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Importing Car into Canada from US

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  • evenparevenpar Member Posts: 10
    Just got off the phone as I was interested in buying an '08 CR-V in the US for export to B.C. The Honda Canada rep said there would be NO warranty on a vehicle exported to the U.S. and that Honda U.S. would not honour the warranty either since it was registered outside of the U.S. (ie can't bring it back to U.S. for wty work). I suggested a 3rd party warranty and he said that could work (ie no opinion). Their reasoning is to "protect" the local mkts and that the pricing within the local mkt is competitive and that is what they are concerned with !!!! Wonder if all companies are taking this stance ?
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    Your Honda Canada rep is off base. I have been told that if I need warranty work I simply bring the car back to the US. Honda US can not refuse. This is illegal. I would like to see it in writing that they will not honor the warranty! Why don't you put those reps at honda Canada to task! They call it protecting local markets. I call it hosing Canadians!
  • therizinostherizinos Member Posts: 7
    Warranty rules are different for vehicles previously registered in the US and for vehicles never registered in the US. For vehicles never registered in the US, warranty doesn't exist in Canada or US.
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    Could you please forward toyota delaer address to me ?. I am already talking to some other dealer but really far from border. Another requirement from the dealer i am talking to is that he requires aUS address to mail title. Do you really need a U.S address for importing a car into canada. I already called more than 20 dealers . They all say that they are baared to sell vehicle to canadian residents.

    Thanks
    Raj From Vancouver
  • ridgelineridgeline Member Posts: 4
    I am looking to purchase a new Honda Ridgeline (2007 or 2008). If anyone is aware of a Honda dealer that will sell to Canadians, please reply.

    As well, I have read that Honda Canada does not honour Honda USA warranties. Is this also true if the car is first registered in the States, and then transported to Canada?

    Thanks
    Roger from Saskatchewan
  • bcbudbcbud Member Posts: 6
    I have three Honda dealers in Washington state who are willing to sell to Candians, Dick Hanna Honda priced for me a Ridgeline 24,260 for RTX & 28480 for RTL (I think I could get lower, first quote), try www.carsdirect.com as they gave me similar prices and will find a vehicle closer to home. I decided to wait with strong rumours of a diesel version coming soon.
  • franckfranck Member Posts: 6
    We bought a 2008 toyota corolla way back in August from the states and are still waiting for riv to update their site so that we can get it inspected. Toyota US was supposed to update this list by the end of September but still hasn't.
    Are we the only ones out there with a $20,000 paper weight?
    Has anyone been able to Register their 2008 Toyota?
  • franckfranck Member Posts: 6
    Hi Roger,

    Before you buy any vehicle from the states go to www.riv.ca and look over which ones you can export. The GMC, Honda and Toyota list for 2008 are not out yet so be careful. Also you need to get a compliance letter from Honda US stating there are no liens etc. on your vehicle and my understanding is Honda US does not like giving out these letters. Do your homework and good luck.

    Kevin
  • orrmotorsorrmotors Member Posts: 3
    I am a dealer who is importing different tyoes fo cars in to Canada regularly now... I have spoken to Honda directly and the official company line is. They do not cancel the warranty - but the canadian dealers can't honour it. So - if it breaks then your towing it to the U.S. to get it fixed. They did say that it would still be honoured in the U.S. if you could get it there. Also in response to the tax question - you will have to pay your GST at the border - and your PST when you register with your local Licence bureau. You should not pay taxes if you are transporting the vehicle out of state and if they demand you do then I am sure you can claim it back somehow. The bigger problem with importing Hondas, is that Honda will not issue the Customs recall clearance letter that you need to finalize you RIV insection. I can deal with no warranty on a 3-4 yr old car no problem... but not if I can't get them registered here! I was wondering if anyone had figured a way around this problem ??
  • orrmotorsorrmotors Member Posts: 3
    Hey there - I bought an 04 MDX recently as well.. but have run into a snag getting the customs recall letter... how did you get it ? thanks,
    Fred
  • orrmotorsorrmotors Member Posts: 3
    I believe if you serial # starts with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 it is duty free. If it starts with a letter - 6.1% duty applies.
  • therizinostherizinos Member Posts: 7
    Email me if you want the dealer info - so far prices are not that good (ie. close to MSRP).
  • eddy11eddy11 Member Posts: 11
    therizinos can you please provide your e-mail thanks
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    Could you please email me at wrajinder@hotmail.com for toyota dealer address near border.

