Importing Car into Canada from US

fits100

Hi there,
I'm also looking for acura dealer who is willing to sale me MDX. I'm in Alberta. Please e-mail me fitsumts100@yahoo.ca. Thank you

spottedmoose

if anyone has had success purchasing from a US lexus dealer,please post..thanks
p.s. the saving on a lexus is approx.15-25k depending on model.

defrederick

I just spoke to US Customs after receiving a copy of the MSO in my friend's name. They categorically stated that only dealers can transfer MSO's to customers. An MSO signed by a third party will NOT be allowed across the border.

My options now are:
1. Convince my dealer to issue the MSO in my name, even though the Toyota documentation has my friend's name on it.
2. Take delivery of the vehicle, park it in the States, and then wait for my friend to receive the title. (4-6 weeks in Nevada) Then he can sign the title and I can start the whole export process.

Sorry to mislead anyone on this forum. You DON'T want to mess with U.S. Customs!

I'll keep you posted...

Dan

kyfdx

I'm just curious..

What would US Customs have to do with it? When I enter Canada, I only have contact with Canadian customs officials. (Of course, I wasn't importing a car..lol).

regards,
kyfdx
visiting host

defrederick

You need to deal with US Customs to legally export the vehicle from the US. Then you need to deal with Canadian Customs to legally import the vehicle into Canada.

It's all well documented, but the part about the MSO is a little ambiguous. It wasn't until I received the MSO yesterday and saw that there was no box for the first owner to sell, and with the other red flags that have been put on this board by others obviously more astute than I, that I became concerned and called customs for the straight scoop.

bill1414

Hi Silver Fox,

I am also in Alberta and considering purchasing a new XC90 from the US. Can you tell me which dealership you dealt with in Idaho and the name of the contact person?

9jakester

Hi,

I am considering purchasing a 2006 or 2007 Nissan Pathfinder in the US. Does anyone have any recommendations on where/what state to buy in?? Any issues with importing a Nissan??

Thanks in advance

raash73

Hi, I just paid the stupid Michigan sales tax, I should just brought my Alberta plates with me and I could have avoided this situation, dmv said if I ship the car than there will be no sales tax, it does'nt make any sense does it. You are still buying the car here, its just when you drvie you pay tax. ANYONE had a problem with paying taxes at Canadian border if you bought the car too cheap. Pls let me know. thanks

raash73

the only thing I know they dont have DRL other than that you should not have any problem. I hope this helps and pls make sure check the model against the riv website. cheers

9jakester

Any idea the cost to get DRL, you just need a relay switch installed don't you???

I checked the riv and the newer Pathfinders are no problem.

Thanks for your response.

bmm34

Gabe,

I am interested in a 07 SR5 V6 4Runner. Where do we go from here?

bmm34

Would you pay duty on a dealer demo vehicle?

leftcoastauto

New, used, demo is not an issue for duty. That is determined by where the car is manufactured. Offshore manufactured cars new or used are subject to a duty. RIV has a list.

subahonda

My recollection is that the MSO defines the car and there is no place to sign it over. It is a Manufacturer's State of Origin to show where it came from and US Customs want to see that it is not a stolen or fraudulently obtained vehicle. You take this over to the Canadian side of the border with the US stamp. There is no signing off on this. I remember it as a very legal looking piece of paper. I believe that I turned it in to the provincial office when getting the plates. I don't see how this becomes a matter of a transfer. In a state with titles for cars, when the car is plated you exchange this for the title. Other states do not have titles for cars and I suspect the certificate is yours yto keep. But for importing to Canada either the MSO or title is needed. Don't mess.

bmm34

Thanks for the reply. I thought I read that if a vehicle was used is wasn't subject to duty even if is wasn't manufactured under NAFTA. So I understand you correctly, I would pay duty for a used vehicle manufactured in Japan?

Additionally would you mind posting the link from the RIV where it lists the vehicles? I have found the list of admissible vehicles from the US but nothing that explains duty rates by country.

Thanks...I appreciate your help!

googz

Only issue from my understanding is whether the warranty will be valid. Apparently, Nissans must first be registered in the U.S. for 6 months before being imported to Canada in order for the warranty to be valid. See here:

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253#NISSAN

9jakester

OK,

So if I am buying used that means that the car has already been registered in the US, presumably for more than six months, so the warranty should be valid, right??

rnd121

Mind sharing how you insured the vehicle during the time it was driven from Detroit to Toronto and what did you use for registration or plates?

Thanks...

googz

From my understanding, that's correct. As long as the vehicle was registered in the U.S. for more than 6 months, I think you'll be covered by the warranty buying used.

