I’m new to cars (got the time to start learning just last week) and I’m newer still to trucks.
I know US laws around imports are annoying and serve no other purpose than to bailout the automotive industry. I know of the chicken tax and the absurd fees that make regular consumers stick to domestic cars.
I also know that the Hilux Champ is the vehicle I want.
Are there anyways to finagle a Hilux into the US while avoiding the chicken tax? Something like importing to Mexico and licensing it in the US?
by cromagnon53
![[Lotus Emira]](https://www.evshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/t6zr71jb2cdg1-770x515.jpg "[Lotus Emira]")
![[Lamborghini Countach] The driver wasn’t hanging about either.](https://www.evshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/6icdj4yggbdg1-770x515.jpeg "[Lamborghini Countach] The driver wasn’t hanging about either.")
4 Comments
I heard that South Carolina doesn’t require safety checks on vehicles. Not 100% but 👀
I hope you’re either made of money or willing to wait 25 years. You’d have to federalize it if you want it any sooner than that, and that’s gonna cost ten times what the car itself does.
Just buy a new Land Cruiser, it’s close enough . If your new to cars it’s honestly hilarious/cute you want to import a <25 year old vehicle
Unironically I understand getting enamored and falling in love with a vehicle. The reality of importing a new hilix is bad. If you buy it from an overseas dealer and ship it hear, you hsbe to make sure it’s registered as a dealer vehicle or show vehicle. Even if, customs might still crush it. If you do get it in country, you can not drive it anywhere for 25 years. It just isn’t worth the work. You’re better off buying a comparable Toyota tacoma. Ya, a helix would be so cool. Problem is the cost and possible sacrifice isn’t worth it. Brass tax is that the helix is just a 4cyl toyota off road vehicle. You could buy a better thing for your money.