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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Check w/ your lease co.
    but I don't believe they will allow it to leave the US
  • vancar1vancar1 Member Posts: 3
    I'm looking at getting an '07 FJ crusier in t he US.
    I will have to pay the 6.1% duty as it is made in Japan.

    Will Toyota honor the warrenty in Canada?
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Did you ever think of simply checking the Toyota website? Or would you spend $30,000 based on some anonymous chatroom advice?
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    I'm with you retiredtom!

    My Highlander (10/2007 manufacture date), which I intend to import next week, is a V6 4x4 Limited model and has the built-in anti-theft and engine immobilizer. The vehicle is listed as "admissable" with additional information in the "Notes" section on the VAFUS. The notes section indicates that I am to see the "Explanation" section and that I need a letter from Toyota re: compliance. Well, Toyota won't furnish it (though I do have a couple of irons in the fire... will keep you posted). But, the explanations section is pretty clear that AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION I must funish the letter or install a device that meets the INTENT of CMVSS 114. I am no lawyer, but it sure seems to me that I should be able to install an aftermarket device, which does exist, if the inspection indicates the factory device fails.

    To make my story better, I bought based on the October 9th VAFUS listing and have a bill of sale for October 23rd. I also have two e-mails from RIV indicating that the vehicle is admissible and nothing indiates that I must have a letter from Toyota.

    I have contacted my MP, the reporter at The Gazette, and will continue to escalate. I did my due diligence and have no intentions of being left with a very expensive lawn ornament. All of my paperwork is in order (MSO in my name, recall letter direct from Toyota, etc). The RIV runaround is absurd. Every time I call, I get a different answer. However, I have my documentation and e-mails, which I stand behind.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Agreed. It is nearly impossible, as you do not hold title (leasing co. does). So, you could buy it out, or plead with the financing arm to get a letter indicating that they will let you bring it over. You will probably need a notarized original.

    I wish you luck! I did this once upon a time ago, it was a massive nightmare, but I got it through.
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    Lokk what their web site says in see notes section below " 2008
    RAV4 and Highlander models, admissible only when equipped by manufacturer's optional electronic immobilization system to comply with CMVSS 114. The importer must provide RIV with a letter from the manufacturer stating the vehicle complies with CMVSS 114."
    It clearly states only if equipped with manufacturer's option system. I am also talkint o toyota USa & Canada. I will keep you posted. I am pretty sure picture will be more clear by end of today or tomoroow. Otherwise. I consider these vehicle "inadmissible". We are just moving in circles over here with this " See notes " Section. I also wrote to my own MP. Never got any answer yet. I am also trying to solve this puzzle from different channles. Keep us posted.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    I have a printout of the "standard features and options" from Toyota.com for the Highlander and it is clear on the following:

    ENGINE IMMOBILIZER - Optional on 4x2 V6 and 4x4 V6; standard on all Sport models

    ANTI-THEFT & ENGINE IMMOBILIZER - Standard on all Limited models; optional on all others.

    Whether or not the system is compliant with CMVSS 114 is the real question?
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    I am same boat as you are. But I won't talk in detail over here. I know what limited model is and what is in it?. I know about all the details & what you are talking about. But real issue is all bout the letter. I think that american immobilizer system is compliant with canadain. I got this feeling while talking to someody from toyota. But I wont say anything over here.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Almost a decade ago, I was in an opposite situation, i.e. leased a vehicle in Canada but moving to U.S.

    Unless the policies have changed, the vehicle cannot be imported to another country since ownership is not in your name. In my case, I had to either buy out the vehicle or trade it in and purchase a new one. I chose to trade in the leased vehicle and buy a new vehicle, primarily since the buyout was almost as much as buying a new car, albeit the new car was a step down from the previous car.

