Importing Car into Canada from US

volvomax

We now know who benefits from and wants to maintain and preferably expand non tariff trade barriers such as CMVSS114.

Bingo!
Never was about safety.
Its about revenue, it always is.

I would like to believe that our MPs are not drunks, clowns and fools, only time will tell.


No, they just know which side their bread is buttered on.
The sale of automobiles represents a tremendous revenue stream for the State.
Not only tariffs and certification costs, but sales taxes as well.
We had a similar issue in the US 25 yrs ago, and the Federal Gov't closed the door to Gray Market imports. Mostly due to pressure from the European Automakers, but it was costing the state gov'ts revenue as well.

volvomax

Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought that the MCO (which is what you are supposed to fax to US Customs) was used in lieu of a title. So is there something on the MCO that would indicate the "Title Issuing State"?

MCO is a Federal document, not a state one.

volvomax

As for your take on the pricing issue, with all due respect, it sounds like you're just reading from the corporate spin manual. Yeah, it might affect residual, and used car values, but so what? My used car may be worth less on a trade-in, but if the price on the new one I'm buying is priced in line with US prices, I'll take that trade-off any day. As a consumer, I'll still come out ahead. It might hurt the used car dealer with stock-piled inventory, but I doubt that's the reason the manufacturers are playing dirty pool with the importation rules.

What if you bought your new car a year ago?
Would you be happy if it was de-valued further?
Of course not.
I'd be willing to bet that when you buy a car again in the future, the drop in value of your current car won't make you happy.
Also, keep in mind that the currency parity of the Loonie and the dollar won't last.
You'd be blowing up your auto market for nothing.

jashall

My US dealer left the "Title Issuing State" as N/A, so you are right - Blank!

silverboy

Thanks for your help.

bodble2

The value of my used car would only drop if the prices of new cars drop correspondingly, in which case, as I said, all the better for me. (Unless for whatever reason, I need to liquidate my car without buying a new one).

I don't understand your concern over "blowing up the auto market", whatever that means. If the Loonie drops significantly, you can bet the manufacturers would re-adjust prices faster than you can say "immobilizer".

silver_fox

Very interesting, I guess I'm not in the clear yet. Thanks for the info, that is the first I've heard of this happening.
Sorry for my wording in my previous post. I am aware the the taxes are not part of the retail price, however my local dealer did add the Green Levy in the price he quoted me. My intent was to show that the fee was payable when purchased in Canada, and may not be if imported........... looks like that may not be the case.

hopps

Would appreciate a copy. Thank you, John

jhopps@telus.net

maluna

Just got off the phone with RIV- I was actually able to get through today! She tells me the Toyota Highlander Sport, post Sept, is admissible WITHOUT the manufactures letter. I made her say it 3x. I have my Recall clearance letter, dealer will now assist with title, temp tag, bill of sale, confirm the Statement of Compliance label affixed on the pillar of the driver door side by the Original Equipment Manufacturer stating that "the vehicle was manufactured to comply with all US federal emission, bumper and safety standards on the date of manufacture".
Next, the registered paperwork will be FAXed to the border broker for the 72 hour wait. Then I go pick up SUV, come across, pay duty, RIV fees, excise tax, gst, and come home. Have I missed anything thus far?? ... let me know... do you think I'm crazy..... let me know......

beaurocratsuck

Your crazy for giving those pri*ks at Toyota a nickel of your money.

Just kidding, good luck

wrajinder

Congrats. I am getting mine ltd on saturday and will be crossing border on Monday.

gabeman

Good luck. Looking forward to hear how it turns out as I will be going through the same process soon. Please keep us posted.

maluna

Ooops...... I meant 'post Sept 2007'.

