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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • caramelcaramel Member Posts: 43
    ... illegal to cross the border with more than $10,000 in cash???

    How about carrying a bank draft for say $20,000 and $9,900 in cash? Or several bank drafts plus a smaller amount of cash. ... or is a bank draft with the payee not yet filled out considered to be cash?
  • sid11sid11 Member Posts: 13
    Hi
    As I have said it repeatedly that the Canadians have to JUST STOP BUYING FROM BMW, VOLVO & MB for one month only to get the message across.
    Our government will not do any thing until they are replaced in the next election. :mad:
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    JUST STOP BUYING FROM BMW, VOLVO & MB for one month already have as I sit and wait before I replace my Volvo with a new one. I stopped buying from BMW long ago (had owned two) once they became very popular and they got the 'we will charge what we like as we have a waiting list' attitute.

    But why does everyone want the gov't to do something about it - just vote with your wallet. Some manufacturers are reducing prices and others will need to follow.
  • sid11sid11 Member Posts: 13
    Our government is as guilty of the crime as the main auto makers.
    It can not be more obvious as we see that BMW, VOLVO and MB are not on the RIV list and TC & RIV are deliberately sending Canadians to be slaughtered by those three.
    It is a two prong strategy, DO NOT BUY BMW, VOLVO and MB and vote the Gov. out.
  • kplange1kplange1 Member Posts: 3
    It is NOT illegal to enter the U.S with more than $10,000 cash, it is just illegal NOT to declare it. You may have to fill out a form declaring the money. You run the risk of having it confiscated if you try and sneak it through. Here's my personal experience with that. Last November, my wife and I attempted to cross the border with a portion of the funds required to buy a car. I had not found a car yet, but wanted to take enough money down to top up my U.S. account, just in case I found what I wanted. We each had just under $10,000 in both U.S. bank drafts and cash. We declared the amounts, when asked, and of course got the secondary inspection. We ended up in seperate rooms, while my wife got raked over the coals for having cash in different envelopes. The customs officers couldn't seem to understand the concept that we had different accounts (personal and joint) as well as cash in another envelope for gifts for my wife's mother, as well as spending money. My wife is just too damned organized!! They felt that we were, in their words, "trying to circumvent the system". After 45 minutes, they brought us back together and quizzed us about our knowledge of the U.S. tax system, as well as bringing over an amount over $10,000. Turns out that this amount is "per family" and not "per person". The fact that the bank drafts, even though made out to me, were unsigned, helped. Basically, they were worthless until I had my signature on them. In the end, they admitted that we had done nothing wrong, but had raised some suspicions by the way we had the money seperated. The fact that we initially declared the funds helped. Had we not declared the total, and had those bank drafts been signed, we would have lost the whole works. Bottom line is to tell them up front that you're taking the money down to buy a car. It probably helps if you have a bill of sale or offer to purchase, instead of heading down with a wad of cash and saying that your "just looking". In the end, everything was fine, but it's good to know some of the technicalities.
  • nyndnynd Member Posts: 8
    Also applies when sending money by postal or courrier. Make sure you fill out the required form (I think E667) and send it as indicated. One copy should be sent with the cheque if mailing. Last thing you want to do is loose you money. Supposedly, a cheque is better to use then wiring money as it provides traceability (in the event anything goes haywire).
  • trilium1trilium1 Member Posts: 27
    Well said anquilla. BMW’s behaviour is really the epitome of corporate hypocrisy. Have a look at the BMW corporate website and you will see all sorts of statements that proudly promote the organization’s commitment to its customers and the communities it operates within. Here are just a few examples:

    The corporate philosophy: responsible commitment.
    The process of market globalisation has lead to many changes. Corporate responsibility now extends to encompass not only the needs of employees, but also the environment and society as a whole. As industry grows in strength and importance, it is also is being called upon to share the benefits of its growth with members of society. The global economic system needs to show a more human face....In its fulfilment of environmental, social and political responsibility, at every location around the world, the BMW Group seeks to set an example of corporate responsible commitment.


    And

    The key to success: The BMW Group listens to its customers. On the basis of both external and in-house studies, product-related customer satisfaction and satisfaction with sales and service is constantly being measured. Thus the wishes, expectations and needs of customers have been gathered by means of international market research for some time now. In 2007, for instance, there was a new survey of customer satisfaction with support services. Central result: It has been possible to increase customer satisfaction in sales and services since 2005

    And

    Local corporate responsibility
    The BMW Group does not, however, define
    the concept of corporate citizenship on a
    global scale alone; it is given tangible substance
    at the respective locations with a
    wide variety of concrete measures. We make
    a commitment to the people who live and
    work in our sphere of influence, because
    responsibility towards local issues represents
    an essential part of BMW Group tradition.


