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Importing Car into Canada from US

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  • clavinclavin Member Posts: 5
    brokers can help...they charge around $2400 as a fee.....also, depending on the shipper, you may be responsible for undercarriage damage and or paint chips etc....check the shippers contract very closely....I would not be crazy about shipping personally, I would rather pick it up myself....
  • survivor1survivor1 Member Posts: 17
    Oops. that company's web site only shows the phone number but no email address. I've been trying to call them (almost an hour now) but keep getting a busy tone. I am thinking of sending them an email. But that's okay. I'll try call again later.
  • tri_bikertri_biker Member Posts: 35
    Just posted. Improved clarity on Toyota Highlanders and RAV4's. No luck for Sienna folks...
  • dmolelladmolella Member Posts: 7
    Toyota changed some models to include 2007 now.
    Pre Sept 07 fine, all others still out.
    Same with Honda models.

    Hmmmm :confuse:
  • pjgordonpjgordon Member Posts: 4
    Your apprehension regarding their shipper is a good place to be weary. We might be talking about the same guy here in eastern canada. When I went to pick up my new vehicle from the customs compound, there were issues that I voiced loudly enough for the compound manager to hear. He told me that this one particular shipping company had many complaints for damages and mishandling of vehicles. We identified discrepancies between what the broker told us would happen, what the shipper told us was policy and what the shipper's truck driver actually did, or didn't do. We were not happy with many aspects of the brokers service. In the end it turned out that we knew more than they did about the process. With cross border sales sky-rocketing there are a lot of fly-by-night opportunists selling brokerage service.
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    I talked to three different RIV agenta again. Technically nothing is differernt. We still letter from manufacturer's ( toyota) that it meets CMVSS114. So back to zero again.I think ball is in USA Toyota court. They should be telling us that rav's & highlander comply or not.
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Get and auto broker in Canada that will do all the shipping and delivery themselves. Make sure you look for one that is closest to your area. It's better to meet them in person.
  • bloogenebloogene Member Posts: 15
    Because of the many emails regarding PA dealer
    I will forward them to internet manager who will return to work on Monday . I dont want to post the dealers name for obvious reasons.
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    If a car has a manufacture date of Sept 2008, can you argue that it was manufactured on the 1st and not after?
    :)
  • collin999collin999 Member Posts: 5
    Maybe not quite zero. RIV agent told me they are still awaiting the TC update and it will be posted under their "News Alerts" section of the website when it comes in, so we wait.... but like you I am not hopeful for, in my case, the Tacoma. It does seem, like an earlier poster said, that the units that are being let through are not the popular models.

    collin999
  • retiredtomretiredtom Member Posts: 19
    e-mail me for some info.
    retiredtom@live.ca
  • hammatimehammatime Member Posts: 38
    The new VAFUS takes one step forward and three steps god knows where!

    In my case, the new list specifies 08 Maxima's (and 07) built after Sept. 1 are inadmissible. The Sept. 1 spec. is new. This must have to do with the CMVSS 114 (although no-one can tell me for sure). But VAFUS talks about after-market, third party, and having to provide proof of compliance at the RIV ispection. To me, that all means after importation. Mastergard will install the system and give you the paper that says it meets CMVSS 114. So have the Mastergard installed before your RIV inspection. If TC/RIV still insist that vehicle can't be admitted/imported, then I'll have the Mastergard installation done in the US, as it is a portable service.
  • johnd64johnd64 Member Posts: 9
    Hello
    is it possible to import a 2007 MDX and how hard is it to get e recall clearance letter from Honda ?
    It shows as being admissible but I'm not sure if it means much nowadays.
    Also I'm confused about title,what it means and who issues it .
    thanks
    John
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    The 2007 is on the admissible list so it can be imported. The difficulty may be trying to obtain the recall clearance letter from Honda/Acura. A lot of folks here have suggested making the recall clearance letter a requirement of the deal if you bought it from a dealer. If you bought it in a private sell, I have read a person being able to get a clearance letter by having the US owner call Honda/Acura on your behalf. The letter will be issued in their name, but RIV doesn't seem to care about that.

    The title should mean the car registration, so you can prove that you actually own the car. :)
  • montrealermontrealer Member Posts: 1
    I have an american friend interested to sell his Mercedes ML350 2003 with 100K (66K miles).

    Anybody interested?

    Regardless, how much do you think it worth? I know it is in mint condition since he commute to work everyday.

