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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • subahondasubahonda Member Posts: 75
    "approved for import" simply means that RIV knows that it will pass, as opposed to the not-allowed list. They see which cars have made it through and post it. If the car does have what is in the requirements then it will pass. Toyota will be selling the 2008 Highlander in Canada, so it will pass - perhaps with some stickers in French added (assuming DRLs). No matter what a dealer says, Toyota itself has no restrictions on import/export to Canada and they honor the warranty - but with a Toyota you won't need it. The Canadian dealers are telling US dealers not to do it - but call Toyota and you'll see. The dealer from Maine who has posted is giving good information from real experience, not theory. I had the same experience with NY. No sales tax and a two week NY plate for getting to the border. And if the dealers in Michigan give you a hard time, go to Kentucky or Ohio. Or Maine.
  • diigiidiigii Member Posts: 156
    Update: My Chicago contact at this Nissan dealership in Chicago contacted me awhile ago. He informed me that his manager checked with head office and yes they will be allowed to sell me a 2007 Altima SE V6 6-spd. However, the $500 rebate will not be given since I'm a non-US resident. When I inquired about the recall clearance letter, he said that nobody knows what that document is. I explained it to him that it's the most important document needed to successfully export/import the car to me. However, I mentioned to him that the authorized dealer can issue a letter provided it's got the company stamp, bearing the VIN of the vehicle. He was nice and pleasant to talk to.

    Sadly, my experience with local dealers here in Toronto just got worse. And I don't think I will, ever, buy another car here while the CAD$ is almost in parity with the US$. Yesterday, I called Morningside Nissan to ask about the card I received in the mail advertising their promo rebates. I figured I should give this dealership the chance to earn my business. I wouldn't like to take my business elsewhere (let alone in the US) if they would at least try their best to convince me. But no, they didn't try at the least. I called around 11:30am to inquire which cars are getting the $5,500 rebates. The receptionist asked me if I am buying a car or just calling to ask for some information. I replied "BOTH!" She said that all the salespeople are busy and ask if I would like to have someone call me instead. I said sure and gave my number. Would you believe that no one called me?!! I didn't get all that upset. In fact, I even drove to the dealership after work and even went inside for 10 minutes. I can't f***ing believe that not one salesperson approached me to ask if I was being served!!!! I was all over the showroom floor and was actually looking at both Altima sedan and coupe. There was a managaer with his glass office directly in front of the cars and he was not doing anything. I was right in front!!!!!!! I was so pissed that I just left without saying a word. As I have said earlier, I will never buy my next car here again. I hope dealerships here wake up before they realized their cars aren't moving off the lot anymore.
  • wooha2000wooha2000 Member Posts: 54
    "The Canadian dealers are telling US dealers not to do it - but call Toyota and you'll see."

    When you say Canadian Toyota Dealers, do you mean is it Toyota Canada telling Toyota USA to inform their dealers not to sell to Canadians?

    I purchased a PRIUS from a dealer in LV in May/2007. There were a number of dealers would sell me one in LV and one in Montana. But dealers in California and Arizona would not stating that the agreemeent with Toyota USA pohibited to sell vehicles to Canadians.

    I then tryed to purchase another PRIUS in June from the same dealership I got my previous one. Low and behold, he said he could not sell me one anymore along with the Montana dealer. Both stated the same reason, they were told not to sell to Canadians anymore.
  • wooha2000wooha2000 Member Posts: 54
    Hi,

    Not sure if anyone was aware that Canada implemented a program to rebate Canadians for purchasing Fuel Efficient vehicles such as the PRIUS, Civic Hybrid, Yaris, etc. The GoC has chosen not to provide the rebate to new fuel efficient vehicles importing from the USA to Canada.

    The main objective of the rebate program was to reward Canadians for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles and the GoC has decided not to reward us who have purchased a fuel efficient vehicle the rebate for a number of reasons.