    Ya right! Ripping off Canadians clearly demonstrates BMW’s commitment to our market and our local issues. There is absolutely nothing socially responsible about this. Smug and arrogant doesn’t even begin to describe the way BMW is acting, and they way they are treating Canadians is shameful. We just shouldn’t stand for this! This is about far more than saving a few dollars and every single potential Canadian consumer of BMW cars, regardless of income level, should feel very offended for being forced to bend over and take it.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    There should be a website created solely dedicated to expose BMW for what they are doing, and what they really are, in the same spirit as CWB.
  • francesgfrancesg Member Posts: 19
    Serge Bergeron of Cars without Borders issued a challenge in this forum a few days ago, for people to volunteer for CWB, to help change these crazy rules. Was anyone listening, or were you all too busy complaining about BMW etc.?
  • trilium1trilium1 Member Posts: 27
    Don't confuse complaining with expressing an opinion francesq. And that's what people do on these forums....In any case, based on your comment I assume you have volunteered to help out?
  • jmlleungjmlleung Member Posts: 11
    Hi nynd,

    Is your BMW dealer willing to sell 08 BMW to Canadians? I have a friend who is interested in a X5. If you can, please email me the information at jmlleung at yahoo.com. Thanks a lot.
  • volvobuyer4volvobuyer4 Member Posts: 3
    Yes I called RIV.

    I called volvo canada. I called 2 local dealers. I called Canada Tire inspector too.

    All said only Volvo could provide the information. And Volvo serivce at 2 dealers said they could only give me the info when I showed up with the car in person. They both said having the VIN would not help! Both offered a general price of 5000$ to change the dash kit because Volvo has removed the KM/H on the dash.

    Crazy!
  • volvobuyer4volvobuyer4 Member Posts: 3
    Can I send you the VIN number for your review?
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    volvobuyer4,

    Please go ahead and email me your VIN and I will look into it for you.
  • nyndnynd Member Posts: 8
    I'd love to give you his info but he has specifically asked me not to. Supposedly, this was the only deal they were going to do for a canadian...too many questions as you need some sort of proof of residency...which can get them in trouble. Phone around...I'm sure there is one that doesn't mind taking your cash.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    As we said with all due respect, I will be continuing the EcoAuto rebate battle and I know personaly several members that would be affected. Hybrid and low fuel consumption cars account for 2% of cars on the road so maybe about 3,500 people (166,000@2%) will benefit by as much as $7 000 000. Looks like I can put a bit of effort on this one. I will set up a new form to gather only those affected by the EcoAuto rebate. www.carswithoutborders.com ;)

    For the BMW, I've received some e-mails asking the good people at CWB to look at these issues but no volunteers to lead an effort to solve BMW, MB, Volvo.

    If someone wants to pick up the ball - please write - the web site is available for you. Here's another thought - back in june 2007 - BMW 2007 and earlier models were admissible - how can they suddenly become unsafe and inadmissible now.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    If you are (or know) a Canadian who has bought a car in the U.S. or considered it, a reporter wants to chat with you. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, January 25, 2008 with your daytime contact info and your brief thoughts about this topic.
    Thanks for your consideration!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    Review your vehicle

  • beaurocratsuckbeaurocratsuck Member Posts: 43
    After finally getting my 08 Sienna imported and the RIV inspection done today , I happily went to my local ICBC agent to get my van licenced. NOT

    Sorry you need a provincial vehicle inspection. I can import a new vehicle from anywhere in Canada and be exempt from a provincial vehicle inspection but not if I import a new vehicle from the US.

    After many phone calls and research I determined that this inspection is exclusively the reqirement of ICBC.

    Anybody else run into this and find a way around it.

    A $100 inspection on a brand new never before registered vehicle checking things like the brakes kinda pisses me off
  • rjmbcrjmbc Member Posts: 51
    Silly but true, however if you shop around you can usually get it done immediately and for something in the $60-$70 range. That is what I did.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    http://www.bmw.ca/content/pressReleases/can_us_faq_fs.asp?lang=en