    Raj From Vancouver
  • autoadvrautoadvr Member Posts: 6
    I live in Los Angeles and recently helped my brother in Toronto import a 2007 Lexus RX 350. It's a popular model in S. Cal. and there are plenty for sale. Got a good deal on a low milage vehicle (11,000 mi). Dealer was very helpful. Fed Exd all documents to Toronto to be signed and returned. Car was picked up at dealer by car transport company (therefore no Cal sales tax paid). Here's a rundown on cost.Vehicle cost in LA $34,850 + $1450 auto transport (to the door)+ $350 custom broker + $209 RIV Fee + $100 AC Fee + $2091 GST = $39,050 (mostly in $US). Initially tried to buy new vehicle. Word of advice. Don't bother. Lexus won't
    sell new to Canadians. Low milage, almost new seems to be the way to go.
  • benji99benji99 Member Posts: 13
    Hello autoadvr

    could you please share the Car Transport company?

    Thanks

    Ben
  • autoadvrautoadvr Member Posts: 6
    Hi Ben:

    We used A-A Auto Transport. They're base in San Diego and ship all over North America. Tel (888) 744-7227 or (858)-578-3336.They were very helpful with all the issues involved.
  • fsabbaghfsabbagh Member Posts: 7
    Hi,

    I got the following email reply from a US Audi dealer. I am from Quebec.
    *********************************************************

    Acura ■ Audi ■Volkswagen
    SALES POLICY TO NON-U.S. CITIZENS

    We would like to be able to sell new vehicles without restriction to anyone who wished to buy from us.

    However, our franchise agreements with Acura, Audi and Volkswagen prohibit us from selling new vehicles for export out of the United States. Therefore, we cannot sell new vehicles to brokers or individuals who intend to import to Canada or any other country.

    We are allowed to sell new vehicles to anyone – regardless of nationality – so long as they intend to register the vehicle in the United States. For example, if you are a Canadian with a winter home in Florida or a summer home in upstate New York, we can sell you a new vehicle as long as you tell us that you intend to register the car here in the U.S. You must provide us with that valid address, and we must make out all paperwork to you at that address. We will provide you with an in-transit plate allowing you to drive the car for 30 days pending final registration.

    Under no circumstances are we allowed to sell new vehicles to “known auto brokers” or “known exporters” even if they provide us with a U.S. address.

    There are no restrictions on the sale of used, or certified pre-owned vehicles. However, xxxxx does not get involved in any import or export issue with any vehicle sold. Canadians intending to buy a vehicle here and bring it back to Canada must research and comply with all import laws themselves.

    We are not able to provide financing for non-U.S. citizens. All purchases must be paid in full via wire transfer or U.S. bank check. "
  • therizinostherizinos Member Posts: 7
    email me at therizinos@yahoo.ca
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    autoadvr....that is a great deal! In Canada, a NEW RX 350 lists at $52,000+.
    Was this auto an all wheel drive?
    Do you know if Lexus Canada will give warranty coverage for the car?

    Thanks for the info.

    Doug
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    Hi, Who did you talk to Honda Canada or Honda US or Both? I have just seen so many conflicting statements on wether or not the Honda US will honor the warranty. Several US dealers say yes, yet the Warranty Booklets accompanying the car state that only cars registered and driven in the United States, Peuto Rico and the Virgin Islands are covered. Several states also indicate that their "lemon laws" only apply to cars registered and driven in the United states.

    Can I buy a warranty directly from a 3rd party? Looks like the ones I have found only deal thru the dealers?

    As for your question on the letter of recall notice, RIV will accept a letter from the selling dealer, with an atttached sytem inquiry as proof that the car has no recall notices. This letter must be on proper letterhead and signed. This should be secured prior to paying for the car, along with the MSO.

    Thanks
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    I think the US dealers get around it, by claiming that the "temporary-in transit permit is suffice? I would like to know more.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    Kevin, the RIV list is simply not updated. Several dealers in the US tell me they have been selling 2008 models and there is no problem.
  • autoadvrautoadvr Member Posts: 6
    Hi Doug:

    AWD premium package. Lexus honors balance of warranty in Canada. $ 52,000 msrp in Canada for a new RX 350 ! Ouch. New (2007)MSRP in US is $38,800 + $715 destination charge. Don't forget Lexus won't sell new cars for export to
    Canada. No problem with pre - owned. I live in Pasadena, close to largest Lexus dealer in California. Presently they have 17 low milage 2007 RX 350's for sale. Prices ranging between $31 - $35k.($U.S) I think this S. California market is Lexus' largest and hence there's a lot of inventory and selection around. Hope this helps. If you have any questions,let me know.

    Dave
  • 9jakester9jakester Member Posts: 5
    Are you at a Canadian or US dealership. What happens if I take it to a local Canadian dealership, will they honor the manufacturer's warranty?

    Are you able to obtain the clearance recall letter from Nissan US on behalf of your customers?