    If you have imported a vehicle into Canada that would have been eligible for a rebate if purchased in Canada, I would like to start a petition or a discussion to see what we can do to get this rebate.

    You can email me at wooha@shaw.ca

    Thanks
  • jagadeeshjagadeesh Member Posts: 2
    Hi there,,

    I really appreciate for offering help to new ppl like me who plans to import a used car from the States.

    I am thinking of importing a USED mazda6 from NY. I live in Waterloo, Ontatio.

    Any suggestions? Do you think its feasible? My major concern is the time it takes for the entire process, any duty?

    What about mazda dealer warranty? Is it transferable from US to Canada?

    BTW, how much can I expect to spend for installing DRL?

    Thanks,
  • mycxmycx Member Posts: 7
    I have done some researches myself with Mazda dealers in VT and NY, and nobody wants to sell to canadian without a US address. My first pick was a Mazda CX9 and I was saving about $9000 even with the 6.1% duty.

    All that noise about more and more people buying from the US and now we, canadians, are left with buying from 'screw you'Mazda Canada and company.

    After reading through threads on multiple forums about manufacturers giving marching orders to US dealers not to sell to non-resident, I feel that I missed the boat since it seems a pretty recent rule.

    I had some hope when I read threads about Saturn (Outlook), Toyota (Highlander 2008) and Subaru (Tribeca) still allowing this type of transaction but I now think that the manufacturer executives simply got there mind around this exchange rate issue a little bit after the others...

    Anybody could share some lights on possible solutions?
  • edmhloedmhlo Member Posts: 6
    Yes you can bring in a used car to Canada as long as it meets requirements of RIV (Registar of Import Vehicle)see detail at site: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
    You also have to fax the title of the car to the US Customs at the point of exit from US 72 hours before your crossing. Not all crossing points will process the US exit permit. In your area it is the Queenston/Lewiston Boder crossing. i.e. fax the title to US Customs at Lewiston 72 hours before crossing. After exit US you will come to Canadian Customs. You will need to present your bill of sales, signed over title, insurance slip and pay your C$200 RIV fee and 6% GST and fill in the "FROM 1".(Assuming the vehicle is admissible. Go to RIV site to check the admissible list.) Oh yes, you donot have to get US license in USA. You can get a temporary transit permit from the State you are buying the used car. So you don't have to pay the US State and County taxes. Once you crossed the Canadian border you have 45 days to get the car inspected by Canadian Tire Shops and modify the car to meet Canadian requirements if anything needed. Otherwise it is a piece of cake. I am doing this next week. Good luck all.
  • smogilsmogil Member Posts: 40
    Wooha, keep searching. The rule isn't new, it's always been around. It was around 6 years ago when Americans were importing from Canadian dealerships (when the f/x rate was over 1.60 - back then, the OEMs were actually giving Canadian dealerships close to the border fewer cars to cut off supply for export), and it was around before then too. It's just more in the spotlight now.

    If you're looking for a Subaru, check out this site: http://www.cars101.com/canada.html dedicated to importing Subaru's. There are dealerships out there that will do it. I made a deal on an Audi recently and 8/10 wouldn't, but it just takes some searching.

    Alternatives: For $9k, I would consider getting a different car. Or else why not consider a used car with 6k miles on it, or perhaps a demo? There's no restriction on slightly used cars. Just be careful with warranty issues, as OEM's such as Honda and Chrysler claim warranty won't transfer to Canadians.

    Good luck!
  • kerussokerusso Member Posts: 24
    It is interesting but not surprising how you say these different Mazda dealers are refusing to sell to Canadians. It tells me that as our Canadian dollar rises the various associations that represent the Canadian Stealerships are getting nervous and putting pressure on their U.S. counterparts and manufacturers to make it difficult for Canadians to buy from the U.S.