    Thanks
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    My understanding is if the vehicle's manufacture date is before Sept 2007, then the CMVSS 114 requirement is not an issue.
  • drewsersdrewsers Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know how to figure out the date when a Prius was manufactured?

    Someone told me that it is on inside of driver door - can anyone confirm this?

    I bought a 2008 Prius in US last week. The TC update says that 2008 Prius manufactured pre-Sept 1 is admissible while 2008 Prius manufactured post-Sept 1 is inadmissible. Makes no sense! I pray that mine is pre-Sept 1!

    Thanks.
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    I think MB's don't meet Canadian bumper collision requirements and you would need additional documentation from MB in order to import it into Canada.
  • wrajinderwrajinder Member Posts: 58
    you are right. I removed my message. Thanks
  • mechiemechie Member Posts: 8
    How the heck does a broker get around CMVSS 114 / RIV List inadmissibility issues on post-September-1-07-manufacture vehicles?

    Is he scouring the US for a shrinking supply of pre-Sept-07 vehicles and will 'retire' when that supply runs out?

    Or is he a relative of Tony Soprano and counts the Minister of Transport as one of his closest 'friends'???

    Inquiring minds want to know!!

    :confuse:
  • johnd64johnd64 Member Posts: 9
    So Honda can do whatever they please and not issue a recall letter ?
    Is there a way that this can be enforced ?
    J
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    This is just from my personal experience. When I called Honda/Acura USA for a recall letter on my 2008 RDX the response was that I needed to provide proof I was a US resident. I had to fax in my California driver's license, proof or insurance from a US insurer, and the permanent registration from DMV.

    I asked for a letter of admissibility since I was explaining to them I am a US resident relocating to Canada soon and wanted to bring my RDX across. They stated they are not issuing this letter and admissibility is determined by RIV/TC and not them. Which is contrary to what RIV/TC is saying. When I pushed as to why 2007 models are admissible, they said that the immobilizer in 2008 is installed in a different position and as such doesn't meet CMVSS 114, which is total BS.
  • mechiemechie Member Posts: 8
    Transport Canada allows you to search for recalls on Canadian-market vehicles here:

    link title

    Their US counterpart, NHTSA, allows for a similar search on US-market vehicles here:

    link title

    Both searches are by Make, Model, and Model Year, and not by the individual vehicle's VIN.

    But, one can argue if the regulators on both sides of the border say there are no recalls on a given vehicle model - why require a manufacturer's letter that the individual vehicle in question is free of recalls?

    Heck - I get the sense that most of the folks here are trying to import Hondas and Toyotas. Aren't both manufacturers totally free of recalls? ;) :lemon:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I didn't realize brokers charge so much! :sick:
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    That 2400 must be for both shipping and brokerage. My broker (Peninsula) quoted me $200 plus disbursements. Shipping varies widely. A reputable one is A-A.
  • hoiyahoiya Member Posts: 14
    I'd recommend using this site to find a shipper if you need one.
    www.transportreviews.com
  • mechiemechie Member Posts: 8
    It's Free Market Capitalism at work!! :shades:
  • veedub18tveedub18t Member Posts: 33
    That is too much. I have a quote from A&A Custom Brokers - http://www.aacb.com/ (yes, the company featured on Driving TV). Their brokerage fees were $250. Shipping was approx $2,200. I have seen rates for lower (like $1,600) but it depends on where you are shipping to/from.
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    No inspection needed for used either as long as its under factory warranty still. BUT a dealer has to sell it. I will do so for those needing it.
  • cobrar5cobrar5 Member Posts: 23
    SHELLYH
    It can take up to 6 weeks under NORMAL times. Thanks to the exchange rate that is not happening now. I would expect 6-8 weeks.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    The date is on the driver's door label. I have my 2008 Prius in Canada now and waiting for Form 2. Mine is 08-07 so it means August 07. You don't actually see the day just the month. You can ask the dealer to send you a picture of the label. You will also see the VIN on that label.

