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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • fredtruefredtrue Member Posts: 3
    I wonder whether it is worthwhile for someone to charge the RIV with collusion and the automakers with fraud.

    Since there is NO DIFFERENCE between the vehicles that (for example) GM sellts in the the US and those in Canada except for the owners' manual and the window stickers, how can they in good faith state that they are not certain their '08 models meet the immobiliser standard or not.

    That is tantamount to a baldfaced lie and if the APA or someone can't get the government doesn't fix this mess, then perhaps my lawyer would be willing to undertake a massice class action lawsuit against those who play this stupid game.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Hi,

    This might be the source to determine if there's a difference in the immobilizers. I am neither a tech wizard, nor do I have a US address. But perhaps we can get someone to help us out and look at the immobilizer data for all 2008 Toyotas and publish here.

    This is a link to an official Toyota technical information site. The cost to subscribe is $10 per day, $50 per month or $350 per year. I will happily offer up to pay for a one month subscription for the beneift of everyone if we can get someone to do the digging!

    www.techinfo.toyota.com

    Let's hope this provides some answers!!
  • lax5lax5 Member Posts: 29
    Are you indicating that RIV said that Nissan Rogue is one of the admissable vehicles? Does the immobilizer meet CVSS 114 standards?

    Thanks
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    why such wasted anger and effort... if u need a car that badly and soon, go and buy the cheaper 2007 models already on the list!!
  • ted25ted25 Member Posts: 10
    Riv has now stated that Nov 5/07 is the deadline to have a car bought or to have a deposit placed on a new vehicle .If it is on or before this date it can be imported. No letter is necessary your proof of purchase or deposit is all that is required.They told me the car has to be brought over very quickly.What exactly do they mean by this and what about cars that are on order?What a mess.
  • malunamaluna Member Posts: 18
    Holy Immobilizors, what a great idea tri_biker! I have been spinning similar wheels trying to get my head around this to figure out a way to uncover the mystery.
    I'm in.
    Maluna
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Received the exception letter today from RIV dated Wednesday, November 07, 2007.

    It reads:

    "Dear Importer, this letter is to confirm our phone conversation during which you were advised that a 2008 U.S. market SUV, minivan or truck purchased prior to the date of November 1, 2007 would be admissible through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles program".

    "Admissibility of such a vehicle that may now be listed as inadmissible into Canada is granted under a one time amnesty".

    Good luck everyone...I picking up my 2008 Tacoma this weekend :)
  • johnd64johnd64 Member Posts: 9
    Do you still need a letter from RIV if the vehicle is a 2008 but manufactured before Sept 1 ?
    thanks
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    Any 2008 vehicle purchased out right or with a down payment PRIOR to November 1st is the exception the the RIV rule as stated by this letter I just got from the RIV:

    It reads:

    "Dear Importer, this letter is to confirm our phone conversation during which you were advised that a 2008 U.S. market SUV, minivan or truck purchased prior to the date of November 1, 2007 would be admissible through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles program".

    "Admissibility of such a vehicle that may now be listed as inadmissible into Canada is granted under a one time amnesty".
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    No letter required if the door sticker says built August 31st or earlier.
  • northernkiwinorthernkiwi Member Posts: 15
    For the Montreal Gazette I found this link which you can access online. I looked for the Montreal Gazette and searched for Toyota - in case there is difficulty with this link.

