Importing Car into Canada from US

sergelbergeron

Hello everyone - I have a few ideas - I just wrote to my US salesman and these are very big dealerships and I'll see what he can do with Toyota USA. Here are some ideas - did anybody compare the US vehicle standards with the Can standards? Did anybody explore the fact that the vehicle comes from Japan - it was in transit in the USA - maybe going by other rules?Export from Japan? Also all Prius are made at the same factory - If I could find that they all have the same safety standards - maybe we can find some compelling other data -
Anyway I am looking at these options on the internet - if someone has hints maybe you can post.
Thanks - let's find a solution to this Toyota StrongHold - we are now like David and Goliath ( David won in the end)

sergelbergeron

The extended warranty was offered to me at $1,400 for 7 yrs / 100000 miles. I thought that was a ggod deal when compared to Can prices - then after some research I found that the best price around was $990 for the same coverage. The dealer offered it to me for $1140 so I told him no. When I picked up my vehicle on Saturday I told him at $1000 I would take it, so he let me have it for $1000. This extended warranty is good in Can/USA of course. Lesson learned - prices in the USA are good compared to Can but you can still ask for a better price as it is a very competitve market. So I took it from the dealer.

ryanm2

Just wondering if anyone out there has used an Auto Broker to bring a vehicle across the border. Can you purchase the vehicle from a dealer and get it shipped to Canada and what kind of fees are associated with doing this?

billsfan

OK I am interested in what is needed to modify this car to Canadian standards. Transport Canada RIV web states that it is admissable so this model is ok , but they also state that any modifications need to be done by a Volvo authorized dealer. What is needed.
thanks BILLSFAN

sergelbergeron

Here is the latest - I checked Transport Canada Web Site and I don't see where the RIV list is the holy grail. I am attaching the link here to the rules and according to me - if I have that label in the door - I will be OK. So on Thursday morning my 72 hours will be up and at 9:00AM I will be bringing my 2008 Prius in. I will report to this group on the success or failure.

the link for Transport Canada is
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/m/mvsa/regulations/mvsrg/010/mvsr12- .html

Extract from regulations:
3) For the purposes of subsection 7(2) of the Act, a person may import into Canada a vehicle referred to in that subsection where the following conditions are met:

(a) in the case of a vehicle other than a restricted-use motorcycle, a snowmobile or a snowmobile cutter, the vehicle was manufactured by a company to conform to the applicable United States federal laws on the date of manufacture, as shown on the American compliance labels on the vehicle or on a written statement from each company that manufactured the vehicle;

Extract from the ACT Vehicles purchased in United States
(2) Except as otherwise provided by the regulations, a vehicle that has been sold at the retail level in the United States and that fails to satisfy an applicable requirement of section 5 or 6 may be imported into Canada notwithstanding that section if the person importing the vehicle makes a declaration in the prescribed form and manner that, before the vehicle is presented for registration under the laws of a province, the vehicle

(a) will be made to conform to that requirement, and

(b) will be certified in the prescribed form and manner to so conform by such person as may be designated by the regulations

jadeboy

You should phone riv.ca and tell them Toyota will not issue the recall letter as it's their new policy, see what they said.

delwicki

After speaking to an "acquaintance" who works for Transport Canada, he confirmed that all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2007 must meet the requirements for CMVSS 114. As in theft immobilizers must be installed on all vehicles made for sale to the Canadian market. U.S. has much more lenient standards in this regards for their immobilizers and the majority do not meet Canadian standards. If not equipped, a letter of confirmation must be provided by the Canadian manufacturer confirming compliance thru other means (new or used). TC & RIV have been informed by all major manufacturers that they will NOT provide that letter except for vehicles that had the CMVSS 114 compliant theft immobilizer installed at the factory prior to shipping.
So what it comes down is this...anyone can buy anything in the U.S. and bring it up. And many US dealers will only be glad to take your money. You will get across the border after paying your GST, Duty if any, AC tax. However, when it comes time for RIV compliance inspections, you will have a non-compliant vehicle with no fix available as only the Canadian Manufacturer can provide this and will not. At that point, you will have 2 choices: export within 45 days or destroy.
Who would have thought that a vehicle standards "improvement" announced in April would have such consequences.

