I don't think you should be thinking about class action against RIV, after all the don't make policy, they just administer it. You would be more likely able to go after the manufacturers who are setting discrimanatory prices in two similar regions.
Except they aren't similar regions, they are sovereign nations. Completely different. Similar regions would be BC and Alberta. European nations all have different prices for essentially the same cars.
I am driving back to Ontario for Christmas in a few days. I shall make sure I stop at both borders and ask pointedly just what king of plate is required to cross over. I shall let the forum know. BTW -- a carrier wants $1650 + RIV cost to bring the vehicle up from Florida to any close point in Ontario. I think its a bit too high.
Question What did they do to your instrument cluster ??? Did they take it apart to change the symbol only ? You say they did not change the Miles / Hr and KM/Hr.
I can live with 3500 but not 6K (MB Barrie quoted me). Which dealer did you go to ??? Mississauga MB has verbally quoted us now between 2500 to $ 4500.00
It sounds like they modified your instrument cluster, I was led to believe they want to replace the unit.
When we picked up my friends Nissan Altima we used the dealer plate and just ups'ed it back a week later once the car was properly plated in Ontario. We had no issues crossing the border or driving around with the plate.
Why do they have to be so secretive, you cant get a straight answer from MB. I phone MB Canada they told me the dealer has to request the info. I talked to the dealer and they tell you MB supplies them with the info. What is the big deal ??? All i wanted is to keep the car as original as possible. I just read about the guy who brought in a SL500 and all they did was modify the cluster. I just can't phantom a replacement Cluster just to swap out the KM/Hr and M/Hr. makes no sense...
Hi shawnd3 Ddi the border [non-permissible content removed] ask anything at all about the plates? Which state(s) did you go through? Which border crossing did you use? My dealer is more thatn willin to lend me his dealer plates.....because he's selling me anew expensive caddy. Please let me know ASAP
Retiredtom, I live in Texas and am going to give my dad a truck. It is new and licensed here in Texas. Do I need to get an MSO for him to take it back to Canada(BC) this spring where he lives or what. I have the title in my possession. I would love to get an E-mail copy of yours to see what it looks like. Do I have to call the state or Customs to get this? My e-mail address is gaylen950@yahoo.com. Thanks for your post. Gaylen white
The border people don't look at your plates. They also don't look at your car. Should they decide to have a look, they are supposed to see the VIN and manufacture sticker but they are too busy. They look at the papers and do their jobs. They are not the road police. If you are stopped by the police, you have to present proper papers, no matter what the situation, anad your driver's licence. To drive in the states you need a temp plate from where you buy it. To drive in Canada you don't need anything until the paper work is complete and you can register in your province. You can leave the US temp plate on for comfort. It's all very logical and simple. Don't make it complex.
Don't change a thing. It costs over $500 in most cases to replace the whole module. The Canadian Tire guy just wants to see both Km/h and MPH on the speed dial. That's it. And here's the rule so you don't have to calculate: in the city 35 mph or 25 mph (60 and 40). On the 401 - 65 mph. On other highways, 55. You don't even need to read the signs on the road or the small numbers on the dial. If the cops pull you over and they ask how fast you were going, give them the answer in MPH. "The speed limit is 100 and I was only going 85".
You are probably right. I don't want to make it complex. I just want to make darn sure that I do things correctly. would hate imperil a 45K vehicle. I shall have to drive through 5 states with his plates on. "Care" will be the operative word.
I plan on buying a used Honda or Toyota while in California while there in February. I would like to drive it around for a couple of weeks prior to driving it back to British Columbia. However, I cannot seem to find anyone who can tell me for certain how to obtain the necessary insurance on the vehicle for the two weeks as well as the drive back. If anyone out there has done this already, can you please provide the details to help me out. Thanks.
Go to your local ICBC office and ask for a Binder of Insurance, APV38 form. This is good for up to 31 days and works out to about $10 a day depending on the value of the vehicle.If you don't know the VIN# of the vehicle yet,you can call the agent from California and they will fax the policy to you.This is how I have done it in the past.
