Demonstrating is always a great way of getting your point across.
Another way, might be to use the internet move effectively, to get the message out to the average Canadian, that is too busy to spend the time investigating the pricing injustices...
Here is a simple message... create an email like the one below and e-mail it to everyone in you address book, relatives, freinds ..etc..etrc.
The folks at www.carswithoutborders.com will be adding more functionality to their site today. They plan to add an option for visitors to register their protest, thay have an option to also leave their e-mail address, in order to receive notices of the latest news.
see e-mail sample below...
Tired of Paying too much for your car? ( subject line)
Canadians pay on average $6,000 more per car than Americans
Canada USA Savings Honda Civic EXL $29,954 $24,333 $5,621
Honda Odyssey EXL $47,469 $37,443 $10,026
Prices include MRSP 2008 + delivery + taxes -as of Nov 24. Can $ at par with US $
Mr. Harper, I am writing you again! I have been working non-stop on this file since Oct 15th. 15-20 hours per day. I am tired, my family is tired and all of the members of www.carswithoutborders.com are tired and fed up as well. We are now well over one hundred strong, each and every one of us has a horror story to tell concerning our dealings with Transport Canada and the RIV. Mr. Charrette, a representative has gone on record indicating that close to a thousand people are in this predicament. Some RIV personnel have been quoted over the phone indicating that the number is close to 3,000. We have done nothing wrong! We followed the rules!
I worry about the other many families in Canada that have not been able to find support within our group. We are all being treated very poorly.
On Nov 20 after Question period, Mr. Cannon stated that he would help us, he reassured us that our cases would be resolved.
But Instead of a compassionate, common sense solution for the 1000 or 3000 Canadians trapped and in limbo, Mr. Cannon’s staff has started issuing “Expulsion” notices to Canadians. His compassionate message has not been relayed to his employees. This must be a major mistake! Again, I feel very sorry for those families handling all of this alone.
This is starting to get out of hand and very unreasonable, as I requested in the letter I wrote to you last week, please get involved and resolve the issues.
I first decided to really step up and go to the media, right after one of Mr. Cannon’s Quebec assistant’s told me that he was not going to help me is if I made my case public! He did not like to be threatened! This was after 4 e-mails and several conversations with him. I didn’t feel that was really the way to talk to a Canadian that had followed all the rules! Prior to that I had spoken and e-mailed several people.
I am being driven by a picture of my daughter driving her new car that is now parked in my garage. I am being driven by the arrogant and ruthless way that TC and the RIV is treating Canadian Citizens.
I have attached for your reference on this file a debriefing package that we have been sending out to the press for the last week. Hopefully those on your staff can quickly grasp the severity of the problem and provide you with a quick and compassionate solution.
I also attached a brief audio file, of one of our supporters, Mr. Roy Green, who was kind enough to host our team on his nationally broadcast show last Saturday. I am told that the caller response was very heavy and sympathetic to our cause.
It would be wise of you and your staff to put an end to this madness today. Please instruct Mr. Cannon to process all and every car that is in limbo today over this preposterous anti-theft hoax. Please then ensure that the safety standard is modified to accept the American Standard. There is little difference between the two.
I have many other great suggestions to improve the process, improve productivity, and make the department of Transport more service oriented.
Please end this silliness.
Please do not take this as a threat, but we will be launching our awareness and knowledge plans shortly and we expect to have over 500,000 registered supporters by the end of February! We want our cars on the road and we want fair pricing for Canadians.
I did do the drl mod, peice of cake. I did it at the hotel before I crossed the border. I read the same write up with regards to the dash lights. The only thing that concerned me about changing the speedometer was warrenty, I thought it had to be documented by a dealer somewhere or the warrenty was void. I've checked the "carswothoutborder" site and have not found anyone that has had there car fully pass the import program (forms 1 & 2, CTC inspection and RIV decal) and get an export notice, so I hope I am OK. I have read able a few people that have made it through under amnesty or just by luck without any issues, so again I hope I am OK.
That is alot of expense to save 270 lives. It IS entirely possible to build a car in which almost no one would die. That car would be so expensive only the Bill Gates of the world could buy it.
Alot of cars already have an ESC system of some kind. If buyers want that feature, they can buy those cars. If they don't,they hould be allowed to forgo them, even at risk of their own lives.
At the moment if your vehicle is listed as inadmisssible it is technically illegal and you could get a notice to export notwithstanding any documents you may have that were issued in error by TC or RIV and contravene the law.
That is the interpretation I have received from TC agents and RIV agents.
