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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    I am now 99.99999% sure that a 2008 Highlander manufactured pre Sept 1-07 is admissible. Anyway, I hope so or I will have a nice lawn ornament
  • tundradan01tundradan01 Member Posts: 1
    Hey, I just got home yesterday with my brand new Toyota Tundra, 07. A saving of $15332 Cdn., based on my Cdn. pretax quote of $47220, and my purchase price of $34338. After taking into account a $950 exchange rate saving, a $1500 BC and GST (13%) saving and the difference between Cdn. and US pricing. I bought in Spokane Washington from a dealer, and also received a $2500 Rebate, not available here in Canada. The crossing at the border was uneventful, and everyone could not have been more helpful, both US and Canadian. It took me about 16 hours of fax, telephone, and internet work to sort it all out. Piece of cake! I have documented everything and will provide information and a check list for any interested parties. NOTE: Toyota US announced today, according to my US salesman, that all sales of new product to Canada cease this morning. Used product is fine, but due to pressures on Toyota Canada from Canadian dealers, Toyota USA has asked that their dealers cease new automotive sales to Canada immediately.
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Worse comes to worse, there's a cottage industry of auto brokers that can bring you the car at a fee. Find out the closest one in your area and do a due diligence.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    These would have to be auto broker based in the US, I would assume, since a Canadian broker would be in the same position as you or I?
  • evenparevenpar Member Posts: 10
    Tundra,
    I live in Kelowna B.C. so would be very interested in hearing on how you got your vehicle in Spokane. Pls email me if you wish.
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    There are impot/export autobrokers in Canada. Try NAATA. I found a Toronto one on this site and spoke with them. But I delayed my purchase untill next year in case the automakers gives-in to the pressure. Ford has started lowering some of it's 2008 by $8,000 and other's could follow-suit.
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    For those who are waiting for SCL, try asking RIV if they have an SCL for the same model car that you are importing in case someone had already brought one. If they do and it's the same car, they should allow you to bring the car here. But it all depends if they are willing to help...but it's worth the try.
  • nyndnynd Member Posts: 8
    I'd love to know which model has been reduced by $8000...they simply won't do this as think of all the leases out there and what it would do to the used car market. The major automakers are not worried about the 10 - 20% of the people who cross the border to purchase vehicles. They know perfectly well these purchases need to happen with cash and there are not many who are in that position. So, they are continuing to focus on the remaining 75 - 80% of the market that HAS to buy here due to finances and as such, reel in the profits from them.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Username 5 - did you ever manage to get your 2008 Prius into Canada and registered
    thanks
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Interesting...but I believe that "green tax" is absorbed by the manufacturer, or built into the MSRP already.
  • tundradantundradan Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I live in Armstrong, not too far away. I spent one week before going down, setting everything up and it was a piece of cake....really. I went so far as to have my truck fitted with after market options and tires at about 40-50% of what it would have cost here for most of what I had done. Kevin at Custom Trucks was great.

    I dealt with Downtown Toyota and have written everything down that needs to be done for either new or used product. I would be happy to share what I did. Tomorrow is Saturday and I am having my inspections done in Vernon at Canadian Tire, for $114, tax inc. Then I will get it insured, I can give you info on Form 2 and how to insure before receiving Form 2 from RIV. Too easy,and best yet....my wife was happy with the price and I got a VERY nice truck. Respond to this and we can swap phone numbers or something. I have to be at the airport Sunday at 4:30. I could give you info then too. Regards, Dan in Armstrong.
  • milemmilem Member Posts: 39
    Hi,
    How did you get around the "3 business days" delay required for the US Customs to approved your exportation ?

    When I bought my car, I was on vaction in the US and could stay there to respect this delay after the purchase of my car.
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    i will suggest not to put any info about dealers over here. it is not very inteligent to put all delers info over here. I bet toyota will take off that dealer withtin next few days. If you really want to help then send email to their personal email address. manufacturer's are very cautious at this time. The moment thay know about some delare they just shut him down. So Be very very cautious about all of this.I suggest you to remove if you can the info about dealers from your messages.
  • evenparevenpar Member Posts: 10
    Dan,
    Thanks for the quick reply ... why not send me an email at rj-emery@shaw.ca and we will continue to keep in contact via email.

