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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • jmlleungjmlleung Member Posts: 11
    Hi bobbyjoe6,

    May I know which BMW dealer is that? I am in Toronto and am interested in getting a BMW too. If you don't want to post the dealer in public, you can email me. My email address is jmlleung at yahoo.com. Thanks a lot.
  • kungerkunger Member Posts: 3
    I am about to pull the trigger on an 07 veracruz from the US, but my wife would prefer a smaller vehicle. I see the Highlander posts. The name of a dealer would be appreciated. I do have a brother who lives in Seattle. Would anyone recommend that i get him to buy and register then purchase "used" from him? would this get me around the warranty issues? Thet certainly wouldn't blink about the sale.

    I think that trying to restrict canadian buyers is ridiculous. I think almost everyone has an american friend/relative somewhere.
  • subahondasubahonda Member Posts: 75
    Since Toyota dealers who sell to Canadians are potentially subject to problems from Toyota, anyone with this knowledge should protect the information. If people want the name of the dealer, they should use a private message and the recipient should copy it to the salesman at the dealer that they dealt with. They should not post their email addresses as this can then be followed by those who would want to stop this. You can then check with the salesman about the cases he receives by your referral (and you might even get thanks). You should probably verify name, address and occupation as well to make sure that these are not people from Toyota who are trying to stop competition. If they misrepresent who they are, they are committing fraud and this could protect your dealer. Be careful with information.
  • kungerkunger Member Posts: 3
    I want a highlander but can get a veracruz. can you give me a name to talk to? I am pretty new here (today) but I just got out of a lease and need a replacement quickly. Couldn't do much over the holidays as I was out of country as the lease transfer was being processed. Any help would be appreciated.
  • kungerkunger Member Posts: 3
    Serge, Are you a dealer? I understand the restrictions placed on you by Toyota. My brother in Seattle wants to buy me a car. Can you forsee any difficulties with that?
  • rutilusrutilus Member Posts: 14
    Francesg, I am in Montreal,Quebec and ask that youplease contact me at rutilus99@hotmail.com and I will provide my info to you. Your help would be much appreciated.
  • eye_2_eyeeye_2_eye Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone have the information on whether the US warranty will transfer to Canada without problem on a USED US vehicle brought to Canada.I am confused since it seems like a number of manufactures will not honor the warranty if it is a NEW car thta has never been registered in the US....but on used cars...do they always honor the warranty? :confuse:
  • trilium1trilium1 Member Posts: 27
    Kunger I recently purchased a Veracruz in Montana and will tell you that it is a terrific vehicle and Hyundai USA was very good to deal with. The recall letter was faxed to me within an hour of my telephone request, and they will completely cover any warranty issues, if there are any. I simply fill out a claim form and they look after things. I was going to purchase a Highlander but liked the Veracruz too, and refused to deal with Toyota after they started playing games. If enough people follow suit, Toyota and others will be forced to stop this discrimination.
  • olivbenolivben Member Posts: 9
    I just imported a 2008 Sienna LE today with an Aug 07 mfg date. I didn't have any real problems at the US border or the CDN border. Initially the agent tried to charge me a $4000 green tax but when we figured out he was using mpg instead of l/100kms he quickly understood an all was well. He also said that I didn't have to fax RIV my recall letter because he stamped my form 1 but RIV corrected that for me when I called them later. I chose to have the van shipped to the border for $500 instead of driving through states that don't offer temp permits. The $500 was easily offset by my travel savings so it worked out well. The driver had my van unloaded and waiting when I arrived. I implemented the "fuse fix" for the DRL and it worked perfectly. Just need to wait for form 2 and the inspection now. Savings, approx $12k with tax.
  • paulo4paulo4 Member Posts: 2
    francesg and others who have imported a Toyota from the US could you please email me a dealer contact to pauloeusebio@bluebottle.com
    Our family is planning to buy a 2008 Sienna over the coming month or so.

    Thanks very much
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Maybe if I was a dealer I would be making a very bad living right now - especially a Canadian dealer - sorry I'm pulling your leg - you asked if I was a dealer - No I am a simple Canadian that got caught with this big mess RIV etc. So Bob Lamb and I founded www.carswithoutborders.com to fight back. We were the enablers of the anger of several thousand canadians. We now have a forum on our site and it is building traffic very quickly. I always admired Edmunds as a top rated site and I recommend Edmunds for shopping, comparing etc. But CWB is dedicated to solving the injustices faced by Canadians - so we are fighting for the consumers. Sorry for the official consumers protection agencies but it is not working and it is about time that Canadians get together and show the People Power.

    If your brother in Seattle wants to buy you a car - go ahead - depending on the make there are different issues. Longbardinis (no) Corvets ( Bumpers?) etc.

