Nissan Silvia: S13, S14 and S15 import guide
The Silvia is Nissan's rear-wheel-drive coupe and one of the most popular JDM imports, helped by its drift following. US buyers mostly chase the S13, S14 and S15.
What the Nissan Silvia is
| Chassis | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| S12 | 1983–1988 | The boxy first-generation Silvia. Long eligible. |
| S13 | 1988–1993 | Pop-up headlights. The 180SX fastback is a close relative. |
| S14 | 1993–1998 | Rounder and heavier, in early and later "Kouki" faces. |
| S15 | 1999–2002 | The most sought-after Silvia. Never sold new in the US. |
Is the Nissan Silvia legal to import to the US?
All S12, S13 and S14 Silvias are past 25 years old and qualify under the NHTSA age exemption, and all are past the 21-year EPA threshold, which applies only to vehicles in their original configuration, not modified from the manufacturer's original design. The S15 is the one to watch: 1999 builds have been eligible since 2024, and the final 2002 cars become eligible in 2027.
Eligibility turns on the build date, so a car registered late can cross the line later than its model year suggests. Check the chassis plate before buying.
Import eligibility under the 25-year rule is set by the date of manufacture, so always check the chassis plate. The 25-year import rule explains how the exemption works and how to confirm it. The EPA age exemption applies only to vehicles in their original configuration, not modified from the manufacturer's original design; confirm current requirements with the EPA's official vehicle-import guidance.
What it costs to land a Silvia
Silvia prices cover a wide range. Clean, standard cars sit far below rare, high-grade or well-known builds, and modified cars can be cheaper to buy and more expensive to own.
The landed cost adds the exporter fee and inland transport in Japan, ocean freight, marine insurance, US duty and customs fees, a bond and broker where needed, and state taxes and registration. Get an itemised quote.
Because S-chassis cars are commonly modified and drifted, budget for a pre-purchase inspection and a maintenance contingency.
Silvia S15 import: what to know
For a "silvia s15 import", the whole game is the build date. An S15 is only eligible once that specific car is 25 years old, so two cars that look identical can differ on legality by months. Confirm the plate, ask for the export certificate, and treat a clean, unmodified example as the safer first import.
Ready to look at real cars? Browse Nissan Silvia listings at JDMBUYSELL, a marketplace that specialises in Japanese domestic market vehicles. Use the guide above to work out what you want and what it will take to land it, then compare actual listings.
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Nissan Silvia: common questions
Is the Nissan Silvia legal in the US?
S12, S13 and S14 Silvias qualify now under the 25-year rule. S15s qualify individually as each build passes 25 years old, from 1999 builds in 2024 through 2002 builds in 2027.
Can I import an S15 Silvia to the US?
Yes, once the specific car is at least 25 years old based on its date of manufacture. Before that it does not qualify for the age exemption. Confirm the build date before you buy.
How much does a Silvia import cost?
It depends on the car, its grade and condition, shipping, duty and your state registration costs. Ask for a landed-cost breakdown rather than a single price.
General information only — not legal, customs or tax advice. Rules can change. Confirm current requirements with US Customs and Border Protection, NHTSA, the EPA, and your state motor vehicle agency before importing.