    http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=25c96de8-4d39-446f-a3ad-7cdf- c65d7e46&k=49755
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    TryBiker - I'm in also for 1 month. But I am not a teckie.
    Hey the article in the Montreal Gazette is very good. I just sent them a copy of my letter of November 6, to Minister Cannon. Several of my family memebrs are also writting to Cannon and one has writtent of Hargrove because he is certainly not in favour of this type of illiegal practices that the companies are using. And I maybe have printed a complete list dated before Nov. 1, the Prius was not admissible and was not inadmissable. There was no mention of 2008 Toyota/Lexus. I will also send a copy to the CAA. They are there to help automobilists.
  • carman23carman23 Member Posts: 11
    I'm also in. Let me know what I can do.
  • jnap0527jnap0527 Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know which states charge sales tax at the time of purchase?? I know some do, and some don't. If anyone knows of a list with valuable info regarding this topic and could provide me with that, it would be much appreciated.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    I'm very happy for you guys. This just proves the point that they can do something on this. Why does this applu only to SUV's, Vans, Trucks???? What so different in a car - except that they placed it in Cat 3 instead of cat. 5.. What gives here. Did anyone try to get a one time amnesty for a car. I am tired and frustrated in calling the RIV....but I give it one more try....I think I'll call right now.
    Anybody lucky enough to get a one time amnesty on a car please advise us. The Montreal article seemed to say that they may do this for the Honda owner.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Did the RIV say cars bought before.... or vehicles - SUV, Vans etc....
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    As ridiculous is that the VAFUS list is literally being revised daily, I will commend RIV and TC for keeping the list “real-time” instead of amassing all updates and changes for a once-a-week or once-a-month revision. But I’m having a hard time seeing what changed from rev to rev.
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    Speaking of ridiculousness... I find it pretty hard to swallow that the CMVSS 114 is the sole reason for a vehicle that is pretty much unchanged form 2007 to 2008 being suddenly deemed inadmissible. IF the CMVSS 114 immobilizer is the ONLY criterion that renders a vehicle inadmissible, why can’t they simply state the vehicle as admissible and require the immobilizer to be changed by one of the certified installers per ibc.ca as a required modification for certification? This is no different than having DRL’s installed AFTER bringing the vehicle across the 49th parallel (here out west ;) ) and before the inspection.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    serge please email me.
  • mottiemottie Member Posts: 17
    I talked to Rob Whitfield (rwhitfield@mastergard.com)and he says the Mastergard immobilizer will be accepted by the RIV when installed by their certified installers.Ballpark $500.This could be the answer for my Rav4 and Highlanders
  • ted25ted25 Member Posts: 10
    As I stated before RIV told me no letter necessary BUT I would feel way better with one before I try to bring my Tundra in.Can anyone E-Mail an exact copy{ black out your name if you want] to teddavies99@sympatico.ca I would like to show Toronto RIV what it looks like.
  • lozenlozen Member Posts: 19
    Ok here is my latest saga. Spoke to 4 different folks at RIV on the 2008 Rogue manufactured after 09/01/2007 as mine is. If purchased prior to Nov 5th two said I was Ok one said no and one there had the great phone system hung up on me. This happens alot. Final guy said he could not issue a letter but created a file and documented my VIN and gave me a file #. He also said if your vehicle is on list the border will not hold you up. Says the border holding people up is fiction. He also says RIV nows the car manufacturers are screwing CDN's as the models are the same in the USA as in Canada. It will be RIV that will holfd you up if your vehicle is not admissable and can make you ship it back when you try to get it documented.
    After all this my dealer calls me and says he has same model, color and options manufactured 08/2007 which is exempt.
  • ted25ted25 Member Posts: 10
    I was talking trucks Serge cars weren't mentioned sorry
  • bobbob911bobbob911 Member Posts: 11
    Hi guys,

    I've read most of the thread and I still have many questions. I apologize for the quantity of them, I'm sure a couple were answered in here somewhere :)

    1)Does Nissan currently issue recall letters without much hassle? What is needed besides the VIN to acquire one? How long does it typically take to get one issued? Would I get the letter from Nissan Canada or Nissan USA?

    2)Can I avoid paying state sales tax in Ohio? If so, is there a form or a website that I can print out and show the dealer in case they are not aware of this? If they don't believe it is it possible to apply for a tax refund at the border?

    3)What plates do I use for the car in the US? When do I change them to Canadian plates? Is this done at the border? (either at US customs or Canadian customs)

    4)How do I get the car insured while it is in the US? When I purchase the car is it immediately registered to myself at a Canadian address, or is this final registration done at the border?

    5)Exactly what documentation needs to be submitted to US customs 72 hrs beforehand? Does this need to be submitted in person? Can this be done before the car is purchased or does this requirement effectively mean two trips to the US (or one 72 hr stay)

    Thanks a lot!
  • jashalljashall Member Posts: 28
    I can fax anyone the RIV exception letter (which just says "Dear Importer" - no name association), when I get back on Tuesday.

    It was specific for just SUV's, Vans & Trucks though...no mention of cars!