03terminator: thanks for the tip. Ugh... we weren't prepared to buy until the new year but it looks like we might be force to shop around early. I wonder what the chances are that this mess will be cleared up by Transport Canada within the next year - our alternative is to just totally lay off of any purchases until the end of 2008...
".... Looking forward, the auto sector will continue to experience disinflation even if automakers hold off on lowering MSRPs. This reflects the fact that with macro economic trends continuing to weaken in the United States, used car prices will face downward pressure south of the border, ... This should further bolster imports into Canada, ...."
Just got off the phone to Kevin at RIV -said I had a 2008 GMC truck manufactured in Nov 2 2008, had a powerlock immobilizer installed at the GMC dealer in the states ( the same immobilizer recommended by the Insurance Bureau of Canada ) as per section 9 .2 .b of TC explanations. His answer was as soon as a third party immobilizer is installed RIV wouldn't accept it because the vehicle has been modified and a safety issue has been raised. Talk about an endless loop - so that Transport Canada explanation section 9.2.b is basically useless and we have to go with harmonizing of fmvss114 and cmvss114 ( that's my impression at this time )
I'm wondering if you have had any luck getting your RDX approved to bring into Canada?
I am having problems getting RIV to provide me with form 2 although I was assured that having bought the vehicle before Nov 1st I would be fine. I agree that this is total BS.
kassen, I recently imported an '07 XC90 with no difficultly. Volvo's need no modifications to meet Canadian standards and are fully covered by factory warranty.
At this point I am waiting it out. My Acura RDX is registered and insured in California for now. I am driving it back up to Vancouver over the holidays and leaving it with my parents. I confirmed with my insurance company that the car is covered in Canada, so at least my parents can drive it until the dust settles.
I didn't try getting an amnesty letter since most posts my others indicated that TC/RIV were not honouring it anymore.
The part that gets me the most is when I purchased the car, there was no vehicles listed as inadmissible under the MPV section. It was only after I took possession that it changed. TC should have made an effective date go forward for CMVSS 114 instead of making it retro-active.
Get on the record at RIV by writing to them including copies of relevant documentation. invoice/title MSO. I assume you have not attempted to cross the border and have no record with CBSA. Should there be an amnesty it is likely to be time limited so you have to be "on the record" even if you think it is hopeless. Make a formal request for clemency/exemption with reasons as to why you are deserving. There is likely to be movement out of Transport Canada so position yourself.
Hi-- A friend in the US will buy me a V6 RAV4 Limited and then I will buy it from him. I will then import it to Alberta, Canada. This way I will lose the sales tax, since he will have to pay tax as a local resident, but as a US resident at least he is likely to get a better price. Also, it seems 99% of US Toyota dealers will not sell to Canadians, period. My question is: what are the pitfalls of this plan? Where am I going to get into trouble? It seems like such an obvious loophole, I bet someone already tried it. Any tips, suggestions would be much appreciated.
Also, I did find one Toyota dealer in Washington state who would sell me a new car directly, as long as I have a US address. This sounds too good to be true, I mean I could simply look up an address in the phone book, right? Also, all other dealers from the same city have all turned me down. Please let me know what you think about this offer. Has anyone done this? Does it have to be a legitimate address (i.e. an address where I actually know someone)?
Finally, let me share some information that could be useful. In Edmonton I was unable to get any significant discount out of Toyota (which is why I will be heading South). Hyundai gave me a better price than Toyota, still way more than the US price for the Santa Fe though. My best experience was with the 2008 CR-V EX-L: they offered $4,000 off, a $1,000 gas card and 5% GST: this is still not quite as good as the US price but it makes the trip South pretty pointless once you consider the hassle, the loss of warranty and the additional costs. So if you are in the market for a CR-V EX-L, make sure you get all these discounts (and try to negotiate sg., even better of course if you can :-)). Cheers and good luck to all those trying to import cars: besides saving money you are also helping the rest of the country get better prices - Honda would not be offering deals on the 2008 CRV w/o competition from US imports.
So just to make sure...is registering the inadmissible vehicle before getting form 2 in Alberta completely legal? Also, if you get in an accident does the fact that the vehicle is inadmissible affect you in any way in terms of insurance (can they say no coverage because of it)?
First, make sure that the RAV is admissable. Second, there isn't a flaw with your plan. The reason more of your countrymen haven't tried it is A) they don't have anyone in the states to buy the car for them or they don't want to have to pay any US taxes at all.
As for the dealer in Washington, yes you do have to have a verifiable address.