nowarranty3

I am following your situation (importing a post Sept 1, 2007 Highlander LTD) with special interest.
Presently I have a cooperative dealer in the US.
I can get a Pre Sept Highlander LTD, but my wife doesn't like the colour ( I know...), so depending on how you make out this weekend she will either get a Highlander in a colour she likes or not.
I have sent an email to TC looking for 100% clarification regarding the post Sept Highlander LTd but have got nothing back so far (the way I interpret the post TC list, that model should be okay without a letter from Toyota, but...).
Good luck wrajinder

rivsucks

I imported a BMW M3 from the States on November. I did all the necessary research and consulted RIV prior to importing. Eveyting worked went smoothly until I got the car back to Canada. I had a recall clearance letter from an authorized BMW delaer in the US but RIV did not accept this on account of recent policy changes. I then called BMW of Canada who referred me to a local dealer that I visted on Novmeber 5. I completed the forms and paid my $500 fee. This is still notm ggod enough. I've now waited 2.5 weeks and BMW has still not provided the recall clearance letter. They said 15-20 days but they have not honored that timeframe. I am totally frustrated. What the h^&$ is going on at RIV and TC? The information changes from day-to-day and person-to-person. Has anyone experienced this with RIV and BMW?

imports4all

Change in RIV Policy? I have read this thread fairly carefully and I don't recall anyone indicating that RIV now refuses the printout from a US dealer regarding recalls. Is anyone aware of whether RIV now absolutely requires a letter from the Canadian manufacturer?

jvitz

Interested finding out what all the digit represent in the V I N number?
Where get i get that info?

Thank you

rivsucks

Most manufacturers have advised RIV to accept a recall clearance letter from an authorized dealer but BMW has advised RIV NOT TO accept a US letter. All recall clearance letters must be issued by BMW of Canada and they charge $500 plus servicing, not to mention the extended time period to wait for the letter. I'm into my 3rd week and they still have not issued the letter. Meanwhile, the clock ticks away to 45 days. RIV has not been any help. Depending on who you speak with, you get different answers. Total confusion.

acurapm

I'm a Canadian snowbird in Florida. I would like to buy a used, 2006 Acura TL and bring it back to Canada. After talking with several dealers, it seems that I would have to pay Florida sales tax (6%), and license fees etc. When I asked if I could drive the car to Canada, they assured me that I could not. It would have to be delivered.
Has anyone encountered similar problems in this state? Does anyone know if there are states that waive the sales tax, etc?

crazy_canuck

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_identification_number

tri_biker

Success!!

After a very stressful rollercoaster ride -- thanks to RIV and TC -- I now have a 2008 Highlander Limited (build date 10/07) sitting in my driveway.

I crossed the border today (11/21) and drove direct to the RIV office in Toronto to pick up my Form 2. Everything went smooth and there was no mention of needing the CMVSS compliance letter from Toyota as it now applies to US base models only. From there I went direct to Canadian Tire for the inspection and passed with ease. No modifications required and my Form 2 was stamped in minutes.

Tomorrow I get my Highlander plated and it will all be done!

While it has definitely been stressful, the actual process was quite easy. Well worth the $16K in savings!!!

On a sad note, the very friendly dealer I worked with in the southeast told me that I was the last Canadian he was selling to. His distributor didn't threaten him with taking away the franchise or fining them; rather, they just said they wouldn't recognize the sale. Which, from what I understand, compromises the dealers ability to get the best possible prices from its distributor. Just another example of Toyota putting up non-tarriff trade barriers. I will remember this the next time I buy a car on either side of the border!

Cheers,

tri_biker

rjmbc

Most jurisdictions will "waive" sales taxes on items sold out of state. You would probably have to have the vehicle shipped - by common carrier - to someplace outside of Florida. This would avoid sales tax & licensing fees. State tax people should be able to give you the answer.

easym1

I just received a flyer from Nissan here in Brampton and they got some kind of deals going on but there's a catch...it's a limited time offer for Saturday Nov 24 @ 830AM to 7PM...I bet they will be extending this price:

2008 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5S.. Msrp = $24,498..Sale @ $21,528
2008 Nissan Titan XE........... Msrp = $32,998 ..Sale @ $24,892
2008 Nissan Pathfinder ........ Msrp = $38,298 ..Sale @ $31,369
etc.