    So finally I and a few hundred others will be in the clear with our Aug 07 models. I am still very angry and p,,,,o... that passenger vehicles were delayed for several weeks with the RIV management's incompetence. Why were all 2008 Prius inadmissible until today? All of us - with August manufacture have won - by our letters to Cannon, to the MP's to Jan - Bravo - now let's continue to help and fight for guys like Mr R Lamb in Montreal (Montreal Gazette story) who has a Honda Civic built in September. When will TC and RIV get 100% of the issues fixed. Still more fighting to do. Please continue writing to Jan at the Gazette the fight is not quite over. :(
  • dutch_treat69dutch_treat69 Member Posts: 2
    I'm sorry for asking this but I've been reading the forum and I'm trying to clarify something. I am purchasing a 2008 Civic Si from the US and want to import it in to Canada. I have researched this and the 2008 Si is "inadmissable" on RIV's website. From what I have gathered it is because of the "immobilizer" issue. This vehicle comes standard with a factory immobilizer. I assume it meets the CMVSS114 standard as it's the same car for Canada AND the US. I understand I need a recall clearance letter from a dealership. My concern is whether Honda will issue the manufacter's statement of compliance? Also, has anyone ACTUALLY successfully imported any 2008 Honda Civics equipped with the factory immobilizer? PLEASE help.... thanks. Best of luck to everyone out there with similar issues.
  • imports4allimports4all Member Posts: 14
    How can TC/RIV allow the manufacturers to delay or deny admissible vehicles by delaying or denying letters of recall, or compliance with CMVSS 114, when it is obvoius that their interests lie in restricting imports?

    Why can't they (TC/RIV) simply demand that the manufacturers advise of any recalls or noncompliances rather than require individual importers crawl on their hands and knees begging for compliance letters? In the case of the large manufacturers, they know those few models which are in recall or do not comply. It appears further that they have deliberately changed the manufacture of some vehicles (re-locating the immobilizer) just so they would not comply and the manufacturers could stop the flood of imports. Others apparently started charging outrageous fees for thse letters. Those manufacturers should be stripped of the right to hold up imports.

    If the above is correct, it is the duty of TC/RIV to recognize this and change their policies to take away the manufacturer's ability to scam the system. We should continue to put pressure on the politicians and management at TC/RIV to correct the real problem, not just deal with the most agrieved cases. We should all be emailing and phoning until this happens.
  • clavinclavin Member Posts: 5
    nope, the $2400 is just the car broker's fee. In addition, shipping was estimated at $1900......I would not trust a broker if the fee is only $250....They do have work to do for it, I don't think it would be worth all their time and hassle for $250......
  • delwickidelwicki Member Posts: 27
    With more than 2000 posts in this forum it may hard to go thru all to find an answer, but here is the short answer.
    If your Civic was built after September 1, 2007 it is not admissible. Period.
    It does not meet TC/RIV requirements that certify it as compliant with CMVSS 114. Whether it has the immobilizer or not. Honda Canada will not (in their own best interest) provide a certification. They are asserting and TC/RIV are agreeing that this must come from the OEM manufacturer of the vehicle. TC and RIV are the only relevant bodies at it pertains to compliance in Canada. Doesn't matter if you can buy it, insure it, get across a border or have it pass a provincial inspection. If TC/RIV says its inadmissible, it is inadmissible. Be careful with the manufacture date, as even if you have a pass from Canadian Tire, I have heard RIV is auditing to see if any have slipped thru the cracks. See if your dealer has a pre-Sept 07 manufactured 2008 available.
  • drewsersdrewsers Member Posts: 2
    When did you get your 2008 Prius? Praying that ming is 08-07 too.
  • caramelcaramel Member Posts: 43
    "Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to buy a new car or truck in the United States and take it across the border after the required 72-hour wait even if that model, like many lately, has been officially listed by its manufacturer as "inadmissible" to Canada"

    Click here for Montreal gazette article.
  • allen99allen99 Member Posts: 7
    im in cali right now trying to import a tacoma. found out it will take 4 weeks. anybody have any ideas which car i can bring back within the 72 hour time frame
  • allen99allen99 Member Posts: 7
  • allen99allen99 Member Posts: 7
    im in cali right now and have a 07 tacoma i can buy, but the dealer says i have to wait 4 weeks for the title is that true, if so what other vehicle would you recomend from the us. im stuck
  • dutch_treat69dutch_treat69 Member Posts: 2
    The person I am purchasing the vehicle from is writing Honda USA to acquire the letter regarding the statement of compliance prior to my purchase of the vehicle. I do not wish to involve Honda Canada. With a US citizen and resident who is currently the owner of the vehicle writing Honda US, would they not have to issue the letter to that person if they're a US resident?
  • crazy_canuckcrazy_canuck Member Posts: 9
    The new TC policy is great news, but it's only a first step. We're now part of a movement and this movement will not stop until:

    - All US-market cars are allowed into Canada and their owners provided with the opportunity to bring them into compliance (DRL's, immobilizers if they are not part of the US model)
    - Consumers are able to benefit from NAFTA just like the manufacturers do. This means making it illegal for a US dealer to refuse to sell to a Canadian, withold compliance letters, void warranties, etc.
    - Eco-auto tax credits for hybrid purchases should apply to cars that were purchased in the US, not just in Canada.

