Importing Car into Canada from US

bankone

I originally thought of buying a Toyota RAV 4 Limited (V4)from the US. However after doing my math, I ended up buying locally in Canada. The following is my calculation:

Buying from US:

US
MSRP 25,980.00
Discount (1,268.00)(from a dealer in US)
Exchange 0.94
CAD Equiv 26,289.36
AC Tax 100.00
GST 1,583.36
PST 2,111.15
RIV Fee 206.70
Import Duty 1,603.65
Subtotal 31,894.22

Broker's Fee 400.00 (buying from California)
Dispersement Fee 101.81
Safety 90.10
Emission 37.10
Shipping 2,270.00 (shipping from CA to Ottawa)
Subtotal 2,899.01

Total Cost 34,793.23

Interest Rate 6.25% (borrow from Line of credit, pay prime interest rate)
Payment/Year 12.00
Total Years 3.00
Per Payment $1,062.42
Total Including interest 38,247.24

Buying from Canada:

Vehicle cost (I bought at this price): 37,860.91
Toyota financing: 1.9%
Payment/Year 12.00
Total Years 3.00
Per Payment $1,082.78
Total Including interest 38,980.15

Final actual saving: $732.91

crikey

But most people would not be shipping the vehicle, especially at the cost of $2,899.01. And I think that you are not getting the most discount you can get. Although, I am not familiar with the pricing structure of a RAV4, that price for a 4-cylinder version maybe a bit high. Why not look at other vehicles, instead of just a RAV4, if that's the best price you can get? I hear it's easy to transfer US warranty to Canadian warranty on Subarus and those are pretty good vehicles, IMO.

crikey

Yeah, some things are askew in the Great White North. Canada should look into refining its own oil so that it should cost less for Canadians. Having the loonie appreciate this much just magnifies how much more Canucks' cost of living is.

crikey

Thanks for the info. Wish we could make the summary a sticky and have it editable.

bankone

I have contacted so many Toyota dealers close to Ontario, none of them want to sell to Canadian. I finally found a car buying service company based in California. That's the calculation based on the info they provide. I believe for vehicles less than US$30,000, the saving is not as big as we hope.

thecannyscot

If the Rav 4 was built in North America, i thought there was no Duty??

crikey

If the Rav 4 was built in North America, i thought there was no Duty??

The RAV4 is made in Japan.

crikey

It's unfortunate that you have not been able to find a closer dealership that is willing to sell to you. That, in it of itself, is another challenge. How about looking at Florida dealerships and timing a vacation when you pick it up? Wait until the hurricane season is over and the weather is nicer. It's still kinda hot down here.

missgadget

I am looking into purchasing 2007 Santa FE Limited AWD 3.3 V6 or SE AWD 3.3 V6 Can anyone suggest a reputable Hyundai dealer in New York state (Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester area) whose services you used before importing your vehicle into Canada. What's the process, total cost and time frame. How many visits does the whole process require? Is is possible to get the recall letter from the dealer, or do I contact Hyundai USA once I have the VIN.
Your advice is highly appreciated.

scrolllock

Import duties. There are none for Honda's or any car that is built in North America.

peter_upnorth

I think it is important to point out Mercedes issues. I just completed the import of an E500 and it costs just over $5000 in addition to having to deal with a very arrogant and "that's the way it is" Canadian head office .
I have brought in an 06 Audi S4 last year and it was easy with Audi beeing very helpful.
I would stay away from Benz's, but must point out that based on this experience I can imagine that the Benz brand is off my list altogether. Too bad considering the product is good...but I like to be treated well as well .

bankone

I brought in a Toyota Camry when I moved from Louisiana to Toronto. I found that vehicles made for the market in the south might not have all the corrosion or rust proof treatment by the manufacturer. The alloy wheels in my camry corroded so badly in just one winter. However when I see local vehicle alloy wheels, they are all fine.

gwallace

I am on the West Coast and I'm wanting to buy an F350 Super Duty. How can you help?