If you buy the car from your friend, who has paid sales tax, you will have to pay sales tax again on the used car unless you set it up for export. Then you will need the recall clearance letter and all the rest. You are trying to work around the restriction that Toyota dealers have created on selling new cars for export. Another approach would be to buy a used vehicle (such as a demo) from the dealer for export. The restriction does not apply to used vehicles and the transaction is easier. The dealer can issue the no-outstanding-recalls letter in that case. But - why not forget about Toyota, where you are bound to be hassled, and get a brand that does have cooperative dealers (a Subaru Outback should do whatever a RAV4 can do)? If you really want the RAV4 and only a RAV4, buy it in Canada.
Just picking a address out of a phone book likely won't work as all the paperwork is not generated instantly. For one thing the 'TITLE" paperwork from the State would get sent to the US address and you'll need the Title to present for Exporting out of the country into Canada.People have to continually keep emailing, writing, faxing and phoning to Minister Cannon office and Pierre Tremblay at Transport Canada's office. Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca and trembpo@tc.gc.ca
You need to check what the limits are on what they consider as "used".
Find a 1 year old RAV4, preferably in Oregon or some other state with little or no sales tax(others work, but Oregon is best). Your friend buys it and resells it to you. You save a LOT of money this way and the car, while maybe not new, only has 10 or 15K on it.
Note - you'll have to pay the registration fees and your friend MUST be in a state where proof of insurance isn't required, but it's quite possible to avoid the new car nonsense.
The best strategy is to buy slightly used. As long as it is admissible, there is no OEM restriction for Canadians to buy and no sales tax (most states) if you don't register there. In my case, I purchased a 4 month old 2000 mile US MX5 GT loaded for $9000 off MSRP. Dodged the depreciation and got a mint car with warranty in Canada. Saved $12000 with lower C$.
For an 2006 Mazda MX-5 (07-08 likely the same), only a rear bumper foam piece is needed $140.00. Add labour $150-200 and $25 for a drl module to fire the fogs. Thats it. The earlier miatas require more bumper parts. I have had minor warranty work done here in Canada with no problem.
If you believe your car is not "admissible" phone or email RIV and state your case. Bought my car on yyy/mm/dd I was positive it was admissible because on that date..................................... If they confirm that it is inadmissible then follow up in writing to RIV with a copy to Transport Canada. Include your reasoning in the follow up letter. Also mention the Minister of Transport has stated publicly that he is looking for a solution and you want to be included with the rest of the claimants. Also look into carswithoutborders.com and if you think it would be useful put your car on their list.
In Canada, I did the DRL mod myself. These cars are a great buy in the winter as prices soften. The hard part is finding the right vehicle, the rest is easy.
I have no idea about the legality of registering an inadmissable vehicle. I just know that in Alberta, you only need Form 1 to register. I think we're in a gray area with this whole inadmissable thing.
I'm not a lawyer, but I suspect that insurance would still be valid as long as the inadmissable feature wasn't what caused the accident or caused an injury. i.e. you wouldn't want to be driving with an inadmissable bumper, or with a kid secured to an invalid car seat tether. I guess if you got your car stolen because they defeated the immobilizer, they could argue it's your loss, but we all know that isn't going to happen...
I brought a mercedes benz clk 430 2000 in the states. I decided to drive back to alberta Canada through seattle. Initially with the intention to drive back this past August. My family moved here after securing employment in Alberta due to the booming economy and and lack of jobs in the states. Anyways we decides to import the car to Canada, informed the right sources R.i.v, customs, U.s customs who where execellent. Got the Recall letter, went as far as to get a letter from mercedes benz Germany who manufactured the car. I was told the car is built for both the U.s market and Canadian market. Even the sticker under the hood and in the dash says it was for Canadian market. I went to the most recognized dealership in Alberta where I was told the car could be adapted to Canadian standards. But I had to pay 750 dollars for a letter that would tell me what needs to be replaced to make it adhere to Canadian standards. The cost of the letter eventually became 250 dollars because lots of folks complained. Then I had to spend whatever they decided was the cost of converting it to Canadian standards. Roughly between 3500- 7000 dollars. Basically they wanted to steal the money I saved on the car in the states. I found a person in authority at the dealership whose hands where tied that told me first hand that they decision was made to discourage Canadians from buying from the U.s, and that all they did to make the car conform to Canadian standards was put a sticker on the bumpers, and switch on a module for the day time running lights, and in some cases put child safety harnesses on the back seats.The Clk is a two seater the harnesses are for child seats, I got a quote from a german car automotive center in Calgary and all the modifications would have been 560 dollars. But mercedes benz dealership charge upwards of 3500 to 17000 I have heard. They are crooks, and criminals,why are we being treated like second class citizens, why? They have stolen from Canadians for so long and now we are standing up for the truth. I have pasted the copy of the letter that Mercedes benz Canada sent to me, with no real reson. They made up things and I don't have a recourse. They are big business and I am nobody, even though I pay taxes. Is this legal, Can the government and this crooks do this? Are we living in a communist country now, I thought Canada was different? I guess not. Thanks our government officials. Read this letter I attached, and find an alternative to Mercedes benz, they don't respect Canadians so donot support their business. There are lots of other luxury veichles better, cheaper and admissible without lies, and crookedness. I have a beautiful rare white Clk 430 with every option including navigation, and can't drive it. So it is for sale Taking offers. Very low mileage 84000 miles. From Mercedes Benz Canada: Thank you for your reply. Please note US and Canadian safety standards are not aligned; consequently, US certified Mercedes-Benz vehicles do not meet the following Canadian safety standards.
