Importing Car into Canada from US

hockecoach

I just bought a New Subaru in the U.S. I feel inclined to tell others how easy it was. I contacted a few dealers and settled on the Quirk Subaru Dealership in Bangor Maine. The dealership was very nice and upfront about pricing unlike others I emailed. They gave me a ton of information and walked me thru the whole process thru email and over the phone. It was so easy (they made it easy) and I saved a tone of money. Crossing the border was a synch. The dealership sent everything to the border ahead of the time so it was so easy crossing.I would highly recommed buying in the U.S. and Quirk Subaru.

eieio2

... phoned the border yesterday - I was told that I would have no problem bringing back (pre- Sept 2007) 2008 Cad EXT that I bought and now sits .... he did admit there is a lot of confusion from their perspective as well ....

I am still waiting for some announcement ... my question is can a vehicle without a title registration be imported with a MSO that indicates a new owner? Thanks

ahshucks

I decided to call Toyota U.S. Customer Service line (800-331-4331) for fun to just innocently ask a few questions and see what they would say publicly. Here are the questions and answers I received. I suspect this is probably not "new news" for most of you but thought I'd share anyway:

Q1. I am considering importing a Toyota U.S. vehicle into Canada and I am told I need a letter from Toyota U.S. confirming that the immobilizer installed conforms to Canada specs. How do I get one ?

A1. We are not issuing any such letters. We are only issuing Recall Clearance letters. The subject of whether or not Toyotoa y will issue immobilizer letters is currently under review with the legal department and there is not a specific timeline for a decision. Suggest you call back periodically for updates. (my interpretation: we'll take our bloody time and don't hold your breath on an answer soon or a positive one).

Q2. If I decide to install an aftermarket immobilizer that meets Canadian standards will that void the warranty on the vehicle ?

A2. There is no automatic void of warranty but if it is subseqently determined that the install of aftermarket immobilzer has caused a problem, then Toyota will not honour repairing whatever is broken under warranty.

Q3. Have you placed any restrictions on your U.S. dealers with respect to selling to Canadians for import to Canada?

A3. Yes, they have been instructed to NOT sell current model year (2008) vehicles to anyone except U.S. resident citizens.

shellyh

I forwarded my story to Jan. I am pleased to hear that cases are being resolved.

lozen

Even though looks like I am ok Sent my original Rogue story to Jan also

koukaman

I don't agree with your calculations. I am quite sure that the Canadian dealers purchase their cars from the manufacturer (i.e. head office) in US dollars, therefore, if the Canadian prices are adjusted down in alignment with the exchange rate fluctuations, their margins should stay flat.

If they are purchased in Canadian dollars, then the manufacturers should somehow subsidize the exchange rate fluctuations, because THEY ARE THE SAME CARS and THEY COST THE SAME PRICE TO BUILD whether they are sold in Canada or the US. That is what is irritating so many people to the point that they won't buy in Canada just out of spite.

I am one of those people--I was extremely close to buying a Mazda3 GT until I started looking around in the states and ended up getting a Subaru Legacy GT for the same price.

delwicki

Almost all Canadian dealers purchase from the Canadian Branch of the automaker (ie Honda Canada/Toyota Canada/GM Canada). Canadian Branches are sold those vehicles using prices determined by Honda/Toyota/GM International that usually reflect the market for where those cars are sold. The Canadian arm of automakers is as different as the US arm like McDonalds is to Burger King.

delwicki

PST will be based on the amount you paid for the vehicle assuming that it is reasonably close to what the market values. If not, they will use a book value of the vehicle. The intent being to stop people from selling to relatives or friends and saying it was for a lower value just to avoid/reduce Sales Tax.

koukaman

Thanks for the clarification, delwicki--either way you slice it, they are still screwing us.

I think a few words such as "grossly and artificially inflated" should be inserted prior to the word "market" in the second sentence of your post.

generaljunk

I just spoke to RIV about the list and they said Transport Canada will make a press release "before the end of the week" regarding the inadmissablity of vehicles. Does anyone know anything else?

lexus250

Hi hockecoach thanks for sharing the information. I am planning on buy a car and I have some questions. What information I have to fax it to US customs? How many days before crossing the border you have to fax? I hear the US customs is now taking almost 10 days. (Lewiston) Did you pay state taxes? Did you register the car in the states or the dealer gave you temporary places.
Please let me know. Thanks

veedub18t

telram - how "easy" it is to import a 2008 vs 2007 depends on it's admissibility status. May I suggest first looking at the VAFUS list here: link title

The "rule" is that "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". Generally the 2007 models should not fall under this clause, unless it has been manufactured after Sept 1, 2007, which is pretty unlikely.

