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Importing Car into Canada from US
I'm looking to import an american vehicle into Canada to save some money through the exchange rate. Does anyone know what are the fees i'll have to pay when I enter the border with the car?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Car_man
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Sorry jasonng, I don't know the answer to your question. Perhaps check with the appropriate government department - Customs and Excise?
Car_man
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My brother works for a Canadian company and often sell these cars for these Canadians. Personally, I have not figured out why they don't take them home with them.
Check with Canadian customs or prov. govt. for current rules.
Does anyone know how that works regarding my 2 vehicles? Will I have to pay a deposit at the border that will be refunded in 2 years?
I'm planning to buy a 2005 subaru outback and trade in my 1998 pathfinder prior to the move.
thanks
joe
thanks
joe
The only difference is Canada has required DRLs (daytime running lights) since 95? I think.
Most GM cars have had them since 96 anyway. Not sure about other makes.
I live on the US-Canadian border in NY. A lot of local used car dealers bring Canadian vehicles into the US for resale. And yes most mfrs. will and do deny all warranty work.
Not sure how it works the other way around tho...
Best bet is to call Subie USA direct and ask !
Also contact Canadian customs and the Prov. govt. where you will be living about reg. your cars there.
Terry aka RRoyce is the man to ask around here.
But hes goofing off golfing somewhere for a few days! I wish it was me instead.......
So if he sees this..He can help ya out!
I have seen this topic discussed in detail from a warranty perspective and i think i understand in better thanks to the forum.
Im my case, i am a kiwi (New Zealander) immigrating to Ottawa in 6 weeks, and i very much want to buy a Dodge pickup. Several good websites show me many pickups that meet my criteria, and 99% of them are in the USA.
I cant see why i cant fly to the USA, buy the truck i want, and drive it home.
Does anyone know and understand the import laws enough to give me a rundown on what to expect?
Thank you in advance...
Goose
and this one http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
If the vehicle is made in North America (doesn't matter if it's a Honda or a dodge) you can bring it in duty free into Canada. Make sure that the car is admissible into Canada by checking the list from RIV http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf
You will have to pay the taxes on the Canadian value that you paid or the red book value (whichever is greater). Pending on the province that you are entering, it varies.
If the car has air conditioning, you will have to pay a $100 tax.
I believe the the application process will cost aprox $200
You will have, I believe, 45 days to get the vehicle inspected to make sure everything checks out. If the car doesn't have day time running lights, you will need to have this installed and usually costs about $100 to $150.
Make sure you get a recall letter from the manufacturer BEFORE arriving at the border. You do not want to try bringing a car into Canada with outstanding recalls.
It also helps to call the border a few days in advance if possible. I found that this can speed things up quite a bit.
Also, I cannot speak for all manufactures, but I have not run into any trouble with getting warranty work done. If it's a warranty from the manufacturer, you shouldn't have any trouble getting it transferred to you (usually at no cost) and having it honored here in Canada. Most after market warranties are null and void if sold outside the issuing country though.
There is no age limit anymore. You can go buy a 2006 from the states, just as long as it's made in North America, there is no duty.
Hope this helps... if you have any other questions, drop me a line.
craigleblanc1@eastlink.ca
Thanks for a very helpful post.
Coule of questions:
- assume that you would have to pay PST and GST on any vehicle you buy and import to Canada??
- how do you get the manufacturers warranty transferred over to youself?
Now I am close to making an offer on Lexus RX330 AWD.
Thanks
n
Insurance is not a problem, just call your company with the details of the car and you are done.
What you may be able to do, pending on the state, is get a temporary plate from that State. I know that Florida issues these and taxes are not required to be paid until the car is fully registered. I'm not sure on the particulars required if you are not actually living in that State, but it may be something to check out.
The one sure way of doing it is to have it transported. It's actually not a bad deal pending on where the car is and where you need it transported. It can be delivered right to your driveway, but I would have it delivered to the border and do the paperwork yourself. If ever I can be of any help, just ask. If I don't know the answer, I'll help you find it. Have a great day and happy importing!! lol
Craig
Do I need to be an US citizen AND have an US address in order to buy a new car from a dealership in the States?
I've asked on other non-Edmund's board and it seems this is the case. I'd just like to confirm. If I need to meet the above two requirements then no way can i even buy a new car in US, let alone import it.
Thanks for reading this.
Most dealers will not sell to Canadians knowingly as that is part of the dealership contract in many cases. In some cases, the warranties so not creoss the border.
What I do not understand is why you would want to buy a new car in the US as the prices are generally MORE EXPENSIVE!! Last year, I purchased five identical pick-up trucks - two for Chicago and one each for Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto and the US trucks were about $1,200 more on USD$21k trucks.
