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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • carsourcecarsource Member Posts: 2
    What changed on the list?
  • erpouerpou Member Posts: 6
    Out of curiosity, how long did it take to get your exemption letter?

    eric
  • erpouerpou Member Posts: 6
    And one more question - is the exemption for all vehicles purchased pre-Nov. 1 that weren't on the inadmissable list before? Just called RIV, and it was quite a junior employee who thought it was just non-passenger cars (ie: trucks) that qualified.
  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    Absolutely wrajinder.
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Just sent for it this morning...nothing yet on the fax.
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Never asked the question about what vehicles the exemption applies to. So far its applied to my truck (2008 Tacoma) and a Sienna van to my knowledge.

    My US dealer just emailed me and said, "I talked to another guy that pd for but has not picked it up yet, he said RIV told him no problem as long as the bill of sales was before 11/01/2007"

    Hope this helps...Good Luck ;)
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    FYI - I just visted my local Honda dealer (I'm in Alberta) and spoke with the manager. It seems like the larger cash rebates are for real. He was willing to give $4,000 on the 2007 Odyssey without even flinching. This along with the recent 0.9% financing for 72 months shows some "give" of the local dealers to the US/Cdn dis-parity pressures.

    So with the $10,000 price difference: $10,000 - $4,000 rebate - $3,000 aftermarket warranty = $3,000. And I could easily spend $1,500 in expenses to bring the vehicle across the border. So this is giving me something to think about. I plan to wait for the 2008’s to hit the lot (end of the month, early December) and see if I can score a deal.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I've gotten myself all confused here. The Nov 1st date is only relevant for vehicles NOT on the RIV admissible list, correct? If your vehicle is on the list, then the only thing you need to worry about is the recall letter from the OEM?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I was flipping thru the Vancouver Province over lunch today, and Brown Bros Ford had an ad that said they have adjusted prices to reflect the US market. And Carter Dodge said they are giving rebates as much as $9,500 in view of the exchange rate. Whether these are just trick ads, I don't know, but could it be that the manufacturers are starting to bend?
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    To protect our dealers I can only recommend that you use Edmunds to view the dealers - maybe you can search within 500 miles of a US postal code. The Massena postal code is 13662. Then you write a short email to those dealers that have the car you want. Most have a INternet Sales Manager. You ask them clearly if they sell to Canadians and you are a buyer. When I did it I got about 3 who said yes, some from Boston, Pensylvania etc. Do some homework and you will find. It turns out that the drive down was beautiful and my wife and I had a great week-end. The hick-up - I can't bring in the car....for now. Finally for all of those succeeding in buying in the USA I hope you all know that you can negotiate the extended warranties and not just at the dealer where you are buying. I brought the initial price down from $1,400 to $1,000. Ask the question, you'll be surprised. PS The same warranty is worth $2000 in Canada.
  • franckgfranckg Member Posts: 5
    You are not comparing equal numbers. 1 US gallon is NOT equal to 1 Canadian gallon.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    I'm told 1 us gallon is worth 4 litres and not 4.54 litres like the Can gallon. So if the price of gaz in the USA is $3.20 US you just divide by 4 to get $0.80 a litre. The you know that by paying with your credit card they will charge you the right exchange rate. AND you don't have to declare at the border that you have a full tank of gaz... ;)
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Can you confirm - should we ask for an exemption letter or an exception letter?
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Just for everyone's information, the credit card company will charge you 2.5% on conversion. We were in US last long weekend for shopping at Galleria Mall. All our bills got 2.5% conversion rate. I phoned my Amex and was advised that all credit cards companies charges the same amount of rate.
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    So...is direct debit payment at the till the way to go instead?
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    3.78 litres in a US gallon.

    4.54 litres in a US gallon.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    Correction.