CMVSS 101 - Controls and display CMVSS 108 - Lighting and Retroflective devices CMVSS 215 - Bumper systems CMVSS 210.0 - Tether Anchorages Industry Canada - Radio Frequency Requirements
Subsequently, a US version 2000 CLK-Class model cannot be modified to meet CMVSS standards and is NOT admissible for import.
Is this b/s or what. My car has both the miles and the kilometre gauges, the bumpers are Amg. This bumpers are exceptional and very well made, and radio frequency. Give me a f--king break. Are they kidding me. Don't buy Mercedes Benz. Conforming to Canadian standards is not a problem if they are legitimate.
We all know that the car manufacturers are putting up a blockade on the border. From no recall letters, to inadmissible vehicle to flatly asking for a $500 fee for a letter. We are being abused as consumers and at www.carswithoutborders.com we are all trying together with all of you to fix the problem. It won't be easy but we have done super progress; twice in the globe & mail, on the CBC National, on the Roy Green Talk show and on many talk shows in Canada. We are making a dent like some have said. We need to make more than a dent - please go to the site and sign the petition and also register your case. We will tabulate that to get action. United, we are strong. Old cliches, but very true. Thanks Serge Bergeron P.S. I am getting my car (Prius 08 - Aug manufacture) plated tomorrow - the fight has just begun.
Hey cobrar5, are you out there? email me Jamdar@telus.net. we are going to have to relist the Honda on Ebay in the next few days. Cant get it accross the boarder Honda not cooperating with letter.
post your story on www.carswithoutborders.com and join the protest. Write your MP, PM, the RIV, TC, the media and anyone who'll listen. We are making a difference but we have to keep up the pressure to get this matter resolved.
your provincial vehicle registration office and the RIV fall under different jurisdictions so you may get it registered but that would not stop the RIV or TC from potentially issuing an expusion order some time down the road because they require the completed form 2 from Canadian Tire to close your file. I would suggest that you not take a chance. Also this thread's moderator has already instructed its members to stick to discussing how to legally import your vehicle so please keep it clean here and avoid this topic.
Also this thread's moderator has already instructed its members to stick to discussing how to legally import your vehicle so please keep it clean here and avoid this topic.
Relax... this guy was only asking if it is legal to register this vehicle. This is something that I am interested in as I am looking to import into Alberta. If you read the original post the guy was asking if it was legal. I don't understand why you would think this post isn't 'clean'.
The issue is directly related to importing a vehicle. I would much rather drive the car I bought for (even if only for a few weeks) while TC and RIV get everything finalized, if I can do it legally.
We already have TC giving us sh*t, we don't need people who are with our cause to give us sh*t too. (no offence netdog)
On a side note, I was speaking to a Client Services supervisor ("Doug") at Acura USA, and he told me that if I were to long term relocate for work into the US, and bring my Canadian Honda/Acura over, I would have to open a case for review with Acura USA to obtain a compliancy letter. This means that they would have access to my VIN number and be able to bring up the required documentation based on my VIN number from the Canadian database of Acura vehicles.
I posed the same, but opposite question to Honda/Acura Canada, where I was an American relocating for long term work to Canada, and they said that even if I gave them my VIN number, they wouldn't be able to access the required documentation based on my VIN number from the US database of Acura vehicles.
Is it just me or are they blowing smoke up my rear-end? How can the US get documents on the Canadian vehicles, but Canada can't get documents on the US vehicle?