Keep up the pressure!

sergelbergeron

The letter can be found on the new carswithoutborders.com web site.

tri_biker

You are good to go. Just check to make sure the border will accept a fax. Not all will. You will also need insurance.

jsmith1957

Could you plase post here price they advertise on Nissan Quest 2008?

Thank you.

bodble2

Nissan/Infiniti seems to be the only import brand thus far to offer any significant price reduction/rebates. Honda is only offering nominal amounts. Nothing from Toyota or Subaru that I'm aware of. Also relatively small amounts of cash credits from MB, Audi, and BMW, although the BMW salesman I spoke to intimated aside from the cash credit, the dealer would be much more aggressive with the negotiated discount.

vintage1

for the 2008 Highlanders do you have to pay duty because they were made in Japan?

hoiya

If the car was not made in North America (Canada, USA, Mexico), then you will have to pay duty.

maluna

Congratulations tri_biker!
You've had a very successful day.
Wondering if you could walk me through the paperwork sequence that happens after you've crossed in.... So you leave the border with your Highlander LTD 10/07 and a.... what? Is it called a form 1? Is this what they give you after you've paid all the dues? Obviously there is something before the Form 2. You take this Form 1 into the RIV and what exactly else do you take in hand for them?

Thanking you in advance for your reply,

Maluna

netdog

Another article here at --> www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/278716

"The confusion arises from the fact that not all cars and models can be equipped with the anti-theft device."

If this statement is true then how are the manufacturers getting around this to get these same inadmissible vehicles onto their canadian dealers' lots? Or is there a double-standard when it comes to admissibility? Something still stinks here...

netdog

maluna

The CBC program last night was awsome sergelbergeron!
Thanks SO MUCH for all the time & work you and Mr. Lamb, and the many others have done to push this forward. I was absolutely amazed watching the momentum pick up on this forum as it jumped into other media venues. This is a very passionate and determined group an I appreciate being able to share the burden with fellow Canadians. Thanks.
...And we even have a new website to boot! Wow

dreyfus1

I put the link in DIGG under business and finance,
The reporters are not technically adept and are simply relaying what they pick up from conversations with Transport Canada/RIV and the manufacturers. Transport Canada is totally reliant on the manufacturers for technical information, the manufacturers do not give it to TC (yes Veronica this is legal and there is a Santa Claus). And to cap it all off it cannot be done because the manufacturers say it cannot be done. Are we going around in circles yet.
There is only one answer to this problem and it is " Transport Canada must rewrite CMVSS114 so that FMVSS114 is in compliance." Prior to Sept 1 2007 CMVSS114 accepted both FMVSS114 and the European standards. After Sept 1 2007 Transport Canada introduced their not tariff trade barrier and added $3k to $30k to the cost of a new car for every Canadian purchaser. Nice work if you can get it and you can get it if you lobby Canada's new Gov't.

sergelbergeron

Thanks for the kind words. Robert Lamb is turning out to be a movie star...but jokes aside. We have a lot of momentum but it can be lost quickly. We have all our jobs and we are devoting a LOT of Effort here. The media team, the Web team, the immobilizer team is working ver hard. Most of you who have cars made in August will probably be OK and you will get your form 2 soon. I guess there are a few exceptions but the battle now is for the ones that have their car in their garage in Canada or sitting at the border. The only way is to keep the pressure on your government. I am sure some car companies did not appreciate the coverage yesterday, but they have many weapons and avenues. Mr Cannon said they were going to take care of the issue, I take this as positive sign but we must not let down the pressure. Make sure they have the right solution. The right long term solution would be to adapt the US or Can immobiliser rule. And open up the borders. A short term solution to give anmesty to all those who entered the country or purchased before a certain date is not the best solution. It would yes - solve the problems of many but it would only allow for high prices to continue and with that the high profits of the manufacturers. I am all for good profits but not unfair trade barriers.

