Importing a Nissan Figaro to the USA: a retro-cool budget import
The pastel-coloured retro convertible Japan loved — cheap to land and endlessly charming.
A Nissan Figaro costs about $18,810 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $12,000 purchase plus roughly $6,810 in shipping, 2.5% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$18,810
- Duty & tax
- 2.5% duty
- On a purchase of
- $12,000
Long past 25 years, the Figaro is one of the easiest, cheapest first imports.
Buy on body and roof condition; mechanicals are simple and parts are findable.
How much does it cost to import a Nissan Figaro?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $12,000 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) | $12,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,500 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $180 |
| 2.5% US duty | $300 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $18,810 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $300, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $2,500), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $6,810 you add on top of the $12,000 purchase price — around 57% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Nissan Figaro, 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 Nissan Figaro legal to import? Rules & compliance
No federal hurdles; a friendly introduction to the whole import process.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Figaro a good first import?+
Yes — cheap, simple and fully eligible.
Duty?+
2.5%.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Nissan Figaro?+
About $18,810 all-in for a $12,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $6,810 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
