We just sent our Toyota Tundra off with Allied, hopefully to arrive in NZ at about the same time we do, or shortly thereafter. After looking at all the options, we decided it was worth it to bring our truck. Since it is LHD, we can't sell it for 5 years, but we wouldn't plan on it anyway. The import process is pretty easy, just make sure you have your title, the original bill of sale or some other paperwork (like registration papers) to show you have owned the vehicle and been in residence in the export country for the past 12 months, and the FMVSS sticker (on the driver's door in most cars sold in the US). Also, you should get the car detailed, making sure to clean the undercarriage well with a pressure washer. Going to a do-it-yourself carwash and getting under the undercarriage with the high-pressure water sprayer works well also. NZ no longer requires "steam cleaning" the vehicle...they just want it to be as clean as possible with no dirt or soil or bugs on the vehicle. Also, don't be fooled by the "heat treatment" information and "preclearance" information you might find on the MAF web site....there are no facilities in the US authorized to do it. So you just get your car clean, send it with the required docs, and hope they do not find any bugs or soil on the car. If so, they will probably decontaminate it which will cost you more bucks! Last thing, call NZ's version of AAA (Auto Club) to arrange for someone to meet the vehicle after it has cleared Customs/MAF, so that it can be registered and licensed. Otherwise, it won't be legal to drive and you won't be able to get it from Customs/MAF. Good luck all!
Melissa
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