Fair enough, I will let the moderators moderate. But the question itself smacks of not-so-legal practices since Form1 must be stamped by CT for your provincial vehicle registration authority to recognize it and you cannot legally obtain this stamp without presenting Form 2 to CT and passing your compliance inspection.
I agree with your frustration - I am in the same boat - but if it was that simple to legally register the vehicle without a form 2 then we'd all be in the clear, wouldn't we?
I'm the guy who's wife didn't like the colour of a the (blue) pre 9/1/07 Highlander LTD. I can order through dealer a Highlander Sport with the colour, interior, etc exactly the way I/she wants it. Delivery is approx 8 weeks away, and dealer tells me it will about 6 weeks before I could get the VIN #. What do people think, any guesses if TC will change the list again. I know we won't know for sure but any guesses based on logic (I know TC...)? If I could get the VIN within a couple weeks I would feel better.
Absolutey no problems at border's. I did see new cars like mercedes, bmw, acura on boder in vehicle import section. These were all new cars without any plates. Border was really busy. Guess what? Nobody even looked at my vehicle they are very very busy. Anyway I sent my from 1 & recall letter to RIV yesterday. I am waiting for my Form 2. I hope to get it today??
I received my Canadian compliance label from RIV yesterday thank heavens that ordeal is over. Next problem will probably be attitude at the Toyota dealer for warranty work but financially it meant we could buy a new car within a retired couples means. The immobilizer issue made for a few sleepless nights.
To those who expect this government to assist you this is the same Mr Harper who promised not to touch Trust units. His turnaround cost pension plans mutual fund holders retirees approx 25% 0f their investment alienating tens of thousands. I will contribute to a fund if started for a class action suit against TC incompetance and resulting damages.
Well done wranjinder. I am just waiting for title docs I got the recall clearance letter yesterday from Toyota US. Which border crossing did you use? Did Cdn Border Services ask for proof of insurance? Did you say your Highlander Sport was manufactured post Sept 1-07?
Just priced out a ford f250 diesel -$15,000 less in USA. Their Cdn approved ford securilock immobilizer only a $79 option. Imagine only $79 to make it admissable!
Doesn't it depend on the province you are living in? (excerpt taken from Service Alberta homepage)
To register all new or used vehicles or trailers, the following is required:
-proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or lease agreement -proof of valid Alberta insurance, (not required when registering a trailer) -two pieces of identification or an Alberta Operator's licence -new vehicles require the original new vehicle information statement which the dealer must provide -vehicles imported into Canada require a Vehicle Import Form obtained from Transport Canada -an inspection certificate from Alberta Infrastructure is required for all first time Alberta registrations of used vehicles -the vehicle must be in Alberta -letter of authorization if someone is acting on your behalf
From what I read, the "Vehicle Import Form" is Form 1, and if you bring that plus the proof of insurance to a shop that does Provincial Inspection they give you a little green form saying that it complies to Alberta's requirements. You're right in saying that you could register it, but TC could still come back and ask you to export it? I think that's the question. I'm pretty sure rdxowner_edm just wants to be able to drive the new car that was purchased with plates legally.
You bring up an interesting point about the warranty...they may give you an attitude, but I think they are obligated to provide you the service if they are an authorized Toyota dealership...
Besides, there is really no money to be made for the dealerships in selling the actual cars anyway...there is money for the manufacturers but that is a different matter...it is the service that they generally want anyway so I can't imagine that they will give you too much of a problem...
I did call toyota canada last weekand asked same question " Can a candian dealer refuse service for my american car". Answer was "NO and if somebody is giving you hard time you just have to let us know". I was delighted by their answer. They said they will honour warranty and you can formally complain about the dealer. Cheers
Comments
Another way, might be to use the internet move effectively, to get the message out to the average Canadian, that is too busy to spend the time investigating the pricing injustices...
Here is a simple message... create an email like the one below and e-mail it to everyone in you address book, relatives, freinds ..etc..etrc.
The folks at www.carswithoutborders.com will be adding more functionality to their site today. They plan to add an option for visitors to register their protest, thay have an option to also leave their e-mail address, in order to receive notices of the latest news.
see e-mail sample below...
Tired of Paying too much for your car? ( subject line)
Canadians pay on average $6,000 more per car than Americans
Canada USA Savings
Honda Civic EXL $29,954 $24,333 $5,621
Honda Odyssey EXL $47,469 $37,443 $10,026
Prices include MRSP 2008 + delivery + taxes -as of Nov 24. Can $ at par with US $
Fair for Canadians? Who's blocking the border?
