Unless you have done at least once, (which you seem to have) Importing any vehicle to the US is serious project and prone to many hidden costs. Importing a defender these days offers even more challenges than the norm. I have been importing a series truck a year for the past few years now and will offer this:
1) In the eyes of CBP/DHS Defenders are pretty much considered contra band until proven other wise. Back dated Vins on late model Defenders has caused a tightening of the 25 year exception. Google search to find hundred of thread pages on Defender web forums about this.
2) You need to do A LOT of due diligence on the history of the Defender you have fallen in love with in Europe. If, in the hands of CBP, it turns out it is not what you claimed it to be, you could be faced with a felony and truck seized--for good.
3) Hire customs brokers at both ends--don't be penny wise and pound foolish.
4) If CBP "taps" the container for intrusive inspection, expect to pay anywhere from $1 to 3K in additional costs; on top of customs fees and import tax. You pay for sequestering and transport of the container by 3rd party, visual inspection by CBP(opening of cavities), and/or possible x-ray, storage and processing fees. With no ability recoup, haggle, or not pay the incurred fees by CBP or 3rd party. This is first hand experience, not hearsay.
5) Have all paperwork completed at at your customs broker prior to truck arriving in US. Storage fees start ticking after 3 days. If the above is invoked, CBP can take many days to sequester your container.
6) Highly advise you receiving the truck from your customs agent, not power of a tourney given to a land based shipper. If you do not see/confirm the condition of your truck, recourse is very limited.
7) Once you get the released CBP 7501 or 3299 form you are good to go.
8) Every state is different but most likely you'll need all non english ownership and sales transaction documents translated in order to register.
W/o shipping be prepared to spend up to $3K to get it thru CBP. I've done it twice for <$500 but also done it for close to $3K.
Also, 200TDi are not out the question for import in a late 80s Stage I 110. 300TDI are not 25 years old but are 20, required by EPA. 5TDI and Puma are a no-go.
The Toltec Coffee fleet....
96 FZJ80: 3XL, lifted, and shaved
94 FZJ 80: our Costa Rican coffee and surf mobile
70 Series IIA 88: After 18 months of wrenching, its alive and legal to drive!
70 Series IIA 88: in US on H-1B visa
56 Series I 86: a whole new type of rover hell....