Kirstie_H

A television reporter is looking to talk to consumers who live in Edmonton, AB that needed a repair to be done on their vehicle which should have been covered by warranty, but for whatever reason the dealer or manufacturer is refusing. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, October 9, 2007 with your daytime contact info.

silver_fox

Just a correction to my original post in which I mentioned the dealer will supply me with the title on a new XC90. What I meant to say was the dealer will supply me with the MSO. If a vehicle is new and never been titled in the US then customs require the MSO not the title. Sorry.

animagus

Yes, you will be required to pay duty for a Japanese built car. I discussed this at length with Canadian Border Services they were very helpful - call them and chat (zero out to talk to a real person!)
In Canada: 1-800-461-9999 (English)
Outside Canada: (506) 636-5064 (English)
1. Duty is required on vehicles that are NOT made in Canada, USA or Mexico (as per NAFTA). The serial number will be used by customs to confirm where it was built. Call the manufacturer to find out prior to getting to the border.
You will be required to fill out “Form 1” while at the border with CBS.

I don't have the link for the vehicle list from the RIV handy (although I have the list), but call them as well - they were also helpful. they either provide the link or e-mail the doc. But I wanted to hear someone personnally confirm that the document was correct and my vehicle was alright for import (that document isn't necessarily up to date).
In Canada call – 1 888 848-8240, Outside of Canada – 1 416 626 6812.

scrolllock

Thank-you for taking the time to do the proper research on this issue. I was shocked this morning to see the biased article published by the Montreal Gazette.

blangelaan

I was in contact with Richard from the following site a few weeks ago:

http://www.c-rich.ca/page/page/4131008.htm

His company imports new and used cars into Canada. He will do all of the paperwork, any conversions required and ship the car to your door. Last I heard, his fee is $1650.00 for a new vehicle (for a new vehicle he will also find a dealer and negotiate a "best price" for you). I think he operates mostly out of Vancouver, B.C.

I believe he told me that if the the VIN# of a car starts with the digit 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, that you are not required to pay duty when you import it into Canada.

Cheers,

Bob (in Vancouver)

blangelaan

I found this posted on another website (I cannot vouch for the correctness of this information):

Step-By-Step Guide to Importing a Car into Canada from the U.S.
April 1st, 2007

If you’ve found the car you want to purchase that is located in U.S.A. you’re in luck! The current situation of the Canadian vs. U.S. dollars means you may be saving big bucks on your vehicle purchase.

Importing a car, truck, van, motorcycle and most other vehicles into Canada from the U.S.A. is a fairly straightforward process. There are no hidden catches as long as you do your homework first.

In this guide I will explain, step by step, the process of importing a vehicle into Canada from the USA, including some tips to make sure you don’t end up with a lemon, even if you are not able to see the vehicle in person before purchasing. The process is basically the same for all vehicles including cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, busses, RV’s etc. however some types of vehicles will require different modifications, and other types may not even be admissible at all. Always check with RIV to make sure the vehicle is admissible at the VERY start of this to save your self a lot of grief and potentially a lot of money.

1 - The first thing to do, if you haven’t already, is check the car against the Registrar of Imported Vehicles’ vehicle amissability list. This can be done by going to RIV.ca or by going directly to the PDF document. Find out if the vehicle will need any modifications in order to pass federal inspection requirements, and how much it will cost. Some manufacturers such as Merecedes Benz will require that any necessary modifications be done at the dealership - which may be costly. Call the vehicle’s dealership if you are concerned about this.

2 - Check to see if your vehicle will be charged a high emissions excise tax. These could typically run from $1000 to $4000 on high emissions vehicles. Your vehicle can be searched at the Natural Resources Canada Website. Click here for a list of 2007 model high emissions vehicles and their corresponding excise tax.
3 - Check the list of vehicles with safety recalls. You may also want to verify this with by going to a local dealership and providing them with the VIN number of the vehicle you wish to purchase and ask them to make sure it has no outstanding vehicle recalls.

4 - Get an AutoCheck vehicle history report online and/or order an inspection from Carchex.com to be done on the vehicle to make sure there is nothing wrong with the vehicle that you aren’t expecting.

5 - If all is good, arrange payment, vehicle pickup and/or shipping.

6 - If you are having the vehicle shipped, you will need a customs broker to have all the paperwork taken care of for you. Some companies, like A&A Customs Brokers, will take care of everything, including shipping.

7 - Get the seller to FedEx you the vehicle title, the bill of sale, sales receipts and recall clearance letter (if they are the vehicle’s manufacturer’ dealership, if not contact your nearest dealership and have them get you one for your vehicle.)

8 - Fax in a copy of the vehicle title to the U.S. border crossing where you intend to cross. This needs to be done at least 72 hours in advance of when you plan to cross. Note that this does not include weekends. Give them a call to make sure everything is in order and they will be open at your time of crossing.