    I am not in a panic yet as I still would like to get a new 08 vehicle so still checking out manufacturers that will sell to Canadians.

    Drop me a line.
  • easytogoeasytogo Member Posts: 6
    Yes, please try not to mention the dealership even the city/town's name. Be caution to give out the dealership info through email as it is easy for those dealerships to get a canadian email account. Try to confirm with phone before giving out.

    I am also interested in toyota, could you please send email to erictong@shaw.ca. Thanks.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    If you wife is American, has a valid address in the U.S. and has a valid driver's license in a U.S. state, it might even be better to just register the vehicle in that state and just drive it in Canada. Then, you wouldn't have to go through the hassle of importing the vehicle. No Canadian sales taxes to pay, etc.

    If you insure the vehicle with State Farm in the U.S., it is covered when the vehicle is in Canada as well. The only caveat is, maybe, getting yourself as a valid driver on the vehicle as the insurer might not cover a driver without a U.S. license. I would check though.

    Awhile ago, I had to stay in Canada for a extended period of time and had to check that with State Farm so I am certain that they cover the vehicle while in Canada. I also had to bring my vehicle in for warranty repairs a couple of times and Infiniti (we have an FX35) was able to work on the vehicle under warranty. Even roadside assistance was not an issue. I was under a visitor pretense, not a resident so it maybe different if you declare yourself as a Canadian resident. But if you use your wife's U.S. address and say that you frequently visit, which most Americans and Canadians with U.S. residency do, I think you won't have an issue. Just a thought.
  • bpenfordbpenford Member Posts: 1
    hello i have a similar question .i just imported a 2007 crv ex in ohio with 5400 miles .it was manufactured in may of 2007 .does the date of manufacture have any bearing on ones ability to force honda usa to honour the warranty . i understand the the rules regarding warranty work have been tightened only a couple of months ago . any experiences would be appreciated. thankyou
  • m0hm0h Member Posts: 1
    I just imported a 2006 BMW 3 series from the States. Before I did, I read the guide that is available on www.ucanimport.com.

    Anyway, the process is less difficult than you might think. There was a fair bit of paperwork, but from start to finish it took just a little over a week to buy the car and get all the paperwork organized and coordinated with RIV and the border. I also bought the car in CA and then had it shipped using uship.com, which was cost effective (by the way, if you don't ship it from CA, that state will make you pay state taxes - what a rip). Anyway I estimate that when the smoke cleared, I saved about $10k to $12k by importing rather than buying in Canada.

    By the way, I am plugging the ucanimport.com site because they were really helpful and the guide was a ridiculous $10. I think they saved me about $500 in mistakes I would have otherwise made plus the additional time I would have spent trying to figure out the process. They also answered me back really quick when I had questions that were outside the guide material.

