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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • mandymusikamandymusika Member Posts: 42
    ok, so if I were to buy a used 09 murano (that was registered in the US under previous owner for at least 6 months) can the warranty then be transfered? I assume i'd have to buy from private sale as Murano's 6 months old on a lot probably haven't been registered.

    And if so, can I go to a canadian dealership to have warranty work done? I live in Edmonton so the border is not that close (8 hours or so).

    Savings from buying from the US on this truck is about $10K so it's definatly worth it if that warranty will be honored here.
  • anlesaanlesa Member Posts: 3
    Hacheyimports,

    I thought so too about the dealers. Thank you for the reply. But it is so tempting to buy a higher model their for the same money. What I also meant to say in my previous post is that is it enough to have just an after-market warranty without any manufacturer warranty. Yes, I contacted a few providers, like lubrico, global. I did not contact ensurall yet. Looks like I can find something that would be a close match to the original warranty. But if I understood it right, all the warranty work if any will have to be done by the dealerships authorized by those after-market warranty companies. And those dealerships most likely are not going to be nissan-certified if it matters at all.

    Any opinions/experience please.

    Thank you.
  • siennabuyer2siennabuyer2 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    Can you email the dealership(s) and contact name and phone number to siennaneeded@yahoo.com that willing to sell

    Thanks
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    Mandy,

    That is correct. You are obviously a long time from that considering the '09s are just out, but if you went that route the warranty work would be done in Canada yes.

    Take care
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    Anlesa,

    The warranty work is not only done at Nissan..it can be done wherever you are comfortable and is listed as an approved provider. If you want to keep your vehicle under the care of Nissan techs then that is your option..I am sure they would love to get the work!

    Take care
  • lukkalukka Member Posts: 2
    BCNeedatruck,

    As far as my research goes, I don't believe you can import any vehicle if you are financing it. (see riv.ca)

    When you finance it through the dealership, you are not given the title. The dealer registers the car for you and reports a lien. The lender keeps the title until all payments are made. If you wanted to take advantage of GMC's 0% financing, you need to be a well qualified buyer, which means having US Credit. Canadian credit does NOT transfer over. Some dealerships will do the extra leg work of looking up your Canadian credit and use that to give you a good rate, but that's a rarity and I wouldn't count on it.

    The reason that 'having the title in-hand matters', is you need to present it + Bill of Sale and Registration to US Customs, before you bring the car across the border. The information gets stamped, and then the Cdn side will deal with it.

    I have read on US Customs websites that if there is a lien on the car (ie. you financing it), then you could get written permission from the lender to export the car..... but I haven't heard of anyone being able to do this.

    If you really need to finance the car, I suggest that you get a car/bank loan in Canada, and wire those funds to the dealer in the US (after proving you 'live' in the US of course)... Then you will have the title and own your car, and be able to pay your lender back.
  • blondebritblondebrit Member Posts: 11
    O MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hit the jackpot. I have found a American fella today when I went to see a Mercedes in Toronto.

    He can get ANY........ANY car you want new or used from the USA. He takes care of everything, I mean everyting for a fee. (not bad either).

    You just pay him a deposit to go look, he goes personally down to the States to look at the cars, he also has freinds in most major southern states looking for him.

    I will let you know what happens in the next few weeks, but the hunt is on. He is heading down to the US next week to go find my Mercedes CLK500 or CLK55.

    I know there will still be work done on the car when it gets here, but wouldn't you rather have someone else doing all the leg work for you and personally finding you the car you want? and taking care of all paperwork, work etc.

    you just pay him those fees. He is up front and will show you all bills to let you know he is not ripping you off.

    email me if you want his info if your in the GTA.

    Blondebrit :)
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Say bye -bye to your deposit....
  • blondebritblondebrit Member Posts: 11
    Your very positive are you not? ;)

    I don't think so :)

    I will send you pics of the car in a few weeks.

    By the way "watch the secret" ;)
  • mendoncamendonca Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know or have experience in plating cars bought privatly in the u.s.? I am looking at buying an s2000 from the southern states and hoping to drive it bac to toronto.