9 - If you are picking up the vehicle yourself (as opposed to having it shipped), arrange for insurance on the vehicle, or get a vehicle trailer to tow the vehicle home.

10 - Drive down to your destination and meet with the dealer or person selling the vehicle. Check to make sure the VIN on the bill of sale matches the one on the vehicle. Also make sure there is a North American coompliant sticker on the vehicle. This is usually located on the beam in the driver’s side door. If it a dealer ask them to show you.

11 - If you are purchasing the car privately and will be driving it home, you will need to go get a temporary permit from the local motor vehicle office.

12 - Drive to the US border crossing where you faxed your title to, and identify yourself with your passport and driver’s licence. They will check out your vehicle title, bill of sale, and the VIN number on the vehicle. All should be good and they will stamp your vehicle’s title to release it to Canada Customs.

13 - Stop at Canadian customs, again identifying yourself with driver’s licence and passport. Tell them you are importing the vehicle and they will have you pull in and park to go fill out Vehicle Import Form 1 (they will provide this).

14 - You will have to pay your RIV fee ($195+GST in all provinces, plus QST if you are importing into Quebec) GST (6%), possible Air Conditioning excise tax ($100CAD), possible high emissions excise tax, and possible duty (6.1%) if the vehicle was not build in North America (ie. Mexico for some American brand cars, and sometimes Germany for some VW’s). Make you you have your credit card with you for this as most Canadian Customs offices do not accept cash or cheque.

15 - If all is good and once everything is paid up, they will verify your insurance coverage, stamp your Vehicle Import Form 1 and send you on your way. Keep this form in your vehicle along with your temporary American permit in case you get pulled over on the way home - these will be used to verify that you are legally compliant.

16 - Within 10 days of submitting Vehicle Import Form 1 at the border, Canadian customs will send you Form 2 - federal inspection.

17 - You have 45 days from the day you submitted to get any required modifications done to your vehicle (such as daytime running lights, child tether anchorages and metric speedometer conversions) and have your vehicle inspected at Canadian Tire.

18 - When you take the car in to get inspected, bring all supporting documents with you such as the title, bill of sale, Import Forms 1 & 2, and the outstanding recall letter.

19 - Canadian Tire will do all necessary inspections free of charge as per the RIV program.

20 - If the vehicle passes they will put a sticker on the drivers side door frame stating that the vehicle is Canadian Safety compliant. They will fill out your Form 2 and provide you with the necessary paperwork you will need to register the vehicle in your province.

21 - You can now take it right over to your provincial vehicle licencing office along with all the paperwork you’ve accumulated to get it registered, where you will pay whatever your provincial sales tax is on the sale price of the vehicle!

animagus

I read the article - perhaps you would share what was so shocking and biased... I found it neither shocking or biased.

Perhaps you are referring to a different article? I read the story entitled "IS IT WORTH IT TO HEAD SOUTH FOR A CAR?" which is on page C1 and continued on a later page.

blangelaan

I also read absolutely nothing shocking and biased. Perhaps it was the suggestion that some Quebec people cannot communicate so well in english

Here is the articele, judge for yourself:

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/business/story.html?id=b3e69d08-e5ab-- 4bc2-9247-36586efbd916

Cheers,

Bob (in Vancouver)

leftcoastauto

Here is a link to the pdf file containing the list of importable vehicles
http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf

maryannem

I work at a Nissan dealership and so far we have honored the warranty of every vehicle that we sell to Canadians from our dealership. If you have any questions mam1450@AOL.COM

maryannem

I work at a new car dealershp and I am outraged that people are paying all this money to get there cars to Canada. We do all the paperwork and deliver the car to the border with a 14 day plate at no extra charge at all. There are no hidden fees and no add ons to the stickerd price. I can't imagine paying $1500.00 to have my car brought to the border. I can't imagine that we are the only ones that do that. My email is mam1450@aol.com if you need any advise on importing and saving money

blangelaan

What state is your dealership in Mary Anne?

maryannem

Maine and I am still in shock. I have been looking over several sites and this seems to be a big money making thing. It is a lot easier getting cars over the border than you can imagine. It certainly is a huge profit margin if someone is charging $1500.00.

wisee

For Canadian residents living in British Columbia & Alberta, we have found a Toyota dealer close to the border that is willing to sell to Canadians.

My wife and I purchased a new 2008 Toyota RAV Ltd today. We saved $8,400.00!(even after all taxes).

blangelaan

Hi,

Can you please e-mail me the information on the Toyota dealership near BC and Alberta?

