Oh wow!  I had no clue it was that bad.  I at least did my research before importing my Mini.  I was fully aware that if the car was anything other than OEM, it would have never made it past customs.  Thank you for sharing this!

this is from the Archives. for  the new guys like Gunslinger. and why you do NOT want to buy from David Ellison aka Mountain Minis..  Ellison has a mini cabrio which is NOT OEM on ebay today.. RUN FROM HIM..  later bc

Thank you and I apologize for not being more clear about my intentions when jumping into the middle of this forum post. 

Casey: welcome (finally) to the forum. very nice looking car! Glad you had no problems.

I can see why Bill was suspicious - we occasionally get false testimonies and adverts from posters who show up once and then disappear. It is unusual for a first time poster to jump into the middle of a 'heated discussion'.

You may get nagged to fill in your profile once you start posting about problems. At least your fan appears to be on the right way round! I'd get a cover for that fuse-box - they are very prone to moisture problems.

casey.. thanks. for posting. nice looking mini.. enjoy it.. drive it like you STOLE it.. later  bc  ps now the fun part comes with Fla DMV.. make sure both vin numbers match..

 

And here is the original ebay listing: 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Mini-Classic-Mini-/401449934485?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=5srDw%252FYLgK8TQFb%252FYrMgZopiJb0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

casey.. . nothing personal. but david ellison at Mt Minis.. has had dozens and dozens of cars SEIZED by CBP/ US CUSTOMS..  this  was started by beane1.. might email him about your best BB ellison.. might post photo of your mini here with documents that you really bought it.. have a nice day.. bc

First of all who am am I trying to scam? I'm just sharing my experience and saying that it wasn't as difficult as you all said on here. I have used MiniMania for years but I have never used the forums until now when I was researching importing Minis. I don't know why you are being so defensive and accusing me of trying to scam I don't know who, by just sharing my experience. 

This was my first time importing a car ever and my first classic Mini purchase. I have been a MINI owner for years but have always wanted a classic. I can guarantee everything I said is true. I have all the paperwork, photos, and email correspondence between David and the shipping agent to prove it. 

casey. for some reason in that you have NEVER posted here.. looks like a SCAM..  nothing is easy with CBP / US CUSTOMS these days.. just look at the post with Whee and Mini mover about crossing the US border.. later bc  ps.  why did you NOT call me?? so post photo of your car and 7501 CUSTOMS form

My Mini, which I purchased from David Ellison back at the beginning of last month, arrived at the port in Jacksonville on Saturday, it received the clearance notice on Tuesday morning and I picked up the Mini this afternoon. It was the easiest and smoothest transaction and process. I had no idea what to expect because I have never imported a car before and this is my first Mini. I had absolutely no issues. 

casey.. will call me off line and I will give you the SKINNY on david ellison. of Mt Mines.. he has had DOZENS of cars SEIZED by CBP in last five years..  bill cox  1.704.487.6797 home  montecarlomini.net

Just curious, what's wrong with David Ellison?

CBP/ US CUSTOMS has  CRUSHED  dozens  of classic minis and land rover defenders in last couple of years..real shame.. check out the CRUSHING on utube..  low down dirty shame... later bc

I just hate to think of a car being crushed...

beane1 . did you ever find a mini to cut up?/ later bc  www.montecarlomini.com  lic NC dealer  

malsal thanks for the update.. I bet is was on of david ellisons minis.. aka Mountain minis.. later bc

Ace u pull it in Jax already crushed it.

dr mini. sent me photo of mini that has been SEIZED and is in Jax. Florida. today.  looks like 94 SPI, but extended between the doors.. it is BRG..  belong to anyone here at MM??  Car part is going to CRUSH it.. ouch.. later bc

check out the www.seattleminiowners.com or SAMOA in seattle for a mini..  I would NOT import a mini or land rover at this time due to CBP being out of CONTROL.. note NO lic dealer can legally  sell a car he does NOT have on his dealer lot and US title in hand.. later bc

CONGRATULATIONS on getting the full reimbursement!  That is awesome and quiet surprising.


miniless - There are a couple Mini posted on the local craigslist here.  I check almost daily, just something to do during breaks.  If you are around Everett I'd be happy to show you mine so you know what to expect as far as size, working space, and any other of the few pointers I have learned so far.  There are also a couple of local importers who have expressed interest in importing Minis.  You could talk to them about seeing if they can get one from Japan.  But, of course, keep this thread in mind.  One company is constantly importing Skyline, Silvia, and other JDM cars with aftermarket parts (wheels, intercoolers, intake, exhaust, seats....) and they don't seem to have issues.