survivor1

Can anyone please recommend a good Hyundai dealer in the States? A friend of mine is thinking of importing a Santa Fe/Entourage.
Thx.

bloogene

I brought in a new 2008 after sept mfg Toyota Camry.
yesterday, My nerves were tighter than a drum but
from going in the US export office to getting clear of
Canada Customs took an hour in total.
The people involved were totally proffessional
and helpful. Ive been to VIN and CTC and thats done.
The next hurdle seems like a small money grab
Ontario wants an emission and safety check done.
I need to find my certifcate of origin . If only one entry
on it I dont require these tests if my name is the only
entry but if the dealer had it shipped from another dealer
then its probable I must pay for these tests.
I bought my car Nov 1 but didnt get onto this website
until around Nov 4/5 . The uncertainty caused a high degree of tension resulting in loss of sleep
I saved approx 8000 on my deal after all expeses
and feel overall it was worth it.
The cmvs114 issue was resolved at the inspection
at the local CTC . You can get into Canada
and add it to your car for $459.
It isnt the respnsibility of customs but VIN
and that comes after border clearance.

mccreeper

a big thank you goes out to every canadian who has imported a vehicle in canada from the US. my way of living is in jepordy every time you do so. I thourghly enjoy my healthcare and other benifits that i recieve for living in canada. I am also sure that if car makers who build their cars in canada dont see it as a viable place to do business because we as consumers dont support our own, will possibly shut those plants down and move their plants to places where they can get labour cheaper. thus in turn causing unemployment in canada. I would also like to thank you for potentially lowering the value of my car even more, so when it comes time to trade my car in, i cant, due to negative equity that i will have to deal with. because i do not have the money to go down to the states and purchase a car on a whim i am forced to go to the dealerhips in canada to seek easy financing and lower interest rates. but now i am deathly afraid to upgrade my car due to safety concerns becasue if i do i may never be able to get out of it if in case my situation turns as i have a tough time affording a car as it is. but all the people who blog on here must have more luxuries than most and have been so hard done by for living in canada that when they are able to afford the higher priced vehicles they like to quabble about paying 6000 more for their mercedes benz or outrageously priced to begin with honda odessey. this is just a rant i like to call "unknowingly screwing your fellow canadians" how blind are we. Its about time the carmakers stood their ground and brought in such a system in place as we are screwing ourselves long term for a short term gain.

once again i thank you

lozen

Let me guess you shop at Walmart and look for the best bargain. Do you shop at Ikea? Do you purchase products not made in Canada. If so you are costing jobs. Your statement is insane. Free Market. When the dollar went the other way Americans came up here

sentinels

Simply uninformed...how would the car plants shut down???? The cars we would buy from the States are made from the same place...so in essence the plants would still produce and sell the same number of vehicles as they would if i bought in Canada. The only people suffering are the Dealers in this case...I'm about to save 15K to 20K on my car purchase from the States, that's 2 or 3 years of payment I could save for myself and send my kids to university, instead of getting student loans etc...so if you want to feel sorry for yourself go ahead, but I'm not gonna feel sorry for not overpaying for a car that are identical by over 15K

controlfreak1

I'm thinking I'm smelling a troll.

So, your point is that because you CAN'T afford to go buy across the line that the rest of us who may have saved our money to do so should bite the bullet and pay the extra $10,000 so that we may subsidize your "way of life"? You're forgetting that due to living in a socialized country, those that may be either fortunate enough to be a bit better off or in my case, someone who has worked their proverbial bag off to have things a bit better for my family, are already subsidizing the "less fortunate" or the "not so motivated" on a daily basis. Now you're telling me I need to spend countless thousands more on a vehicle to protect your living? Bite me.

screwed07

I smell not only a troll, but a car dealer who like to rip off Canadians...

I love how you say "unknowingly screwing your fellow canadians", you sir are KNOWINGLY screwing your fellow canadians.

veedub18t

Guys/Gals, this gentleman has made his point. Done.

We have a good discussion going on here with, what I honestly believe, to be a good group of people helping each other out. If I may, I humbly suggest not falling into this “debate”...

:shades:

eieio2

veedub ... I concur

let's move forward ...

screwed07

Agreed.

rogerh3

2008 Prius bought oct 25 (when the Prius was being admitted across the border) and now sitting in US (after being put on the Inadmissible list) waiting for...