    All I can say to that is Thank God for the non-affiliated and private pre-owned dealerships all over the U.S. that can not be influenced by these money hungry fear mongering associations and can still sell you a great car at a great price!
  • smogilsmogil Member Posts: 40
    It's not the Canadian dealerships that are pressuring US dealerships... it's the OEM (ie. Mazda head office from Japan) that's created this rule. A Mazda dealership in the US not affiliated whatsoever with a Mazda dealership in Canada and has no reason to care. It's their dealership agreement when they sign on to be a dealer with Mazda. And this agreement has to do strictly with new cars, not used cars. So the US dealership can sell you a 2-week only demo with 1k miles on it, but not a brand new car.

    And by the way, this rule applies to any export/import, not just Canada-US. It's the same if you want to import a car form Mexico, Brazil, Germany and even Japan.

    Does it make sense from a consumer perspective? No. Is it fair? No. But we have to live with it and just find ways around it. These forums really help!
  • mycxmycx Member Posts: 7
    So in the end pre-owned cars seem not to fall within the OEM rules hence allowing us to buy from the US. However I intended to buy new since we only have one car and want to eliminate the likelyhood of repairs... I'll continue to read you guys and think about it.

    Thanks to edmhlo, smogil and kerusso for your answers and additional info.
  • smogilsmogil Member Posts: 40
    Keep in mind that pre-owned usually refers to cars used for only several months and will less than 10k miles. You can sometimes find ones with extended warranty, so that ends up being a freebie. I wouldn't worry much about any materially higher likelihood of repairs.
  • naturalpawsnaturalpaws Member Posts: 1
    We live in Calgary and were told by one MT dealer that they can't sell to Cdns. I see from this board that this is company policy - darn it. If you know of a dealer that sells new Toyota Camry's (particularly XLE's) located in WA or MT, please PM me at maestro.mommy@gmail.com. TIA
  • romanicaromanica Member Posts: 1
    Hi. I am an International student(not Canadian Citizen).

    I am just looking at buying a new-Jetta 2007 base model. But, some dealers(around Seattle WA) do not want to sell one to me.

    I live in Vancouver, and I will buy one by 100% cash.

    Q1:
    Do you know any VW dealerships that would sell a car to me?

    Q2:
    How long do I need to stay in the U.S.(i.e. how long does the importing process take?)

    Thank you.

    :mad:
  • frustratedcnckfrustratedcnck Member Posts: 1
    Hey Guys, I'm living in Ontario and I would like to buy a Mazda from Maine or NY. From what everyone has wrote, Mazda USA is refusing to sell cars to Canadians. Some ppl have mentioned that a slightly used car is alright. I'm just curious if any1 has had any success with this and if any1 could point me to some dealers where they have had luck at or at least dealers with experience in this.

    Also, I'm curious about the taxes. When I get temporary plates, do I pay 0 taxes in the USA and just 6% GST + 6.1% duty in Ontario? I appreciate the help. Cheers.
  • milemmilem Member Posts: 39
    Are the temporary tags of 14 days (Maine), I'll get after buying my car, enough to last until the inspection at Canadian Tire in Canada ??
    After buying my car, I'll stay at least 72 hours in the US before crossing the border. So, I'm wondering if I'll receive the inspection form from RIV before the temp tags are over ??

    (From what I learn, we can only get our provincial tags after the inspection is done...)
  • netdognetdog Member Posts: 66
    If you live in the Toronto area you can speed up the process by visiting the RIV offices on East Mall instead of waiting for the form 2 by mail. Or you can simply call them as soon as you enter Canada and they will fax you the form 2 on the same day. Either way, you should be fine with 14 days.
  • danno567danno567 Member Posts: 1
    wooha,

    can you pm me the Montana dealer? We are looking for a Sienna Van. If anyone knows some dealers who are on board to sell pls let me know. email me at kona73(nospam)@hotmail.com
    remove the (nospam)

    thanks!