jadeboy

Toyota USA should know.. because they are the once submitting the paperwork... You should ask Transport Canada who submit the paperwork Toyota USA or Toyota Canada or Toyota Japan. The get the manufacture to give an answer, one way or another.

sem1

Does anyone know if the Honda dealer who sold a car to a Canadian for import into Canada will honour the warranty if the customer brings it back into the US for warranty work? In other words, if I bring the 2007 Honda CRV which I purchased in the US and which requires differential warranty work, back to the US dealer that sold it to me, will the dealer do the warranty work free of charge? I realize that I am out of luck getting it done for free in Canada as Canadian dealers will not honour the warranty on cars purchased in the US.

andrew87

If you go to the Insurance Bureau of Canada website it lists all vehicles with acceptable immobilizer's or aftermarket immobilizer's and in Manitoba they are installed at no-charge by Manitoba Public Insurance.

mikewier

Was told in no uncertain terms by Honda Canada PR that once a US Honda has been registered in a country other than the US, all warranties become null and void.

thecannyscot

FYI. The 2008 Highlander can be imported under Section 5. (SUV's 4X4's etc)

crikey

Just try taking it back to them and see if they would fix the issue under warranty. If they value your business, they will find a way to honor it.

delwicki

Which is nice except that IBC and MPI have no say or standing in RIV vehicle compliance. That is an insurance issue that will get you a lower rate. RIV compliance confirmation can only come from the manufacturers themselves. I can bet that any aftermarket immobilizer will void warranty.

love2drive1

Lupient Infiniti, 7200 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55426

has a nice web page for Canadians who want to buy an Infiniti:

Lupient Infiniti in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hopefully we will see dealers from other manufactures take advantage of this business opportunity to sell to Canadians that want to get the most for their hard earned money.

scrolllock

So lets not get ahead of ourselves here! What about all the 2008 Civic cars now being sold by Canadian dealers?
They do not meet the standards? The immobilizer is the same in the US version of the car that is build in Alliston Ontario!

I called Honda Canada concerned that I could not get an insurance discount because the immobilizer was not approved by the IBC. They read me an internal memo. It stated that the immobilizer they use meets or beats the Canadian Standards. They indicated to me that there was no group in Canada with the authority to state wether or not their immobilizer meets the standard. They will not submit their immobilizer to the IBC for testing. If the IBC wants to verify that it meets the standard then they should test it themselves.

I think the issue is very very cloudy right now. I am not sure the RIV or Transport Canada can or want to resolve this issue. But if Manitoba is installing free immobilizers why can I not just get the one installed taken out and put in one that is certified as per the list on the IBC web site???

scrolllock

It doesn't matter, the warranty as per Honda US the warranty on a car purchased in the US by a Canadian is void!

scrolllock

The real issue is why has the RIV put the Honda Civic on the inadmissible list? Is it because Honda is not complying with the submission of paperwork? Is it because thay cannot tell if the immobilizer meets Standards because the company won't indicate it in writing. Is it because Honda will not provide a kit to upgrade the immobilizer to Canadian Standards??

With all the folks on this site and other sites having imported the Civic, The RIV owes us a valid explaination and a work around to the problem.

sergelbergeron

Let's all watch CBC news the National Tonight - they have a special on the dollar. I wrote to them about the RIV problems - hopefully they will report on it.

volvomax

Just try taking it back to them and see if they would fix the issue under warranty. If they value your business, they will find a way to honor it.

Dealerships don't administer manufacturer waranties.
If American Honda says it void, its void.

scrolllock

The immobilizer on the Honda Civic 2008 is not the issue! Just go to the www.IBC.ca and call one of the companies that install immobilizers. They will not take your old one out( if there is one) but they will just install one on top of the existing one at a cost of around $400.00.