This is what my insurance broker friend has advised me (via email)-- mottie said more or less the same thing:
"ICBC has an insurance binder (APV38) that you can buy that will provide liability insurance and collision/comprehensive coverage. The policy will cover a specific vehicle, so you can arrange the insurance prior to departure if you've already lined up the automobile you are purchasing. If you are just going shopping and then find what you want to purchase, you can phone an ICBC broker and arrange the insurance by phone. The APV38 can then be faxed to you and used as insurance for the drive back to Vancouver. In addition to the APV 38 you must purchase a permit from the U.S. State that you will be driving in. The permit is required for each state that you travel through to return home. "
By "permit" I assume she meant temp plates. I forgot to ask her if she meant that if I'm driving thru 2 or more states, I would need to get a permit for each state. Does anyone know the answer to this?
Just imported a 2007 mazda cx9. Getting no assistance from local dealer on installing DRL. Will be taking it to local Can Tire tomorrow but they are not sure they can do it because it's so "new". Anyone know of any DIY after-market relay/module/wiring for this vehicle? 2007 cx7 is similar and may work the same. Would hate to splice and dice the wiring just to pass federal inspection.
I've heard of at least two other members of CWB who got the same call today from RIV for vehicles of different makes and models. I didn't get the call yet but I suspect that they're making their way up the list, probably based on import date or something like that.
sem1, If you have a vehicle insured already, the new one would be carried on that insurance for 14 days, If you don't have a vehicle insured currently, you will need to insure the new one, just visit your local Canadian insurance company, we use ING they are great, they should be able to insure it in US and Canada.
From a dealer: " rebates will not be applicable on cross border Subaru sales after Jan 3rd, 2008." Also Hyundai will no longer allow cross-border sales.
Ddi the border [non-permissible content removed] ask anything at all about the plates? Which state(s) did you go through?
Its comments like the above that create a reflection of your own bad attitude. When I imported my car in Nov every one USB ,CBS andRIV were totally professional. Please addrss such comments to Anne Landers if you want sympathy.
You need to be legally transiting the states you are driving through or the ICBC insurance is not valid.
In California the plate on the car you buy is OK for I think 30 days. Although I have driven back to BC with just the CA plate I'm not totally sure that is legal.
To be safe you can get a three day WA state permit for $25 and according to the Oregon DMV site that permit would also be legal in Oregon.
So for $25 and a trip to Blaine for the permit you [non-permissible content removed] is covered.
Search in the WA DMV and Oregon DMV sites for details
Now if you have an address in florida and a valid Canada drivers license you can get a florida license. All it takes is your passport, birth certificate and your canada license. It costs $12 and it's a simple eye exam. It basically piggy backs onto your canadian license. It's only valid in Florida, so if you get stopped in a different state you use your cdn license.
They will not issue a Florida license if you do not surrender your Canadian license. Obtaining a license indicates establishing residence. If you merely surrender your existing license, that just excuses you from taking the driving exam. If you want to keep both licenses, you have to take an actual Florida driving exam.
Just wnet to CT to get Form 2 completed. Seems that the DRL can be "turned off" and this switch has to be disabled. Anyone out there know how to do this or where to get it done. Thanks
I believe that it's MB-Cda stirring the pot. The dealer MUST request a list of required modifications on each vehicle before they can provide an estimate to car owner. If they are getting backed up, which they likely are, and are trying to dissuade us from importing cars, they simply have to drag their heels a bit on getting the info to the dealers. My suggestion is to try to befriend the Service manager or one of the advisors so they are on your side. They're hands are tied to some degree, but getting angry with them won't help. Remind them this is a big service bill they'll get, and they'll build up a relationship for future servicing. Each car is different, too, so if your car doesn't have MPH and KPH, they may have to swap the cluster.
Importing back from any state to Ontario is fairly straight forward. Don't worry about the actual plate.... Just call the Ontario Insurance provider and get temporary insurance for your vehicle (they may need the Bill of Sale). Then put on your dash and drive home. Once you get your import docs completed then you can put permanant plates on the new Subie! For more free details on importing cars, see link title. That site saved me so much time and effort and then saved me $12,000 ! Good luck
I had the same problem. Obviously the dealer is P__ssd Off, but I got mine done at Canadian Tire, for $180. Check around Im sure they can do it, ou vehicle is a 2008 that I imported using link title , I saved about $11,000 or so after mods, DRL, etc.