So please post your concerns, your stories here on this site and on the new www.carswithoutborders.com. We are looking for your data for the sole purpose ( and this is a question of trust here) sole purpose of advancing this important cause. We are working hard, we have many volunteers putting in lots of hours to help us and yourselves. So give us your story (as many have) and also put pressure on your MP, Minister Cannon, TC etc. This is a tough battle, but we are not going away soon. As they say in hockey, the game has 3 20-minute periods. :mad:

gaut

I totally agree. We have to keep increasing the pressure. Today I emailed several MPs and Senators. Sharon Carstairs replied and said they would continue questioning until something is done. www.carswithoutborders.com is a great website and everyone should go there and take advantage of everything provided. Tomorrow, I will make some phone calls and see if I can talk to poeple in positions of influence. If the ruling is to accept only vehicles bought before Nov. 1st, I will be screwed due to having missed the date by one day, this after RIV having given to me the wrong information.

kbrar

Has anyone with 2008 escalade post. sept. manufacturer date received a form 2 from RIV.

freshtunes

Hey everyone...I know Honda has been getting a bad rap about making it impossible to buy a vehicle in the States, but I just bought a 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L from a dealership in the Vancouver area well below the MSRP and only about $2k off the US price if you included duty, fees, taxes. I was able to negotiate a price of $30,760 which includes a roof rack as an accessory (The price factors in $268 cost for the roof rack so if you don't want it you can reduce the price by this amount).

With $125 for A/C tax, tire/battery levy and 13% tax ($4001) my out the door price was $34,786

This deal was conditional on cash payment and no trade in.

I figured it would have cost me about $32,700 based on US MSRP to land the same vehicle... if it was even possible. Plus with no warranty on the US vehicle, this additonal $2k...in my mind is a good deal.

Please do not ask which dealership I bought the vehicle from as I don't want other dealerships in the area knowing any details. I would suggest dropping an email to all the dealerships in your area, and trust me one of them will match this price...or possibly even beat it.

Of the 9 dealerships I emailed, 5 replied and of these 5 only 2 would agree to this price. The other 3 where in the $35k range and told me to take the deal I was being offered. The 1 dealership that I dealt within person was nearly $2k away from what I eventually got. (I will refrain from slandering them)

Hope this helps...and best of luck to all of you
Also THANKS to everyone for all their advice!!!!!! Much appreciated

Happy owner of brand new Honda CR-V (well at least in a couple of weeks when it arrives)

jsmith1957

CRV EX-L price is 35190
If paying cash, Hoda, not dealer (!) has a rebate of 4000$. I am sure you knew that, right, and ALL dealers told you that, right? Linky: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=511234
So your negotiating start point is 31190.
You paid 30760-268=30492.
You actually negotiated of MSRP: 698$. Is that a lot? I would said you could have easily get 1000$ off. Or, have you tried APA pricing?

I actually find myself that dealers are not willing to even tell me about rebates they have! On some quotes they tried me to screw up on rebate and told me that rebate is just half of what it was actuall ! That is just ridicoulus.

Yes, Honda has some rebates, and some cars are not worth importing. It is up to you to decide, but any car you buy know - it is like telling manufacturer - I am willing to be screwed. Honda Canada top guy said: we are charging as much as market can bare. So that means as soon as people will stop buying, they will lower their prices. I am still waiting.

gbabaluk

Hi Easym1:
Post the link to carswithoutborders here! The web page is not that user friendly!
Thanks from Manitoba!

gbabaluk

Hi jsmith1957:
Thanks for the heads-up! I agree, remember that the rebates are to the dealer and there is still room to negotiate! $4000 off a V6 Accord is a great place to start and because the Accords are built in NA, no duties.
Thanks;

freshtunes

Thanks for the reply Jsmith...but the MSRP is $36,730...$35,190+$1,540 freight&pdi.
I know there is room to negotiate the F&PDI...but I'm now aware of it being waived completely....i could be wrong though.