    Do you have used (2005 - 2007) Nissan Pathfinders on your lot or are you able to get any?
  • subahondasubahonda Member Posts: 75
    RIV doesn't inspect the car, Canadian Tire does. They have a list of things to check. If the car passes their inspection, then it is done. The RIV list is supposed to inform you of cars that can't pass the test at all. I didn't think that they declare which ones can pass the test. How would they do it without having cars inspected? Has RIV declared that if a car is not on their list as yet, it cannot be inspected? Or is this an assumption? Did you try to get it inspected at CT?
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Hi Dave,

    Many thanks for the information. This is very helpful and justifies the way to go is used. We are really being ripped here in Canada, now that our dollar has gained so much.

    It will be interesting to see how this scenario unfolds as more people become informed...and that with a little work, they could save a bundle.

    Thanks again.

    Doug
  • franckfranck Member Posts: 6
    When bringing a car up from the states Canadian Customs sends the documentations to Riv and they send you a form that you take to Canadian Tire to do your inspection. Canadian Tire will not do an inspection without this form. If you don't have that form then your car sits. Toyota Motor Sales, USA is required to send a COMPLIANCE LETTER to riv on all their vehicle stating that the vechicle meets US federal standards and meets or can easily be modified to these Canadian standards.
    1. CMVSS 108-lighting
    2. CMVSS 210-seatbealts
    3. CMVSS 210.1- child restraints
    4. CMVSS 215-bumpers
    5. CMVSS 114-locking and immobilization
    When we bought our car in August we were thinking of getting a 2007 but for $500.00 more ending up getting a 2008 without double checking the Riv site. What a mistake ! Hopefully this will be resolved soon as this is starting to cause hardships to our family. I would really like to hear from a individual who bought a new 2008 honda or toyota from the states and is actually driving it legally.
  • 1kraut1kraut Member Posts: 2
    fsabbagh,

    I thought I had purchased a new VW from a dealer in New England - I specifically asked them to MAKE SURE they could sell me the car. Now they are finding out VW of America will not give them the necessary documentation to enable me to export the car from the USA. They are suggesting I will have to do like most people on this forum - find a relative or trusted friend who is a US resident to purchase and register it, then sell it to me.

    :mad:
  • ryandkryandk Member Posts: 18
    I've been reading a lot of postings about how Subaru USA is eager to sell to Canadian customers.

    Are there any other car manufacturers that allow their US dealerships to sell to Canadians?

    Thanks.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    Oboy! So the theory has it that Honda Canada and Toyota Canada are selling their 2008s in Canada, while Honda US and Toyota US have not submitted the paperwork to the RIV to declare that the cars meet Canadian Standards or can easily be modified to meet the Standards.

    The IBC ( Insurance board of Canada ) states that even though these cars have an Imobilizer, the manufacturers have not submitted it to testing and therefore these cars are not eligible for the insurance discount!

    http://www.ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Prevention_Investigation/Immobilizers/Immob- ilizers_List.asp

    But the real point of the matter is that while the Honda Civic 2008 (that is built in Canada and sold in the United States) comes equipped with running lights and an immobilizer, the manufacturer has decided to delay processing the paperwork with the RIV and IBC.

    So what needs to be done? Do we just sit and wait? It would be interesting to understand how the RIV list gets updated? If you import a car that is not on the list do the RIV send a notice to the Manufacturer requesting the paperwork within a certain period of time? If the manufacturer refuses or fails to meet the deadline what happens? Could poor "Franck" be left holding onto this un registered 2008 Toyota for a year? Has anyone asked the RIV?

    Seems like another case of "Big Business" coluding to hold back and keep the Canadian Consumer down!

    They void the warranties and then they avoid filing the paperwork like other Manufacturers. I guess when you are one of the top selling Car Manufacturers you can do whatever you want and get away with it!
  • silver_foxsilver_fox Member Posts: 22
    I am buying a Volvo, all of the 5 or more dealers I called were more than eager to sell to Canadians. I have not heard of any issues with warranty on Volvo either, I talked to Volvo US and Volvo Canada and dealers on both sides of the border and full warranty is honored. From looking at prices of other manufactureres it also appears that Volvo has one of the greatest savings when purchasing in the US.
  • tsanfordtsanford Member Posts: 2
    I had ordered a 2008 Accord from the US last week, paid my $500 deposit to locate a specific color. Then, I find out from the dealer this week, the order is cancelled, as Honda US has sent out letters putting the kibosh on sales to Canadian Citizens. They received the letter on Tuesday of this week. I also was told my my sales rep that they had sold a 2008 Accord to another customer last week; the customer had tried to import the vehicle; the importation was denied by Canada Customes as 2008 Hondas have not been added to the RIV list yet; and the dealership ended up refunding the money to the customer and buying the car back. The sales rep has confirmed with RIV that the 08 Hondas will be added to the list at the end of next week, and RIV has noted that 08 Honda are causing a big mess right now at the borders as they have not received the clearance letter in a timely fashion.