I’m just starting to collect the information how to go about importing a car to Ontario. I’ve read tons of posts on this forum, but as usual everyone’s situation is different. And so it’s mine. In the next few months I’ll be moving back to Canada from Switzerland. I’m planning to make a stopover in NJ (visiting family), buy a minivan there and drive to Ontario. I’d like to get either a Nissan Quest or a Toyota Sienna (fully loaded latest models). My question is; would my Swiss residency be a problem or rather a help in purchasing a car in NJ (or neighbor states).? I do have both Swiss and Ontario driver licenses. How long does it take from the time I make my deposit to the actual delivery of the car (I need to plan the flight in the right time)? Can I make pay for a car using bank transfer directly to the dealer account? I do not think that I can use my Swiss insurance in North America. I’ve read that NY issues temp plates and one can get temporary insurance as well. Does anyone know about getting temp plates and insurance in NJ? Have to add that my wife used to live in NJ, and still has, expired now, NJ driver license – would that help? Cheers for any help.
Congratulations to those who've received a phone call from the RIV in anticipation of the (now) likely passing of the proposed amendment to CMVSS114. Things are looking up.
To the rest of us who have yet to receive this call check your Form 1; if the customs agent didn't take down your contact info then you may never get this phone call from the RIV. Such was the case with my Form 1 so I called RIV to have them update my file with my contact info. The agent then informed me that they did not have a record of my recall letter on file, despite the fact that I'd presented it to them in person on Novemeber 19th. Anyways, I've now faxed off my recall letter and just waitin' for my phone call ....
So the lesson of the day (at my expense) is: This might be a good time to check with the RIV to make sure they have everything they need on file so that there are no unexpected delays in releasing your Form2 once the RIV gets the green light some time soon (hopefully).
The did in fact remove the cluster, replace the warning symbol and reinstall the cluster. That one was a cash grab, IMO, but you can't fight it. They did nothing else to the cluster AT ALL. The odometer was untouched. The speedometer was untouched as it shows both MPH and KPH.
It's a 2002 SL500. All the work was performed at Garden Motorcars in Burlington - I chatted with my contact there yesterday, and he has no problem doing the work, as they appreciate the business. Remember that whatever work the dealer quotes you to be done has been mandated by MB-Cda. He simply provides the service.
Used US address for zurich plan. You are correct, my honda plan is NFG except knowing that i could always drive / trailer the vehicle back to selling dealership & i know he will take care of my on Honda USA warranty. For $900 i felt better to buy aftermarket. Beauty of zurich plan is that you dont have to cough up the $ for repairs then submit claim like most aftermarket warranties. You just pay the $100 deductible (per visit, not per claim) and they pay the balance over the phone with credit card. Again, havent had to use it but vehicle only has 1200 miles on it now. Yes i did need proof of US residency to purchase. This means drivers licence & one more piece from a long list (a phone bill, gas bill, credit report, etc, etc). I wont go into detail here too much about that (i bought from a northern dealership) as "legally" you have to surrender your provincial driver licence to get a US one.
careful with the comment that border does not look at your plates. On one of the vehicles i brought back, i bought AB transit permit & for some reason i slapped an old set of plates on the vehicle. Canada customs agent (drive through booth) asked me why i had AB plates and wanted to know if this vehicle was registered in AB. I said no & claimed that the registry agent wasnt able to advise me to procedure so i err'd on the side of caution hence transit permit + old plate. He said go through, take the plate off when you go inside to fill out form1 + pay gst. Valid AB transit permit (plus insurance) is all you need once in canada. NOTE: AB transit permit is not good outside of canada. Most states sell these also. OR you can just drive the vehicle safely & within speed limit with a "spare" canadian licence plate. Like US highway patrol know anything about canadian plates....
NOTE: statement about verifying VIN correct in my experience(s) also. Three vehicles now & nobody checked VIN OR door sticker.