    Let me know your fax information and send it to my email jashall@telus.net.
  • eieio2eieio2 Member Posts: 34
    Can I import a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT that has been titled - Are they admissable to be imported to Canada?
  • woodytwowoodytwo Member Posts: 42
    I printed out the VAFUS list just prior to the Nov 6 revisions and GM vehicles manufactured after Sept 1 were admissible. Now the new list says that all GM vehicles are inadmissible but without an explanation. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?? I had planned to purchase a 2008 Buick Enclave manufactured after Sept 1 next week.
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    Can anyone help? I am in the process of buying a new 2008 Rav4Limited from a US Dealer through a relative who will buy the car for me. The RIV for this vehicle says it is admissable but only when equipped by manufacturers optional electronic immobilization system to comply with CMVSS 114. The importer must provide RIV with a letter from manufacturer stating vehicle complies with CMVSS 114.
    My vehicle model has the immobilizer as standard equipment will Toyota give me the letter. and how and where can I find out if it meets the standard.
  • jnap0527jnap0527 Member Posts: 8
    Hey everyone, I talked to Rob Whitfield at masterguard and he sent me some valuable info on the new standard for CMVSS114 that was made law on sept.1, 2007. He also gave me a pdf file outlining the masterguard M6000 immobilizer and how it is designed as per the new specs in CMVSS114. If you want to learn more about the standards, and shed some light on the subject, feel free to email me at jordanprecious@hotmail.com and I will send you this info.

    Rob Whitfield was able to give me the name and phone number of a certified installer in my area, and I'm sure he could do the same for you. I am going to call this certified installer today to get a price quote and I will update everyone on the ballpark figure for installing one of these things.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Rob and I chatted via e-mail as well. He confirmed that the immobilizer is 100% compliant with CMVSS 114 and will work on all vehicles.

    I am going to bring in my vehicle from the US, which is "admissible" from the US but now requires the letter from the manufacturer (ha,ha,ha). I put my deposit down in October and have the October listing which says nothing to the effect that I must have the letter from the manufacturer. In fact, it simply states that I should check with the manufacturer or find out how much it would cost to install an immobilizer that meets CMVSS 114.

    My gut tells me that the immobilizer already in the vehicle complies, so I'll actually try that route first, but the Masterguard M6000 is an affordable insurance policy. As an early poster put it, this is just like DRLs!
  • eieio2eieio2 Member Posts: 34
    How can you find out the date of production? Is it related to the VIN number for the vehicle .... Looking to see if vehicle was manufactured prior to Sept 1 2007
  • thecannyscotthecannyscot Member Posts: 45
    On inside edge of Drivers door on the US Compliance label. It will show the VIN amd the month and year of manufacture. August will be 08/07
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    EIEIO2..email me and I have that answer for you! :shades:
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    Bobbob, I will try to answer these for you one for one
    1. Nissan Dealers in the States, we do a lot of these In Montana, can print out and send you the recall letter. If you contact Nissan you will get someone in Catmandue that speaks very poor english and will tell you no.
    2. No, if its a new vehicle you will have to have someone register it in the states for you, and that will require sales tax. Thats why so many are coming to, well, MONTANA! NO SALES TAX!
    3. Your dealer is required to give you a temp plate that will last from 20-40 days, depending on the state.
    4. You can insure your car with your province when you get your purchase order with the VIN # on it
    5. Your dealer, if he has any experience at all, should do it for you. You will need a border clearance request letter, front and back copy of the title with YOUR name in the buy space, and it must be there for 72 hours. When you arrive at the border you will need all the originals of the title, purchase order and your recall letter. And they must match your copies.
    6. Yes, I am a dealer that does 20 of these a week. LOL
  • bloogenebloogene Member Posts: 15
    Has any one any direct knowledge of a vehicle being
    refused entry?
    I have called Peter Van Loans office, he is on the privy council and house leader in the parliament ,yesterday,
    and his office hasnt replied yet.
    If you reside in York North call his office at 1 877 738 3748 and discuss the problem please dont get abusive
    with his staff.
    I also called RIV to find out about my importation next tues manufacture date sept.
    I was told it was admissable.
    Regarding insurance its law that if you buy a car
    in north america the have to insure it for 14 days.
    Tell them to check with their underwriters before
    allowing them to refuse. It works.
    The persons who install use mobile trucks but if all else fails you could get one to the bridge. Hope
    it doesnt come to that.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    The date on it is now Nov 8 (yesterday). It appears now in the "Explanations" section that you don't have to have the manufacturer letter on CMVSS 114 compliance. You just need an aftermarket system installed. Clearly this is the new DRLs!!

    Awesome.
  • carman23carman23 Member Posts: 11
    cobrar5,

    How does the Warranty work? Can I just give you an address to register it to in the states so the warranty is valid?