    PS. we have started rating Car Manufacturers and we are looking for a winner of the CWB Gold Award. We will also be giving out the LEMON Awards - see on
    http://www.carswithoutborders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=19
  • paulo4paulo4 Member Posts: 2
    Could you please email me a dealer contact to pauloeusebiobluebottle.com
    Our family is planning to buy a 2008 Sienna over the coming month or so. Thank you.
  • ivicaivica Member Posts: 34
    Under car classifieds.com I was searching for slightly used cars in the Buffalo area. I can pick up a 2007 Honda CRV EX-L from $23K to $27K. These cars typically have 4000 - 10,000 miles on them. I called the dealers and they are all willing to sell to Canadians. The price above is before taxes and duties. The cars above all have a Japan or British origin. I don't mind paying the duty in this case for a Japan built CRV , as I've heard on several discussion boards that the quality is still better.

    Has anyone imported a slightly used CRV? Any problems in getting recall letters for slightly used CRV's.
    Since the vehicle is used do both taxes GST and PST still apply.

    Is the 2008 Honda CRV built in North America. If I purchase a slightly used 2008 North American built then I won't have to pay the duty. Any help would be appreciated.
    The savings on the slightly used Honda's are great. I will do whatever it takes so that I don't pay my money to the Canadian Car Dealers.

    Regards
  • mcorsicamcorsica Member Posts: 1
    I'm also having a difficult time finding a Toyota dealer that will sell to Canadians, can you please email the info regarding the South east dealer to "maxcafe7@gmail.com" ?
    Thx in advance.
  • caramelcaramel Member Posts: 43
    Successful importers are now reluctant to give the contact information for dealers willing to sell to Canadians because they suspect spies here have been getting those dealers disciplined. Pending deals have been lost because the dealer had just received a warning letter.

    Try posting over on Red Flags Forum, seeking assistance. Last Friday there were two posters from the US who left a tel no and an e-mail address offering to help us with purchases. However, the moderator zapped their posts as they had violated the rules. But try posting some basic info like the region of the US and the vehicle make. Someone from the USA may reply privately to you.
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    You can also visit http://www.importcartocanada.info/ The forum section has a place where dealers can post. This forum bumps those kinds of listings. I don't care if the manufacturer finds out I'm sending cars over the border. I broker from so many different dealers it doesn't create a problem. I just can't buy 10 Toyotas in one day from the same dealer.. .. that's a flag.

    Cheers !
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    I have a question regarding Honda Pilots and DRL's , Does anyone know if the fuse fix will work on those or just the Toyota's.
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    Well hello all. Just want to say that our HONDA PILOT nightmare has finally ended this weekend. We were able (with the help of a American relative ) to get the Letter of Compliance from Honda to replace the Label of Compliance which was missing from our Pilot. Our Pilot spent 8 weeks parked in a field in Sweetgrass, it was an 8 week nightmare of fighting with Honda, making many phone calls to anyone who might be able to help our plight, well I'm happy to say that as of today our Pilot is in our garage safe and sound, we are now waiting for form 2. Just a reminder to anyone importing a vehicle, dont make the mistake we made and assume the compliance label is there, get the dealer to send you a photo of the label. After this experience I would never even consider buying HONDA again, they were almost impossible to deal with.
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    eye 2 eye, I know GMC will honor warranty on used, has to be 6 months old or 12,000 kms. I am pretty sure Subaru will honor all. Honda will not honor any warranty.
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    I am a cross border Honda Shopper who got burned by Honda, I too have spread the NO HONDA word.
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    ivica, You can print a recall letter from Honda Owners link website. Honda will not co-opperate and give you anything even on a used vehicle. I have a nightmare story, posted here. You can tell where a vehicle was built by the VIN # built in Canada starts with 2, USA 5, japan J. you will have to pay 5% GST, dont know about PST as I live in beautiful Alberta where there is no PST. Also the best deals are farther south, you could buy from Ebay, or autotrader and ship to border. I found the northern USA prices are not as good.
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    Hey.. You can always go across the border to get the warranty stuff done.
    When do Hondas break anyway ?? .. after the warranty is out. Maintain your car properly and chances are you'll never use the warranty.

    Cheers
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    Warranty not a concern, we bought a 2004 Honda Pilot on ebay with only 23,000 miles or 38,000 kms. Pilot is no longer under warranty anyways. :)
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    I purchase cars for a living and specialize in pristine, non smoker, no paint work cars and trucks. If I buy a pristine car, like most people want, and was to try it on Ebay, it would come up at least 2000 short. I know dealers that buy the roughest stuff and call them " Ebay Cheaters". These are edge cars that will only sell on Ebay because if a customer actually saw the car before the purchase, they wouldn't buy it.
    Real value is rare on Ebay. Rarely you'll find value in a private sale when the seller is asleep. Even if you think you got the right car, have someone go over it with a paint meter... Then you'll see what you bought.
    And don't talk CarFax.. it will only tell me you're in deeper.

