Importing Car into Canada from US

b_lum81

I've successfully brought over an 04 CLK500 Coupe myself and the process itself wasn't too hard. As the import guy stated, I was told $5000 for modifications and was surprised that the final bill was $3000 taxes included. At the time I saved approx $8-10k compared to identical cars here in British Columbia.

If you're interested in doing it yourself, post up your email and I can give you step by step instructions on what needs to be done.

blondebrit

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy finally someone who has done it. Brilliant!!!

Yes please please tell me what went on, what got changed etc.

Did you do this recently?

Thank you sooo much for answering my post. I was starting to give up.

seeyaonthebeach@cogeco.ca

Thank you

caramel

Today (Monday), I set off downtown to get 17,000 USDs for my vehicle purchase ... already peeved because our currency had dipped 1.5 cents since Friday.

When I left home the mid market rate was .9990 CAD for 1 USD ie. we were slightly stronger.

BMO wanted 1.015 (ie. 17,000 X 1.015)
TD wanted 1.014
BNS wanted about the same
CIBC wanted 1.023 (there was a spike down for the CAD, which may have occurred when I was in this bank)

When I got back home an hour later the CAD had recovered a bit.

In other words the banks were taking from $250 to $410 plus $5.00 or $6.50 for the draft.

Then I phoned the Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange.
http://www.vbce.info/

You can phone them at any time to get a rate - (roughly about a third of the mark-up of the banks).

They add $25.00 for wiring it to your US dealer. (I think BMO takes .4% for wiring.)

If you like the rate you can rush down to your bank and transfer the calculated funds to VBCE.

If you use BMO, Royal or HSBC there is no charge for this transfer, I understand. (I confirmed this fact with BMO.)

VBCE say if the funds arrive by 11:00h the dealer is wired that day.

I haven't tried this yet but even if there is an extra day or a few more bucks to add on, it seems promising.

sergelbergeron

There is quite a controversy brewing at CWB. Motoring TV - said on TV Saturday that Canadians ought to buy cars in Canada and support the local dealers who need the business - it doesn't go well with CWB. See the post and the video at

link title :mad:

2008highlander

No - I say thank you for the public for mis-information. I agree partially with the concern that if everyone purchased their vehicle from the US, dealerships and car salesmen would loose the jobs. So by misinforming the general public you and I can purchase our vehicles from the US for cheaper prices. Sell our own cars in Canada for Canadian prices and benefit from the savings on both ends. If manufactures dropped prices to match US pricing, what would that due to the value of our US vehicle? What would it do to the price of all used vehicles?
Mis-informed public allows the few to save many, many $$$. Anyone who has purchased a vehicle in the US, wants the manufactures to keep those CDN prices high, otherwise even though we saved money when we made our purchase our resale value in the future would be much less.

phill_69

Hi everyone,

I am buying a used Honda 07 and wish to come back over the weekend. I would send the US Customs the title 3 days before but wondered whether I can still get across with all the paperwork on a Saturday or Sunday at Port Huron/ Sarnia?
Is it the same for all crossings as well ie Buffalo ?

Thank you
Paul

nowarranty3

Phone US Customs to ensure everything is okay with the paperwork you faxed them (give them 3 days).
If it is, then show up at the border with the original paperwork.
I've done it twice, both times on a weekend at Sweetgrass.

hacheyimports

Bluewater Bridge is open 24/7, on both the US and Canadian sides. 72 hour notice is actual hours, not business hours. This applies to the US vehicle export office.

This is most definitely NOT the same at all crossings. Please call ahead and protect yourself from disappointment.

By the way, to make Canadian Customs happy bring evidence of the value of your car. If you have a print out of the ad, or evidence of it's selling price they have any easier time determining tax applied...and a quicker stop for you at the office.

Take care

acurapm

Could someone please help me get up to speed on the requirements in both the US and Canada regarding license plates for a soon to be purchased used vehicle? I'm an Ontario resident, wintering in Florida. I plan to buy a 2005 Lexus SUV and have it shipped to Amherst, New York, where I'll pick it up and drive it to the border...then on home to Toronto.