    I may be looking at buying a Nissan now since Toyota won't let me import a Tacoma...
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    I just contacted RIV and now you can get an immobilizer installed after you bring the car over the border.
    It becomes part of the inspection.
    I spoke to MasterGard about their system and it can be installed for $500 but only by a certified technician.
    You have 45 days to get this done and your warranty is not affected.
    This is really good news since Toyota refused to send the letter about the EIS. Now I can go ahead and get my new RAV4. Toyotas EIS does not meet the Canadian Standard. CAA in Winnipeg have certified Technicians so I will go there and get the new system Installed.
    The MasterGard system is also certified by the VSIB-Veh. Security Installation Bureau.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    do you have this in writing? It isn't on the RIV site...
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    I have been told that it takes upto 6 weeks to get the title papers. A relative is buying vehicle for me and I will have to wait before I can take it across the border. Anyone know if or how it can be fast-tracked in Minnesota.
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    Go to page 2 of the list of vehicles.Halfway down in bold.
    I also called RIV and they confirmed it.
  • love2drive1love2drive1 Member Posts: 13
    Here is a good article about CMVSS114 theft immobilizers in todays Globe and Mail:

    Cars face border roadblock, by GREG KEENAN, Friday's Globe and Mail, November 9, 2007 at 1:05 AM EST

    Thanks to Greg Kennan and the Globe and Mail for publishing this info about the Non Tariff trade barrier some car manufacturers are abusing.

    The article also has some stats regarding importing cars to Canada from the USA:

    * 25,000, Number of Canadians who bought U.S. vehicles last month.

    * 170,000, Estimated number of Canadians who will buy a vehicle in the U.S. this year.

    * 40%, Estimated number of vehicles purchased in the U.S. that will be new.
    > that is 68,000 Canadians that refuse to a continuation of Car manufactures ripping them off. I include myself in this last group.
  • bobbob911bobbob911 Member Posts: 11
    Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.

    Just to clarify, I am thinking about a used car (I don't see any way to get a new Nissan into Canada with the warranty intact). Also, its from a used car lot (as opposed to from a Nissan dealer) and they don't have any experience with the export paperwork.

    I'm wondering if thats going to make this a lot more difficult. What do you think?

    Thanks!
  • mars_25mars_25 Member Posts: 6
    I just got off the phone with RIV - they've delayed sending out the exemption letters for inadmissible vehicles purchased prior to Nov 1/07 (possibly permanently). RIV was told by Transport Canada to hold off on giving exemptions until at least after Transport Canada makes a press release by mid-next week. Transport Canada could conceivably close the door to RIV's exemption offer which means everyone with a sales agreement prior to Nov 1/07 could be given the pink slip.

    I was told 2 days ago that the import exception was going to be allowed by RIV for my purchase and that a generic letter confirming this would be sent out within 48 hrs. They said I didn't even really need the letter. I find it hard to believe that a government agency responsible for a specific function can make a such a firm verbal promise of exemption/amnesty and withdraw it so easily.
  • hong2hong2 Member Posts: 5
    As they said, the 2008 model (theft immobilizer, have to be met the socalled CA S.
    if the vehivcles built after Sept. 1 2007, then how about, the 2008 model which is built before Sept. 1? any suggestion?

    let's team together, there must be a way we can do it...
  • northernkiwinorthernkiwi Member Posts: 15
    We have several different scenarios which apply to various posters on this site.
    Some have a vehicle which has never been shown as being admissible e.g. Toyota 2008 Prius.
    Some have a vehicle which is shown as being admissibale with qualification such as requiring modifications to comply. e.g. Toyota 2008 Yaris Sedan
    Some have a vehicle which was listed as admissibile but subsequently were revised to being inadmissible. I am not sure of an example.

    To help readers can the poster advise which vehicle they are concerned about personally, the model year, date of manufacture, if known on one line so others of us may be able to relate to the post. Some of the issues with RIV and TC can be very specific and it is difficult to filter out the relevance to our individual problems.

    The vehicle I am concerned about is the 2008 Prius built 08/07
  • erpouerpou Member Posts: 6
    I have a 2008 Prius built 09/07 - supposedly I was the first rejection of a 2008 vehicle at the Blaine, WA crossing point.
  • eieio2eieio2 Member Posts: 34
    not sure how to e-mail you as I am not getting your e-mail address
  • dmolelladmolella Member Posts: 7
    Have you found out anything as of yet about your 2008 Prius built pre-Sept.07?
    Has anyone at RIV given you any hope of change from inadmissible or exemption?

    Thanks
  • eieio2eieio2 Member Posts: 34
    Has anyone heard anything as of yet about 2008 Cadillac EXT?
    Has anyone at RIV given you any hope of change from inadmissible or exemption with respect to this vehicle?
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