Graham

subahonda

I had an excellent experience at a dealer in the area that also sells Subaru.

jac_3232

I have read through the whole post, but there's one thing I didn't see talked about. How are people financing these vehicles? With car loans, lines of credit, or are they paying cash? Since you cannot import a vehicle that has a lien, you can't really get a car loan to pay for it before importing it. Or can you somehow pay for it with cash, bring it across, and then apply the loan to it? I will probably use a secured line of credit, but I'm curious what others are doing.

crikey

Depends. Some are able to secure car loans at Canadian banks and are able to wire funds to the dealership. Not really certain of the details but I think if you have a good working relationship with your bank, well, maybe they can make an exception for you. I know some used their lines of credit. Don't know anyone paying cash, but I don't really have rich friends. Some have had credit history in the US and if your credit score is good enough, they might extend credit even if you do earn Canadian loonies (which hit PAR today with the US Greenback). May the manufacturing jobs stay in Canada. A lot of my amigos might be out of a job if the loonie goes even higher.

organ

Hi, Backone, Thank you for your great tip.
I plan to move to canada with a work visa, I am not sure I am "new immigrant" as you mentioned. Would You tell me there can I find the detailed information about it? Does it matter if I bring new cars? Do I have to own the car for couple of month before I can do it?
Thanks again

shell22

I read your letter regarding importing benz, i have already spoken to a benz dealer here in montreal. He told me that I need to get a letter from benz first. What did they give you a hard time about??? I was told costs are about 5-6,000 and i am buying an slk 350 2005, what else do i need to do ?Any info would be great. How did you bring the car over, i mean licence plates to drive it and how long did your conversion take, i was told up to 3 months.

Thanks

Shell

scrolllock

Guess what the big boys are doing now! Seems Honda Canada and Honda US have just made a deal. The US dealers can not sell to Canadian citizens. What a bunch of crap!

crikey

Not surprised but it wasn't really advisable to import a Honda since Honda Canada gave a hard time about covering warranty. I heard Subaru is most flexible. Nissan did the same thing when a bunch of folks were buying Pathfinders in Canada back when the exchange rate was really favorable for the US greenback.

Finding a dealership willing to sell is one thing, getting warranty transferred is another.

tedd2

Shell, they just weren't very helpful..period. Clearly they just don't want us folks doing this so they are just not very helpful at all.

Having said that, I eneded up buying a 2006 SLK 280 that had already been imported. I have the bills from the conversions and it looks like the guy who brought it in paid about $6000. I think he actually had it shipped in.

I am selling the car as it is a Tiptronic transmission and I just can't get used to " shifting " without a clutch. It is a beautiful car that was but together in the Brabus plant, which are many sport options such as chrome roll bars, spoilers etc..it is very sharp.

Maybe I can interest you in purchasing it and saving the hassle at the border and with the conversion..??

scrolllock

I don't care about the warranty. I live less than 60 minutes from the US dealership. Just drive down to get the service if needed. Have you checked the number of new hondas that have problems their first couple of years.... not many. For a savings of 5-6 thousand , I think it is worth it.

scrolllock

http://www.wheels.ca/article/31673

nynd

All I can say is phone around...I am enjoying my new Acura TL Type S - anyone interested in buying...LOL

Anyways, many American dealers are clamping down... I guess its a sign of the times.

bankone

Hi Organ, I am not sure about the situation oworking visa. But as a new immigrant (Canadian permanent resident), you can bring in as many personal items as you like (including cars) without pay any tax, not import, no GST, no PST. The only thing you will need to do is to have your car inspected and converted (if needed) to meet Canadian safety standards. Try the following links to see if you can find any information you need:

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

valueboy

I note with hilarity - as today, the currencies are at PAR - that you managed to reduce a $14K (or 36%) price gap to $700 by forgetting about tax costs, and adding nonsense shipping (hey bud - have your cousin in Toronto, 4 hrs from Ottawa, spend $20 in gas to pick the car up from Buffalo).

You are clearly a dealer.