    Any help/advice is greatly appreicated
  • bcneedatruckbcneedatruck Member Posts: 3
    thank you lukka for the info it was helpful, kinda sux though
  • jmlleungjmlleung Member Posts: 11
    Hi Blondebrit,

    Can you tell me the contact info of the American fella? My email is jmlleung at yahoo dot com. Thanks.
  • blondebritblondebrit Member Posts: 11
    Hiya,

    Sure I will pass it on. He also does financing or leasing for US cars in Canada. So pick your car and you don't have to put the whole lump sum down for the car :)
  • eieio2eieio2 Member Posts: 34
    :) I have successfully imported and registered a 2008 EXT Cad .... save about $25K

    Hard to imagine ... that difference in price. Staarted the process last Nov but was away most of the winter so the vehicle sat at a friends until now

    Thanks to the people on this site for the information that assisted me with the import process and thanks to http://www.carswithoutborders.com/
  • sc00psc00p Member Posts: 15
    You asked for a cost breakdown:

    Cluster mod ('Brake' Light) $176
    DRL module install: $1052
    Rear bumper mod: $1049
    Estimate fee: $250
    Inspection fee: $500

    I had them do the safety and etest as well. Whole thing with tax totaled $3400.
  • bcneedatruckbcneedatruck Member Posts: 3
    hey guys are there any toyota dealers still selling to canadians on the west coast
  • manitoumanitou Member Posts: 7
    I imported a last September Acura MDX no problem no recall letter and no change and I put $ 20,000 more in my pocket.

    Now, I want to attack me a Mercedes-Benz a new
    C300 4MATIC, I know that many will want me to discourage me I will check if it's possible? Neither RIV on or MB were talking about 2008? I will call them to find out?
    Sorry for my English, I was born on the wrong side of this country :blush: ! But if you want to learn French and how we purchased an MDX ;)http://www.radio-canada.ca/audio-video/pop.shtml#urlMedia%3D/Medianet/2007/CBFT/- LaFacture200710021930_1_1.asx&promo%3DZAPmedia_LaFacture
  • jmlleungjmlleung Member Posts: 11
    What kind of financing or leasing rate can he get? Please email me, thanks.
  • fsabbaghfsabbagh Member Posts: 7
    Hi,

    Sounds interesting. Can u also email me at fsabbagh at yahoo dot com.

    Thanks!
    Ferris
  • blondebritblondebrit Member Posts: 11
    Hiya,

    Thank you soooooooooo much is this the price in Canada or the US?
  • farmerswife1farmerswife1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi there,

    We are wanting to import a Honda Pilot or Acura MDX from the US to Canada. Not sure if we want to buy new or a year or two old.

    Questions:

    1) Does anyone know what the specifications are on the Honda Pilot or Acura MDX as far as meeting criteria for Canadian use? (or where you find this info?)

    2) How do you find out about warranties and whether or not they will be valid in Canada?

    Thanks so much for your time.

    Alison :blush:
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    Warranty information is here..

    http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253

    In terms of criteria for Canadian road use, in other words compliance, you will find a difference for make/model/year. Most of what you need can be found here..

    www.RIV.ca

    Take care and best of luck with your purchases.
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Its not necessary. As long as there is indication of KMs below Miles or at least you can swith the spedometer to KMs. Car manufacturers (i.e. BMW) are using this as an excuse to change your instrument cluster...its just an excuse to gouge you and also to deter you from importing....
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Well I'm not 100% sure about an exception, but I do know this:

    Its illegal for a Canadian Citizen to drive a US titled car into Canada - unless they provide proof to Canada Customs that the car is coming back to the USA.

    I know people who have been refused entry with their US titled car - I also know people who are allowed (CDNS attending university in the US) because they showed their "proof."

    At the same time though, its ultimately up to Customs. If they dont believe you, you may not be able to cross.
  • ronny1ronny1 Member Posts: 13
    They dont change your entire cluster. On my SL600 they swapped out a label that said Brake (Hand brake) to a symbol type label. Total cost was around $ 100.00.

