2022 Tacoma sold in Mexico

Hello, I live part time in Mexico and had purchased a 2022 Tacoma here in Mexico. I am moving back to the US permanently and don’t want to leave my baby behind. It doesn’t have an emissions sticker and I was wondering if anyone knows if all Tacomas whether manufactured for sale in the US or in Mexico have the same emissions standards. If so how can I contact Toyota in Mexico to get a letter stating the it meets 50 State requirements.

 

Toyota Brand Engagement Center. Call 1-800-331-4331

Toyota Tacoma is not automatically emissions-ready for every country; while it meets emissions standards in most North American markets like the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

 

I would guess that your truck is manufactured with the same emissions standards as everyone.
I think It also depends on where you move to.
I know in AZ, some counties don't require emissions tests on vehicles.

 

What is an emission sticker and why do you need it?

 

Sorry, just being nosey but where have you been living in Mexico?

 

Probably down in the Baja…



https://youtube.com/shorts/u4TMh-42FOM?si=5nmrXPW5vc_6O_Ii

 

Emissions requirements / inspection requirements in the United States are going to vary from state to state and even from county to county within a state. But I would be really surprised if your truck was not built like every other truck built in the Mexico construction plant.

 

Emission inspections are mostly a California thing, I think. Not sure. Haven’t researched it. Not I thing where I live.

 

When I lived in Connecticut they were doing Emission inspections, The Governor here in New Mexico is trying to get it here, But she follows everything California does.

 

See stickers here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/confusing-emission-sticker-under-the-hood-2023-v6.807687/

 

17 of 100 counties here in NC still require emissions inspections.

 

All the "metro" counties surrounding the city of Atlanta require emissions testing. Like I said, it's going to vary state by state and county by county within a state. Figure out where you are going to live and the rest should be easy to determine.

 

My CA truck is a "50-state emission" truck. I suspect you've got the emission equipment, whether you want it or not.

 

What is an emission sticker?

 

I've looked at importing cars from Japan, Canada, and Europe (mostly Europe) quite a bit.

It doesn't have anything to do with whether your state/county does emissions testing. You won't be able to import it unless you have a letter from Toyota saying it meets US EPA emissions standards of the date it was manufactured. That letter will also need to say that it meets US safety standards - not only crash standards but also lighting and such. There have been many cases where "a car has slipped by" and was able to get registered in some state. In that case, it's a gray market car in which case one of a few things could happen. 1. It has no resale value because when you sell it, it goes above the radar once when it gets re-registered to the new guy. If you didn't disclose to the new guy, they have a case to come after you unless they are OK with trying to stay under the radar. 2. At any time, if you get discovered, your truck will get seized and destroyed. 3. You'll be able to drive it for years and nobody will notice.

Most car makers try to build to the geography and to the least common denominator, it's expensive and a hassle to make extremely similar but different vehicles and they would rather not. Chances are a mexican taco is the same as a us taco.

That hasn't always been true, for example many Canadian Volvos couldn't (as recently as 10 years ago) be imported into the US because of dissimilarities in engine tuning in otherwise identical cars. For the longest time, many US cars couldn't be imported into Canada because of differing bumper standards.

So, start by contacting toyota and an import broker who can walk you through the process. If it goes extremely smoothly, expect it to cost you a few thousand dollars to bring your truck across the boarder.

By the way, if you have any warranty left, it won't be valid in the US either.

 

Check that your Mexico purchased Tacoma will have a valid warranty in the US. It’s unlikely to be covered by Toyota USA since it isn’t a US origin vehicle.

 

emissions is just one aspect...don't forget safety airbags backup camera tpms etc. also lighting, in Mexico they do not use amber reflectors in the front.

 

Thanks to all. My Taco does have the required USA federal safety sticker. Just not the emissions. I love, love, love my truck and I have only put 7,400km on it so it’s practically brand new. I really want to take it home with me no matter the cost if I can.

 

@Stuck Sucks, living in Arandas Jalisco (tequila country)

 

I would try to find a company that can give you a clear answer and help you with the process. There will be paperwork involved and its probably worth it if you are dead set on importing.

Two other considerations are:
you will probably need to swap the instrument cluster (I'm guessing he primary speed indication is KMH, not MPH)
There is a 25% "chicken tax" on all light-duty trucks entering the US. This is why Subaru put seats in the back of the brat, so it was a 4 passenger vehicle.

Take the emotion out of the decision and do the math. That will give you your answer.