    Has anyone read this load of crap? BMW must think all current and potential BMW customers are retarded. All the "pitfalls" that they are cautioning people about are all created by BMW itself (with a little help from our government)!
  • subahondasubahonda Member Posts: 75
    The fees for simple compliance letters are criminal. There should be no charge to state that a vehicle complies with the rules or that there are no outstanding recalls, if there aren't any. How do they justify such charges? Are they asking a lawyer to do it? If someone wants to buy a used BMW here or in the US is it not the manufacturer's safety responsibility to report that status and do so in writing? I wonder if the NHTSA in the
    US might want to intervene - it is not the Canadian operation that should be issuing those letters. This is clearly a restraint of trade. If a dealer imports the car, do they have to pay the fee for the letter to head office? At any rate, Transport Canada should require that for safety reasons, the purchaser of a vehicle is entitled to a statement of its status from the manufacturer at no charge as it is assumed to be part of the conforming to the safety standards. Manufacturers who refuse to do this should not be allowed to import vehicles into Canada. The last time I looked there was no BMW plant on this side of the border. :mad:
  • sid11sid11 Member Posts: 13
    The Recall letter for any vehicle can be obtained from the US motor safety agency site free of charge.
    It should be acceptable bt RIV and TC as a Recall letter for a US vehicle from a US official agency should be enough for any one.
    I have said it before that Transport Canada and RIV are in bed with BMW, VOLVO and MB.
    I am sick of our government's treatment of Canadians and spineless attitude.
    Voting this government out in the next election and NOT BUYING BMW, VOLVO and MB for a short period of time is the only way of teaching both a lesson.
    Well come to Communist Canada !!
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    At risk of being off topic - do you really think the Libs or NDP will do anything different? We know the Libs can make them go the other direction with a 0.60 dollar.
  • sid11sid11 Member Posts: 13
    Well the Cons. are really being "CONS" by deliberately allowing the auto makers to gouge and rob the already burdened Canadians.
    Or perhaps they are getting some kickback from auto makers ???
    Bottomline is that they are for sure playing a delaying tactics to help auto makers who are hoping that the CAD will slide back soon and the old argument can be enforced that it is the weak CAD which is the root cause of high car prices.
    And the GAME GOES ON !!!!!!!!
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    To me, the part that takes the cake is BMW "advising" people that activating the DRL could cost HUNDREDS to THOUSANDS of dollars! They should be sharing the same jail cell with Conrad Black for this while-collar crime! If BMW is anything similar to MINI (and they should be), the DRL activation is already user-selectable via the on-board computer. They just include/exclude it from the menu depending on which market the car is sold in.
  • baccus49baccus49 Member Posts: 60
    Hi.

    I'm looking at a Sienna 07. It has Canadian license plates (dealer plates), it is from a dealer, and he showed me an Ontario ownership license (some greenish slip with the VIN number, some other text, a Pass-Fit part).

    I'm in the country since a few days and a local dealer scared me and said that I should stay away from US imported cars (lemon deals, recall cars, etc). However, it everything looks good with this car (I checked with Toyota USA that there's no recall on this car).

    In CarFax it says that a registration has been issued and renewed by Ontario Ministry of Transportation, it passed the safety inspections, etc.

    So, is this car good to go on Ontario's roads?

    Thanks a lot.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Thanks for the moral support! :)
  • freeze1freeze1 Member Posts: 3
    I'm looking for a new Odyssey, does anyone have a recent experience buying from US, is it possibel?

    Does it make a difference if I have a brother in the US that can purchase it for me?

    Thanks
    C. in Toronto
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "... if I have a brother in the US that can purchase it for me?"

    That would eliminate having to find a "Canadian-friendly" dealer. But you have to consider sales tax if your brother buys and presumeably registers it in his name first. A sales tax exempt state such as Oregon would solve that.
  • howard19howard19 Member Posts: 5
    If it is indeed true that BMW is charging big money to do something that can readily be accomplished through changing the settings via the on board computer, then anyone who has paid those fees should speak with a member of the Fraud Squad of his local police department and have the company charged. That would be a good headline in the newspaper.
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    I'm looking for a new Odyssey, does anyone have a recent experience buying from US, is it possibel?

    Does it make a difference if I have a brother in the US that can purchase it for me?


    It is indeed possible and I have experience doing this freeze1.

    A relative you trust would eliminate the need to find a cooperative Honda dealer as was stated, but all of the regulations and conditions for importing your vehicle into Canada remain the same when you purchase it ultimately from your brother.

    List your questions here and I will answer them for you, or contact me directly if you prefer.

    Take care.
  • ronny1ronny1 Member Posts: 13
    Here is a follow up.