2008highlander

How far in advance are you considering purchasing? The US dealer can provide you a 90 day permit for driving on the US side of the boarder when you purchase the vehicle. As long as the title (fax or original depending on the boarder crossing) is received 72 hours prior to crossing the boarder, then you will have no problems at either side of the boarder. Likely the vehicle will not have a front license plate, and the back license is only a permit so you may get pulled over by a OPP officer once you cross into Canada. (Happened to me) However, as long as you have all your paperwork with you in the vehicle, there shouldn't be a problem as you have 45 days from the time you drive over the boarder to register the vehicle in Canada. Once you get the form 1 from the Canadian boarder crossing go to RIV.ca, pay your RIV fee and fax over the recall letter. They will email, fax or mail you the form 2 which you take to your local Canadian tire. The Canadian tire rep will inspect your car and fill out the form 2, do a safety check and possibly an emissions test. He/She will then fax a copy of the form 2 to RIV and give you the original form 2 a long with the safety (Safety Standards Certificate - Form 5) and Emissions test document. Take all the paper work, including title, form 1, form 2, bill of sale, safety standards certificate, and e-test to your MTO office. They will provide you with two new license plates, ownership papers and 1 or 2 year license permit (depending on what you want). Attach plates to Lexus and off you go!

acurapm

Thanks, 2008highlander, for your helpful response. To answer your question about purchase date, I have some flexibility, but I plan to return to Canada by the end of April, at the latest. The information about a 90 day driving permit provided by US dealerships is very good news to me. I was not aware that dealerships could issue permits for such an extended period of time. I thought (mistakenly) that the period was for a maximum of 30 days, and that it was restricted to driving the car in the state of purchase only. This information changes things considerably for me. I was prepared to wait for another 6 weeks to purchase, but now, if there is a deal that "I can't refuse", I'll be in a position to take advantage of it. An earlier purchase date would also give me more time to arrange for transport to Amherst, too.
This is indeed, good news!

chimo77

anyone have any experience doing conversion of odometer from miles to kilometer ?

2008highlander

I purchased in Delaware, the dealer gave me a 90 day permit. I drove from Delaware to Toronto through Buffalo, 9 hours driving spread out over 3 days. Passed well over 20 state troopers (a lot more then expected) and no problems. Only got stopped a week after being on the CDN side of the boarder because the OPP could not understand the temp permit and no front plate. Showed him the paperwork and he said "off you go". Definitely, 90 days should give you plenty of time to search out the best vehicle for you at the best price you can find. Good luck!

wrajinder

I am not sure about 90 day permit hing. My delaer ionly gave me 3 day permit in washington state. After requesting I got another for 3 days from my delaer. I will suggest you must call your delare to confirm about it.

2008highlander

I've got the Toyota Highlander and I have been searching out the answer to that question myself. I'm not so concerned about the odometer, but my front display shows the outside temperature in Fahrenheit not Celsius and I cannot figure out how to change it and I've read all the manuals, albeit not carefully/thoroughly. Anyone......?

wrajinder

My understanding is that temp permit is valid only in US. You are just drive your vehicle right to your home and park over there till the inspection day comes. On inspection day you have to get a temp permit from ICBC to drive to candian tire. So technically from border to US border to your home you just do not have any plate?

wrajinder

There is no crack for it yet. Its not as easy as it seems. You may want to check http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=122 & http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.ef17022?displayRecent

caramel

Trip permits are from state by state rules.

Washington is 3 days for $25.00 (plus any selling agents fee). Buy more if you need more days.

Oregon is for ?? days for $20.00 (You can buy it yourself by mail)

Utah is for 4 days for $2.50. (My dealer is adding a $20 fee)

Question: Are they valid across state lines? Practically, they should be but I have not seen any law that says so. My Utah dealer says they are. Truckers can get permits for a region - like the Westen Region.

Find out for your State of interest by searching "State DMV" and, why not contact the department?

2008highlander

Thanks, it's not a huge deal for me. Sometimes in vehicles, like GM or Mazda, it is just a button change on the dash and all the numbers convert from KMS to Miles and vice versa. I guess Toyota is more like Chrysler in this regard. Thanks for the links!