    Cheers
  • darferdarfer Member Posts: 50
    :sick: Ouch!!! I would disagree and agree with you somewhat! You can't say all ebay dealers sell rough stuff! if they did, ebay motors would cease to exist, the dealers feedback tells alot. As for used car salesmen, well need I say more, they don't have the best reputation, you may be a diamond in the rough! A person can get burned by both, you can get great deals by both. Most car buyers are average people who really know very little about cars. Most cross border car shoppers are buying cars sight unseen, weather by Ebay, autotrader, or by internet advertising by dealers, I know a lot of people who have bought sight unseen and have had no problems. Your view seems to be very narrow. :sick:
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    Maybe I was a little straight forward in my delivery. Sorry for that. Most used car salesman know very little about what they're selling. They just need to post sales numbers. New cars are a whole different story.
    Next time you look at a used car, ask the sales person you want him to meter the car with an Elcometer. Watch the deer in the headlights look.
    I assure you you I can't buy a non paint work, non smoker, well serviced car from Mercedes Benz Financial and make money on Ebay.
    You have to cheat and buy one with an edge, like a fender or two painted. You won't take the hit until you trade the car, that's when you find out the guy scammed you.
    Maybe some buyers don't care about cars with previous damage, I'm just holding my values. I don't make as much money as the guy buying the edge car but I assure you I sleep at night and referrals come in daily.
    azruss
  • aleks2aleks2 Member Posts: 1
    I'm too looking for a Toyota dealer that will sell me a RAV4 Limited 4WD V6
    Thank you
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    Look at my postings in the forum, It will give you the information your're lookig for.
    Thanks, azruss
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    Here's a good quick test. I purchase 2007 Nissan Xterra 4X4 S models from Nissan every week With 10-12K miles I pay 17800 on average. Now check the completed listings for that same vehicle on Ebay and tell me how much profit I have. I think it's negative 1500-2000.
    OK, so I want to earn money so what can I do ? Lower my costs. I would have to buy at 14,000.00 to make a profit. And there is a reason why it sells for 14,000 in stead of 17800.00 in front of 50 buyers in the auction lane. You guessed it ... rough.
    Ebay is great to advertise vehicles. My reserves on Ebay are untouchable but I just hope an educated buyer calls me after the auction ends and realizes he's found the right car that he can feel comfortable with for a long time.
    azruss
  • caramelcaramel Member Posts: 43
    Although few here are interested in importing the Yaris I took a moment to compare cross-border pricing on this small car. Toyota today announced the 2008 Yaris.

    For the 3 door hatchback, manual, no options, the build your Toyota prices are 15,213 CAD and 12,010 USD or plus 27%. However, this seems to be a non-NAFA manufacture so there is a small percentage difference between US and CDN duty included. Also, Toyota are crowing that the Yaris is eligible for $1,000 ecoAUTO rebate. As for the Made for Canada slogan, the above price includes a dealer added "mandatory" block heater for $183 .

    The message I get is that Toyota have no intention of bringing Canadian prices into line.
  • eye_2_eyeeye_2_eye Member Posts: 5
    darfer...thanks...I had heard no warranty on GMC but Ford would honor the warranty. Chrysler has told me basically NO WARRANTY. Everyone seems to be buying Toyota on the forum so i assume that warranty is good in Canada. I wonder about Nissan. Thanks again! I am starting to get some idea anyway.
  • jsmith1957jsmith1957 Member Posts: 17
    It is not the latest list, but will give you good idea about waranties:

    http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Does anyone know if RIV is rejecting the US Vehicle History report that would show no re-calls? A dealer just told me that they would not give me the report and that I would need it from BMW Canada aka greedy thieves.

    Can anyone confirm this? I also heard customs has been ignoring the Letter of Admissibility - but that now the RIV is requesting the official Letter of Admissibility. Is this true? Can anyone confirm?

    thanks
  • dhermildhermil Member Posts: 9
    The information for Hyundai and Mitsubishi is incorrect. The warranty is honoured by the US manufacturer provided you contact your US dealer.
  • trilium1trilium1 Member Posts: 27
    You are right dhermil. Hyundai offers complete warranty coverage. The only small issue is that you must fill in a warranty claim form (provided by Hyundai USA) and submit for compensation.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Does anyone know the specific modifications and costs required for the compliance of US Three series cars (335xi model) at Toronto area dealers? I can't get a straight without pre-payment estimate from my local dealer.
  • importexport1importexport1 Member Posts: 2
    Hi there. We export carts from US to Europe and Russia, and can help you in exporting the car to Canada. We can help you obtaina Toyota Rav4 Limited 4WD V6 or any other make and model imported directly to your door step at a lower cost than purchasing from the dealer.
    For details and more information contact us at: 4autoparts@gmail.com
    Thank you
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    what do you mean you registered your VIN & address?
    I imported a GMC & assumed the 6 month / 7500 mile fuse was automatic (since i cannot get onto gm owner link)
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    sorry, havent been on the post for a while. too busy eating left over turkey.
    Big turkey though, after all that hard earned $$$$$ saved on vehicle purchases south of border....hehehehe.