The one they install will be certified to meet the spec. Reason you can't get it done at CT is that all personnel doing this work must be ULC approved and have passed police checks etc...etc..

So now what is the real reason the Honda Civic 2008 has not been approved???? Please don't start any rumors until someone from the Transport Canada let us know, unless you know for sure!

crikey

Dealerships don't administer manufacturer waranties.
If American Honda says it void, its void.

Just wondering, how does the manufacturer know that a vehicle has actually been exported?

dayfut

I was told by my dealer that the US warranty is void in Canada...but if you have major problems, you can take it back to the US and get it fixed since the warranty is valid in the US. The only problem is: how are you gonna get it back to the states? haul it?

volvomax

Well, your address is a dead giveaway
Canadian plates, registration etc.

delwicki

Forget the US dealer that will sell to you. Forget whatever an insurance company tells you. IBC has no voice or input here whatsoever. The immobilizer requirement is a Transport Canada requirement. You can buy a vehicle without...you can insure a vehicle without it...but you cannot clear RIV requirements without a letter from the vehicle's Canadian manufacturer endorsing an aftermarket or factory immobilizer installation. Do you honestly believe that a dealership that sells new Honda/Toyota/Nissan in Canada will either do the installation or that Honda/Toyota/Nissan's Canadian overseers will issue a letter that could possibly cannibalize sales?

The US and Canadian branches of each manufacturer are about as separate as McDonalds and Burger King.

Try and find something built before September 1st, 2007 or be prepared to have a vehicle that is worth scrap metal in Canada.

autoadvr

Hi Kenjas:

Sorry for the delay. I was on holiday away from email. Just a few clarifications. Documents sent to Canada were sales contract - title etc were placed in glove compartment of car for custom broker. Custom broker had nothing to do with actual delivery, that was done by auto transport. The car wasn't really bought remotely as I was here in Pasadena to shop and compare amoung various dealers and actually deal with salesman and sales manager.Once again, I advise anyone thinking of importing car from US to put yourself in hands of a reputable custom broker and do what they say. If I can be of any help, let me know.

scrolllock

I disagree with you. refer to item 9 on the riv list as follows. it has just recently been added. see the last sentence I wish I had known about this before I purchased my car. I would have deferred purchase until it was all sorted out.

9. Every Passenger vehicle, multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck and 3 wheeled vehicle manufactured after September 1, 2007
and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs), except an emergency vehicle or a walk-in van, must
be equipped with an immobilization system that meets CMVSS 114.
While many vehicles manufactured for the United States market offer the electronic immobilization system as an option, there are some
makes and models where this system is not available from the manufacturer. In many cases, an after market system that meets the
intent of CMVSS114 can be installed by a third party. However you should check with the manufacturer to see if the installation of such
an after market system compromises the vehicle warranty. Importers should check with the manufacturer to determine whether a
vehicle is equipped or can be equipped with an electronic immobilization system that meets the intent of CMVSS 114, before
purchasing and importing a vehicle.
Electronic immobilizers require a special key or small electronic device to start a vehicle's engine. Usually you attach this to your key
ring.
This type of system, when activated, totally immobilizes engine systems in response to any attempt to start the vehicle without using an
authorized key, by shutting off one or more parts of the engine's electrical system. This might include the starter, ignition or fuel
system.
As part of the RIV inspection, the importer will be required to supply documentation to prove that the vehicle came equipped
with a factory installed system that complies with CMVSS 114 or that a recognized aftermarket system that meets the intent
of CMVSS 114, has been installed.

crikey

Oh, OK. But this is after you have exported the vehicle. Prior to actually visiting the dealership, would the manufacturer's database reflect the fact that the vehicle was exported?

delwicki

A 3rd party immobilizer will not, for reasons mentioned previously, be installed by a dealership that will directly lose sales as a result. That is just plain common sense. This means they will most likely void your warranty at the soonest opportunity. And you still require documentation of a recognized system. It will not be an insurance company or Canadian Tire providing that. Transport Canada will be the determining agency and the Government of Canada has nothing to gain from a Canadian branch of an automobile manufacturer making less money (ie reduced tax revenue). My guess is they will do what will provide them with the most benefit unfortunately at the detriment of Canadian consumers.

all4onecan

Hi Autoadvr,
Would you let me know which auto transport company you used and how much it costs to transport your car from LA to ONT.