2008highlander

Reading some other individual's response, the length of the temporary permit depends on the state where it is purchased. Either way, I am sure something on the back of your vehicle is much better then driving it without any plates. As long as you have all the paperwork in the vehicle, I am sure most state troopers and OPP officers will be understanding of the situation, as they were in my case. As another example, my brother drove his used RX-8 from New Jersey to Toronto, with no plates (temp or otherwise) at all and never had any issue on the US side of the boarder. However, a week after getting back into Canada he did get pulled over by an officer who noticed he didn't have any plates. He showed the officer all the paperwork, but the office still gave him a $100 fine (which he is now fighting in court) because supposedly, it is possible to by a one time 7 day license permit in Ontario. However, when it expires, it cannot be renewed. He is taking the law to court, because it contradicts the 45 days RIV provides to you to get the vehicle registered in Canada. Ontario needs to amend the law or the permit to either a 45 day permit or a renewable 7 day permit. Also, since his previous vehicle was stolen, he did not have the option of parking his new vehicle during this process (as some suggest is necessary) because he still had to get to work and unfortunately for him driving is a necessity.

evenpar

Has anyone heard if Infiniti will honour the warranty in Canada if the vehicle is purchased in U.S. ?

usacars2canada

Yes. Warranty applies with U.S. warranty limits. Four years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper and six years/70,000 miles on the powertrain.

You can also call Infiniti Canada to confirm: 1-800-387-0122

wrajinder

Parking your new vehicle on your driveway is not a suggestion. Its a law as told to me by BCAA agent. You just cannot drive your new vehicle without any plate before inspection day. Because nobody knows its going to pass or meet canadian standards or technically its safe for canadian roads. I know all new cars are ok and there is no problem with them. But thats what the law says. I will strongly recommend not to drive until inspection day comes. I know this sucks but dont have any other option yet :mad:

subahonda

I was told at the border and by the RIV that an imported car is not to have any plate at all until the requirements for registration are completed. As long as the car is insured and the owner is identified it can be driven. I have no idea about how they handle parking tickets. The rules for temp plates in Ontario are at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/temp.htm and these are for the case if you buy a car that had been licensed in Ontario. You get a temp sticker that lets you drive it after the previous owner has removed his plates and until you have completed the inspections. Cars from outside Canada would not be in this category. US temporary plates are nice to have because they permit identification. States have to recognize each other's plates but there is no such recognition outside the US for such a plate. The key is demonstrating ownership and insurance.

mspeer

Is it always necessary to have the speedo changed from miles to kilometers before it can be imported into Canada.

blondebrit

Hiya,

So I have been chatting to some wonderful people on here helping me

2 days ago my dad bought a new Land Rover LR2 from a mercedes/land drover dealer in the states. (Absolutly no problems with bringing it over the border)

Land Rover in Canada wanted to charge him $1000CDN. to turn on the DRL....................Land Rover in the states did it for FREE! They said it is just a switch on the car!!!!!

He then asked them about the bumpers for a Mercedes to bring it into Canada. They laughed and told him, there is absolutly no diffrence AT ALL! They said if someone is doing this, they are ripping you off up there.

He said I will double check for us, he then told us he talked to dealers in Canada and the US and nobody, nobody had ever heard of such a thing! He told him, do you think Mercedes is making two types of bumpers for different countries, they are all the same.

Can you beleive the cheek of these Canadian dealers

I am definatly going thru with this and get the dealer in the US to chat with Mercedes up here if they try and charge me for this!

God, this makes me angry :mad:

Now everyone off to the States to buy a car :P

dieseldude

About the Running Lights....

I had inquired with Canadian Tire about running lights. They can sell you a device to install on a vehicle that does not have DRL's for conversion to a DRL system. It is not expensive at all. So if any one out there gets another ridiculous quote from a dealer to flip a switch or reprogram a computer feature, you might want to find out if this device from Canadian Tire can be installed in your particular vehicle. It must just be a relay that connects to the "Run" contact of your ignition switch and the supply line to the headlights, so it should be a universal fit for any vehicle.

blondebrit

Thank you, for letting people know this as well. Can you beleive the nerve of these dealers

It makes me so angry

phill_69

Thank you to everyone that has replied. Much appreciated.