    kona
  • starman4starman4 Member Posts: 4
    Stupid question, what is the "infant restraint kit" referred to in the RIV list of required modifications? It isn't the "child tether anchorage" as that's also mentioned at the same place.

    http://www.riv.ca/english/html/mod_inspect_requirements.html
  • mycxmycx Member Posts: 7
    As a follow up on my previous postings. While I was shopping for a new CX9 at Mazda US dealers (which I was unsuccessful with), I also inquired about the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 to a Vermont dealer (sorry for those in the West) via "Request a quote" web shopping tool. I received an answer right after and through the chat with the agent, she mentioned that they are selling new cars to Canadians all the time and even gave me hints on how to proceed.

    She also mentioned that I would not have to pay the taxes in VT as I would import the car. The hybrid is not there yet (they have 2007 though) but I figured some of you may be interested in knowing that some dealers may still sell to Canadians. Ok I did not close the sale with them but at least I have emails that prove their say.

    I will be waiting for the Hybrid to come out (MSRP on Highlander 2008 limited (no price for hybrid yet) is $US32,700 in the US and $CAD49,900 in Canada. What a difference considering that OEM mentioned that they would readjust prices in Canada when the 2008 models would come in...
  • wooha2000wooha2000 Member Posts: 54
    I would but that dealer is not willing to sell to Canadians anymore. sorry.
  • wooha2000wooha2000 Member Posts: 54
    Which Vermont dealer?
  • jadeboyjadeboy Member Posts: 11
    Please provide that information to my email also, I am looking into a Lexus IS350 also, I lived in Calgary.. email bic@qis.ca_NO_SPAM.
  • chnauz091382chnauz091382 Member Posts: 3
    Just curious I am looking at importing a pickup from Georgia into southern Ontario. The truck is used with almost 10,000 miles on it. The dealer told me that Georgia has a 7% state tax that I could take two ways.

    1. Either added to the purchase price of the truck

    Or

    2. He can forward the paperwork on with the truck and I can pay the taxes at the border crossing in whatever state I choose to have the truck delivered too. (I said either MI or NY)

    My question is if I plan on registering the truck in Ontario and had the truck delivered there would I have to pay the 7%? or none because its in NY state now? or on the other hand if its delivered to MI I'd pay the 6% instead of the 7%?? I'm a little confused on the situation.

    Also depending on the outcome of this problem what other states work as such? could I buy in Ohio or PA and have delivered or drive it myself into NY state?

    Thanks for any comments on this!
  • mycxmycx Member Posts: 7
    www.HeritageVT.com
  • edmhloedmhlo Member Posts: 6
    Hi chnauz091382 My experience was buying car/truck from NY state and importing to Ontario. There is something called "temporary transit permit" that NY state issues for #US10 to a used car purchaser for the new owner drive the car/truck back to where it will be registered. In our case - Ontario, Canada. The "temporary transit permit" is good for 30 days after issued by NY State. Ask the dealer to get you a "temporary transit permit" from the State you are buying the truck. Get your insurance coverage and drive home. Before you can come with your truck see previuos discussions re: US export prosedure and RIV requirements.
  • smart3smart3 Member Posts: 4
    smogil,

    I am interested to import a Toyota Sienna to Ontario, Canada. Could you email me at ahim101@yahoo.com
  • maryannemmaryannem Member Posts: 11
    I sell cars in Maine and we deliver the cars to the border for customers and tell them to get an appointment at Canadian Tire as soon as possible. I sold one today and we are delivering the car to the border at 10am on Monday and he has an appointment at 1:30 the same day. You should have no problem getting an appointment. Good luck
  • netdognetdog Member Posts: 66
    maryannem, perhaps you can help me with my purchase. can you please PM me at netdog999@hotmail.com?
  • defrederickdefrederick Member Posts: 52
    I've been attempting to purchase a Toyota for six weeks now and have for the second time run into the "Toyota won't allow us to sell to Canadians" roadblock. My next attempt will be to use my sister, who lives in Florida, as an American third party to complete the sale with and then immediately sell the vehicle to me. This will all happen on paper using couriers before I even fly down to Nevada to pick up the vehicle.