If you factored in this cost my savings were over $2000 + $4000 rebate. I could probably wait it out another month or two and save another $500-$1000, but the wife wanted to car before Christmas. I would say enough of a discount to make the decision

jsmith1957

Oops, agree, I forgot PDI. In this case you got a good canadian deal. But I am still waiting for a good time to buy my minivan.

altaboy

Vehicles that have a weighted average fuel consumption of 13 or more litres per 100 km will be subject to the tax at the following rates:

At least 13 but less than 14 litres per 100 km: $1,000
At last 14, but less than 15 litres per 100 km: $2,000
At least 15 but less than 16 litres per 100 km: $3,000
16 or more litres per 100 km: $4,000

See website at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/agency/budget/2007/excise-e.html

I am pretty sure you pay this right at the border (when you pay GST). Note, you also pay $100 excise for air conditioning.

altaboy

mso = original title
you still need to fill in the blank

I wrote state of purchase in mine then in brackets wrote MSO
ie: Montana (MSO)

nowarranty3

TC just returned my call. I had left message asking for clarification on importing 2008 Highlander Ltd or Sport built after Sept 1, 2007.
In no uncertain terms the TC guy said I must get a letter of compliance with the CMVSS114 from the manufacturer. If an after market immobilizer is installed then the manufacturer has to okay it.
Congradulations to all that have been able to import a post 9/1 Highlander.
I have the guys name at TC and I recorded the call.
My wife still doesn't want the Blue pre 9/1/07 Highlander.
guess I'll sit this out for now.

tri_biker

Yes. ALL Highlander models are manufactured in Japan. Duty is ~ 6.1%.

tri_biker

The folks at RIV are idiots. Everyone I have spoken with since the Nov 16 VAFUS change agrees that no letter is required. Pull the US specs document. The issue is that the base model "Highlander", not the Sport, Limited or Hybrid, has an OPTIONAL immobilizer. This is why they have to have the letter for the "Highlander". It is not the case for the Sport, Limited and Hybrid - hence the revised VAFUS listing. You've got a bad bunch of reps that you are talking to at RIV.

I have also spoken with Toyota Canada and the rep verbally confirmed based on my VIN that the immobilizer is 100% CMVSS compliant (Highlander LTD - 10/07 build).

Good luck.

nowarranty3

I agree with your 1st sentence.
That's why I called TC, as it seemed there was so much inconsistency with the RIV people.
What do you mean by the US specs document.
I piece of paper in my hand would make me feel a whole lot better.
What was the Rep's atitude like?

franckg

Finally got a hold of people at the border. I got confirmation from both Pembina and Sweetgrass that they only needed 72 hours regardless of weekends or holidays. I faxed my papers at 1:00pm on Wednesday they entered them at 4:00pm and told me I was good to cross at 4:00pm on Saturday. They sounded like they couldn't care less. For people that have crossed at Sweetgrass on the weekend, when is the busiest time to try and avoid?

mccreeper

keep up the pressure people. once again i will revert to the stat of how man cars are on track to enter canada this year by importation. under 150,000. most of that are from dealers and brokers. not enough pressure but there always has to be a few people to stir things up. just wait till the dollar goes back down, all the rebates come off and they will just raise the prices again. so for a little short term gain you are screwing us with long term pain. i betcha if there were 100 people on this site 5 of you have actually brought a car back. not enough pressure people. go to work focus all your energy on your kids/ family cause i will tell you this all the time you people are wasting on waititng to see if your cars quailify or if you will be able to register that car in canada is not worth my hasssle to save a few thousand bucks. you probably wouldnt be buying a new car anyways so go visit your used car dealers as they are all importing vehicles from the states to keep up with what you people have tried to determine is the market. but in reality you sit on here talking like your ready to pounce on that big deal in the states when the chances have passed you by. you tell the dealers i am going to the states when in fact your not your just delaying when your buying a car. forgo all that nonsense will you and support canadian way of life. even if it costs you a little more money on your monthly paymnets, as all of you dont have the cash saved up to go risk it in the states. 98 percent of you will use borrowed money and call it cash. once again a concerned citizen not a dealer or salesman