I am going thru Buffalo / Lewiston so I am coming back on the Monday because the US is only open there Mon thru Friday.
I just purchased a 2007 Honda S2000 (with both new front and rear spoilers ) for 26K with 5300 Miles on it. The car was purchased and traded in South Carolina Honda Dealer.
A new 2008 one is 53K here !!!
I can't believe there are people still buying cars in Canada !!??

When I return next week I will let you know how it went.

Thanks again
Paul

hacheyimports

He said I will double check for us, he then told us he talked to dealers in Canada and the US and nobody, nobody had ever heard of such a thing! He told him, do you think Mercedes is making two types of bumpers for different countries, they are all the same.

They are indeed different in terms of the level of resistance to accident. The bumpers have a 2MPH protection whereas Canadian have 6MPH protection, and it is not just the bumper but the mechanism of resistance behind them. The DRLs are a different matter altogether, and yes getting them switched is fine...sort of. If CT passes them then fine, if they do not, MBenz may not validate your warranty as you have messed with the existing car without Canadian Techs doing it.

On high ends cars I warn my clients over and over again....expect to pay the gouge in Canada but do it. Do not get tempted by "quick fixes". You are saving a ton anyways, have your car maintained within the rules, whether we like them or not. Build the cost into your budget, and if the numbers do not work then reconsider your purchase.

There are ways to save money, and there are ways to lose money. Trying to skip steps with MB or BMW etc. by avoiding the procedures they have in place is risky. Each to his own, but tread carefully folks.

I can't speak directly to Land Rover, but I know a lot about MB and BMW imports.

Take care.

sc00p

Agreed as far as MB. IN order to get your inspection form from RIV, you will need a letter of compliance from MB Canada. Unless you have the required mods done at the dealership, you cannot get your compliance letter. I imported a 2002 SL500 in November, and was required to a) upgrade the bumper b)install DRL module and c) replace the 'BRAKE' warning symbol in the dash with the universal symbol. In addition to the cost of the mods, I was charged $250 for the 'estimate' of charges and $500 for the compliance letter. There simply is no way around this, as far as I know. Still was worth it.

sc00p

The NY state DMV offers a 30-day trip permit. I am unsure of the cost as the dealer from whom I bought my car obtained it for me. I had to provide proof of insurance with the VIN showing, which took 3 calls to my insurance company, but otherwise easy.

mdebreyne

Can you give us the breakdown of the costs for the mods they required for you to import the SL500? Thanks.

ztoronto

I negociate with a Toyota dealer in IL and got a good price for a 2008 Sienna. But they finally said they can not sale a brand new car to Canadian. So right now I have to ask my relative in IL buy the van and register it for me (pay 6.25% tax) and after he gets the title then sign the van to me and I import the car as used car. Are therer any way that I can avoid to pay this extra 6.25% IL tax but I still can import the car to Canada without any validation? Can I use my name but my relative's address to buy the car?

thanks!

chm

Just wondering if any of the readers in this forum have had experience importing a new GM 2500HD Duramax. GM dealers in the US are forbidden from selling to Canadians according to their franchise agreements. Additionally, the names of any buyers must be reviewed against a list of 'suspected importers' before a sale can proceed.

Any thoughts as to how to accomplish a purchase of this nature would be appreciated. Thx.

acurapm

A Canadian snowbird who lives six months in Florida each year, recently purchased, licensed and insured a vehicle in Florida which he intends to drive back to Ontario where he lives for the other six months of the year. He claims that he isn't required to go through the process of "importing the vehicle" since he isn't importing it...just using it six months in each country. As a result, he also says that he doesn't have to pay GST, nor does he have to get it inspected etc. Does anyone know if this is allowed/legal?

