Expat Community > Brazil

turtletooned
Joined 2016
Posts: 17

Yet another, but different post about driving foreign cars in Brazil

8 years ago

I have read every post there is here (16) regarding importing cars to Brazil. It just can not happen for any reason what so ever. There appears to be ZERO loopholes (find this hard to believe).

Please if you do not know anything in regards to what I am asking but know of other sites/groups/forums that may I appreciate if you inform me.

Two ways to bring a foreign car to Brazil.

1. Car is new(the 0 mile rule is not true and is virtually impossible), and has not been registered previously. Even when new must comply with Brazil safety regulations other wise will not be allowed. This would not be a issue for US cars, however potentially a issue for other countries.

2. The vehicle is over 30 years old. Now this exception has little to be read about. Going to return to this and my questions/thoughts later in this thread.

Several issues arise regarding myself and my career/future in S. America due to these policies. While I understand why these laws are in effect and agree mostly with them they present a serious potential issue for my success.

Leaving my country and not having the ability to display the talents I have and exhibit the work I do leaves me with a huge dilemma. I have read and read and read. It appears however that I can drive any of my personal cars in Brazil for 6 months at a time so long as they are registered and insured to my address in the US. Although absolutely no one recommends this due to instantly being a tourist target for
bad people. I have also read that it is not advised due to the type of fuels used in the country. Oddly enough the fuel primarily used there, Ethanol, is exactly the fuel I generally use however my vehicles are still gasoline compatible automatically at the same time. Well...... Lets just say I don't really give a Sh*t about the bad people there. What other reasons would I not drive one of my cars in and when done with it either sell it somewhere that allows it in South or Central America and drive another one in or cross the border after 6 months and bring it right back?

I need my cars competing in events and shown throughout the country. I will need to display them and gain notoriety in a country where no one knows me or what I can offer them.

Is it possible, although technically illegal to import a car in pieces and reassemble in Brazil to get out of the strict no gasoline powered import laws? This is often done in the US, especially by military.

In regards to classic cars there is little talk about the fine print.

-I have read that you are only able to bring them in for personal use. If so then why are there so many businesses that deal them in the country? Is what they are doing illegal or am I misinformed?

-I have also read that they must be in original form. Again I see several modified classic and muscle cars being sold by the same people.

-Is there a maximum mileage allowed to be driven yearly?

-Is there some form of annual inspection?

-Does insurance/registration requirements change compared to a newer car?

-Is it like the US where it is often significantly less costly to own?

I also read that ownig a foreign car there is overly expensive to maintain. Mostly due to the parts not being available or repair information not existing.

What is the actual issue with having a part shipped into the country? Its a part, not a gasoline powered product.

Thanks again in advance.

Garth

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