For the full story - go to Cars Without Borders
http://www.carswithoutborders.com/about/
Standing up for consumers
Please pass on this message to everyone you know.
very simple message, but effective!
Note : carswithoutborders.com also has a facebook group carswithoutborders that will be using the same approach
I worry about the other many families in Canada that have not been able to find support within our group. We are all being treated very poorly.
On Nov 20 after Question period, Mr. Cannon stated that he would help us, he reassured us that our cases would be resolved.
Please refer to the script on our web site.. http://www.carswithoutborders.com/official-lawrence-cannon-transcript/ We all waited a few days for the announcement on the TC/RIV web site.
But Instead of a compassionate, common sense solution for the 1000 or 3000 Canadians trapped and in limbo, Mr. Cannon’s staff has started issuing “Expulsion” notices to Canadians. His compassionate message has not been relayed to his employees. This must be a major mistake! Again, I feel very sorry for those families handling all of this alone.
This is starting to get out of hand and very unreasonable, as I requested in the letter I wrote to you last week, please get involved and resolve the issues.
I first decided to really step up and go to the media, right after one of Mr. Cannon’s Quebec assistant’s told me that he was not going to help me is if I made my case public! He did not like to be threatened! This was after 4 e-mails and several conversations with him. I didn’t feel that was really the way to talk to a Canadian that had followed all the rules! Prior to that I had spoken and e-mailed several people.
I am being driven by a picture of my daughter driving her new car that is now parked in my garage. I am being driven by the arrogant and ruthless way that TC and the RIV is treating Canadian Citizens.
I have attached for your reference on this file a debriefing package that we have been sending out to the press for the last week. Hopefully those on your staff can quickly grasp the severity of the problem and provide you with a quick and compassionate solution.
I also attached a brief audio file, of one of our supporters, Mr. Roy Green, who was kind enough to host our team on his nationally broadcast show last Saturday. I am told that the caller response was very heavy and sympathetic to our cause.
It would be wise of you and your staff to put an end to this madness today. Please instruct Mr. Cannon to process all and every car that is in limbo today over this preposterous anti-theft hoax. Please then ensure that the safety standard is modified to accept the American Standard. There is little difference between the two.
I have many other great suggestions to improve the process, improve productivity, and make the department of Transport more service oriented.
Please end this silliness.
Please do not take this as a threat, but we will be launching our awareness and knowledge plans shortly and we expect to have over 500,000 registered supporters by the end of February! We want our cars on the road and we want fair pricing for Canadians.
Please “Tear down the WALL Mr. Harper”
all the members of carswithoutborders.com
" I followed all the Rules"
"Owner of a car without a Country"
e-mail; carswithoutborders@hotmail.com
Home: www.autossanfrontieres.com
www.carswithoutborders.com
I've checked the "carswothoutborder" site and have not found anyone that has had there car fully pass the import program (forms 1 & 2, CTC inspection and RIV decal) and get an export notice, so I hope I am OK. I have read able a few people that have made it through under amnesty or just by luck without any issues, so again I hope I am OK.
Shawn
It IS entirely possible to build a car in which almost no one would die.
That car would be so expensive only the Bill Gates of the world could buy it.
Alot of cars already have an ESC system of some kind.
If buyers want that feature, they can buy those cars.
If they don't,they hould be allowed to forgo them, even at risk of their own lives.
That is the interpretation I have received from TC agents and RIV agents.
disinflation even if automakers hold off on lowering MSRPs. This reflects the
fact that with macro economic trends continuing to weaken in the United
States, used car prices will face downward pressure south of the border, ... This should further bolster imports into Canada, ...."
In other words, hold off buying new or used.
See Scotia Economics' report here.
I'm wondering if you have had any luck getting your RDX approved to bring into Canada?
I am having problems getting RIV to provide me with form 2 although I was assured that having bought the vehicle before Nov 1st I would be fine. I agree that this is total BS.
I recently imported an '07 XC90 with no difficultly. Volvo's need no modifications to meet Canadian standards and are fully covered by factory warranty.
here are my earlier posts on the subject:
silver_fox, "Importing Car into Canada from US" #1174, 25 Oct 2007 12:04 pm!keywords=
silver_fox, "Importing Car into Canada from US" #840, 1 Oct 2007 9:18 am#839
Comment on this the more the merrier.
I didn't try getting an amnesty letter since most posts my others indicated that TC/RIV were not honouring it anymore.