Thanks,

Bob (in Vancouver)

blangelaan

Hi Mary Anne,

Do you know if Nissan Canada honors the Nissan USA warranty. Or is it like Subaru, where if you buy a Subaru in the US, you must pay for any warranty work in Canada, and then try to get your money back from Subaru USA?

Also, since I live on the west coast of Canada, does this mean that it would not be practical for me to buy a Nissan from your dealership in Maine (on the north east coast of the USA, for any geographically challenged readers)?

Bob (in Vancouver)

gowings

Bought a 05 Honda pilot in Texas and getting it shipped to Minot. Then driving it across at the Portal crossing into Saskatchewan.

I think have the correct #'s for the title to be faxed ahead and the recall notice. I was wondering if anyone here has that info too so I can double check them. I tried the U.S. side but got no answer after 10-12 rings yesterday early afternoon. Just paranoid that's all.
Thanks for the reply's
Have A Great Day

wisee

Bob,

Please email me at wisee@telus.net and I would be more than happy to provide you the US Toyota dealer's information and the contact person.

Greg (in Edmonton)

spottedmoose

if anyone has found other sites,blogs,forums,etc.,dealing with this importation issue,could you please post.

bcbud

The best forum for importing is: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307601
which has over 700,000 hits so far. Lots of experienced importers and even US dealers are part of it.
A good guide for importing is http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477998.

A good step by step procedure with all the possible expenses.

tmack3

Could you email me at tracymack"at"eastlink.ca, as I am in the process of going research to buy either a Subaru or Hyundai down in Maine. I'd like to know which dealership you used/if you utilized a broker, etc. I'd really appreciate any advice you could give me.

jpsv70r

Hi,

I had to convince my insurance company to insure the vehicule when I would get it off the transport truck in Detroit. My Company (La Capitale) insured me for the valure of the car but not for complete replacement in Canada. The would only insure it for complete replacement when I would have Quebec Plates on it which I do now. The Volvo dealer that sold me the car had put a 30 day Missouri Tag on it for me to driwe it back.
I did convince my insurer because I have all of my insurance with them (House, 3 cars etc...) Said I would look for insurance elsewhere if they would not do it.
Hope this helps

JP

wisee

Thank you to all that emailed me today requesting the North West US Toyota dealer's contact info. My inbox was full.

Please note that I'll be on a business trip this week, and may not respond to everyone until the weekend.

Greg in Edmonton

golfguybc

If I were to buy a used 2007 Honda Odyssey with low miles in New Hampshire and then bring it home to Montreal, is it true that Honda will not issue a recall letter and also will not honor the factory warranty? I have found a great van at a great price but these issues are of obvious concern...Thanks

scrolllock

Honda's policy of not honoring the warranty is against the law. The competition bureau of canada requires people to submit claims prior to launching an investigation.

http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/internet/index.cfm?lg=e

This is particularly galling with models that are built in Canada.

Right now you have teo options: purchase an extended warranty thru a third party company, I am investigating this now. or simply travel down to the closest US city and have the work done there.

Meanwhile, write your local MP and go to the Federal bureau of Competition and submit a request.

blangelaan

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a Honda (new or used) in the USA it _WILL_ be possible to import it into Canada? I understand that, at least for the time being, Honda Canada will not honor the warranty, but I just want to confirm that it is possible to import a Honda vehicle into Canada.

Bob (in Vancouver)

crikey

Bob,

I think you can import any vehicle deemed admissible on the admissibility list. Having warranty covered is a different matter altogether. Hope that helps.

lkang

Anybody imported Lexus RX 350 from state?
I have plan to imported Lexus RX 350 from state soon.
If you can give me some information how to import it or introduce broker who can import for me, that will be great.
Please contact me teakwunv@hotmail.com.
Thanks

pd_39

From what I've been reading on the forums Hyundai will only honour the warranty for 5 years/60000 miles and the dealers will not provide financing to Canadians. I am interested in bringing a new Hyundai Santa Fe into Alberta. Anyone know of a Hyundai dealer willing to sell to Canadians close to the Alberta border? Might also be willing to travel to the U.S. south of B.C. or Saskatchewan.

Thanks

rnd121

According to a service writer at a NW Calgary Honda store last Saturday, Honda Canada will have to have warranty repairs approved first by Honda US before they are undertaken. He said that it can take up to 2 weeks before approval is given. He had a big grin on his face and might even have been winking when he said this.

This could be Honda Canada trying to wriggle out of the whole warranty controversy but who knows for sure. Still would want something in writing from Honda Canada. As someone else pointed out this is really annoying since all the Civics are built here...

therizinos

...this may not be applicable across the board, especially here in Toronto. It is my understanding, that any *NEW* vehicle exported from US voids warranty on both sides of the border. In other words, you won't be able to return to US to claim warranty work.