I have sent email and follow up phone calls to my MP (David Emerson) and L. Cannon;
I sent email to Jan (janr@thegazette.canwest.com) and he responded immediately and put me in touch with Robert Lamb. They have helped 3 people get their cars across the border and I hope they can help me and any others caught in this ridiculous situation. The more people make noise, hopefully, the more of us get this resolved to our satisfaction.

delwicki

The 2008 Toyota Camry is admissable according to the RIV list.

burnbaby

I am thinking due to the blatent abnormalities seen here by our government and OEM's would it not make sense to bring together a large list of predicaments which people have gotten into with repsect to importation of a vehicle, maybe mass email this to all of our local newspapers, seems like something they would love to get ahold of and investigate, even televison shows . I know myself that most of my friends and family figure it is cut and dried, buy a car in the States do the required paperwork and drive it home, pay the GST and done deal, when I tell them the way it is they tell me I don't know what I am talking about. So it goes to show you most Canadians don't quite understand what is going on here. So what do you think, maybe someone setup a web site and everyone post their experience and then maybe just direct the media to the web site.

screwed07

Has anybody received a Form 2 from RIV regarding a vehicle manufactured after September 1, 2007, bought in October 2007, and is now on the inadmissable list?

jco2008

I have just imported a vehicle (Nov. 12) purchased on October 31st that is now on the inadmissible list. I have been told by TC and RIV that they would provide us an exception due to purchasing prior to the changes. I am waiting for form 2 which I have been told takes 72 hours.

faridsoliman

Therefore, you ask me to pay 6000$ dollars more for the sake of supporting the “car makers who build their cars in Canada”. Look my friend, why do not you write another letter to those Canadians car makers and ask them to cut their "grossly and artificially inflated" car prices to support the average Canadians who work their b*** off for their money.
My friend, do not forget also that I am still supporting those companies through all the grants and tax benefits offered by our government to them using my tax money. But they still come around and hunts us through their cheap dirty tactics (void the warranty, penalize us dealers, immobilizer issue, Recall Clearance letters,….and the list goes on), if we try to exercise our rights of free and smart shopping.
They even go as far as (in the case of Bombardier…the company that we supported it dearly by all kind of government grants and benefits...) that they ask the US dealers to surcharge the Canadian customers up to 3000$ extra on the Canadian made snowmobiles. http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20070922165755ibinews.html

My friend , may be its not your case , but the 6000$, 4000$, even the one thousand I save in the car price will be used to buy other reasonably priced stuff to my kids or my wife here in Canada.

My last point is, I will be willing to pay the extra money, if the Canadian companies spell it in the bill the real price is (say) 20000$ and there is extra charge of 6000$ to support the Canadian company.

"Ripping off" Canadian consumers…we already had enough.

erpou

I'm in the identical situation with the identical car - bought and paid for in October. If you hear any further news I'd be grateful to hear it; in the meantime I've sent an email to Jan as well.

screwed07

Thanks jco2008.

I imported on November 9th, sent everything to RIV and still waiting...

jashall

When did you talk to RIV/TC in regards to you getting an exception?
They've told me the same awhile ago now, but everythings up in the air until TC does their "BIG" announcement sometime this week.
Good luck to us all! :confuse:

mccreeper

not a dealer not a rich canadian, just an average consumer who sees long term it is not a good thing. car manufactures are already offering rebates to customers. but seriously why dont we just buy all the goods that are cheaper in the states and see how long our "socialized country stands" i for one cannot afford to take a vacation let alone go to the states and buy a car. not that i dont know how to save but being a typical canadian, single parent 3 plus kids i simply cannot afford to save up even 20,000 to buy a car cash in the states, and getting my own financing through the banks defeats the purpose of lower interst rates in canada on new cars. you also dont have to drive a 85,000 dollar in canada but if you choose to you should pay the price if thats what it costs, by the way you could save easily 10,000 grand in canada buying that 85,000 vehicle but all they did is jack intersest rates up on new vehicles. but most of us on here seem to have the money saved up so i guess it doesnt matter much about interest rates. not unhappy about my situation at all but just saying i am the typical canadian not like all you naysayers and day dreamers on here. support the country that supports you. if you dont like that car manufacture here in canada due to high costs....... WHY SUPPORT THEM IN THE STATES AT ALL, YOU ARE NOT HURTING THEM. If you feel strongly about it ride the public transportation your tax dollars has been paying for or am so out to lunch that i am crazy.

thanks again

jco2008

I was told by TC and RIV about the exception on Wed. Nov. 7th. They gave us a case number. When I sent in my form 1....I just wrote to refer to the case # we had been given. I cannot see how they can rescind these exceptions, they would make themselves liable for damages

In my case I followed the guidelines posted by RIV to a "T". I was informed numerous times that 2008 toyota tacomas were admissible. One individual at RIV verbal response to my inquiries about CMVSS 114, was to bring your owners manual to the inspection and that would suffice. What a joke!!!!!!!!!

jco2008

I personally am not interested in your personal economic situation nor your commentary on "a typical canadians" interpretation of the economics of a market economy.