NOTE2: Make sure Form1 filled out correctly. CCBS agent filled out form1 for me on 2 of the 3 vehicles. One of them had wrong VIN, one of them he left the most important box blank - the date of manufacture box. I had to email RIV agent with digital pic of door sticker to show it was built before Sept.2007
I don't think it works that way. I think FL sends something to Canada indicating that you've surrendered your license since you took a license elsewhere. I could be wrong though. Technically, a person cannot be a resident of 2 places and having a driver's license in 2 places means you are a resident of both places. How would that work out on your tax returns, i.e. which place will you be a resident of?
The confusion is that the inspector in the booth, who is not concerned with the importation itself, spotted that you had improper plates. The point is that the temp plate from the states will work fine but putting illegal plates will inevitably cause a problem. I was told that once the car is in Canada it should be unplated until the process is at the stage where you acquire provicinial plates. I was told that driving with no plate is acceptable in the interim. The US temp plate is a good thing to leave on in any case. My reference about not looking at the plates refers to the officials at the border doing the actual paper work. They are supposed to check the vehicle for the VIN and the sticker - on both sides of the border. But they have not done it when I have seen them in action, accepting your word that the vehicle is what you say it is. But if they do check, it avoids mistakes, such as the one noted.
I would appreciate getting a copy of the email from Toyota Canada - regarding the warranty that you mentioned in an earlier post. Please send to: rmcgill.ccgi@gmail.com
would my Swiss residency be a problem or rather a help in purchasing a car in NJ (or neighbor states).?
In all the times, Ive purchased vehicles residency has never been an issue, unless you are dealing with a new car purchase as many dealers includng Toyota and Honda are imposing strict regulations on their dealers to not sell to anyone who isnt a US resident. One way round this would be to use the address of your NJ relatives as your purchase address. I just imported another vehicle and used link title as a free resource, it walks you through the majority of the issues you might enconter.
I just got my Florida Driving licence. The officer asked me if I wanted to give my Canadian document. I said "no" so he asked for $20, took my picture and gave me a 1 year only in Florida licence. Now I have 2.
We just crossed over today at Windsor, on our way home for Christmas. I had an opportunity to chat briefly with the guard on duty. He said. Drive up with NO PLATES. ...even suggested that I could take my present plates off and put them on. But have all documentation at hand. if stopped. He reiterated that under NO circumstance should I use dealer plates as this would be construed as an attempt by a dealer to sell a vehicle in Canada. He said they have already turned back several vehicles at the border when they showed up with dealer plates. I asked what would happen if some Tenn or Georgia cop stopped me with no plates on the vehicle. He said to simply tell them you are in transit and that the Canadian border service said to travel with no plates. Fat chancec I'd do that ! Instead I think I'll borrow a set of plates. Drive close to the border .Take them off. Cross with no plates. Get temp plates on this side. Best of the Season to all the readers and to Admin who puts up with all of this
I just called RIV to check if they had my recall letter, which i faxed to them about three and a half weeks ago. The girl on the phone told me that there is no record of it. She said that because my file is on hold, nothing can be done on my file meaning that even if they received my letter the file would not be updated. I don't know if this will cause any more delay in the process of me getting Form 2 (probably will) but I thought I'd give everyone a heads up. They must have put my file on hold before they entered into the system that they received my recall letter.
All should read "Canada Gazette Part 1 December 1, 2007" T/C has put the wheels in motion to change the import rules with regard to "vehicle Immobilizers" They have really done a "fast track" on this one, posting the changes sought on Dec. 1st with only a 15 day comment period with a promise to impliment the amenment almost right away. Some one there is listening and dong the right thing - DEMOCRACY AT WORK!!! An approved immobilizer can be installed for $400.00.
To: 'davisda@tc.gc.ca'
Subject: Canada Gazette Part I December 1, 2007
Daniel B. T. Davis
Chief
Regulations and Standards
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, 8th Floor, Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5
Telephone: 613-998-1956
Fax: 613-990-2913
Email: Davisda@tc.gc.ca
I wish to submit my comments on the following highlighted section of the proposed amendment. THIS IS LIKE PUTTING THE FOX IN CHARGE OF THE CHICKEN COOP!!!!
THE PROVINCES LICENSE AUTO MECHANICS FOR GOOD REASON AND IF SAID MECHANIC CERTIFIES THAT HE HAS SATISFACTORILY INSTALLED AN APPROVED IMMOBILIZER SYTEMS, APPROVED to National Standard of Canada CAN/ULC-S338-98, THAT IS ALL THAT SHOULD BE REQUIRED.
