Nissan Silvia S13 Import Guide: 2026 USA Cost Breakdown
A balanced rear-drive coupe that became one of the defining cars of drift culture.
The Silvia S13 is a rear-wheel-drive coupe known for its balanced chassis and turbocharged SR20DET engine option.
Never sold in this form in the US, the S13 Silvia is now importable and remains a tuning icon.
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) | $15,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,700 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $225 |
| The standard US passenger-car import duty is 2.5% of declared value | $375 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $22,130 |
Compliance & the fine print
Silvia S13 cars are past 25 years old and qualify for both the DOT and EPA exemptions. Confirm the build month and engine code, as specifications varied across the S13 production run.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Silvia and the US 240SX?+
The Silvia was offered in Japan with turbocharged SR20DET engines not available in the US-market 240SX.
Why is the S13 popular for drifting?+
Its rear-drive layout and balanced chassis make it well suited to drift and spirited driving.
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