Location: Texas.
I purchased an import car from a dealer in Texas. It was advertised as a 1996. It was titled and insured as a 1996. However, its actually a 1998.
Now this may not be a problem to some, but this was purchased in May of 2022 and imported cars have to abide by the 25 year rule and this would mean the vehicle wasnt 25 years old when I purchased it. For it to be legal it would need to arrive after March 2023.
Therefore it would be classified as an illegally imported vehicle and can be seized by US Customs for fraud.
I understand time has passed….but it was only brought to my attention due to an accident and I am in need of repair work and deep diving into finding parts for the vehicle the true history came to light. If Iwere to keep or try to sell this vehicle, it technically wouldn’t be federally legal in the US and if US Customs were to be made aware they can legally seize the car at any time where I would lose all value and additional investments installed.
This means the dealer either lied on the import paperwork to get it into the US for sale or lied to the state when it was 1st registered for sale.
Could I go after the dealer or is it too late due to statute of limitations? Since its been just a little over 3 years, one firm said it was too late. They suggested contacting the BBB?
I have filed a claim against the dealer with the attorney general, but that will not help me in my case where I stand to lose my vehicle and the business I have built around the vehilce itself due to possessing an illegally imported vehicle.
Comments
How are you sure that it’s a 98 if the title is for a 96? Do the vins not match?
The clock on the statute of limitations typically starts at discovery, so you’re good there.
If the car is worth anything at all, then you need a lawyer immediately, because even though DOT allowed it to be registered, none of that will matter to Customs, and it is in very real danger of being seized and crushed.