    About two weeks ago we had some incredible weather, the roads had been rained on for several days and they had finally dried up. Great now I can drive my SL around town. The first evening i took my son for a ride (407, 427, 401, 410) The next day I was getting my hair cut and drove it to the salon, I know our hairdresser for at least 10 years, she knew we had bought the car. She came out and I got out of the car, and to my surprise: THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAYED ON

    I was pissed almost $ 1800 for BS and they don't function. I telephoned the Dealer in Burlington and he told me to bring the car in. They removed the day time running relay and told me that the lights are now manual (They are still operational). The dealer told me that they would have to get a new relay and they should have one on the following day.

    I drove home with manual headlights (the way i bought the car). The next day I drove back to Burlington and the dealer replaced the Day time light relay. I asked them where they had installed it.

    They actually showed this to me. It was different from the manual.

    The manual shows the day time running light is installed behind the passanger side airbag (removal of the airbag is part of the procedure)

    These guys installed it beside the computer box in the engine compartment (on a SL500 they install it inside the computer box) The method of installation a 10 cent TY-wrap.

    I am kind of happy now since I will drive the car for perhaps 1 to 2 months with the day time running module. After that out she comes. I don't want DTR Lights.

    My reasons are as follows: You can't turn the lights off (parking brake does not turn it off). The Xenon bulbs are running continously at full output, I have noticed no difference in intensity if I am running at night or day time.

    After noting the installation I would say that if they actually spent 12 hours on this that these guys are overcharging. I once fired an electricain cause he took 4 hours to install 20 feet of conduit under a 30' ceiling. I am en Electrical Engineering Manager and if i did this to any of my customers they would quickly find alternate contractors
  • regstevensregstevens Member Posts: 11
    On my most recent import, RIV lost the papers that CT sent to them... Too much importing for them to handle.
    Try free import car guide
  • rougeboyrougeboy Member Posts: 3
    I am buying a 2008 Sienna LE, manufactured after Sept.01/07 but this vehicle has a manufacturer built in Engine Immobilizer. I am not sure if this conform to CMVSS114 or not. When I sent an email to RIV to confirm acceptance, reply was an automatic format with some web links, which did not help me. When I talked to someone at RIV, that person said as long as the window label and Bill of Sale confirms built in Engine Immobilizer, it would be good enough.
    Any suggestions on this would be appreciated.

    Another thing, the dealer will provide a temporary tag (plate) which allow me to drive to the Boarder. Can I use the same Tag to drive to Canada, or should I arrange a Plate or temporary permit to drive to Canada?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I think you need to buy some sort of a "rider" with your provincial auto insurance company.
  • caramelcaramel Member Posts: 43
    So RIV gave you proper advice. The rules are clearly referenced from the VAFUS site. The window label and bill of sale are plainly stated.

    9 Immobilizers.
    ......
    Demonstration of the presence of an electronic immobilizer can be done through one of the following means:
    - Presentation of the completed vehicle purchase agreement showing the vehicle identification number and indicating the presence of an immobilizer
    - Presentation of the vehicle window sticker (Monroney label) showing the vehicle identification number and indicating the presence of an immobilizer
    - A letter from the manufacturer showing the vehicle identification number and indicating the presence of an immobilizer.
    - Other type of information present on the vehicle or on the ignition key allowing the positive identification of such a system.
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69

    Another thing, the dealer will provide a temporary tag (plate) which allow me to drive to the Boarder. Can I use the same Tag to drive to Canada, or should I arrange a Plate or temporary permit to drive to Canada?


    This temp tag will also allow you to drive it to your home. As mentioned, discuss insurance arrangements with your agent but most often this is provided with your current policy.

    Depending on where you are driving be sure you have considered that if you have to cross through several states then you have to arrange permits with each one.

    Take care.
  • rogartrogart Member Posts: 3
    Having imported two vehicles in the past two years I can say that it is not the "temporary"
    licence plate that counts in Canada .

    It's the import papers issued by Canadian Border Services that give the permission to drive the vehicle on Canadian roads .

    However that said , the State where the vehicle was purchased , probably issues a
    temporary licence to drive in that particular State and that temporary licence is "usually" recognized by other US States.

    The cars that we purchased were from Michigan and after crossing the Ambassador Bridge while on the 401 the OPP stopped us because they didn't see the Michigan temporary licence ( it was in the back window of the Prius but attached to the large back window which is very slanted) .

    Once the officer saw the licence and after I produced the customs import form she sent us on our way .

    Much the same thing this past November in New Brunswick when the RCMP stopped us.
    But when I showed the customs form he thanked us and drove off . It was night and obviously the Michigan temporary licence was not easily visible .

    SO the moral of the story is yes get a temporary licence from the State where the car was purchased but after crossing the border make sure you can access the Canadian Customs Import form given to you by CBS .