Now the fun begins - read the new strings on conspiracies in restraint of trade/restricing competition in a defined market (Subtitle: Honda has finally lost its sense of reality and clearly needs more in-house counsel)

crikey

Well, if warranty isn't an issue...you have to find a dealership to buy one from, then.

Oh, and Hondas do break. The transmissions in Odysseys and Pilots were being replaced a while back for remanufactured ones. And didn't Honda just recall 182,000 Honda Civics due to a leaky O-ring in the wheel speed sensor. Apparently, water could damage the wheel bearing, which could result in one of the four wheels falling off.

Cars break, Honda may not break as much as others but I think Mazdas, Toyotas, and Subarus are on par with Honda in terms of reliability.

ryandk

Hi --

I'm new to the message board. Any assistance you could give would be appreciated.

1) Do new Honda Civics need to be modified once they reach Canada? They already have daytime running lights, child safety seat tethers and the odometer/spedometer is switchable from miles to kilometres. Is this acceptable to the Canadian agency that performs the inspections?

2) Does anyone know of a dealer in Washington state or Oregon who would be willing to sell to a Canadian customer? If I buy in Washington, do I have to pay state sales tax? Can I get it back once the car is exported to Canada?

3) If no dealers are willing to sell a new Civic to me, can I go through a broker? Can anyone recommend a reputable broker who regularly deals with Canadians?

4) If Honda Canada will not honour the warranty, can I bring the car down to an American dealership for any warranty servicing?

5) What 3rd party insurance companies offer insurance to replace the invalid manufacturer's warranty?

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Ryan
rakewell@hotmail.com

clegge

I am looking for a Honda or Toyota dealership to sell me either a fully loaded Ridgeline (no NAV system) OR Toyota 4*4 Tacoma double cab with the TRD package (fully loaded) into Toronto. No financing required, cash.

I am a serious buyer.

ryandk

Has anyone here used Costco's new car pricing service to buy a car for import to Canada?

I'd like to hear about your experiences.

Thanks.

Ryan
rakewell@hotmail.com

subahonda

Sept 22 "A short drive south [of Bellingham] along I-5, Foothills Toyota has tripled its sales to Canadians in the past six months.'I just sold one to a guy from Calgary who rode a bus for 15 hours, stayed at the Tulip Inn for three days while his Camry cleared customs,' said James Doyle, a salesman at the dealership 'And he said he still saved $3000."

kengwei

Why bother? Unless the car the you are driving presenting you the urgency for a replacement, why don't we just hold on to our money. If no one is buying from those Canadian dealerships, they will have to do something about it.

Let's boycott all the Canadian car business.

cnddoc

We hope to purchase a Prius in the US and bring it across. I have learned that the Federal rebate for hybrids only applies if purchased in Canada. Does anyone know if the Ontario rebate only applies to vehicles purchased in Canada?Obviously losing $4K takes a big bite out of the savings.Also, if purchased in PA, will I have to pay PA state sales tax?

animagus

I've just brought a Toyota Camry Hybrid back (not to Ontario), but I've written a note to the minister of Transportation requesting to find out why this car is not subject to the rebate. I've paid my GST and import duty (the camry hybrid is made in Japan) - so why not? I encourage anyone in a similar circumstance or those considering importing a hybird to write a similar note. It is easy, go to the Gov of Canada Transportation site and send an e-mail.

By the way I bought my hybrid in Minnesota and did not have to pay state tax.

elle11

Just got back from the American Lexus Dealer and they are offering me a great deal!!! The car in ontario is MSRP 54,950, and in the states its MSRP 40,752, plus without even asking the dealer offered to special order what I want for the price of $38,300!! BUT.... one of the sales persons told me that being a 2008 car it cannot be registered in ontario until Jan. 2008! If its true I can't get plates for 3 months and not drive it, or else I will have to go to the florida DMV (my address is in florida) and drive around ontario with florida plates... if that is allowed.

