Do NOT bring a car from the USA to Finland

[CarmenfromTexas]

Drive it to Turkmenistan and sell it

The last time I tried that, they put a saddle and bells on me and sent me out into the desert without water. I don't want to be a complainer but that was a bit insensitive of them.

why, and how are there so many old American cars already here in Finland?

There has been a tax exemption for old cars.

I had the honor of paying over 2,000 euros in taxes for the 2002 car.

[Jukka Aho]

Dealership... so basically they don't know what to do as they haven't done it before and give quote that is certain to give profit or drive you away. Ask around http://www.fintoys.net/

Thanks for the link!

There are also garages specializing in servicing imported American cars (see here as well), including modifications which make them road legal here, but I wonder what they would say about a Toyota... as it’s not really “American”! ;) Maybe you’d still want to ask them, though.

[CarmenfromTexas]

There are also garages specializing in servicing imported American cars (see here as well), including modifications which make them road legal here, but I wonder what they would say about a Toyota... as it’s not really “American”! Maybe you’d still want to ask them, though.

Thanks Jukka! My husband has been phoning and exploring the other websites. We'll check that out too. I once again have hope to keep my car.

These days, chassis, motors, and all the parts are made and put together in so many different places I guess it's best to say the car is designed for the USA. lol

[Pursuivant]

2002 is "new" - I wouldn't touch anything past mid-80's with a long stick

[Pursuivant]

These days, chassis, motors, and all the parts are made and put together in so many different places I guess it's best to say the car is designed for the USA.

Feh, I have/had a "Daewoo LeMans" made in Korea sold in USA as "Pontiac LeMans", which is a copy of Vauxhall/Opel Kadett...
Pontiac my ass

[Kutittaa]

So if the problem is with where the lights are 'facing' either a few degrees down or up etc. Why are we talking about the 'wiring' ?

Get out the ol' crowbar and stick a wedge under those lights so some of them face up!

[Upphew]

So if the problem is with where the lights are 'facing' either a few degrees down or up etc. Why are we talking about the 'wiring' ?

Get out the ol' crowbar and stick a wedge under those lights so some of them face up!

No go. The lights have to be adjustable. Dunno about the wiring, but as you usually just install parts, not make them, different lights -> different wiring.

[Pursuivant]

Naah, dot lights have "flat glass" euro lights got "assymmetric spread"

[onkko]

So if the problem is with where the lights are 'facing' either a few degrees down or up etc. Why are we talking about the 'wiring' ?

Get out the ol' crowbar and stick a wedge under those lights so some of them face up!

Because official retailers/repairers "cant" do non approved stuff, if there isnt "adapter-324-124124-1243-ffawr-usa-euro" then you do rewire a car with "wiring-3425-23523-23523-fafgew-euro". Any non official is, if not totally forbidden, unapproved and potential problem and potential breach of licence and potential kiss goodbye for warranty repairs and support.
I got scolding for using "non manufacturer parts", those werent even causing problems, for 25y old machine.... And in my case we talk about old Beta VCR and scalding came from european headquarters. In end it was youghurt in machine but still (warning was lifted and almost apology received, i was still bad person because i used "wrong" parts)... I wouldnt take that twice.
Other good reason could be "kill it with price, we dont want that job".

[Kutittaa]

Well seeing as the car is now inside the EU, would export tax apply if the OP wished to sell the vehicle outside the EU now? Or is he/she between the devil of taxes and the deep blue sea in either:

Paying to have the car rewired, or
Trying to find a buyer for it (in the EU), or
Letting it rust?

[Oombongo]

Pontiac my ass

Don't you dare to insult Pontiac, mister!

[Pursuivant]

kikkarapää, kikkarapää, naisia metsästää

[Pursuivant]

[CarmenfromTexas]

A friend found out about my problem and has hooked me up to a mechanic who is expert at making a US car acceptable to Finnish standards. The only draw back is he no longer renting a garage and must wait for warmer weather to do the work. I'm willing to wait absolutely! He changes the light inside the units, not replace the whole unit. It really saves money. Wooohoooo! It's been hell.

If it all works out I will give his information for anyone else who has a problem like mine.
(I asked his permission to do so)

[CarmenfromTexas]

Well seeing as the car is now inside the EU, would export tax apply if the OP wished to sell the vehicle outside the EU now? Or is he/she between the devil of taxes and the deep blue sea in either:

Paying to have the car rewired, or
Trying to find a buyer for it (in the EU), or
Letting it rust?

I think I may not be stuck with watching it rust, Kutittaa! I'll let you know in a couple of months.