I plan to buy a 2007 Lexus R350 from L.A.
Thanks

all4onecan

Can 2008 Lexus R350 be imported under Section 5 as well? This section did not specify the year of the car.

autoadvr

Hi All4onecan;

A-A Auto Transport. Tel 888.744.7227. They have a Canadian specialist so ask to speak with him. You may want to include Longo Toyota (El Monte) in your search. They are the largest Lexus dealer in California and have large inventory of 07's. Email me at autoadvs@aol.com if I can be of any help.

volvomax

When a new car is sold, the dealership must report the sale to the manufacturer.
This information includes the name and address of the buyer.
So, the manufacturer would know that the car was exported based on that information.
The only way around that would be to use a US address.
But, when the car comes in for warranty work, the new address and registration info would be noted.

bodble2

"..when the car comes in for warranty work, the new address and registration info would be noted."

Unless you keep using the US address.

thecannyscot

Just spoke to RIV(two separate people) re importing a 2008 highlander with immobilizer installed and they said no problem. Don't have to prove anything other than it is equiped with the mobilizer.

volvomax

Unless you keep using the US address.

With Canadian plates?
Yeah, like a dealer isn't going to notice that.

This is how warranty claims work:
You bring in your Honda because the ABS contol unit went bad.
Dealer takes your info, fixes the car, you leave.
Dealer submits the claim to Honda for re-imbursement.
Dealers KNOWS you are a Canadian, the plates and your charming accent give you away.
Dealer KNOWS that Honda won't warranty a car that is taken to Canada.
Dealer knows that Honda tracks warranty claims closely.
Dealer knows that Honda will reject the claim,leaving the dealer holding the bag for the repair.

mikewier

What is the most advantageous snd safe way to exchange approx $25k Canadian into US dollars for the purpose of an auto purchase?

civicexportit

My first post - just found this website in the last couple days. 2008 Civic brought across the border on October 14 - told October 26 that Transport Canada had not released info on the 2008 Hondas (website was updated that day but..). I got an exportation order today by email from RIV. I have emailed back to the Deputy Registrar of RIV and got a reply. Places it smack back at the manufacturer. Honda US tells TC that the vehicle does not comply to our Motor Safety Standards. He also seems to indicate that it is the immobolizer issue but I am waiting to hear back that the immobilizer is the only issue. Has anyone else received exportation orders on the "inadmissible" 2008 Honda models?

all4onecan

If this is private exchange and both parties are with the same bank. I think the best way is that both of you walk in a bank branch and ask the bank tailer to transfer the money at the counter.
I did the same last week and exchanged about $45K with a guy who I never met in face before.
Both of us are with TD bank. And both of us have a Canadian dollar account and a US dollar account. So we walked into the branch near my house, and gave the access cards to the bank tailer and asked her to do two trasactions: one was to transfer his US dollar from his account to my US dollar account. And another one is to transfer my Canadian dollar from my account to his canadain dollar account. The transactions was done within 10 minutes. Since we are all with TD, the money gets transfered and confirmed right away.

the exchange rate was agreed before going to the bank

Hope this would help

all4onecan

Thanks autoadvr,I just called A-A auto Transport and got the quote. They told me that when the car is arrived, I need to go their warehouse to pay tax and pick it up there