PLEASE STOP

doc911

Mccreeper....Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a moron, than to speak and remove all doubt. I have never read such self-serving diarrhea on this site ever before....

subahonda

The purpose of this thread is to assist people who are considering importing a car into Canada from the US. This is a legal process sanctioned by the Government of Canada under NAFTA. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles is an agency supervised by Transport Canada that works within the legislation. NAFTA works for the benefit of both countries and the idea is that if there truly is free trade the prices on both sides of the border will be the same. The only differences will be the sales taxes. This is working well on almost everything - except autos. If there is a discrepancy, then the only way for NAFTA to have its leveling effect is for trans-border commerce to occur. (Exceptions are the various agricultural marketing boards that protect designated areas by agreement.) Canadian arms of foreign-based auto manufacturers need to treat their customers and dealers with respect and fair prices. If they don't, they lose them to other distributors. There is a class action law suit in progress at this time to recover the extra charges that Canadian customers continue to be forced to pay for the convenience of buying close to home. The people on this board are doing everyone a favor in the long run by challenging this illegal situation.

rander3

What border did you cross at?

wrajinder

I just talked to RIV about highlander immobilizer issue. I told them Toyota USA or even toyota Canada are not issuing any letters about immobilizers. Highlander and Rav's are not even allowed to put third party immobilizer systems.
Moral of the story is " Highlander's & Rav's built after Sept 01 cannot be imported". I even requested that agent, it is much more better if you just remove them from admissible and put them in " Inadmissible". At least then we canadians will know that they must not buy it. He told me that TC is having a meeting with all manufacturer's right now while I was talking to Agent. They are expecting an announcement by tomorrow or with in this week. But he never confirmed about it. It may take another week to do that.

netdog

"We need a few more details on your case in order to help.

Jan was able help to resolve 3 cases today... "

I sent my story to Jan earlier today.

How exactly was Jan able to helpo with those three cases?

netdog

netdog

A friend of mine got one yesterday for a 2008 Sienna manufactured in October. Looks like its hit and miss.

netdog

There is no 72-hour waiting period for form 2. Simply call the RIV and they will fax it to you, often same day. Or better yet, if you're near a RIV office simply drop in and they will give it to you right there.

netdog

jco2008

I am not near an office. When I called RIV they told me they had to wait to receive my form 1 before sending out the form 2. Can I just phone and ask for a form 2?

jco2008

Special Attention: The Registrar of Imported Vehicles makes every effort to assist the importer with importation process. Recall clearance however is the responsibility of the importer. As a result we are unable to release the Inspection Form until such time as we receive a confirmation that there are no Outstanding recalls for your vehicle.

jashall

I was also informed November 7th about the exception for my '08 Tacoma which is now safe & sound at my house awaiting my Form 2 doc from RIV to stamp.

jco2008

Mine too. What border did you cross?

mars_25

Thanks for the update wrajinder. When I talked to RIV today, she just said that an announcement was expected by TC either today or tomorrow. I hope they're going to get to the bottom of the immobilizer issue and that common sense and empathy will be applied in the decision.

trilium1

Just as an aside, I just got off the phone with RIV and will say that I was very impressed with the level of courtesy and professionalism from the agent I spoke with. Despite being bombarded with calls from the public, the agent treated me like a customer, rather than a nuisance. I agree with those of you that say common sense will prevail. The greedy, short sighted auto manufactures are not going to win this one. No way.

jashall

Porthill, ID border crossing...it took me all of 10 minutes to cross the border with no concerns.

jco2008

Same thing at sweetgrass MT. email me at jcowa at ucalgary.ca when you get your form 2.

dreyfus1

Built in Canada
U.S. models
Buick LaCrosse/Allure Ford Crown Victoria
Chevrolet Equinox Ford Edge
Chevrolet Impala Ford Freestar
Chevrolet Monte Carlo GMC Sierra*
Chevrolet Silverado * Lincoln MKX
Chrysler 300 Mercury Grand Marquis
Chrysler minivans* Mercury Monterey
Chrysler Pacifica Pontiac Grand Prix
Dodge Charger Pontiac Torrent
Dodge Magnum
Imports
Acura MDX Lexus RX 330/350*
Honda Civic* Suzuki XL7
Honda Pilot* Toyota Corolla*
Honda Ridgeline Toyota Matrix

Some of these may be admissible, as you know the list changes daily.
This is from 2006 probably changed by now.
Buzz Hargrove of CAW fame should be livid that Canadians cannot import Canadian built cars from US. Indeed every canadian worker in mfrs and parts plants should be outraged that their products are "Banned in Canada". Check this against the RIV list and ask yourself. What is my gov't trying to accomplish?