The part that gets me the most is when I purchased the car, there was no vehicles listed as inadmissible under the MPV section. It was only after I took possession that it changed. TC should have made an effective date go forward for CMVSS 114 instead of making it retro-active.
1. exporting my car from the US
2. go through the RIV importing process to get a case id?
A friend in the US will buy me a V6 RAV4 Limited and then I will buy it from him. I will then import it to Alberta, Canada. This way I will lose the sales tax, since he will have to pay tax as a local resident, but as a US resident at least he is likely to get a better price. Also, it seems 99% of US Toyota dealers will not sell to Canadians, period. My question is: what are the pitfalls of this plan? Where am I going to get into trouble? It seems like such an obvious loophole, I bet someone already tried it. Any tips, suggestions would be much appreciated.
Also, I did find one Toyota dealer in Washington state who would sell me a new car directly, as long as I have a US address. This sounds too good to be true, I mean I could simply look up an address in the phone book, right? Also, all other dealers from the same city have all turned me down. Please let me know what you think about this offer. Has anyone done this? Does it have to be a legitimate address (i.e. an address where I actually know someone)?
Finally, let me share some information that could be useful. In Edmonton I was unable to get any significant discount out of Toyota (which is why I will be heading South). Hyundai gave me a better price than Toyota, still way more than the US price for the Santa Fe though. My best experience was with the 2008 CR-V EX-L: they offered $4,000 off, a $1,000 gas card and 5% GST: this is still not quite as good as the US price but it makes the trip South pretty pointless once you consider the hassle, the loss of warranty and the additional costs. So if you are in the market for a CR-V EX-L, make sure you get all these discounts (and try to negotiate sg., even better of course if you can :-)). Cheers and good luck to all those trying to import cars: besides saving money you are also helping the rest of the country get better prices - Honda would not be offering deals on the 2008 CRV w/o competition from US imports.
Also, if you get in an accident does the fact that the vehicle is inadmissible affect you in any way in terms of insurance (can they say no coverage because of it)?
Second, there isn't a flaw with your plan.
The reason more of your countrymen haven't tried it is A) they don't have anyone in the states to buy the car for them or
As for the dealer in Washington, yes you do have to have a verifiable address.
If you buy a demo you will be the first buyer/registered owner and the dealer restrictions apply.
Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca and
trembpo@tc.gc.ca
Find a 1 year old RAV4, preferably in Oregon or some other state with little or no sales tax(others work, but Oregon is best). Your friend buys it and resells it to you. You save a LOT of money this way and the car, while maybe not new, only has 10 or 15K on it.
Note - you'll have to pay the registration fees and your friend MUST be in a state where proof of insurance isn't required, but it's quite possible to avoid the new car nonsense.
Bought my car on yyy/mm/dd I was positive it was admissible because on that date..................................... If they confirm that it is inadmissible then follow up in writing to RIV with a copy to Transport Canada. Include your reasoning in the follow up letter. Also mention the Minister of Transport has stated publicly that he is looking for a solution and you want to be included with the rest of the claimants. Also look into carswithoutborders.com and if you think it would be useful put your car on their list.
I'm not a lawyer, but I suspect that insurance would still be valid as long as the inadmissable feature wasn't what caused the accident or caused an injury. i.e. you wouldn't want to be driving with an inadmissable bumper, or with a kid secured to an invalid car seat tether. I guess if you got your car stolen because they defeated the immobilizer, they could argue it's your loss, but we all know that isn't going to happen...
From Mercedes Benz Canada:
Thank you for your reply. Please note US and Canadian safety standards
are
not aligned; consequently, US certified Mercedes-Benz vehicles do not
meet
the following Canadian safety standards.
CMVSS 101 - Controls and display
CMVSS 108 - Lighting and Retroflective devices
CMVSS 215 - Bumper systems
CMVSS 210.0 - Tether Anchorages
Industry Canada - Radio Frequency Requirements
Subsequently, a US version 2000 CLK-Class model cannot be modified to
meet
CMVSS standards and is NOT admissible for import.
Best regards,
Erin Somerville
CSI Co-ordinator
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
smart Canada Division
email:cac@mercedes-benz.ca
1-800-387-0100
1-877-627-8004
Is this b/s or what. My car has both the miles and the kilometre gauges, the bumpers are Amg. This bumpers are exceptional and very well made, and radio frequency. Give me a f--king break. Are they kidding me. Don't buy Mercedes Benz. Conforming to Canadian standards is not a problem if they are legitimate.