    I don't think I was upside down or ahead when I traded it in. I bought the vehicle from the same dealership that I leased the previous vehicle from. It was handled in 2 transactions. The dealership bought out the vehicle from the manufacturer and a separate sale transaction, which had no indication of the previous vehicle being included in the sale transaction. I dealt with the owner of the dealership and I knew he gave me a good price since I shopped around before coming back to him and his price was at least $1,000 better than the best price I got. He did show me his cost and we agreed on $500 over invoice. So, I wound up with a new car that I imported into the U.S. brand new.

    My advice is to make the transition simple. Relocation is a stressful process in it of itself and complicating it with an attempt to import a leased vehicle will likely not be to your benefit. I would either sell the leased vehicle privately if you think it has a higher value than buyout OR trade it in for a new vehicle. Know what your buyout on the vehicle is. If you trade it in, have the dealership appraise it without telling them how much the buyout is. If their appraisal is lower than buyout, push for more, just enough to cover the payout. Handle the trade-in and the new sale separately. Good Luck.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    What is my gov't trying to accomplish?
    To get more tax dollars out of you. The higher the sale price, the higher the tax revenue. :(
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    well said. :)
  • mrbeansmrbeans Member Posts: 4
    can you give me more information I am trying to import new 2008 toyota camry in NY state without paying state tax any help is appreciated.
    Thx Bean jdambrosio@gmail.com
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    buy, obtain 30-day transit permit from dealer...get to the border and import! No sales tax for New York State
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    hey mccreeper, you are right, it is nice to have money to buy all the things we want. we are not the ones screwing our fellow canadians, i suggest you consult your employer or perhaps have your union rep take this issue up for you.
    dont worry, i will continue to pay my taxes & thereby support you via EI.
    Get a grip.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Anyone know how I can get in touch with him?

    Thanks.

    Colin
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    Sounds like You, Tri_Biker and myself (retiredtom) are at the same stage.
    All my documentaion is done and I am ready to proceed.
    Hopefully by tomorrow the immobilizer issue will be solved.
    Keeping some info off the forum is prudent as big brother is probably watching.
    If you find out any info that will help e-mail me at
    retiredtom@live.ca
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    Hot off the press (havent seen in writing yet)

    I just got off the phone w/ RIV. He just got a memo from Transport Canada & will be circulated to all border crossings.

    If your vehicle was purchased prior to November 1st (even in manufacture date after Sept.1st) you can bring across w/o having to meet CMVSS114.

    Was told no need for amnesty letter provided you show proof of purchase prior to Nov.1st.
    Better hurray up in case they change thier minds.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Thanks for sharing. Keep checking the press release page at Transport Canada and the RIV site.

    Flight is already booked for Tuesday morning. Crossing the border Wednesday!!!
  • woodytwowoodytwo Member Posts: 42
    does that meet paid in full prior to Nov 1?? Or paid a deposit prior to Nov 1 with balance paid in Nov??
  • kbrarkbrar Member Posts: 12
    I am in the same situation as many of you. Purchased 2008 Escalade on October 30,. did all my homework, spoke to every agency and was given the OK. Tried crossing the border on November 13 and was told it is admissible as of today's memo they received from transport Canada.

    Everyone is leaning on the other to make a decision, and now I am told to wait for the Transport Canada to make a release on the news at the end of the week.

    Frusteraded and angry.

    If anyone wants to get in touch with Robert Lamb, send an e-mail to janr@thegazette.canwest.com, and Jan will put you in contact with Robert Lamb.
  • netdognetdog Member Posts: 66
    altaboy, thanks for the update.

    However, the RIV agent I just spoke to clarified the issue for me. The memo's intent is to allow inadmissble vehicles purchased prior to Nov 1 to cross the border as opposed to being sent back to the US. However the form 1 will be stamped inadmissible and you will not be able to obtain form 2 until Transport Canada has cleared the air on the matter later this week or early next.

    I have a flight booked to pick up my Sienna for tomorrow morning - was just about to cancel it but now I'm not sure. This update means that I won't have to worry about getting stuck at the border but I may get stuck forced to export a $30K used vehicle.

