by Toyota Altezza Auction Halted Over Legality Doubts
The Cars & Bids platform stopped the auction for a 2001 Toyota Altezza due to questions regarding the legality of the car’s import. Although this Japanese sports sedan is popular among JDM car enthusiasts, the problem arose because it is less than 25 years old, which is a mandatory requirement for legal import and registration in the USA.
Why is the 25-Year Rule So Important?
US federal laws prohibit the import and registration of cars manufactured for foreign markets if they are not at least 25 years old. Exceptions are only possible if strict safety and environmental standards are met, which often makes the “federalization” process too complex and expensive.
Risks for Buyers
If a car does not meet the requirements, the DMV may refuse registration, and federal authorities have the right to confiscate or even destroy such a vehicle. In this case, commentators on Cars & Bids pointed out that the Altezza had not yet reached the 25-year age, which raised doubts about the legality of its presence on the country’s roads.
The seller claimed to have a valid title from the DMV and stated: “If the car were not legal, customs would not have allowed its import, and the DMV would not have issued the documents.” However, he refused to provide additional evidence, which only heightened suspicions.
Gray Market and Legal Loopholes
Many cars imported through the “gray market” receive titles thanks to legal loopholes, but technically they remain illegal until they reach 25 years of age. In this situation, additional red flags arose due to the seller’s aggressive behavior in the comments and discrepancies in the documents (the car was being sold in Florida with a Virginia title).
The Role of the Community and the Platform’s Reaction
Cars & Bids founder Doug DeMuro stated: “Our community is great! They identified potential issues, which is a huge advantage of auctions with comments. We do not tolerate bad behavior, regardless of the car’s legality.”
This story is a reminder of the importance of caution when buying imported cars. Even if the seller provides documents, buyers should independently verify compliance with the requirements to avoid losing money and facing legal problems. In the case of the Altezza, a potential buyer could have faced registration refusal or even confiscation of the car, which would have made the deal pointless.