chimo77

Toyota US has an agreement with Toyota Canada that they will not sell a car for export to Canada - that means that unlike some other makers they will not arrange to have the car shipped to Canda & you avoid the tax. However they will sell to Canadians if the car gets registered in the US - what you do with it after that is not their concern ...
Requirement to pay tax varies from state to state . Most you will have to pay the state tax. But check the locate state regulations closely (do google checks - check state salwes tax sites etc) . Example: in Arizona there is a law that allows exemption from sales tax IF you take delivery out of state ( you just complete the necesary forms); in that case the dealer gives you a temporay license (30 days), then you arrange to have your vehicle flatbedded across the state border ( into Califonia ) - get it there & you can drive back into Arizona & into Canada. THere are a few other states like that . Most just have an agreement with other states ( as in Canada) that you can get tax exemption from that state as long as you pay the tax in the state that you register the vehicle in - but that does NOT wokr for export to Canada.
If you have not bought the car yet I recommend that you search out on the net for an import/export facilitator - (see #3923) they can help you get the best price , avoid the tax , arrrange all the paper work for export for you & have the vehicle delivered to Toronto.. Unfortunely I discovered this AFTER I had bouhgt my Sienna in Fl ( I paid Fl tax 6% , & will pay GST & ONt slaes tax. - but a good deal & I am still ahead $7-$9K) . I am in Fl for 3 months & had an address here , so registered it in FLorida . Cousin buying & selling to you wokrs - also if you are staying with your cousin you can use that address to register the car.
ANother item to watch is insurance - in FLorida it is State Law that any car registered in FLorida MUST have insurance & MUST be written (or cowritten) by an insurance company registered in Florida( I don't think any Canadian Co is) - however just purchase US insurance & cancel it when you are back in Canada (Progressive Ins works) .
good luck

wamco

I tried to do this a few years ago and after some lengthy investigation found out that the Canadian laws do not allow you to do it. There are a few problems. Number one is that a Canadian cannot drive a US plated vehicle in Canada! Also, the Canadian laws state that if you intend to drive the vehicle in Canada for this length of time then it considers that yor ARE importing it and must follow the correct importing procedures.

ztoronto

Thanks Chimo for your useful info. I have to pay about $1500 in IL in order to get my van registered/titled under my cousin's name of course it may take a month to get the title document. Do you think the total cost will be lower if I go through a middle man? If I count the extra 6.25% in cost, I still can get my Sienna (LE with E package, it is equalivalant to LE model in Canada) with total cost around $29000 -- still $8-9k in save. I think the middle man may not give me the price better than that.
Another reason is that my cousin buying and selling the car to me is completely 'legal' and 'secure' what I need to do is to wait the van is titled, go to states and drive my van back to Canada with my cousin's plate and insurance. After I register the car in Toronto and remove the states plate and cancel my cusin's insurance. All steps should be legal and smooth. Right?

Is there anybody answer my question, if I use my name and my cusin's IL address (I do not live with them) to buy the car, can I save the 6.25% IL tax?

Thanks Chimo again for your reply.

altaboy

no problems, no titling or transfer of ownership if bought new on MSO
i have a dealer in Oklahoma. He has done many many times, email me at lrcu@yahoo.com with title GMC Duramax for contact info
$500 over dealer invoice pricing. You provide US address (friend or relative) only to obtain rebates. My 2008 GMC duramax SLT, all options except DVD, Navi, sunroof, sliding rear window = $46.1k USD which at the time was $45k CAD.

altaboy

anyone have luck importing new Volvo XC90. RIV list says must contact Volvo canada for letter of admissability......

hacheyimports

The XC90 is fully admissible. Compliance work will be necessary on the DRL's, Child restraint equip and Immobilizer, depending on your build.

Now, making it compliant will be expensive, but well worth it.

Letter of admissibility is free by the way.

Take care.

mandymusika

hello,

I am looking at getting a black or platinium graphite LE Murano AWD with black interior. Sunroof, Nav and installation of metallic trim (to replace the faux wood) are musts. I would also like the crossbars (for the side rails) and splash guards. I live in Alberta.

1. CAn anyone tell me what needs to be done besides pay the 6.1% import tax, and the gst? Are running day lights and immoblizers issues?

2. How does the warranty work? Can I get it serviced in Canada under warranty? Or does it need to be driven back over the boarder?

3. Can anyone give me a quote? I would have my own financing lined up and would be taking delivery with cash.

Thanks

lukka

Hello,

I am a Canadian living and working in Austin, TX on a visa.
I want to purchase a 2008 Toyota Tundra (fully loaded of course ) in the next month or so... BUT will be moving back to Canada near the end of this year.

I have a US address, and am technically a US Resident, and so I am assuming that I won't have problems with "toyota not selling to me because I am Canadian?"