    I'm assuming that the only difference will be that I'll need to have my sister sign over the Title and/or complete a Bill of Sale, depending on whether or not there is a suitable place on the title to transfer ownership.

    Has anyone done this and is there anything I need to watch out for that could jeopardize the deal?

    Thanks,

    Dan
  • tsanfordtsanford Member Posts: 2
    I am interested also...timsanford at eastlink.ca
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Dan....I am not an expert in this area, however I see one downside to your plan.

    Your sister will have to pay state taxes on the car to first get it registered in her name. If you were able to get it directly from the dealer in your name, and because the car will go to a Canadian address, no state taxes are payable.

    Toyota is one manufacturer who seems to play hardball with their dealers to restrict sales to Canadian buyers.

    Doug
  • dhermildhermil Member Posts: 9
    I am a Hyundai-Mitsubishi dealer in the Detroit metro area. We deliver cars to Canadian customers in Canada.
    We arrange all the necessary paperwork including financing if required. As an example, I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa FE SE that we can sell for $21,500 Canadian. The only taxes would be the Canadian federal and provincial taxes which total 14%. I believe that the comparable vehicle in Canada would be priced closer to $30,000 Canadian.

    I would be happy to explain how the process works in detail.

    Canadians buying vehicles in the US, and importing / registering vehicles in Canada, the procedure is relatively straightforward. First, vehicles under 15 years must qualify for import and be on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)approved list (riv.ca). The list also indicates expected modifications required to register the vehicle. Expect daytime running lights and child safety seat anchors at a minimum. Avoid cars requiring bumper modifications and Mercedes Benz vehicles in this regard specifically as only the dealer ($$$$) can modify the vehicle to comply with RIV. Kit cars under 15 years are not admissible. Good news: vehicles ( except buses) over 15 years ( based on month /year of manufacture ) all are admissible without requiring RIV inpections. Cars over 25 years are antiques, no duty applies. Motorcycles, trucks (light and heavy ) and SUVS are all admissible. Having found an admissible vehicle, the title for any "self propelled land vehicle" must be faxed to US Customs at the border crossing for approval: each port has slightly different hours and rules. Some border crossings do not process vehicles. Three full business days later, the vehicle with original title can cross and be stamped by US Customs. The vehicle must then be admitted by Canada Customs. Expect to pay 6% GST, $100 air conditioning excise tax, $206 RIV fee ( under 15 years old ) and possible duty if not made in North America. Example: German vehicles 6%. I always fax the RIV form 1 myself to RIV, the next day call them and they will email you form 2, listing what has to be modified. If you do not call, form 2 will be mailed in about 10 days. After completing modifications, you take form 1 &2, the vehicle and a letter from the manufacturer stating " no outstanding recalls" to Canadian Tire for inspection, they stamp the forms and you can go to a licence office, pay the PST ( on actual price paid, not book value ), turn in the US ownership, and obtain a Canadian title to the vehicle. As always, you need a safety inpection and possibly an emission test. Be warned no original US title in hand and the vehicle cannot cross into Canada
  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    This certainly sounds like a solicitation for a sale which violates the terms of the Edmunds websites.
  • bankonebankone Member Posts: 44
    Does Hyundai Canada honor the waranty? Can I lease the vehicle?
  • bankonebankone Member Posts: 44
    Hi Mycx,

    Which website you used for request a quote? Thanks.
  • dhermildhermil Member Posts: 9
    yes on both
  • animagusanimagus Member Posts: 15
    Dan, I'm running into the same issue - please let me know if you find a solution. One point to consider, even with some of the various taxes it is likely still more economical to purchase in the US. Will Toyota honor the warranty in Canada? Also if you do decide to buy in the US look for a state that does not have state taxes (or at least are the lowest).
  • smart3smart3 Member Posts: 4
    Maryannem, I would like to purchase a vehicle. Could you please PM at ahim101@yahoo.com
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    This certainly sounds like a solicitation ...