Regardless of what the manufacturer says, the world will figure out how to meet the requirements of the CAN/ULC-S338-98 standard, IF YOU WILL ALLOW THEM TO!
The alternative is to let the corporations control the world - - no fair!
entitled Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems:
Electronic Immobilization (May 1998), published by the
Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada CONFORMING
(4.1) For the purposes of subsection 7(2) of the Act, a vehicle
that has been sold at the retail level in the United States and that
has not been certified by the manufacturer as conforming to subsection
114(4) of Schedule IV to these Regulations may be imported
into Canada despite not being certified to conform to subsection
114(4) if
(a) the vehicle was fitted at the time of manufacture with an
electronic immobilization system; or
(b) unless the manufacturer has indicated in writing that the
vehicle cannot be fitted with an immobilization system, the
person importing the vehicle states in their declaration that the
vehicle
(i) will be fitted with an immobilization system that conforms
to National Standard of Canada CAN/ULC-S338-98,
entitled Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems:
Electronic Immobilization (May 1998), published by the
Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada, before it is presented
for registration under the laws of a province, and
(ii) will be taken, within 45 days after its importation, to an inspection
station authorized by the registrar of imported vehicles
to carry out an inspection function to determine that the
Here's what I did - in mid October. I had a Pennsylvania Temp. plate ( it a cardboard plate) that was in the back only - good for 30 days - it cost $70. I had to leave my car in the US for a few weeks because of the RIV fiasco, but I did cross around day-25 into Canada with those plates on. There was no problem whatsoever and the border guard also told me that Police are very tolerant with car importers. I must tell you that I was not able to get my plates within the 30 days, but I did drive around with the temporary plate expired and with all the paperwork ( form 1, invoice etc) in my car. Of course, I was driving very carefully and it is not the time to be speeding on the roads. I personally think that if you have no plates you will be attracting attention and will get stopped. At the border, the guard at the gate said OK what kind of plates are those my friend and I said yes I am declaring that I am importing this car. PS. I am driving my new Prius 2008, net savings $8,100 - total cost on the road $31,200 - # 5 package. Guys it is worth it - let's keep up the fight. :mad: www.carswithoutborders.com
Was your 2008 Prius built after September 1st? Does it have an IMMOBILIZER that meets Canadian standards ? Did Toyota issue the recall letter stating that it meets the standards ?
I'm the owner of a 2006 Prius and may be looking at a newer Prius in a few months . Thanks
I don't know what to tell you except that it works. I had my fl licence for 7 yrs. I just got a new one last month because mine was expiring soon. Still have my Qc licence. Maybe You have to say that you're visitng for a while instead of moving down.
Many of the manufacturers are providing BS as information to try and discourage your from importing their cars. Don't trust the manufacturer, call RIV if you have any questions.
I imported a luxury car and was told by the manufacturer that I would have to pay $2K for the recall certificate and that I would require another $10K in modifications at the dealership before they would issue it. (I have checked the boards and others have been told the same). I called RIV to complain and they told me that in many cases they are now allowing cars to be imported with a letter from the dealership instead of the manufacturer since so many people are complaining of being ripped of.
The $10K in modifications were not necessary and the car could be brought into compliance for a few hundred bucks. Common lies are that you have to replace the instrumentation panel to get a panel in KM (not true since the panel only has to show KM and can be either digital or analog) and that the manufacturer has to replace the headlight module (not true since a $29 kit from Canadian Tire is permitted).
Duties depend on whether or not your car is made in a NAFTA region or not, the best free info on this and how to calculate your car import fees is at Car Import Fees and How to Avoid them
Also, typically the RIV fee is approx $210, you wil have to pay GST as you would on any other car purchase in Canada
The 2008 Prius is an August built - and yes it does have an immobilizer - but the 2008's built in Sept are still inadmissable as of now - next week I'm not sure. The recall letter was a report that I got from the US dealer - that was accepted by the RIV back in October - today I haven't kept up with all the ridiculous changes that are going on at the RIV - but back then it was a simple computer printout - that was no charge. And we are very proud of our 2 Priuses - one 2005 and the 2008. I don't see how the immobilizer can be different with the 2007 model or 2008 model built for the US or Canada.
