Car Shipping-Duty Question

From the VI Moving Center web site - click on The Move and then Shipping Car...

Customs: Clearing customs and paying duty is usually done at an office close to the shipping dock. The duty collected is based on country of origin on the car and is calculated using the book value or Bill of Sale, whichever is greater. The VIN number is used to determine origin: if the first digit is 1, 4 or 5 it is a U.S. car and there is a no duty owed. Vin’s starting with 2 or 3, there is a 6% duty. Vin’s starting with 6 or with a letter it is 3.5% duty. The U.S. Customs Office will accept personal checks, cash, certified checks and money order. You can call the Customs Office at (340) 714-1600 for more information.

Yes, Special K, I read that prior to asking my question. I just didn't know if duty is paid on used cars as well. I'm assuming it is and will factor that into my purchase. Thanks.

On another note, with the world ending today and all... anyone looking to offload a newer vehicle, SUV preferrably?

Yes, Special K, I read that prior to asking my question. I just didn't know if duty is paid on used cars as well. I'm assuming it is and will factor that into my purchase. Thanks.

Sorry. Yes...you pay duty, if applicable, on both new and used vehicles.

We were surprised when bringing in an old truck, that they had valuation blue books going back...to 1990 and earlier, and with values in the thousands!

You pay 2.5% US duty already if purchasing an import vehicle in the US. Is that 2.5% deducted from the 6 or 3.5% if the vehicle was importated and purchases already in the US?

That's correct Eric. If the car was already imported, you only pay 3.5. Unless the car was imported from Canada or Mexico, then you pay the full 6%.