Thanks
Serge Bergeron
P.S. I am getting my car (Prius 08 - Aug manufacture) plated tomorrow - the fight has just begun.
post your story on www.carswithoutborders.com and join the protest. Write your MP, PM, the RIV, TC, the media and anyone who'll listen. We are making a difference but we have to keep up the pressure to get this matter resolved.
netdog
your provincial vehicle registration office and the RIV fall under different jurisdictions so you may get it registered but that would not stop the RIV or TC from potentially issuing an expusion order some time down the road because they require the completed form 2 from Canadian Tire to close your file. I would suggest that you not take a chance. Also this thread's moderator has already instructed its members to stick to discussing how to legally import your vehicle so please keep it clean here and avoid this topic.
netdog
Relax... this guy was only asking if it is legal to register this vehicle. This is something that I am interested in as I am looking to import into Alberta. If you read the original post the guy was asking if it was legal. I don't understand why you would think this post isn't 'clean'.
The issue is directly related to importing a vehicle. I would much rather drive the car I bought for (even if only for a few weeks) while TC and RIV get everything finalized, if I can do it legally.
Why park the car if you don't have to?
We already have TC giving us sh*t, we don't need people who are with our cause to give us sh*t too. (no offence netdog)
On a side note, I was speaking to a Client Services supervisor ("Doug") at Acura USA, and he told me that if I were to long term relocate for work into the US, and bring my Canadian Honda/Acura over, I would have to open a case for review with Acura USA to obtain a compliancy letter. This means that they would have access to my VIN number and be able to bring up the required documentation based on my VIN number from the Canadian database of Acura vehicles.
I posed the same, but opposite question to Honda/Acura Canada, where I was an American relocating for long term work to Canada, and they said that even if I gave them my VIN number, they wouldn't be able to access the required documentation based on my VIN number from the US database of Acura vehicles.
Is it just me or are they blowing smoke up my rear-end? How can the US get documents on the Canadian vehicles, but Canada can't get documents on the US vehicle?
Fair enough, I will let the moderators moderate. But the question itself smacks of not-so-legal practices since Form1 must be stamped by CT for your provincial vehicle registration authority to recognize it and you cannot legally obtain this stamp without presenting Form 2 to CT and passing your compliance inspection.
I agree with your frustration - I am in the same boat - but if it was that simple to legally register the vehicle without a form 2 then we'd all be in the clear, wouldn't we?
netdog
I can order through dealer a Highlander Sport with the colour, interior, etc exactly the way I/she wants it. Delivery is approx 8 weeks away, and dealer tells me it will about 6 weeks before I could get the VIN #.
What do people think, any guesses if TC will change the list again. I know we won't know for sure but any guesses based on logic (I know TC...)?
If I could get the VIN within a couple weeks I would feel better.
Next problem will probably be attitude at the Toyota
dealer for warranty work but financially it
meant we could buy a new car within a retired couples means.
The immobilizer issue made for a few sleepless nights.
To those who expect this government to assist you
this is the same Mr Harper who promised not
to touch Trust units. His turnaround cost pension plans
mutual fund holders retirees approx 25% 0f their
investment alienating tens of thousands.
I will contribute to a fund if started for a class action suit
against TC incompetance and resulting damages.
thecannyscot
Doesn't it depend on the province you are living in?
(excerpt taken from Service Alberta homepage)
To register all new or used vehicles or trailers, the following is required:
-proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or lease agreement
-proof of valid Alberta insurance, (not required when registering a trailer)
-two pieces of identification or an Alberta Operator's licence
-new vehicles require the original new vehicle information statement which the dealer must provide
-vehicles imported into Canada require a Vehicle Import Form obtained from Transport Canada
-an inspection certificate from Alberta Infrastructure is required for all first time Alberta registrations of used vehicles
-the vehicle must be in Alberta
-letter of authorization if someone is acting on your behalf
From what I read, the "Vehicle Import Form" is Form 1, and if you bring that plus the proof of insurance to a shop that does Provincial Inspection they give you a little green form saying that it complies to Alberta's requirements. You're right in saying that you could register it, but TC could still come back and ask you to export it? I think that's the question. I'm pretty sure rdxowner_edm just wants to be able to drive the new car that was purchased with plates legally.
Besides, there is really no money to be made for the dealerships in selling the actual cars anyway...there is money for the manufacturers but that is a different matter...it is the service that they generally want anyway so I can't imagine that they will give you too much of a problem...
Cheers
Cheers