Ann,
Thanks for your note – I will reconsider importing that truck. I already imported a 2006 Mini Cooper that checked out 99%, but so far hasn’t been able to obtain licensure because the wording on one of its tags (manufacturers plate) was in the WRONG FORMAT! meaning all the right information, just in a different order than those in the French Frmarket.
When you say “spares” are you referring to tires?
About the cost – in my experience, new and used cars in France are more expensive than in the US, especially California, as are parts.
Another question; if a car doesn’t pass the safety and emission tests I assume it could potentially be ‘brought current’ or modified to pass…is that correct? I may not want to take the risk, even if the answer is yes.