25-Year Rule
You could try to buy and import a car on your own. But be advised: the paperwork, red tape, and bureaucratic rules are challenging.
Global shipping issues may also limit how fast a company can ship a specific vehicle to the United States. There are plenty of reputable companies importing cars and then selling them on eBay. Finding a specific newly arriving model (the car of your dreams) takes some patience.