    Good luck everyone. The loonie hit 1.07 this week - never thought I'd see it in my lifetime.
  • stellina72stellina72 Member Posts: 5
    I was about to head down to the USA to get my new Honda CRV on Monday. Had to cancel the purchase today due to new restrictions placed on the RIV from Honda.
    I contacted the RIV this morning and they informed me that the 2008 CRV is not allowed to be imported unless you get written consent from Honda USA. Honda USA stated in a memo to the RIV that you need a US Passport and a US insurance document in order to get car documentation. If you try to bring the vehicle into Canada you will pay the GST, Duty etc and they will allow you to bring it in. When you go for your vehicle inspection Honda will not authorize the immobilizer not the date the vehicle was made prior or after September 7,2007. If this happens you will either have great lawn ornament or you will have to export it out of the country within a set number of days.
    Honda at this time is playing hardball and I if the dollar was in there favor i am sure they would have no problem selling you a vehicle.
    I have decided to wait and see what there next move will be and if it is still playing hardball I will look at another make and go from their.
  • twotone2twotone2 Member Posts: 3
    I just bought an Audi TT in Seattle, have it home and I am trying to get the bumpers modified without getting ripped foo by the dealer. I have heard so many stories I just don't know what's true any more. RIV and TC are not very helpful either. Has anyone out there heard of a good work around or know someone who can do the work for me???
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Has BMW USA issued any written restriction to their dealers against selling to Canadians (like Toyota and Honda have)?
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    what year was the TT... Both coupe and cabrio are listed as admissible on RIV...
  • fabs375fabs375 Member Posts: 3
    i would like to puchase a mitsubishi eclipse GST in the states and import it into canada. would anyone be able to tell me what i need to do in order to complete this? i would like the kno what it would cost.... and how i could find out the regulations and stuff that the car needs to have. i woudl bring this vehicle into alberta. if anyone could help me out that would be great. thanks. (this is not a new car... i am looking at a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse GST)
  • twotone2twotone2 Member Posts: 3
    It's 2001 Roadster and I already have it home in BC. I know it is admissable but I am suppose to modify the bumpers before I can get it registered...
  • fabs375fabs375 Member Posts: 3
    i would like to puchase a mitsubishi eclipse GST in the states and import it into canada. would anyone be able to tell me what i need to do in order to complete this? i would like the kno what it would cost.... and how i could find out the regulations and stuff that the car needs to have. i woudl bring this vehicle into alberta. if anyone could help me out that would be great. thanks. (this is not a new car... i am looking at a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse GST)
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Wow...modifying bumpers on a 7-year old TT? All I can say is good luck. At least it's small enough and cute enough to sit on the front lawn. Plant some flowers in it.
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    2008 Ford Fusion will be reduced by $8,000 according to a source and Chrysler's 2008 Dodge Caravan T&C will be reduced by $6,600. This one has been announced.
  • delwickidelwicki Member Posts: 27
    It's really quite simple...All 2008 Toyota Prius' manufactured for the US market are not compliant with CMVSS 114 in regards to the immobilizer. The Canadian CMVSS standards are different (usually higher)than the US DMVSS standards (like bumpers, some air bags, etc.) The numbers all refer to which particular area they involve.
    Canadian manufacturers have stated, and RIV & TC are so far not in a position to reject, that they are the only entities in a position to certify all emission and safety requirements comply to all CMVSS.
    Canadian dealerships, including Toyota, are very competitive in Canada. You can't expect every country to be equally priced on every item, its basic economics.

    If you are going to buy US, just do it quick and make sure your vehicle is manufactured pre-Sept 07.

    Just don't end up like the guy on the news in Calgary who came back from Colorado with an 08 Avalon that he must now return to the US or scrap.
  • dmolelladmolella Member Posts: 7
    Hi delwicki,
    Question for you?
    I bought a 2008 Prius beginning of Sept. and brought it over 3 weeks ago. RIV told me the file was on hold until they heard from Transport Canada or Toyota.
    Today they told me they did not know the reason but my Prius was not admissible into Canada. They told me to call Transport Canada Monday as to why.
    As per your message, I looked and my Prius was manufactured in August 2007. Does that mean I will be Ok or is there something else you think they can prevent me from keeping it here and registering it?
    Why did RIV not say that anything about that Sept.1/07 clause?

    Thanks
  • jpsv70rjpsv70r Member Posts: 6
    Hi,

    I had absolutely nothing to modify to license it in Quebec/Canada. It is still in miles but I don't care.