Good Luck with your purchase - it is really worth the small effort to shop in the US and it will be bringing down the Canadian prices eventually.
I also have 2 ... but the new rules applying to "after Sept. 1st 2007" still indicate that the Prius is now inadmissible .
But the interesting information is contained in the cut and paste I took from the Can. Transportation site .
It appears that Hybrid vehicles are an after though in the process . Apart from the terrible grammar the paragraph below says a volume about how the process has been politicised by the public (?) servants at Transport Canada .
"With regards to the other vehicles put forth for exemption, the Department's position remains that the benefits of requiring the installation of immobilization systems for them outweigh any potential drawbacks. No convincing arguments were offered for exempting electric, hybrid electric and fleet vehicles, especially given that the risk of doing so could result in making those vehicles a more attractive target of vehicle theft. "
So I have to wonder who is "driving" who when it comes to the inadmissible list ?
Comments
Except they aren't similar regions, they are sovereign nations.
Completely different.
Similar regions would be BC and Alberta.
European nations all have different prices for essentially the same cars.
BTW -- a carrier wants $1650 + RIV cost to bring the vehicle up from Florida to any close point in Ontario. I think its a bit too high.
I can live with 3500 but not 6K (MB Barrie quoted me). Which dealer did you go to ???
Mississauga MB has verbally quoted us now between 2500 to $ 4500.00
It sounds like they modified your instrument cluster, I was led to believe they want to replace the unit.
What year was your SL500 ??
Thanks
Rick
Shawn
All i wanted is to keep the car as original as possible. I just read about the guy who brought in a SL500 and all they did was modify the cluster. I just can't phantom a replacement Cluster just to swap out the KM/Hr and M/Hr. makes no sense...
Ddi the border [non-permissible content removed] ask anything at all about the plates? Which state(s) did you go through? Which border crossing did you use?
My dealer is more thatn willin to lend me his dealer plates.....because he's selling me anew expensive caddy. Please let me know ASAP
I live in Texas and am going to give my dad a truck. It is new and licensed here in Texas. Do I need to get an MSO for him to take it back to Canada(BC) this spring where he lives or what. I have the title in my possession. I would love to get an E-mail copy of yours to see what it looks like. Do I have to call the state or Customs to get this? My e-mail address is gaylen950@yahoo.com. Thanks for your post.
Gaylen white
"ICBC has an insurance binder (APV38) that you can buy that will provide
liability insurance
and collision/comprehensive coverage. The policy will cover a specific
vehicle, so you can
arrange the insurance prior to departure if you've already lined up the
automobile you are
purchasing. If you are just going shopping and then find what you want
to purchase,
you can phone an ICBC broker and arrange the insurance by phone. The
APV38 can
then be faxed to you and used as insurance for the drive back to
Vancouver. In addition
to the APV 38 you must purchase a permit from the U.S. State that you
will be driving
in. The permit is required for each state that you travel through to
return home. "
By "permit" I assume she meant temp plates. I forgot to ask her if she meant that if I'm driving thru 2 or more states, I would need to get a permit for each state. Does anyone know the answer to this?
Getting no assistance from local dealer on installing DRL.
Will be taking it to local Can Tire tomorrow but they are not sure they can do it because it's so "new".
Anyone know of any DIY after-market relay/module/wiring for this vehicle?
2007 cx7 is similar and may work the same.
Would hate to splice and dice the wiring just to pass federal inspection.
I've heard of at least two other members of CWB who got the same call today from RIV for vehicles of different makes and models. I didn't get the call yet but I suspect that they're making their way up the list, probably based on import date or something like that.
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas ....
netdog
Its comments like the above that create a reflection of your own bad attitude.
When I imported my car in Nov every one USB ,CBS andRIV were
totally professional.
Please addrss such comments to Anne Landers if you want sympathy.
In California the plate on the car you buy is OK for I think 30 days. Although I have driven back to BC with just the CA plate I'm not totally sure that is legal.
To be safe you can get a three day WA state permit for $25 and according to the Oregon DMV site that permit would also be legal in Oregon.