    Dont worry about odometer. Have 2 x new hondas. they only care about speedometer (must show km/hr even if in smaller / inner ring ok). Dont care about odometer.
  • altaboyaltaboy Member Posts: 41
    ps - honda dealer (usa) told me i cannot change temp settings from deg F to deg C, etc (apparently cannot be done digitally). you may be in better shape than me as i bought exl res, touring more versatile.

    if you want wiring diagram (for dtrl) for 2007 ody, email me @ email address in title line. i bought service manuals from helminc too, $80

    if you have usa buddy, cheap aftermarket accessories @ http://www.handa-accessories.com/
    will only ship to usa address & will only accept usa credit card.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    A bit off-topic, but would accessories (ie. keyless entry, alarm) from handa-accessories be compatible with Canadian Honda models?
  • bobbyjoe6bobbyjoe6 Member Posts: 11
    bav_fan07 - can't confirm RIV is rejecting Vehicle Warranty Inquiry (mine was accepted). Can confirm that Canadian customs Ontario did not ask for L of A. Can also confirm that RIV is asking for L of A if car sale date is after Nov 25th.
  • bobbyjoe6bobbyjoe6 Member Posts: 11
    doc911 - if you are looking at a 2008 model, it probably has i-Drive which means all of the stuff:

    Day Time Running Lights (DRL)
    km vs miles

    can just be changed via i-Drive. Cost should be $0 - if you get a Vehicle Warranty Inquiry from the US dealer and it is accepted by the RIV.

    However, BMW Canada will have you believe:
    1. They need to adjust the brightness of your DRL $200
    2. Change your instrument cluster to a km only dial $1500
    3. Premium grade cotton fiber paper with BMW Canada logo saying the car has no recalls $500
    4. They need to take your pants off and shove a wrench up your [non-permissible content removed] to make sure your rectum complies with Canadian safety standards and CO2 emmissions. (This one they do for free)

    Having a government that allows this to happen to it's citizens and then for them to say "Good job BMW Canada!" - Priceless.

    Everybody now - O Canada!....
  • jsmith1957jsmith1957 Member Posts: 17
    On Toyota Sienna XLE there was one button on overhead consoles trip computer "E/M". Switching it showed all trip computer information in metrics (average gas usage, instant gas ussage, outside temperarture...) and also that switched climate control settings to Celcius. I have now just trip distance in miles and speed is in miles (big letter) and km (small letters).
  • subahondasubahonda Member Posts: 75
    A Hyundai dealer in the US told me that as of January, he has been notified by Hyundai that he may not sell vehicles to residents of Canada. :(
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    lol --- good one!

    So, if you can get a Vehicle Warranty Enquiry and have it accepted by RIV, then you don't need a recall letter from BMW Canada, and hence no need to pay any of their other extortion fees?
  • trilium1trilium1 Member Posts: 27
    Wow that is too bad, but I guess not so surprising. Well I'm not sure where in Canada you are located, but if you are interested I can give you the name of the dealer I used in Montana that was real good and bet they could still help you out.
  • bobbyjoe6bobbyjoe6 Member Posts: 11
    Yes bodble2,

    You need form 2 to get inspection from Canadian Tire so they will stamp your Form 1.
    You need stamped Form 1 from CT to get license plates.

    Form 2 should be released if you submit Letter of Admissibility, Title, Bill of Sale and Vehicle Warranty Inquiry or BMW$Canada Recall Letter.

    BMW$Canada will only give you Recall Letter after they have had their way with you and your car. So if you can avoid getting BMW$Canada's RCL, you can avoid getting raped by them.

    According to Statistics Canada, only 6% of all rapes are reported. I wonder if this is true of victims of BMW$Canada as well...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "So if you can avoid getting BMW$Canada's RCL, you can avoid getting raped by them."

    But how about the Letter of Admissibility? That has to come from BMW Canada, does it not? Which means you could still end up with a Bavarian colonoscopy? :cry:
  • olivbenolivben Member Posts: 9
    I received the form 2 via email only five hours after I faxed the recall letter! All the inspections were completed at CT without any problems. When I went to register the vehicle, turns out form 1 was not filled in correctly/completely by the border agent so I had a few delays but everything was resolved in an hour or so. The vehicle is all registered now and the process is complete. The savings were well worth the effort.
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