Two Ways to Buy Your Restored Land Rover Defender
At Phoenix Restorations, we understand that buying a classic Land Rover Defender through importing can feel overwhelming. Questions around customs, compliance, and paperwork are common—and that’s exactly why we offer two flexible buying options to give you confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re looking for a seamless U.S.-based purchase or prefer a more cost-efficient international sale, we’ve got both options covered.
Option 1 : You handle the import
(We ship from Turkey, and you manage U.S. import on your end)
This approach is ideal for clients who are experienced or comfortable with the process to import Land Rover Defender vehicles themselves. Once we help get the car onto the ship in Istanbul, you take full ownership of the importing process when it arrives in the United States.
We’ll handle the export side; you manage the import side.
That said—you won’t be alone.
We work closely with logistics and customs brokerage companies in the U.S. who specialize in classic car imports. These partners are highly experienced in the Land Rover Defender import process and can handle everything from customs paperwork to compliance filings on your behalf.
If needed, we’re happy to introduce you to one of these trusted service providers.
Many of them also offer Power of Attorney (POA) services, which means they can manage the entire importation process for you—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
✅ Pros:
- Lower cost on the vehicle– Because of the process that we, as Phoenix restorations, have to go through with customs including the registration of the vehicle, gathering documents and inspection timeline – we add a markup on top of the additional fees that we cover. Hence, if you opt-in with Option 1, the sale price of the vehicle will be reduced significantly (15-20%) as we will not have to take-on these procedural expenses.
- Simplified export – We get your Defender safely on board; you take it from there.
- Expert support available – We can connect you with vetted customs agents who simplify the process.
❌ Cons:
- As a buyer, you may hesitate – Some may be unsure about buying a vehicle not yet imported or registered in the States.
- Customs clearance can take time – Even if the vehicle qualifies for DOT and EPA exemptions (like a 1998 Defender) due to the 25 year exemption rule, U.S. customs may still take 1–2 weeks to process and release the vehicle. This depends on port congestion, document accuracy, and whether any third-party import professionals are involved.
- Less turnkey – You’ll need to submit the proper exemption paperwork, including DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1, with clearly indicated exemption codes. Proof of vehicle age is also required (e.g., foreign registration or VIN documentation).
Ideal for: Buyers looking to save money, are confident in handling imports (or working with a third party who does), and want more flexibility in the purchase process.
Option 2: We Import and Sell from the U.S.
(We handle the entire import process and sell from Miami)
In this model, we import the Land Rover Defender ourselves, register it under our U.S. company (Phoenix Land Rover Restorations LLC), and sell it as a fully legal, ready-to-drive classic. This is the easiest option for the buyer—just sign and drive.
We take care of everything, including:
- U.S. customs clearance
- DOT/EPA filings and inspections
- Florida title and classic registration
- All logistics from Istanbul to Miami
✅ Pros:
- Peace of mind – No paperwork, no customs fees.
- Increased buyer trust – You’re buying from a U.S.-based company.
- Ready-to-drive experience – No delays after purchase.
- Higher perceived value – Many buyers are willing to pay more for a hassle-free purchase.
❌ Cons:
- Higher price – We must build in costs like import duties, sales tax, and service fees.
- Longer timeline – Vehicles must arrive and clear before being listed for sale.
- Inventory risk on us – We take on the storage and tax burden before sale.
Best for: Buyers who want a stress-free Land Rover Defender import experience and are willing to pay more for convenience and confidence.
Why Do We Offer Both?
Simple: Not every buyer has the same priorities.
Some want lower prices and have no problem managing U.S. customs. Others want the reassurance of buying a fully imported and titled Defender in Florida. That’s why we offer both paths, and why we’re fully prepared to help you decide the best fit.
Whether you want to import Land Rover Defender models yourself, or let us deliver a fully prepped U.S. vehicle—we have the know-how, paperwork expertise, and flexibility to make it happen.
Want All the Numbers?
From Istanbul export fees to U.S. sales tax and registration costs, we’ve put together a detailed PDF that breaks down every step and fee associated with both options.
📥 [Download Full Import & Sales Process PDF] – (coming soon)
(Includes cost ranges, documentation checklist, inspection details, and more.)
Our Commitment
At Phoenix Restorations, we aren’t just experts in restoring Defenders—we’re also experienced in every step of the Land Rover Defender import process. From port paperwork to EPA compliance, we make sure your experience is as solid as the vehicles we build.
Have questions? We’re here to guide you at every step. Reach out any time—we’ll be happy to walk you through what’s best for your needs.
Legal Disclaimer
Please note that this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All legal documentation, filings, and vehicle import compliance services will be handled by licensed logistics, customs, or legal professionals whom we can refer you to as needed.