So for $25 and a trip to Blaine for the permit you [non-permissible content removed] is covered.
Search in the WA DMV and Oregon DMV sites for details
They will not issue a Florida license if you do not surrender your Canadian license. Obtaining a license indicates establishing residence. If you merely surrender your existing license, that just excuses you from taking the driving exam. If you want to keep both licenses, you have to take an actual Florida driving exam.
I had the same problem. Obviously the dealer is P__ssd Off, but I got mine done at Canadian Tire, for $180. Check around Im sure they can do it, ou vehicle is a 2008 that I imported using link title , I saved about $11,000 or so after mods, DRL, etc.
Thank you
In the next few months I’ll be moving back to Canada from Switzerland. I’m planning to make a stopover in NJ (visiting family), buy a minivan there and drive to Ontario. I’d like to get either a Nissan Quest or a Toyota Sienna (fully loaded latest models). My question is; would my Swiss residency be a problem or rather a help in purchasing a car in NJ (or neighbor states).? I do have both Swiss and Ontario driver licenses. How long does it take from the time I make my deposit to the actual delivery of the car (I need to plan the flight in the right time)? Can I make pay for a car using bank transfer directly to the dealer account?
I do not think that I can use my Swiss insurance in North America. I’ve read that NY issues temp plates and one can get temporary insurance as well. Does anyone know about getting temp plates and insurance in NJ? Have to add that my wife used to live in NJ, and still has, expired now, NJ driver license – would that help?
Cheers for any help.
To the rest of us who have yet to receive this call check your Form 1; if the customs agent didn't take down your contact info then you may never get this phone call from the RIV. Such was the case with my Form 1 so I called RIV to have them update my file with my contact info. The agent then informed me that they did not have a record of my recall letter on file, despite the fact that I'd presented it to them in person on Novemeber 19th. Anyways, I've now faxed off my recall letter and just waitin' for my phone call ....
So the lesson of the day (at my expense) is: This might be a good time to check with the RIV to make sure they have everything they need on file so that there are no unexpected delays in releasing your Form2 once the RIV gets the green light some time soon (hopefully).
Good luck.
netdog
It's a 2002 SL500. All the work was performed at Garden Motorcars in Burlington - I chatted with my contact there yesterday, and he has no problem doing the work, as they appreciate the business. Remember that whatever work the dealer quotes you to be done has been mandated by MB-Cda. He simply provides the service.
Yes i did need proof of US residency to purchase. This means drivers licence & one more piece from a long list (a phone bill, gas bill, credit report, etc, etc). I wont go into detail here too much about that (i bought from a northern dealership) as "legally" you have to surrender your provincial driver licence to get a US one.
NOTE: statement about verifying VIN correct in my experience(s) also. Three vehicles now & nobody checked VIN OR door sticker.
NOTE2: Make sure Form1 filled out correctly. CCBS agent filled out form1 for me on 2 of the 3 vehicles. One of them had wrong VIN, one of them he left the most important box blank - the date of manufacture box. I had to email RIV agent with digital pic of door sticker to show it was built before Sept.2007
rmcgill.ccgi@gmail.com
Thank you
would my Swiss residency be a problem or rather a help in purchasing a car in NJ (or neighbor states).?
In all the times, Ive purchased vehicles residency has never been an issue, unless you are dealing with a new car purchase as many dealers includng Toyota and Honda are imposing strict regulations on their dealers to not sell to anyone who isnt a US resident. One way round this would be to use the address of your NJ relatives as your purchase address. I just imported another vehicle and used link title as a free resource, it walks you through the majority of the issues you might enconter.
He reiterated that under NO circumstance should I use dealer plates as this would be construed as an attempt by a dealer to sell a vehicle in Canada. He said they have already turned back several vehicles at the border when they showed up with dealer plates.
I asked what would happen if some Tenn or Georgia cop stopped me with no plates on the vehicle. He said to simply tell them you are in transit and that the Canadian border service said to travel with no plates. Fat chancec I'd do that ! Instead I think I'll borrow a set of plates. Drive close to the border .Take them off. Cross with no plates. Get temp plates on this side.