    So, once the 08 Hondas are added to the RIV list, they will be allowed into Canada. However, Honda US dealers are now threatened with losing their dealerships if they are caught selling to Canadians.

    The obvious way around this problem is to use a US address when purchasing the vehicle. Some states ie NH have no sales tax on vehicles so these are the ideal states to purchase a 2008 Honda. Has anyone here used this method to purchase a US vehicle for import to Canada? If so please share your experiences.
  • leftcoastautoleftcoastauto Member Posts: 18
    Silver
    Can I offer you a suggestion? If you want a Volvo. Take a look at the used Volvo market south of the border. You can now find low mileage, I'm talking near new 06 and 07 models for incredible savings over already low US new pricing. Take a look at EBAY or Google up the model you would like and see what are on the lots.
    I'm driving a loaded 06, S60 came with only 5000 miles AWD, Nav. just about every option, picked it up for $25,000 last spring, they're even cheaper now. If it's about saving money, why not max out the discount. Inspections a breeze, Canuck dealers are willing to do any warranty service. required.
  • silver_foxsilver_fox Member Posts: 22
    leftcoastauto,
    Thanks, but I already purchased. I will pick it up next week. An 07 XC90 demo, 4000 miles. $31,000 less than Canadian retail, even after duty, travel and all import fees a am saving nearly $25,000.
  • ryandkryandk Member Posts: 18
    What about BMW? Do they sell new cars to Canadians?
  • ryandkryandk Member Posts: 18
    silver_fox --

    I'm curious -- have you contacted your local Volvo dealership to find out how much the modifications will cost?

    Where are you located?

    Thanks.
  • silver_foxsilver_fox Member Posts: 22
    ryandk
    The local dealership said they can inspect it for about $130. BUT I understand that NO modifications are required for Volvo to meet Canadian standards.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    tsanford, thanks so much for your feed back on this issue.

    Maybe I will sleep better tonight. I thought the only way the Honda 2008s can get on the RIV list is that Honda US must complete the appropriate documentation and then send it to the RIV. I understood that they were holding everything up to discourage people from buying in the US. Now if we can hear from someone why the Insurance board of Canada has not approved the new security features.

    May I ask where u got your info. or email me at zscrolllock@hotmail.com

    Thanks
  • fsabbaghfsabbagh Member Posts: 7
    1kraut,

    The problem with having a relative buy it, you pay the state tax! Who wants to do that? You still gotta pay taxes here.

    Ciao.
  • fsabbaghfsabbagh Member Posts: 7
    Hi.

    Can you pm with the dealership you used and maybe a contact at fsabbagh@yahoo.com

    Thx again
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    Is there a list of makes where warranty is valid in Canada?
  • ryandkryandk Member Posts: 18
    The RIV list was updated on October 9th.

    The following manufacturers' 2008 models are now listed as admissible for import:

    Aston Martin
    Audi
    BMW
    Chrysler
    Ferrari
    Ford
    Hyundai
    Jaguar
    Kia
    Maserati
    Mazda
    Mini
    Mitsubishi
    Nissan
    Subaru
    Volkswagen

    Of course, Toyota and Honda are NOT on the list yet. [sigh]
  • silver_foxsilver_fox Member Posts: 22
    ex_tdier

    Here is a list I found, it's a commercial site so I am not sure on it's accuracy but it's a start.
    http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253#gm0
  • leftcoastautoleftcoastauto Member Posts: 18
    No modifications required to Volvo, though my first Volvo failed because someone had applied an aftermarket window tint that was too dark to pass local standards. What a pain that was to remove.
  • fungo32fungo32 Member Posts: 1
    To orrmotors

    Email me at akademaquebec@hotmail.com. I'll try to help you. I will need your VIN #.
  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    I was told you had to send/fax the title info etc to the US Customs 72 hours ahead. Did you not ahve to do this?
  • ex_tdierex_tdier Member Posts: 277
    This recall letter seems to be a pain in the butt.Is there a site that has sample recall letters and which letters have to be issued by the auto makers head office? And which makers must you get the letter from the manufacturer where from the dealer it isn't acceptable?
  • fruzmatikfruzmatik Member Posts: 2
    Regarding t he XC90 Demo, How much did you pay and what was the asking price, if you dont mind sharing.....

    thanks.
  • savingssavings Member Posts: 9
    silver_fox,
    I am looking at same idea - 07 XC90 demo. In your savings calc, are you comparing to buying new from Cdn dealer or buying comparable demo in Canada? Also, is there customs duty on XC90's? (As far as I can tell, they are made in Sweden only) If so, what is duty %? Thanks.
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