Actually basically any car other than those made in the States is cheaper in US than here in Canada, from what I've observed. I'm looking at the STi and that's cheaper in the States than here in Canada. At the current favorable exchange rate(for us anyway) that car is ~44k CAD after adding all the damn taxes, which are duty+our 14% tax(provincial and federal). Even that is cheaper than our price BEFORE tax, 49k CAD, which ends up being 58k after tax. So in this case it's about 10k USD CHEAPER to buy it in the states and jumping through all the hoops to get the car into Canada and have a BC license.
But then I need an US address. Argh...
1) First, all states are going to charge you sales tax also.
2) How are you going to get the car back into Canada to use it? I am sure that the Province of BC is going to hit you with some taxes or duties.
3) How are your going to pay for the vehicle? If by cash, you are going to have a fun time carrying all that currency into the US. Make sure you declare it at the border. And when you show up at the dealership, they will have to file a form with the Treasury Department in order to accept the cash. If you plan to finance it, you are an alien with no credit record in the US. You will either need a social security number (which you won't get) or you will need a ATIN.
4) You better make sure that Subaru will honor a warranty claim in Canada on a purchase made in the US. Many of the domestics and VW will NOT.
As long as the dealer can get their money in whole lump sum and checked to be legitimate it's not a problem. The deposit can be placed using credit card(Canadian card can be used for giving them USD), and the rest of the cost(total-deposit) needs to be paid with certified check.This latter item can be obtained either by taking a loan from bank or leaving the adequate amount of money in account and have them issue it.
Now the last one...Hmmm that I don't know yet.
Probably the most difficult part is still the address...
2.When Purchasing a Used Vehicle NOT All States will Charge you Sales Tax. For Example, Texas, Wisconsin and NY will NOT Charge Sales Tax. You Will Pay sales Tax where you Register the Vehicle. ie: BC, Ontario, etc,...
3.Most US and Canadian Built Cars are NOT Subject to Duties. Just make Sure that they Comply to Canadian Safety Standards!
4.Bring a Certified Cheque.
5. Ford of Canada Will Honor the American Manufacturers Warantee. Subaru, Why Not?
I am looking to import a 68 Dodge Charger from the U.S. and would like to know if the kind of costs involved besides the actual purchase of the vehicle.
Will i have to pay their State Tax?
Because the car is fairly old will i have to pay Duty and GST & PST?Even if i plan to resell the vehicle?
Because the car is going to be resold will it need to registered in my province?
What kind of documentation is required for importing older vehicles?
Are their transport companies that will take care of the border stuff?
Are their any other kind of hidden costs or paper work that i should be aware of?
Guys, I think I made the mistake of buying the accord in states and bringing it into Canada prior to getting the clearance letter from American Honda. I contacted American Honda and they refused to provide a letter, since i don't reside in states. I contacted RIV and they told me to download the info with the VIN number from honda site and that would suffice for no recall clearance.
Has anybody gone through it. I did check with the dealer prior to buying the car from owner about any outstanding recalls, and there were none.
This is a bunch of BS, I don't know why American Honda has an upset stomach on issuing a no recall letter for used cars.
any info would be appreciated.
thanks a lot.
for any good answers...........
It used to be in Ontario any American car could be imported
into Canada if it was OVER 10 yrs. old with NO duty.
Things have changed a LOT with NAFTA...................
warranty/recall for any vehicle that was sold in
Canada new then imported to the US for resale.
(and the other way around also)
Unless it was by the original owner that happened to be
traveling in the US or Canada. So you MAY have a shot
on that account. I doubt they will give you anything
in writing.
Its prob. best if you kept your eye on one of the recall
forums and brought your car back to the states for
warranty/service to avoid any hassle...........
I see these problems a lot where I live along the NY/Canada
border with newer cars imported into the US from Canada.
Most folks have to bite the bullet and make a trip into
Canada for any warranty service.................... :confuse:
warranty/recall for any vehicle that was sold in
Canada new then imported to the US for resale.
(and the other way around also)**
Can anyone say the word --- Bingo.?
Terry.
I had serious problems on the canadian border with the above mentioned vehicle because I did not have the title and wanted to drive it in canada until the title comes and I can import it. I also had to pay good fine to get it back because they seized it. Now I am in their system and every time I cross the border I attract attention. I am planning on disputing the seizure so If anyone knows something about seizures or can provide me with a link I would be very thankful.
1. Title
Most states, if not all, requires residency (i.e. qualification for a local driver's license) before they'll title/register a new car. Does anyone have experience getting a new car titled in AK or OR without proof of residency? And even if you got title without showing proof of residency, how long did you have to wait for it (i.e. leave the car in the states)?
