Korean Job Discussion Forums

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I know a Korean who just asked me this question. He wants to buy a Pontiac Firebird and have it shipped over.

They are really expensive here in Korea, if available. He has Pontiac Firebird mania. He surfs Ebay and sees delicious cars. He wants one. How can he get it to Korea?

He asks;
What is the cost?
Would it be put in a large container?
Ports of departure on the U.S. West Coast?
Taxes?

I don't suppose anyone knows? Answers would greatly satisfy his muscle car love longing.

normalcyispasse · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:56 am Post subject:

A buddy of mine in the military told me that some of the officers have their cars shipped over here (the .MIL picks up the tab). The invoices generally run $8000-10,000, if I recall correctly. I'm not sure what Korean import duties are on an American car, however, but you can probably get a rough answer to that question yourself by counting how many American cars you've seen on the streets in Korea.

(My answer to that question: In 2.5 years I have seen exactly 4 American 4-wheeled automobiles. There's one red V6 4th-gen Firebird I've seen here in Yeosu, one Chrysler 300C I saw in Suncheon, and a Ford Focus I saw in Seoul one day. I've also seen a Dodge Dakota here.)

The Grumpy Senator · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Location: Up and down the 6 line

I see those huge Chevy conversion vans all the time. No idea why, they have not been popular for years back home.

There is a huge tariff on importing foreign cars. The FTA between US and Korea is running into major snags over this issue. I would assume that the import tariff for a Korean company selling foreign cars would be less than a Korean individual importing a car he bought overseas. The companies would never sell anything if not.

Either way, it has to be expensive.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

shipping wll run you about 4grand

is the car new? or second hand?

new car run about 30% of the value in taxes and juties..

second hand car go by blue book and you are looking at about 30% also
need to pay emission tests and safety test. they run about 2mill each

put it this way,..

you buy a car for 10 grand us off Ebay.. landed cleared it will cost you 20grand!

NightSky · Joined: 19 Apr 2005

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I think he said Pontiac Firebirds ceased to be made in the year 2000. So yes, the car would be used. The ones he was looking at are 13 to 17 thousand dollars. He already has a Pontiac Firebird.

Thanks for the info. This guy repairs computers and just set up the internet connection in my house. His friend/apprentice has Honda CBR900 mania. I have Honda xr650L mania. After they hooked up the internet they showed me youtube clips of revving engines and smoking tires.

He thinks these Firebirds are a work of art so he may well pay to have it sent over. Back home we're accustomed to muscle cars and they still blow people's minds. Over here add fuel to the fire with their RARITY.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

US military personnel authorized to have their personally owned vehicles (POV) transported to Korea do not have to pay for shipping or customs duties. There are no customs duties levied on the vehicle. There are certain other restrictions, though. After a certain number of years, the vehicle may be sold onto the Korean economy; however, the purchaser must pay the customs duties that would have been in effect had he brought the vehicle in on the day it really entered Korea. Of course, he'll have to ensure the vehicle meets Korean, as opposed to American, safety requirements.

For a regular ol' civilian, not only will he have to pay to have the thing shipped over, he'll also have to pay the customs duties on the vehicle and bring it up to snuff regarding safety requirements.

normalcyispasse · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:48 am Post subject:

Night Ranger · Joined: 17 Jan 2008