^^ That's a bit of a silly thing to write when you are acting here on behalf of Mania, Jemal.
You may want to re-read that, decide that it is corporate enticement to break the law, and delete it.

No way to get around the 25 year rule unless you want to pay the big bucks to have the car modified to 96 standard for the states, but since it's a gray market car, who knows what 96 specs are but I can tell you what ever those specs are, it's going to cost probably 3-4 times the car is worth

Just like a few 10 years ago people were paying for r34 skylines to be modified to US spec and dropping $40k plus for the work to be done

We're talking door bars, glass, emission and whatever else customs feels needs to be changed

Point is, find another mini that's older or buy one in the states already

Are you in Germany as a member of the US Military?  If so, check on your options for taking your personal property home.  You guys might have a way around customs!  Still, to register 'properly' in your home state may be a problem.  I'm NOT saying do this, but some people go into the DMV and say something like  "look what I found in Grandpa's barn",  or "can't find any paperwork, but we think it's an 81",  and go from there!  There is considerable risk, because you must sign about the "facts", but it's been done!

It's clear I'm going to need to sell or trade in my Mini before moving back to the states. If anyone has any info or contacts in Europe/Germany, they would be greatly appreciated!

The short answer is you'll have to wait another 6 years before even thinking about shipping your car to the US.

There has been some info omitted from the responses. What you need to know is what happens to the car when somebody at Customs experienced with this issue discovers you car isn't 25 years old.

Are you prepared to take a total loss? Your car won't be the first to be crushed.

My first mini was a 1989 model with 88,000 miles. Best running mini I have owned, I have owned 6. Get one of these.

 

Thanks..I've updated my account info with an email address. 

You would need to provide an email address for people contact you. There is an illegal process but if you're actually in Germany it might not be possible or at least more difficult than say England. I would think the best way in Germany would be to trade for a 1990 model. If you want to export to California I believe it has to be a 68 or old model.

Others will post soon and some may provide links to other recent threads on the subject.  Still others may contact you off list with information on how to do this under the radar.  The short answer is your 1996 is too new to be legally imported to the U.S. as the car must be at least 25 years old.

Hi,

I have a 1996 RHD Rover Mini Cooper that I bought in Germany and want to take back to the states when I leave here. Does anyone have any information on how I can get this to the states or any restrictions that might not allow me to? I have seen them in the states, and was wondering what I need to do to get it over there. Thanks for the help!