    More confused than ever ....

    netdog
  • confusedkaraconfusedkara Member Posts: 2
    Any reccommendations of Toyota dealerships in the US, please email me @ k.a.firman@hotmail.com. I am looking to buy a 2007 Tacoma, or apparently a pre Sept 1st 08. Thanks
  • controlfreak1controlfreak1 Member Posts: 12
    That's my question as well. The dealership has $1000 of my money put down on order as pf mid-October with agreement of purchase upon receipt of vehicle. Vehicle arrived at lot last week and I, and my $1000, have been in limbo since.

    Am currently on the line with RIV - will post more in a few minutes.
  • controlfreak1controlfreak1 Member Posts: 12
    That's what I'm being told as well. Lets the vehicle into the country - past customs, but with an inadmissable stamped form 1. No guarantee of admissability later. On hold now while he checks on the whole deposit situation.
  • dayfutdayfut Member Posts: 11
    I am in the same situation as you controlfreak1. Put a deposit on a Honda Civic 08 EX and now I'm not sure if I should cancel the deal or if RIV will let me get thru. Hopefully, with the new news, I can bring it across, even though its on the inadmissible list :(
  • controlfreak1controlfreak1 Member Posts: 12
    Aww cr@p. When the RIV agent came back on the line to me he says that they have since rescinded the previous release by TC. Back to the exact way it was apparently now. That was quick. Evidently, according to him anyways, he was told that CBSA was complaining about being bombarded with requests about letting in inadmissable vehicles. So, latest news is "Back the way it was 1/2 an hour ago, still waiting on more direction from TC, who are actively pursuing the matter". :sick:
  • belopvbelopv Member Posts: 2
    :confuse: Has anyone been successful buying new BMW in the US as a Canadian resident? Any info would be much appreciated! Please email me at: belopv(at)hotmail.com

    Thank you.
  • kbrarkbrar Member Posts: 12
    you can get in touch with Robert Lamb through Jan at janr@thegazette.canwest.com
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    unbelievable.....what a bunch of donkeys. Meanwhile in past 11 days dollar slides from peak $1.10 to $1.015. I bought my USD @ $1.062 anyways. I just feel bad for those in limbo. I got sh&thouse lucky on my truck with date of man Aug.30 (didnt even know that until i crossed the border with it late October). Buying another new 07 (man July 07) rather than an 08, tired of waiting. All of you stuck in limbo should sign up for chunk of class action suit at:
    http://www.jruslaw.com/classactions/carconspiracy/
    Note: i am not personally a ford fan but at least ford has opened the door. I got a call from a ford salesman in Montana stating he had a letter from ford motor company telling him to sell to whoever had money. Would sell on MSO (yes MSO in montana) and i didnt even need to give him a USA address (although couldnt give me rebate without USA address). Good for Ford, might help those Q4 truck sales.
  • like2drive2like2drive2 Member Posts: 5
    On the Mastergard website, they say that "The Mastergard Immobilizer will work with all makes and models". Also, it is clearly written that Mastergard "Meets Transportation Canada Standard CMVSS114"

    Nice, but on my side I want somebody being able to tell me clearly what makes GM cars INADMISSIBLE (and all others). If it is their compliances to the Canadian Standard CMVSS114 immobilization system, than an aftermarket system should do the job. So, I called GM Canada and asked what kinds of modifications are required to import a Cadillac CTS 2008 from the states. Lady was unable to answer!!! I phoned RIV and they were not able to tell me why it is inadmissible if build after Sept 1, 2007. The answer was something like “doesn’t comply with the Canadian safety laws” and told me to call TC for more information. That’s what I did. But of course, the message box was full…