    3.78 Litres in a US gallon

    4.54 Litres in a CANADIAN Gallon
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Use this conversion:

    1 US Gallon = 3.7854 Liter
    0.264172 Liter = 1 US Gallon

    1 Imperial Gallon = 4.5 Liters
    1 Liter = 0.220 Imperial Gallon

    I hope this helps.
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Whoops...typo!
    Exemption letters will be issued by the RIV.
    Still haven't received mine yet.
  • malunamaluna Member Posts: 18
    Hey mattyjack, Please let me know how you get along picking up the Highlander. I'm right behind ya. I have a deposit on one now and want to go down, finish the purchase, and bring it home. It's a Sport model. I have received the Recall Letter via FAX from Toyota U.S. but have had NO luck what-so-ever with this CMVSS 14 compliance thing. Anybody I call (US or Canda) doesn't know a thing and can't help me. what a run-around. Can you advise me on what to do next?!
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    2.5% is still cheaper than Banks or Exchange places will charge you. They all have to make a profit. I just find the credit card companies are fair in the rate conversion.
  • malunamaluna Member Posts: 18
    tri_biker,
    Yes, this is CRAZY. I too have put a deposit down on 2008 Sport Highlander and want to finish the purchase and bring it home. I have received the Recall Letter via FAX from Toyota U.S. but have had NO luck what-so-ever with this CMVSS 14 compliance thing. Please keep us posted with your news. Please advise what step to take next.
  • jnap0527jnap0527 Member Posts: 8
    I realize several members have mentioned their experiences with the CMVSS114 immobilizer issue on various 2008 car models.

    What I am confused about is as follows: even if the car I am looking for is on transport canada's "admissible" list, does this automatically mean that it will meet the CMVSS114 requirement?? If you read explanation #9 in the transport canada list, it says "every vehicle"....manufactured AFTER sept.1/07 requires the importer to PROVE that the vehicle is CMVSS114 compliant!

    I need some help here regarding this. I am looking at the 2008 honda s2000, but I am very very nervous in dropping down any cash until I know 100% for sure in writing that this is going to work without me being forced to export?

    Help would be much appreciated. Thanks :confuse:
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Correction times 2...The letter's are EXCEPTIONS to the November 1st, 2007 RIV list.
    Sorry :confuse:
  • faridsolimanfaridsoliman Member Posts: 4
    This could be a repeated question,
    So if I buy a Honda from USA dealer, is the warranty would still be honored in USA, I mean can I cross the borders for the big repairs.
  • mottiemottie Member Posts: 17
    Does anyone know of a third party immobilizer that meets CMVSS114?
  • mattyjackmattyjack Member Posts: 8
    Well maluna i am going to the sates on sat to buy. I have called the RIV everyday since monday to confirm. Every time i was told it was fine if maufatured before sep-01 even if it was an 08 otherwise you need a letter about the imobilizer. Then tonight i call and am told you need a letter for any 07's or 08's and he knows that nobody has ever gotten a letter. Apparently it is crazy over there and they are changing things all the time, but not updating the website? The one tip he gave was anything after sep-07 will need a letter.
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    My thought is that since it is admissible it must already meet CMVSS 114, otherwise it would have failed a CMVSS clause and would therefore be deemed un-roadworthy for Canada. Having said that, I would verify this with RIV in writing. Leave nothing to chance. This isn't a 99cent hot wheel you are buying. ;)
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    Please see www.ibc.ca.

    http://ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Prevention_Investigation/Immobilizers/Immobiliz- ers_List.asp

    Good luck.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Apparently this 3rd party immobilizer is CMVSS 114 compliant. I have fired them an e-mail to determine cost and confirm compliance. Will keep all posted. No word back from RIV.

    www.masterguard.com
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Here's another interesting web page on immobilizers in Canada. Clearly they're not the driving force behind the price discrepancy, simply a rather crude non-tariff trade barrier!