Basically the car will be titled, registered and plated in Austin. After a few weeks/months, I plan on driving from Austin upto Calgary to import my car

(FYI --- the 2008 Tundra is now on the admissable list on riv.ca providing that there is proof that an EIS comes standard as part of the car --- and it doesn't HAVE to meet CMVSS 114 reqs)

does anyone see problems?

Has anyone imported a US vehicle to Canada while they were still financing that vehicle through US Credit? Is there even a way to do this or do I have to have title in hand? the US Customs website is cryptic

thanks for reading

hacheyimports

Mandy,

You have the facts straight here. 6.1% will be charged duty as the vehicle is made in Japan. The '09 Murano comes in various builds, with DRLs an option if chosen. The LE comes with standard engine immobilizer and can have DRLs as well. I am not positive that they meet Canadian standards but doubt it would be a large fee to alter. The other fees include GST, A/C fee, RIV and PST at time of registration in Alberta..which is zero.

Unfortunately;

Nissan vehicles must first be registered in U.S. for at least one day for coverage to apply. As long as it is registered for one day in the US, the warranty will be honoured in Canada so long as the car isn't resold within 6 months. However, if the car title changes ownership within 6 months, the warranty is void.

I hope this was helpful.

Take care

bcneedatruck

i live in canada but i want to buy a new gm truck from the states. i've already discussed price with the dealer, and he says that i need to be a resident (or show im a resident). I have property in the states and all i need is a drivers license to get the truck even if i pay cash but im trying to get the 0% financing. I just wanted to know if this would work like when us customs would allow it to be exported because its financed by gmac. The price difference is crazy even if i pay the state tax. the price for the sierra denali truck with state tax included it is 43,000 the price in canada is 54,000 so it would be nice to buy there. if anyone can give me some advice i would appreciate it. thanks

pathrunner

Mandy,

Some Nissan models are made in the states (like the Pathfinder i purchased a few months ago) so the 6.1% may not apply if it was put together in North America.

Warranty...you have to have the car registered in the US for at least 6 months for an American Nissan dealer to honour the warranty.

There are also ways to get a rebate against the selling sticker price if you paying cash. I recommended a dealer in Washington state that applied the rebate to my purchase and another fellow from this forum (who just purchased a new 09 Murano...i can forward your questions to him to see what his experience was). Give me a shout at gordm135@yahoo.ca if you have any further questions.

anlesa

Hi Pathrunner, Mandy and the others,

I also have a question about the warranty. I am also in the process of buying Murano 2009. Unfortunately I can't register my car in US and have the warranty transferred. I was ok with that as I thought that having a US warranty would be enough for me. Then I contacted Nissan USA and they did confirm that they would honor the warranty only if a vehicle is registered in US. At the same time two dealerships in Washington state that I talked to told me that even if I do not register my car in US I can always come back and any dealership will be happy to do the warranty work. So, I am a bit puzzled. Nissan says one thing, the dealerhips - the other. Whom I should believe? Did anybody have any experience with the dealerships in states regarding warranty issues?

Also, if it's not possible to transfer the warranty, could an after-market warranty be an option?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

P.S. Actually I have alreay put a deposit and am not sure now if I should proceed with the purchase or cancel it. They promised to bring the car to the dealership by March 31. So, I guess I still have some time to think about it. My decision depends on your answers

hacheyimports

Anlesa,

I recommend that the Nissan warranty NOT be assumed honoured in US on exported cars. I have seen it happen several times where folks have purchased and expected to go back to the US for warranty work, only to be disappointed. Beware of salesman who tell you it is "no problem". I would not proceed unless I had that in writing, and I doubt they will provide it for you.

There are a number of third party warranty providers, and they offer a good option. Ensurall is one, but a google search will bring up many.

Even if you did register in the States, it has to be 6 months of ownership before it can be exported and the warranty follow you. Take some time and consider all of this, but most definitely be skeptical of the dealership and their assurances.

Take care.

sloan55

Chimo77, you might want to get in contact with Niagara Speedometer (905) 704-0645 speedo@autoexportcanada.com, they do a ton of Toyota Sienna conversions from MPH to KM. Ask for Brad when you call or e-mail