Thanks again

bodble2

I will advise you of a designated drop-off point. At a pre-arranged time and date, drop off a briefcase with your $25K CAD. Go back to the same location 24 hours later to pick up the briefcase with the $23,584 USD. :P

iainh

I faxed my recall letter to RIV a week ago but they have apparently lost it so I have to start again.
It makes me wonder why RIV exists...It appears to be the creation of some bureaucrats with nothing but time to waste.
Why do we need all of this bureaucracy to approve a two line letter?
This could all be done by the Provincial Authorities as part of the Provincial testing. They also have to approve the car. This duplication is not at all necessary and only feeds the appetite of the Federal Government.
I suggest that everyone write their MP and complain.

delwicki

The only 2008 Highlander manufactured for the US market that isn't compliant is the Base without factory immobilizer. SR5, Sport & Limited are already compliant. Base simply needs the immobilzer installed. Apparently one of the few you can actually have properly equipped at a US dealer. No worries there!

silverboy

I hope this doesn't come across as argumentative (not my intention) but how do you know the 2008 Highlander is compliant? The most anyone here seems to have are verbal assurances from some unknown person answering the phones at the RIV call centre, which doesn't give me a lot of comfort. I'm trying to import a 2008 Sienna. I know it has a factory installed immobilizer but I don't know if that immobilizer complies with CMVSS 114 because I have no idea what standard is imposed by that regulation (and I have read the regulation). It seems reasonable to conclude that it probably does since I have a hard time believing that Toyota is using a different immobilizer for its Siennas depending on whether the vehicle is destined for Canada or the U.S. However, the RIV puts the onus on the importer to prove that the vehicle complies with CMVSS 114 and I don't know how one does that. I have been trying to get written confirmation from the RIV but have been failing miserably.

scrolllock

I wish I had know about this site and studied it prior to making my mistake with a 2008 Honda Civic. But I am going to keep on fighting and asking questions to Honda US and the RIV.

I know some of you are in the same boat as me and I know working together we might come up with a way to make Honda US file the right paperwork and let us get on with our lives. They have made certain that their dealerships no longer sell to Canadian re.. their memo of October 11th. The dealers are not taking back the cars.

Let me know if you are in the same boat and want to discuss solutions. I will not use this site to do so as I know it is looked at by some folks that don't want us to succeed. I have created an email address inadmissibleautos@hotmail.com as well.

strength in numbers!
__________________

I will never buy a new or used car in Canada until the prices start reflecting the new reality of our Canadian dollar!!!

benji99

Hi all

You may want to ask RIV this

United States, FMVSS 114 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards = Canada, CMVSS 114 Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety

Cheers

Ben

generaljunk

I have a dealer that is willing to sell me a 2008 Odyssey but it doesn't appear on the RIV list. Can I import it?

defrederick

Are there not Honda dealers in Canada selling 2008 Civics that are made in the US? How is Honda getting them across the border for their own dealers? Maybe I'm naive, but I thought we all played by the same rules, and the RIV should be restricting *ALL* imported vehicles, not just ones imported by private individuals. My assumption was that as soon as Honda wanted to start selling 08's in Canada, they'd have to get on the list.

Does anyone know how the manufacturers get their vehicles approved? Maybe there's a workaround (or a precedent)here...

Dan

delwicki

There was a list posted on one of the Tundra forums regarding the CMVSS that appeared to be derived from an internal Toyota email. It has since been removed, but basically indicated that the only made for US models that were compliant were Camry's, and non-base Highlanders and RAV's I think. The friend who works for Transport Canada has said that the Canadian manufacturers are asserting, and TC is agreeing, that only they can certify any modifications to comply with safety or emissions. I would consider a 2007 as they would have a manufacture date before September 1.

sem1

When I purchased my car in the US, I had my bank in Canada deposit the money directly into the dealers account in the US. All my bank needed was the coding for the US account. This was easily done through a phone call to the dealership. Initially the dealership was a little hesitant but after a little checking it was easily done. The benefit was I didn't have to handle the money and the fee for the transfer was very small (I seem to recollect something in the $20 to $30 range).