2. Recall Clearance Letter
The safest way appears to be: call the dealer, get the VIN and hold the car, call the manufacturer, ask for the letter, wait for the letter to arrive, then pay for the car. Does anyone have the experience of getting a letter from Volvo USA?
Other issues seem to be solvable for now. I'll be glad to share any research findings with anyone interested.
Thanks.
Thanks for you time.
Bryan @ REO
That duty does eat into your potential savings (of $9000 less travel expenses, additional insurance, title fees, licensing fees, RIV fees, inspection fees, modification costs, GST, PST or HST, etc.).
It appears that the 6% duty (and probably the 7% GST too) will be calculated based on the Canadian blue book value rather than your true cost. But still, we can probably save a good $6000 to $7000 after tax by going to the states for a few days of vacation. Right? :-) Just have to make sure the whole process is at all possible.
(Again, as I said in my first email, getting title document and recall clearance seems to be the biggest issue, unless you can already live in the states.)
Good luck, and lets share any further findings...
PS:
you might want to check this page for some real life experience of importing an USED car: http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/Import.html#Sec9
be honored on cars bought in the US then reregistered
in Canada (or visa versa).
I have read quite a few auto makers doing this on these
forums......................
I live along the US/Canadian border and have seen this
happen several times with Canadian cars imported into
the US..............
I have a same problem with damn the clearance letter from American Honda.They just refused with no reason... :mad:
Can you or anybody who nows,please write me how to download the info with the VIN number from honda site.
Would very appreciate you halp ,folks !!!!
Please email me: adpmail@mail.ru
I've read through the RIV website but there still seams to be some manufacturer-specific loose ends. So I'd like to know if any Canadian has bought a new Honda in the US and imported into Canada (even better if to Ontario)?
Will the warranty be honoured in Canada?
Did you have to pay any type of tax in the US?
How did you arrange for trip permits while transporting back to Canada?
Were the border staff in both countries already familiar with this sort of thing or were there hassles?
Any other hiccups?
I ask because the CDN dollar at the moment is trading at almost 0.87US which means for the Element I was considering buying here in Canada costs about 30,000C$ (excluding taxes) whereas the same model bought at a US dealership would be about 21,500US$ (24,712CS)
Thx,
Ian
I'm in your boat as well, sitting in Ontario tempted to roll the dice and bring in a Honda from the States. I've found a few clues on other forums of this being done. I'll e-mail them to you if you'd like. Generally, my understanding is.
1. warranty likely won't be honored. For the cost savings ($5-6k on an average vehicle) I'm not concerned. $5-6k will buy a lot of repairs, Hondas tend to be very reliable and if anything major does happen (powertrain), you can tow it back to the states for repair.
2. no significant tax - no sales tax since you and I would be non-resident in the state of purchase. GST and (possibly) duties at the border, but nothing major in the states.
3. Not sure on this one. You'll need insurance (from your Ontario insurer) for driving in the states. Don't know if you'll need anything from the state you buy vehicle in.
4. Customs officers know the procedures and handle it regularly.
5. Lot of little details to sweat, but definately doable.
Unfortunately this seems to be one of the few forums where no one seems to actually have tried this lately.
How did you get a social security number? Can non-residents (e.g. Canadians living in Canada) get a number? That to me seems the stumbling block for a Canadian wanting to buy in the states. WIthout that, I assume a US car dealer isn't going to be able to transfer title to me.
What state did you buy from and what vehicle did you bring over to Canada?
Thanks!
It is out on the boonies. The dealer seams legit.
Payment seems to be an issue though. It will take days 2-3 three days for a certified canadian check to clear before he can releasing the car, wire transfer seems like a good option (they cost $40 and takes a couple days). Any idea's on doing this in one road trip (I could leave the car at friends in the states and make a second trip if customs is held up). Are there issues with declaring US$20K going across the boarder to buy a car if I do a wire transfer? It seems strange in this day and age that the wire transfer takes 2 days.
Cheers,
WestCoastGuy
Vancouver
Please research the dealership more by checking the phone number on the yellowpages.com for that area of the Country, if it doesn't match or you can't find the dealership listed, it is probably a scam.
Now I am looking for a vehicle to re-sell in Canada that has a larger profit margin. The problem is that I can't seem to find any sources of information on what type of vehicle to buy.
I am sure there is someone else out there that could give me some assistance/guidance and I am sure it would be appreciated by more than just myself.
I do wonder how much profit there is left after you resell. You bring a car into Canada for personal use and there's a savings for sure. But when you try to resell on, the buyer would have to buy PST (depending on the province you live in), lose any warranty (if its a new car) and overcome the fear of buying an imported vehicle, which means they won't pay you the same price they'ld pay a Canadian dealer for the same car. Is there enough margin left?