    My understanding is let’s install an aftermarket Immobilization system that meets the CMVSS114 and should be good to go…! Please correct me if I missed something.
    Thanks.
  • woodytwowoodytwo Member Posts: 42
    Just got a call from my MP. He says that I and a whole bunch of others caught up in this admissible prior to Nov 1 and now inadmissible problem will be allowed to import our vehicles. I am supposed to hear from TC tomorrow. You will need to have proof of purchase in Oct.
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    Montana has a Title sign spot for both parties, the seller and the buyer. Once that is signed and you have it in your hands you can apply for border crossing. The paper work has to be at the border for three days. If you want more detail information feel free to email me at cobrar543@yahoo.com I am a dealer in montana and can help with the forms if you need. :)
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    Yes Van, you can call toyota. check out the RIV web site, OR listen to us silly ole people in the chat room. LOL
    Toyota will honor all of the US warrant in Canada. Yes, since it's VIN does start with a J you will be required to pay the 6.1% duty.
    good shopping!
  • francesgfrancesg Member Posts: 19
    You cannot purchase a new Toyota in NY State (or anywhere in the US) without a US address. I worked that out with a dealer, but then they said I had to have insurance for that address. My State Farm agent couldn't give me insurance for that US address. So the deal collapsed. But I did get my deposit back. Lots of other Canadians have been overcoming this insurance hassle; I guess they are on first-name terms with their broker. It doesn't matter that you have insurance from Canada that will cover you in the US. It drove me crazy that we couldn't find a solution. If anyone worked this out, let me know. But I'm sure that pre-Sept. 1 Sienna is long gone from the dealer's lot by now.
  • kbrarkbrar Member Posts: 12
    Who is your MP. I wrote a letter to mine last night and he hasn't responded yet.
  • showmeanimportshowmeanimport Member Posts: 31
    It's great that there seems to be some movement towards helping the people that are currently in this jam...but two other very import question are -->

    1) What the hell is TC going to do to hold these manufacturers to task in terms of ensuring that they are not going to be arbitrarily adding vehicles as inadmissible moving forward?

    2) What protection will there be in place to ensure this does not happen to more Canadians moving forward? For example, are they going to implement some kind of rule that states if the vehicle was admissible at border crossing time that people will still be able to complete the process even if the vehicle goes on the inadmissible list before they have an opportunity to complete the process on the Canadian side? Or some kind of rule that says a particular admissibility list stays static for at least a 30 to 45 day window before manufacturers can add changes? Or a Deadline atleast --> Something like the manufacturers need to have all their changes in by Jan 1 2009....or something....anything!!!!

    Something has to give...this is just silly and unbelievable...
  • melvismelvis Member Posts: 5
    Been trying to get an answer on the admissability of a Honda Ridgeline. RIV has told me it was OK, the second time I checked with RIV, , the answer was to contact Honda regarding admissability. I phoned Honda and of course they say it is TC and RIV that I need to contact. Has anybody heard of a Ridgeline being imported into Canada? I am currently looking at a 2008, but also looking for a 2007 if one is available.
  • delwickidelwicki Member Posts: 27
    I think if you'll read through the posts here, you will come to the conclusion that only what RIV/TC says is what matters (unless you are one of many in limbo). It has become very obvious that US & Canadian dealers have no say, insurance companies have no say, provincial regulators have no say and most defintely after-market suppliers have no say. It appears that the Canadian arm of the manufacturer at this time is the only one that Transport Canada has as an acceptable certifier of compliance. Wait it out and see what happens if you have not already signed the deal. It could possibly save you a huge hassle.
  • hammatimehammatime Member Posts: 38
    Posts are coming fast and furious. All of us (except that creeper nut and all the corp. execs. at the manufacturers who are on monitor duty), have the intent of helping each other but note that sometimes we add to the confusion (like that's all we need). My strategy is to stick with the facts, stick with what is written and lobby my MP and the media to right a wriong, AND leave my car in storage in the US until I know I can get it imported, past the inspection and registered.

    Regarding the last few posts, I don't know the significance of the Nov. 1 date. What I do know is:

    1. When I bought my 2008 Maxima on Nov. 5, it was NOT "Inadmissible" as per the VAFUS list in effect at that time (which was the Nov. 1 list). It was also NOT "Inadmissible" on the next revision date which was Nov. 6. It suddenly became "Inadmissible" on the Nov. 8 list.