    JP
  • crazy_canuckcrazy_canuck Member Posts: 9
    The problem is that the 2008 Prius is on the inadmissible list, so TC/RIV won't let it in regardless of when it was manufactured or whether it has an immobilizer (which the base model has, by the way).
  • hamcannonhamcannon Member Posts: 2
    I'm not sure that's true--I'm trying to buy a 2008 Sienna, which is also on the inadmissible list, and according to RIV this morning, as long as it was manufactured before September it will have no problem being accepted. The person at the RIV help desk seemed quite positive about that, although I'll try to get something in writing so I don't have a nasty surprise at the border.
  • tundradantundradan Member Posts: 5
    no problem, once i have my chicklist completed I am going to send it to you. Many people in Armstrong and Vernon are asking for my help....glad to pass it on.
  • tundradantundradan Member Posts: 5
    2004 Nissan 350 Z are going for around $14000 - $16000. Anyone know anything about them perhaps not meeting Canadian Specs?
  • tundradantundradan Member Posts: 5
    This morning I got my inspections completed, and registered and insured my truck. From an arrival time of 0130 Friday morning to 1200 Saturday and now I am home free. This is too easy. I will share my experience, phone numbers, adn checklist with anyone who asks!
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Did you get any feedback from your question? I was told they do not let you go pass the border - and in your case they let you come in - pay GST and Duty and now you have an eviction order? so it is true we should leave the car in the USA until it is on the list?
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    I write to my MP Cornwall Ontario every day since last week. I wrote to Finance Minister Flaherty also.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Delwicki
    Not everything is so simple - The 2008 Prius has a keyless start and I think it is called a FAD - anyway it is the most sofisticated technology around - since 2004 the Prius has exceeded the immobiliser requirements. My car (in Massena) was also manufactured in August so this rulle 114 doesn't apply but I still cannot get it accepted. First one who knows of a 2008 Prius please advise us. Other option which I hate would be to sell it and buy a used 2007 and then like many posts here I could bring it in so easily. I'd worry that it will be on the list right after I sell it. Finally, I wrote to my dealer and he is not interested in reversing the sale - he has not replied to my last e-mail where I asked that he retake the car because he sold me a car under false representation. I thought I could bring it in and he knew that was my intention.
  • gaylenwgaylenw Member Posts: 10
    I live in Texas and My father in BC. I bought a 2008 Dodge truck and I want to give it to my father to drive in Canada when he comes to visit next summer. Could He take it over the border back to BC if his name and mine are on the title? Would he have to get a Texas Drivers license or what. What is the easiest way to do this. It is already licensed and has insurance. HELP. :confuse:
  • dmolelladmolella Member Posts: 7
    Delwicki,
    Why did you mention to buy quick and make sure vehicle is manufactured pre-Sept 07?

    That is what my 2008 Prius is, pre-Sept. 07.

    Also, anyone know the best way to get an answer to this?
    I tried RIV but they say talk to Transport Canada, open Monday.

    Do you think they will make exceptions because of pre-Sept.?

    Thanks,
    Dean
  • polar70polar70 Member Posts: 1
    Congratulations tundradan,

    I am also looking at bring a tundra back from south. Do you mind email me the dealer phone # and the experience in dealing with the dealer. Thanks a lot. My email: thezhangs@gmail.com
  • gtxkarl1gtxkarl1 Member Posts: 32
    Hello everyone,

    I am looking to import a 2008 highlander but I'm not sure about the immobilser issue. It says it comes with one but does anyone know if it conforms to what riv is asking? Also it's made in japan does anyone know what duty I'll pay at the border?

    I got a call from an Acura dealer in Montreal on friday and he said Acura is dropping their prices between $7000. and $9000. on the MDX. It's still more expensive then in the U.S. Which is crazy considering it's built in Ontario, but at least it's a start.
  • westarmwestarm Member Posts: 1
    Are there any problems importing the BMW 3xi into Canada,specifically Montreal? 2007 or 2008 .Recommend dealers in US ? Vermont or NY border entry? Restrictions,modifications needed on vehicle? Warranties? Is it all worth the effort? Has anyone recently purchased this vehicle? Thanks
  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    If vehicle is manufactured prior to Sept 1-07 then I don't think there is a problem. After Sept 1 you need aletter from manufacturer saying the immobilizer complies with cdn standards.

    Duty is 6.1%
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    Hi Tundra,

    I also live in B.C. Pls e-mail me any information you are willing to share.