    It sounds like an explanation of a process and does not contain contact information.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • patnspatns Member Posts: 4
    "This certainly sounds like a solicitation for a sale which violates the terms of the Edmunds websites."

    I don't agree with that interpretation at all. The post went through the reality of importing and just gave the facts.
  • defrederickdefrederick Member Posts: 52
    Thanks for the heads up, Doug.

    I'm not certain, but I don't think she'll need to pay state taxes, as we'll never actually be transferring the vehicle from Nevada to Florida. In fact, I hope to keep her name only on the Toyota documentation, including the Title, which we'll transfer back to me before it even leaves the lot in Nevada. As far as Toyota is concerned, it is an American sale. As far as Nevada is concerned, it is out of state. I'm hoping that the dealer will issue the temporary Nevada registration in my name so I don't incur an additional fee on that end, but I don't expect that it will be too expensive.
  • defrederickdefrederick Member Posts: 52
    Hey, at this point, a solicitation for a sale would be a welcome relief. ;) Are there any Toyota dealers out there who have fought Toyota on this and won? The dealer I was working with had 9 Canadian deals in the works and was finally shut down last week.
  • jadeboyjadeboy Member Posts: 11
    Look at what Toyota agrees to

    http://www.bermanesq.com/Antitrust/C...asp?caseid=464

    "On February 24, 2006, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. agreed to pay $35 million to settle plaintiffs’ claims. Toyota also agreed to refrain from engaging in anticompetitive conduct with other auto makers and trade associations and to cooperate in the lawsuit’s discovery process. "

    I guess Toyota/Lexus has gone back to their old ways.
  • mrridermrrider Member Posts: 1
    maryannem, perhaps you can help me with my purchase. can you please PM me at fmarineau@yahoo.com :) ?
  • gtemplegtemple Member Posts: 1
    It is my understanding that new vehicles can not be brought into Canada. The Honda dealer in Vancouver told me this, as well he said the way they get around this is to list it as a 'Demo' vehicle. He said that Honda Canada has told them not to honour the warranty but that their particular dealership does honour the warranty.

    Anyone know whether the new car issue is true? http://www.riv.ca/ say it is OK maybe it is a dealer issue!
  • sr123sr123 Member Posts: 12
    am thinking of importing a Acura into Canada will I have warranty or no and are Acuras built in USA or do you have to
    pay duty on AcuraTL's 2006 or 07. Thanks any info would help
    on the duty part.sr123 Thanks for all your help.
  • smogilsmogil Member Posts: 40
    I was looking at importing a RDX and was told by the Acura dealer in the States that Honda Canada will not honour the warranty. Several people on these posts have confirmed this to be true. Has nothing to do with RIV, it's purely a function of how the dealerships operate.
  • netdognetdog Member Posts: 66
    No duties nor excise taxes on the TL, MDX, and RDX which are assembled in Canada (MDX) and US (TL, RDX). Not sure about Acura's policy on warranties but I would assume that it is just as bad as Honda's which does not honour warranty work in Canada on vehicles imported from the US. I would suggest that you check directly with Acura to be sure.
  • netdognetdog Member Posts: 66
    I just received an interesting email on Monday from a Buffalo-area Toyota dealer who had previously declined to sell to canadians that Toyota has just released that they can now sell to canadians!

    If this is in fact true then this is great news. However, I've been unable to get confirmation of this from anywhere and I've been unable to contact the dealer to get further clarification. Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

    Recent news releases revealed that while Toyota US sales were down over the past year, canadian sales were still strong so I would not be entirely surprised if this were in fact true and Toyota US were now lifting any barriers to increasing their sales volumes.
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