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/theft.htm
  • mottiemottie Member Posts: 17
    This may be the answer to my potential problem with my Rav4 as long as they will supply documentation.I sent an e-mail as well.
  • dreyfus1dreyfus1 Member Posts: 43
    A vehicle imported from US is highly likely to conform to FMVSS114 which was acceptable under CMVSS114 UNTIL Aug. 31 2007. Since Sept 01 2007 only the new United Nations standard which Canada has now adopted and calls CMVSS114 (amended)is acceptable to TC and RIV. The version of CMVSS114 in force now rules out FMVSS114 and the one offered by ICBC/IBC. There are two problems with a conforming retrofit the hostile manufacturers will deny you warranty coverage and in some cases the manufacturer will not verify that it is safe to add an after market immobilizer. Thye old "letter + logo" problem.
    Keep hammering away at Lawrence Cannon to amend CMVSS114 and put an end to this daylight robbery.
  • johnd64johnd64 Member Posts: 9
    Hello
    has anyone being successful in bringing one of these vehicles into Canada ?
    I talked to the MB dealer here and now they want $250 upfront just to evaluate the modifications required.Before they were reasonable and were giving the information over the phone.
    In any event, if people would boycott the purchase of a new car from any of the manufacturers that treat us this way
    things may change.Why not align the prices or stop putting these artificial barriers ,especially on used cars.
    Are you listening ?
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    aaaand updated on Nov 7, 2007... sheesh. It's getting updated daily...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    What is the significance of the Nov. 1st date again?
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    check out the Montreal Gazette this morning Page 1 and 4
  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    Maluna,

    How were you able to get the recall letter if you have not finished buying it yet?
  • lozenlozen Member Posts: 19
    Spoke to them and they say they are allowing cars to cross around Nov 1 st or 2nd to as the constant updates. I spoke to a Peter at RIV. Man I am scheduled to drive across Nov 17th and scared. Not sure how much the dealer will give me back id I cancel the deal. Pter also said atht this is going to take a month to clear up.

    So will they stop you atthe border or just let you through and you will have trouble registring the vehicle.
  • civicexportitcivicexportit Member Posts: 9
    Just read the article online..great comments! I am still getting information from Honda US - as of yesterday their representative advised me that they provide vehicle specifications to RIV/Transport Canada and then the Canadian officials make the call. This is certainly a different perspective than has been provided by RIV and TC. I hope that I get a call back from the lady with whom I spoke yesterday - she was going to find out what was provided to RIV/TC (on October 22 - they can certainly work fast when they want to..).
  • civicexportitcivicexportit Member Posts: 9
    I just got off the phone with RIV. The exemption letters are being provided to people who have purchased vehicles that were once admissible and then switched to inadmissible when the RIV list was updated on November 1. Unfortunately that does not apply to most of the 2008 Hondas as they were never on the admissible side of the RIV list. :cry:
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Waitint to hear back from dealer on the manufacture date for my Highlander. Hoping August!!!

    If not, I think I'll be backing out of the deal. Too much on the line.
  • lozenlozen Member Posts: 19
    So do you need this letter vefore crossing? Also has anyone received this letter as were all getting different answer at RIV
  • mattyjackmattyjack Member Posts: 8
    Well my saga has come to an end. The dealership i was dealing with said they cant do it anymore. And frankly after all this crap and the 6 calls to RIV(that all gave me different answers i am done with this for a while). Guess i will just wait and see what happens.

    Good luck guys.
  • lozenlozen Member Posts: 19
    I spoke to RIV again and they say that the Rogue was added Nov 6th any bought before than are allowed. No paperwork or exemption letters will be issued as they are not required
  • malunamaluna Member Posts: 18
    thecannyscot,

    I just asked the dealer for the 17 digit VIN number and made a small deposit. That's what Toyota wants in order to send out the letter.
  • erpouerpou Member Posts: 6
    Does anyone have a pre-Nov. 1 list from RIV available? I am VERY curious to see if the 2008 Toyota Prius was listed as inadmissible before that date.
  • fredtruefredtrue Member Posts: 3
    Correction to your correction:

    There is no such thing as a Canadian gallon - The is, however an Imperial Gallon and it is 4.546 litres
  • fredtruefredtrue Member Posts: 3
    Apparently GM is now charging $275 for the recall certification letter - it was $25 last week. Now I know the US dollar is in the toilet, but THIS is unreasonable.

    I'm trying to buy a Cadillac STS. Can't get the 'Cadillac Certified' extended warranty program honoured in Canada either . . . .
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    October listing that I have does not include 2008 Prius. However, 2007 Prius is absolutely admissible.

    I have contacted my MP about the CMVSS fiasco. How can a manufacturer indicate that some of their vehicles are while others are "uhh, we're not sure". This is CRAP!
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