    2. The wording on VAFUS is poor with regards to CMVSS 114. It switches between "intent" and "complies". What is not open to any question is that the VAFUS list and an RIV document on their web-site clearly indicate the VIS can be done as an after-market/by a 3rd party; i.e. once the vehicle has been imported. By TC's and RIV's very own documents, the VIS issue is NOT something that determines admissibility; it does determine passing the Canadian Tire inspection and hence, registration in your home Province. We know Mastergard (perhaps others) have declared their after-market system complies with CMVSS 114. Does that void your warranty ? - I don't care 'cause I don't have it anyway with Nissan.

    Each if us may have had a different experience. What vehicle do you have, when was it manufactured, what VAFUS was in effect at the time you bought, what VAFUS was in effect at the time you crossed - these are the facts we should be relying on as far as Admissibility goes. Some have got through and others got screwed. We all have individual circumstances, and the people who pass us through or stop us are also very inconsistent. Bottom Line: stick with what is written. TC and RIV have to realize that importers cannot be held responsible for comlying with a rule regime that cannot be followed. They have set-up an incredibly flawed process.

    Also:
    - I sent an email to the Class Action lawyers on Monday. No reply. Doesn't exactly make me want them to run with my case (if TC and RIV don't get it together).
    - my MP has written to Minister Cannon and is arguing my case for admission.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    They haven't yet understood. Pricing needs a lot closer to USA pricing - for $2,000 people won't go over to the US - but for $5 - 10 - $15,000 - (after tax money) who would not go. They will give in - because this is all a big hoax - this 114 stuff. Keep writing to R Lamb and Jan.
  • jco2008jco2008 Member Posts: 10
    I bought an 08 tacoma on Oct.31st. I never received an exemption letter but was given a file # by RIV after I plead my case about 14 different times. I came across the border on Nov. 12th and filed my form 1 by email the same day. I just received my form 2 and did the registration and my US 08 Tacoma is now officially canadian.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    see post 1649 page 166
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    send your details to the boys at poste 1649 page 166... be specific
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    On the insurance thing. When I called they said they could not cover until I crossed the border - that was their rules. I then asked the gentleman to go check with his supervisor because I have my home insurance and 2 car insurance with them for the last 15 years and if I have to shop somewhere else to get a temp. coverage on this car - they will lose ALL my business. The clerk came back 10 minutes later with the right answer - we will cover you Sir immediately starting which date please - exercice your buying power.
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    Great news, please share the details with the boys at post 1649 page 166

    I think thir are many folks that bought the same car as u and are stuck.... what date was it manufacturered
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    you are 100% right.
  • maryannemmaryannem Member Posts: 11
    my email is maryannemcdermott@darlings.com. Would you consider emailing me with the information regarding the warranty. Can you sell this product to my customer?
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    This is good posts. I am impressed. What is interesting is that the USA is a very big country. Honda - Toyota are forbidding the US dealers from selling to Canadians. WOW! Seems to me they cannot control their own dealers - there are lots of us our there that have found the special dealer that (like one quote said for Ford) will sell to anyone who has the cash. From the lower states to the middle states etc. The Manufacturer cannot win this fight. The consumers will win this one - because we have MP's, we have Journalists (like Jan) and we have hard working Canadians who know the value of a $ loonie. :P
  • scrolllockscrolllock Member Posts: 126
    I love it power of the people ...
  • showmeanimportshowmeanimport Member Posts: 31
    When did all GM products all of a sudden become inadmissible? I wasn't following the admissibility lists until recently. I am not interested in buying a GM. I just think it stinks to the high heavens as fishy that one minute GMs are admissible and the next minute they are all not admissible. How can TC let this happen without investigating? This has to be a wide sweeping bogus artificial road block, no? It seems pretty unbelievable and obvious to me...common sense applied...

    What do you guys think?..Speaking about GM specifically, do you think there is even a shred of legitimacy to what has happened with the admissibility of their vehicles over night?

    Cheers
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