    Auto manufacturers and governments, take notice. We little people have won the battle, and we will win the war.
  • kbrarkbrar Member Posts: 12
    Shelly, read Jan's article in the montreal gazette online.http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/index.html
    I'm in the same situation as you are...............Where is your vehicle right now?
  • beaurocratsuckbeaurocratsuck Member Posts: 43
    If this is the latest ruling by TC it is perverse and bizarre. Sure it will help those who have paid in full for vehicles and taken possession to at least get them to safe storage BUT it does nothing except continue the risk and confusion.

    For people like myself who bought an inadmissible vehicle (Toyota Sienna) that is waiting to be paid for and picked up what now/ Do I buy it and hope TC lets me licence it after I import it or walk?

    I was hoping for something a little more decisive and definitive from TC like maybe granting a grace period for compliance to CMVSS 114 while they sort out this mess.

    I think a grace period may be the only legal way in TC's control to resolve this. The manu. are going to continue to assert there is no way to make their vehicles compliant and I doubt TC will allow any vehicles deemed inadmissible to be licenced.
  • shellyhshellyh Member Posts: 23
    kbrar

    My vehicle is still at the dealership in Montana. I am still waiting for the title to come through. I've been waiting almost a month.
  • pjgordonpjgordon Member Posts: 4
    Brokerage fees are generally established dependent on the 'deal' requirements. IE what you are looking for and how difficult, or costly it is to the broker, and sometimes is tied to the expense of the car imported. Shipping will be dependent on distance normally. E.g. New Hampshire to Halifax = about $550 + tax. If you wand the broker to arrange your shipping, it will probably cost you more.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Crossed with it last Thursday - the august built was really important at the border - I am now driving it - and I know it is now on the admissibility list (2 months late). Now my only worry is getting my DRL done, and then count the final tally on how much I saved. Then I can write my story on how much I learned and how much a fight I had to do for no good reason.

    I hope yours is 08-07 - did you get the dealer to send you a photo?
  • pjgordonpjgordon Member Posts: 4
    They won't get around the inadmissible list, but they can get around the policy that refuses sales to Canadians. For example Toyota US have agreed not to sell to Canadians at all. They have directed their dealerships not to. Some dealerships who have ignored the policy have been warned that further sales could jeopardize their incentives program, could mean loss of dealership and it is rumored that at least one dealership has been fined. The dealers are getting gun shy. So, when they sell to a US affiliate of the Canadian broker, they get around that policy. They still want to sell cars. I suppose that the other issues, refusing to reveal certain Canadian compliance items to TC and RIV etc. they are trying to close loopholes.
  • carshopper37carshopper37 Member Posts: 1
    I have been following your specific case. I guess congratulations is in order, you must be happy after all of that heart ache....What a stressful time.

    I am now going to also purchase a 2008 maxima now that the transport canada list for admissible vehicles as been revised. I do worry that it will change again though!

    What is the CMVSS 114 mean?

    What other modifications are required with the '08 maxima?

    Thanks in advance!
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Here is a copy that I just sent to the politicians - it's the only way to solve this.....

    Mr Lauzon, my problem was solved yesterday. The RIV have now listed my Toyota Prius built in Aug. 2007 as admissible. I am happy for that and I thank you for bringing it up at the caucus and with Mr. Connon. This change should have been done 2 months ago and the car companies are purposely doing this to scare many Canadians from getting the best deals by shopping in the US. ""Maybe we should stop people from visiting and travelling in the US altogether to keep all our money and jobs at home??? (Sorry for the joke).

    The RIV and Transport Canada, however have not solved the problem. There are many Canadians ( one in particular that I know, Mr. Robert Lamb from Kirkland - featured in the Montreal Gazette article today) that have bought vehicles while the vehicle was approved or should be approved. In Mr Lamb's case, he has a Honda Civic that was made in Ontario. It was built in September and there is a blockade on these for the supposedly rule CMVSS 114. Mr Lauzon this is all houblah!.smokescreens.... The car is safe, it has an immobilizer and he (and all those like him) should receive the right to import like every other Canadian. The Conservative's government work is not finished in this file. It is just beginning to get fixed. Way too late and still more to do. I urge you to get the rest of the Canadians car import problems solved.

    Serge Bergeron
    c.c. Minister of Transport - Hon. Cannon

    Please write to politicians and Jan our reporter from the Montreal Gazette
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