    E-mail: Bob_Langelaan@telus.net

    Thanks in advance,

    Bob
  • civicexportitcivicexportit Member Posts: 9
    So far I have contacted Honda US and the manufacturing plant in Canada that makes the Honda civic. Honda US indicated they had passed compliance type info to Honda Canada on August 27?? Why Honda CAN and not just Transport Canada is questionable. When I talked to the plant I was quickly transferred to Corporate Affairs (in Toronto) who then passed me on to Customer Relations. I pointedly asked a number of times whether the immobolizer was a different part on the US version versus the Canadian and received no direct answer. The final response was "it's not so much that it is a different part but it is positioned differently". I then asked if modifying the position would then make the car non-compliant and he answered yes. Not good news but I still find it questionable as the service department form the dealer where I purchased the car indicated an immobolizer module part number. That infers that it is likely a part of the car's computer/electronic system. In the Canadian version it is positioned so that it cannot be accessed within a certain time frame (1-5 minutes - I am still researching the testing standards listed in the safety act - CMVSS 114). I cannot believe that repositioning the part would not be possible. My next plan is to email Honda US, Honda CAN, Gary Moriarty (Deputy Registrar of RIV) and the Minister of Transport (I have a staffer's name - thanks to Moriarty - Peter Tremblay). In this group email I will indicate that no one is taking full, honest ownership of this situation. I want it in writing that the Honda Civic 2008 is NOT compliant to Canadian Motor vehicle standards - not the finger pointing a received in a reply from Moriarty: "We have been advised by Honda US that the vehicle in question does comply with the regulations and standards you address in your email with the exception of CMVSS 114 which deals with the anti auto theft immobilization system.

    Apparently the difference between the US system and the Canadian standards are such that the manufacturer has determined that any modification done to a vehicle to eliminate this difference would render it non compliant.

    We rely on the manufacturer of a vehicle for all compliance information, and have no control over Honda US on how they manufacture vehicles originally destined for the US market."

    In this email I will also be clear that this decision is binding, legally, and that changes to admissibility in the future (when the US leases return in 2-3 years) will result in legal liability for financial losses incurred due to the exportation order at this time.

    It is a faint hope that it puts all the parties that are saying nothing on paper have to see what the other is saying. I am preparing to export my car. I will have to sell it back to the dealer at a loss. I will then have to submit a claim of adjustment to he Border service to get the GST and Air conditioning tax back (form B2G - CBSA Informal Adjustment Request). I will also have to get a notarized letter stating that the car has been exported to get back my fee from RIV.

    If you have not completely purchased the vehicle and it is NOT on the RIV list - get out of the deal. It is a mind-numbing, stressful and all-encompassing situation to fight the politics; one I would definitely wish to have avoided.
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Is this indeed a 2007 Tundra or 2008?
    As you may have seen, the RIV reg's have killed many 2008 models of Toyota's from entering Canada from the States.
  • civicexportitcivicexportit Member Posts: 9
    Have you got an exportation order or anything from RIV yet? What you need to know specifically is why the 2008 Prius is NOT compliant. If it is indeed the immobilizer issue - CMVSS 114, then the Sept 1, 2007 date is pivotal. The new legislation only applies to vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2007. Most 2008 models will apply but for some models production started early as is your case. Email RIV - the info@riv.ca address as well as GMoriarty@riv.ca (he is the Deputy Registrar) and ask specifically what the non-compliance is? If it is CMVSS114 then get a copy of the US compliance label on the car - it should have the manufacturing date on it (also would have to be on Form 1 - form used as you enter Canada - don't know your exact situation). Send that info to RIV - it should be the required info to permit the vehicle to come in.
  • tundradantundradan Member Posts: 5
    The Tundra that I brought across was a brand new 2007. The main reason for me was the $2500 rebate that the dealer was able to provide for me. The truck listed for $35834 less rebate = 33334. SR5(buckets etc.) with TRD, Cold package backup camera, daytime running lights, immobilizer, etc.
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