Importing a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI to the USA
Tommi Mäkinen homologation specials never came to the US — until the 25-year rule opened the door.
A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI costs about $46,050 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $38,000 purchase plus roughly $8,050 in shipping, 2.5% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$46,050
- Duty & tax
- 2.5% duty
- On a purchase of
- $38,000
Evo VI and the TME edition are now eligible, letting rally fans import the real thing rather than a US Evo IX.
Originality matters: many were tuned hard, so a documented stock car carries a premium.
How much does it cost to import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $38,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 2.5% US duty on the declared value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $38,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,700 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $570 |
| 2.5% US duty | $950 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $46,050 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $950, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $2,700), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $8,050 you add on top of the $38,000 purchase price — around 21% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Japan (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Confirm eligibility from the build month — the US 25-year DOT exemption is calculated month by month, not by model year.
- Clear US customs and pay the 2.5% duty, then file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry.
- Arrange inland transport, then title and register in your state — a few states add emissions or kei-vehicle checks.
Is a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI legal to import? Rules & compliance
Standard 25-year exemption; California direct-import emissions checks are the main state-level wildcard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Evo VI US-legal now?+
Yes, 1999–2000 cars clear the 25-year rule.
TME worth it?+
The Tommi Mäkinen Edition commands a strong premium if genuine.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI?+
About $46,050 all-in for a $38,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $8,050 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
Read next
Importing a Nissan Skyline R34 to the USA: the true 2026 cost
Importing a Toyota Supra MK4 (A80) to the USA in 2026