Has anyone else heard of this? :confuse:

sentinels

Can you please e-mail me at thomasyeh@hotmail.com and let me know which dealership and sales person you dealt with? As I'm very interested in purchasing a vehicle from there as well. Cheers.

crikey

If you have a valid Florida Driver's license, along with valid insurance coverage, there is no reason that you cannot drive a Florida tagged car in Canada.

But, I have not heard that a 2008 car cannot be registered until 2008. How are the 2008 model cars, actually sold in Canada, being registered?

firesky1

I live in Alberta and am looking to buy a Rav4 in Montana. Were you able to locate a dealer that was willing to see you a Toyota?

firesky1

Did you find a dealer in MT? I'm also from Alberta looking to buy a Toyota from there.

firesky1

I'm considering crossing the border to buy a Toyota Rav4 in Montana. Has anyone had any luck finding a dealership willing to sell to Canadians?

eddy11

I am also looking for a Toyota dealer to buy Camry 2008 but concerned about temporary insurance and temporary plates to cross the border.
How does it actually work? Can the dealer provide me with temporary plates?
Can anyone recommend any reputable insurance company to purchaise temporary car insurance.
Thank you

elle11

Exactly my thoughts too! Although our ontario models arrive later, around November that is still before Jan. 08. I emailed info@riv.ca and I'm waiting to hear what they say.

elle11

The temp plate is provided by the dealer, even if you lived in that American State ie. Montana, you would still need a temporary tag to drive the car home and then to the dmv, so that won't be a problem. And most insurance companies will cover the car on your current policy. I checked with mine, and I can even drive down my current car and drive back both cars (friend driving old car) and my policy insures both cars for 14 days. So look into it, you may be surprised.

Kirstie_H

Hi folks,
While you are welcome to exchange dealership information here, we don't permit outright buy/sell offers here, and soliciting for business is a particular no-no. Some posts have been removed.

If you want to contact someone privately on this board, just click on their username and their profile will pop-up. If people want to be contacted, they can make their e-mail address public in their profile.

elle11

I think this is one of the best posts on here!

"You do NOT have to register the vehicle in that state after purchase, but you needn't get into that with the dealer." I'm going to go by that quote. My dealer is insisting that I mail everything to Florida, and get plates. I'm hoping I can say I will but really export the car immediately.

hybrid10

I have contacted dealers in Seattle, Spokane (WA) and Kalispel (MT). Kalispel first said No, unless I had a MT address to register the car to. I clarified with them that I could use "any" MT address like of a friend. First they said Yes and then 2 weeks later they said it would be best to have the friend buy the car and sell to me because Toyota and State of MT monitor transfers of registrations and check for actual residence in MT; he warned that if I had problems with title nothing dealer would do to help. Seattle and Spokane required proof of out of state residence to avoid local state tax. They are not willing to risk sancture by Toyota USA or local state registry.

kamryncrazies

I just bought a New Hyundai in Bangor Maine. I saved thousands. It was so easy I did almost everything over the phone. The dealer was easy to deal with and very friendly. I thought I wanted a Toyota but the money I saved on the Hyundai was overwelming. And the Hyundai had more options. The 10 year warranty will help because I keep my vehicles a long time and the Hyundai dealership here in Canada honors it. My friend is going down this weekend to buy a subaru from the dealer also. I highly recommend crossing the border.

eddy11

Thank you elle11, sounds encouraging indeed. I think the main problem is to find a good dealer now...

cnddoc

I did, but reluctant to name them here. If Toyota has told dealers not to do this, why expose those willing to so to the wrath of Toyota by naming them here? The dealership was in Pennsylvania - kind of a ways from AB!! If you're still interested leave your email and I'll get back to you.

hybrid10

I have finally made a positive contact with a Toyota dealer in USA (not MT) not too far from AB border. Talked with him twice now and each time I ask if he will sell direct to a Canadian and he advises that he will, no sales tax, no USA registration address, title in my name. I will attempt to conclude a deal with him in next 30 days and if I suceed then I will email those who are interested his name and location. Send your email to me at robinsj1@telusplanet.net.