Best of the Season to all the readers and to Admin who puts up with all of this
To: 'davisda@tc.gc.ca'
Subject: Canada Gazette Part I December 1, 2007
Daniel B. T. Davis
Chief
Regulations and Standards
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, 8th Floor, Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5
Telephone: 613-998-1956
Fax: 613-990-2913
Email: Davisda@tc.gc.ca
I wish to submit my comments on the following highlighted section of the proposed amendment. THIS IS LIKE PUTTING THE FOX IN CHARGE OF THE CHICKEN COOP!!!!
THE PROVINCES LICENSE AUTO MECHANICS FOR GOOD REASON AND IF SAID MECHANIC CERTIFIES THAT HE HAS SATISFACTORILY INSTALLED AN APPROVED IMMOBILIZER SYTEMS, APPROVED to National Standard of Canada CAN/ULC-S338-98, THAT IS ALL THAT SHOULD BE REQUIRED.
Regardless of what the manufacturer says, the world will figure out how to meet the requirements of the CAN/ULC-S338-98 standard, IF YOU WILL ALLOW THEM TO!
The alternative is to let the corporations control the world - - no fair!
entitled Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems:
Electronic Immobilization (May 1998), published by the
Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada CONFORMING
(4.1) For the purposes of subsection 7(2) of the Act, a vehicle
that has been sold at the retail level in the United States and that
has not been certified by the manufacturer as conforming to subsection
114(4) of Schedule IV to these Regulations may be imported
into Canada despite not being certified to conform to subsection
114(4) if
(a) the vehicle was fitted at the time of manufacture with an
electronic immobilization system; or
(b) unless the manufacturer has indicated in writing that the
vehicle cannot be fitted with an immobilization system, the
person importing the vehicle states in their declaration that the
vehicle
(i) will be fitted with an immobilization system that conforms
to National Standard of Canada CAN/ULC-S338-98,
entitled Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems:
Electronic Immobilization (May 1998), published by the
Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada, before it is presented
for registration under the laws of a province, and
(ii) will be taken, within 45 days after its importation, to an inspection
station authorized by the registrar of imported vehicles
to carry out an inspection function to determine that the
vehicle has been made to conform to the standard.
PS. I am driving my new Prius 2008, net savings $8,100 - total cost on the road $31,200 - # 5 package. Guys it is worth it - let's keep up the fight. :mad:
www.carswithoutborders.com
Does it have an IMMOBILIZER that meets Canadian standards ? Did Toyota issue the recall letter stating that it meets the standards ?
I'm the owner of a 2006 Prius and may be looking at a newer Prius in a few months .
Thanks
Many of the manufacturers are providing BS as information to try and discourage your from importing their cars. Don't trust the manufacturer, call RIV if you have any questions.
I imported a luxury car and was told by the manufacturer that I would have to pay $2K for the recall certificate and that I would require another $10K in modifications at the dealership before they would issue it. (I have checked the boards and others have been told the same). I called RIV to complain and they told me that in many cases they are now allowing cars to be imported with a letter from the dealership instead of the manufacturer since so many people are complaining of being ripped of.
The $10K in modifications were not necessary and the car could be brought into compliance for a few hundred bucks. Common lies are that you have to replace the instrumentation panel to get a panel in KM (not true since the panel only has to show KM and can be either digital or analog) and that the manufacturer has to replace the headlight module (not true since a $29 kit from Canadian Tire is permitted).
Also, typically the RIV fee is approx $210, you wil have to pay GST as you would on any other car purchase in Canada
Good Luck with your purchase - it is really worth the small effort to shop in the US and it will be bringing down the Canadian prices eventually.
Prius is now inadmissible .
But the interesting information is contained in the cut and paste I took from the Can. Transportation site .
It appears that Hybrid vehicles are an after though in the process . Apart from the terrible grammar the paragraph below says a volume about how the process has been
politicised by the public (?) servants at Transport Canada .
"With regards to the other vehicles put forth for exemption, the
Department's position remains that the benefits of requiring the
installation of immobilization systems for them outweigh any potential
drawbacks. No convincing arguments were offered for exempting electric,
hybrid electric and fleet vehicles, especially given that the risk of doing
so could result in making those vehicles a more attractive target of vehicle
theft. "
So I have to wonder who is "driving" who when it comes to the inadmissible list ?