Honda S2000 AP1 Import Guide: What It Really Costs to Land One
A high-revving roadster built around one of the finest naturally aspirated engines Honda ever made.
The AP1 S2000 is a front-engine, rear-drive convertible famous for its screaming F20C engine and razor-sharp handling.
Early Japanese-market AP1 examples are reaching import eligibility, drawing enthusiasts who want a clean, original car.
The full cost breakdown
Plug in your own purchase figure — everything below the vehicle scales only modestly with value. All amounts are researched 2026 estimates in USD.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $28,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,700 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $420 |
| The standard US passenger-car import duty is 2.5% of declared value | $700 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $35,650 |
Compliance & the fine print
AP1 examples reaching 25 years of age qualify for the DOT exemption, while EPA exemption applies at 21 years. Check the build month carefully, as the earliest AP1 cars cross eligibility before later ones.
Frequently asked questions
Why import an AP1 from Japan instead of buying one locally?+
Japanese-market AP1 cars can offer lower mileage and right-hand-drive originality that appeals to collectors.
Are S2000 parts easy to source in the USA?+
Yes, the S2000 has a strong enthusiast following and broad parts availability in the United States.
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