A3/S3 import from Mexico?

I know freetrade opened up the doors to getting cars imported from Canada, is it possible to get an A3 or an S3 in from Mexico?

Since buying the car in Mexico would force you to pay the new-car tax (included in the selling price, not a registration thing).

That said, the base price for an A3 in Mexico is US$25,000 and up to US$33,000 for the loaded 180HP version. Oh yes, and the S3 is just above US$42,000.

For that price, don't you like the S4?

NO, I'd prefer the S3!

Well, you are certainly an enthusiast for the S3!

I undestand that starting in 2003 you will be able to purchase you car wherever you want within the NAFTA region, and then pay your local taxes only. Though that's a two-year wait. Do you know when is a redesign coming for the A3?

Any easy way to smuggle one into the U.S.? At this point it seems like the only way to get one into the U.S. without paying premium price.

an old GTI for example. Then dump the GTI in Mexico and place the license plates onto your new S3 etc. Drive back into the US. Oh yeah take all the badges off too and put VW badges on it. The border patrol might still think its a Volks and viola! you got it in.

There was talk of the a long time ago, but as you can see it is very risky. You also risk getting pulled over in the US for driving an illegal vehicle.

Thanks Carlos, I was speaking only hypothetically since I have been reading the threads where everyone was complaining about not having the a3/s3 in the US. I was wondering why nobody had metioned the Mexico thing.

They are exactly the same ones used in the A4, so if you find the polished/silver version you'll have no trobule fitting them into your car, although not sure if they have the autodimming feature. Can't help you with part number as these are not offered in Mexico.

I´m not sure about that but what i understood is that the freetrade agreement with mexico deals with american and mexican made products. And since these cars are not manufactured in either country, the taxes for importing one into the US would be the same.