    It will act as your Canadian Temporary Licence until you can get the vehicle registered in your province .

    Regards

    :)
  • elshadowelshadow Member Posts: 6
    This message is to hacheyimports.
    Not being an expert in using this system I probably have screwed up and never having imported a vehicle I am a novice.

    It seems to me you are quite knowledgeable about this whole situation.

    A couple of questions:

    Do you have or do you know of a list of steps,timelines etc, to do's etc that a lad must jump through to save a few dollars.

    We have narrowed our choice down to two vehicles; a Honda CR-V or a Pontiac Torrent.

    I am wondering if you know it Honda or GM will honour the warranties in Canada?

    I also believe, from reading the questions, maybe wrongly, that you are in this business. If this is correct how does one get in touch with you to set up a deal.

    Thanks in advance
  • freeze1freeze1 Member Posts: 3
    Hacheyimports,

    Sorry, I'm new to this...how do I contact directly?

    Thanks
  • nyndnynd Member Posts: 8
    fyi - for your Honda warranty inquiry, NO WARRANTY will exist on your vehicle. Some thoughts are that if you take it back across the US for warranty work you may or may not get lucky. Honda Canada will consider the vehicle a gray market car and the US side, seeing the canadian registration will question and most likely not honour. Still, if you saving a wack of cash...put it towards the warranty fund as a JUST IN CASE policy. If I was you - forget the torrent and go for the CR-V. Why? - Better build quality and more importantly, better resale if you want to sell later. Domestic brands tend to depreciate far quicker....
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    to elshadow.

    The Honda warranty is one that is tricky. I advise you consider purchase of a Honda as one without a warranty. Canadian dealers will not honour it, but some have had success with bringing it back across the border and getting work done in the US. I spoke again today with customer relations and they strongly oppose this practice and in fact said it "couldn't be done". I am sure you will have members here describe doing what "can't be done", but Honda is not supporting it.

    The GM warranty is clear. They will honour the US Warranty on imported GM's 6 months and 12,000 KM after purchase. So, this allows you to bring it to a Canadian dealer after the vehicle has met those conditions.

    I do provide importing brokerage services but don't provide my email address here as per the conditions of this forum, but you can contact me by the private messaging here if you would like more information.

    If you prefer, ask me any question and I will try to answer it here in a timely manner.

    Take care.
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    freeze1,

    I can be contacted by the email associated with my forum account.
  • freeze1freeze1 Member Posts: 3
    re: Honda Waranty

    So what happens if someone moves from US to Canada? Or if Us citizen sells to Canadian, will they still not honour the warranty if it was bought "used" in the US?

    Thanks
    freeze1
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    Taken from the Honda Canada website...

    If I purchase a used Honda in Canada that was originally sold as a new car in the United States, will Honda Canada provide any warranty coverage?

    No. The reciprocal warranty agreement between Honda Canada and American Honda only covers owners who relocate from one country to the other, or owners from one country who are travelling on business or vacation in the other country. If a vehicle that was originally sold new in the United States is brought into Canada, its warranty only applies to the owner that purchased the vehicle while living in the U.S. and who imports the vehicle into Canada for their own personal or family use.


    I hope this helps. I would again warn anyone working on the assumption that they can take their American made Honda vehicles back to the US to have warranty work done that they may be disappointed.

    Take care.
  • collinfcollinf Member Posts: 2
    Is the Infiniti subject to the 6.1% import tax from the US to Canada?. Is proof required to show that the vehicle is manufactured in the US?
  • bigjonnycbigjonnyc Member Posts: 11
    The serial number indicates the country of manufacture.

    If there is a J in the first few digits, your screwed and have to pay the duty.
  • bigjonnycbigjonnyc Member Posts: 11
    To save the the sales tax, have brother buy and title the vehicle in OR, MT, NH

    I got my new 2008 EX-L using costco deal, $500 over invoice from Eisenger Honda in Kalispel MT, worked out to be $30,800. Best deal in AB was $39,999.

    Still $8500 savings , it covers the first 2 years depreciation, worth the trouble, screw you Honda Canada.

    Fantastic Van,!!!!!
  • sr123sr123 Member Posts: 12
    if a car is built in the US the first number# will be a 1 or 4 in the Vin# or serial# same thing hope that helps you.sr123
  • twotonetommytwotonetommy Member Posts: 35
    bigjonnyc: How did you arrange this? Did your brother buy the van and then wait for the title? Did he sign over the title once received and only then did you bring it over the border?

    I ask because I have a friend who lives in Texas and I could use his address. I just want to make sure the title has my address once I bring it over.
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