does anyone know if there's any restrictions on importing a car in from japan.

i understand import duties are upwards of 200-300%, but is there age restrictions? engine displacement restrictions? etc.

My understanding is the only limit is the depth of your pocket and patience.

The car has to be new and can't be used or second hand. Other than that just pay the money and taxes.

Didn't wanna start a new thread so I've latched on to this one as it's the most recent I could find.

I want to import an 18 year old BMW Z1 cos I'm gonna stay here for a bit.

As it's fairly rare and old, I'm wondering whether it'd be considered as a classic by the authorities and thus exempt from import duty.

I've also heard that one could theoretically import a vehicle to Malaysia and drive it to Thailand on foreign plates as long as one has a valid visa.

HardenedSoul: As it's fairly rare and old, I'm wondering whether it'd be considered as a classic by the authorities and thus exempt from import duty.

Don't think so. In Thailand a classic just means it hasn't broken down as often as a new car! But if the car isn't staying forever...and you don't mind border runs.....

From the PDF at Customs (www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/indexEng.jsp)

A TEMPORARY IMPORT OF PERSONAL VEHICLES

A temporary import of personal vehicles for a short visit e.g. a motor vehicle, motorcycle, yacht, sports boat, or fishing vessel, etc. into Thailand by owners shall be grant tax/duty relief provided that they are to be re-exported within 1-2 months but not exceeding six months. Any persons intending to temporarily import personal vehicles e.g. a motor vehicle, motorcycle, yacht, sports boat, or fishing vessel, etc. have to closely observe the following Customs regulations and conditions:

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Perso...Nme=PersonalPer

Have fun with the official part.....which ofcourse is "bendable" (pos or neg).

Didn't wanna start a new thread so I've latched on to this one as it's the most recent I could find.

I want to import an 18 year old BMW Z1 cos I'm gonna stay here for a bit.

As it's fairly rare and old, I'm wondering whether it'd be considered as a classic by the authorities and thus exempt from import duty.

They dont care

I've also heard that one could theoretically import a vehicle to Malaysia and drive it to Thailand on foreign plates as long as one has a valid visa.

Only if you get Malay plates and then bring cross border asean.. 'Western plates' still need a massive cash bond to be left.