    What they screw you with is the Day time running lights $ 1500.00 and the Bumber BS @ $700.00 per bumper.

    There was a Class action Lawsuit that is before the courts now with regards to RIV Canada and MB, it has to do with the Letter of Compliance that MB Canada has forced people to comply with (IE the work must be done by MB etc).

    I hope the suit goes forward

    :)
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Yes. You are right. It depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Plenty people on this forum have complained that their instrument cluster had to be either replaced or modified. From my understanding for a BMW 3-Series, BMW Canada demands an entire replacement (even though KMs are indicated clearly under the Miles.) Now a '06 Audi A4 2.0T - Audi doesn't care at all. In fact Audi will even honour your warranty...just get the DRL's modified, and the other stuff and you'll have your car with plates in no time....
  • ricto02ricto02 Member Posts: 1
    Hey Pathrunner,

    Looking at a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder right now in Watertown NY, about 2 hours from me in Ottawa.

    Was the daytime running lights the only mod you had to do.

    Also understand I wont have warranty but believe the $12k I am saving makes it worth it.

    Any way I can get the cash rebate they are offering?

    Thanks
  • b_lum81b_lum81 Member Posts: 25
    The entire cluster had to be replaced on my 2004 CLK500. I have the US cluster sitting at home collecting dust. Their excuse for not changing the label is that "We are not allowed to take apart the cluster". Again, its BS. So if anyone needs a 2004 CLK Instrument Cluster (US version) let me know!!

    Ronny1, is there any formal links or sites to keep up with the proceedings on the lawsuit? Like you I'm curious as well on how it turns out...
  • b_lum81b_lum81 Member Posts: 25
    Blondebrit, I believe Sc00p's prices were in Canadian.. But I'm sure sc00p will reply...

    btw Sc00p, weather is getting better here in Vancouver so I'll be able to finally fire you off some pics of my car! :)
  • b_lum81b_lum81 Member Posts: 25
    I bought my CLK 500 in Portland and I found it off of craigslist through a private seller. The process itself wasn't too hard. Here's what I did:

    1. Found the car
    2. Carfax report
    3. Got the owner to send to Mercedes Portland for a 155 point certified inspection
    4. Reviewed the report
    5. flew down, bought the car.
    6. Seller showed me the title, verified that the car had a clear title
    7. Seller created a 'Bill of Sale' that states both our names, car, vin#, and most importantly the price you bought the car for.
    8. I signed both the title and Bill of sale, (and title is kept by me)
    9. Transferred money payment via bank
    10. Off to the border I went.

    In terms of plating the car, the seller left his portland plates on the car, and I called Portland DMV explaining my situation and they said I didn't have to get registration since the car was already registered. Apparently if the seller did not include the plate for me, that's when i'd have to go to the Portland DMV to get a permit. Then in Washington State, some people were telling me I had to get a permit in WA too, and some said I don't need it...

    I don't know if this is the proper way but its how I was told to do it by a few others in earlier posts. ** do not take accountability if this information is incorrect as I am simply sharing my experience during the importation process.
    I
  • manitoumanitou Member Posts: 7
    I have communicated with Mercedes-Benz for admission to the 2008 vehicles, it is said that the list of vehicle may change in two weeks for 2008, it is clear that will not Transport-Canada and RIV which controls the admission of the vehicle in Canada! [non-permissible content removed] :mad: :mad: :mad:
  • kplange1kplange1 Member Posts: 3
    You are allowed to drive your U.S. registered vehicle directly to your Canadian address to deliver goods or passengers. You cannot use it after that point. The vehicle must return to the U.S. within 30 days unless you take steps to import it.
  • sc00psc00p Member Posts: 15
    Yes, all Canadian $$. Remember though that each MB car will have different requirements and could be more or less expensive.
  • sc00psc00p Member Posts: 15
    Hey, b_lum, glad to hear the weather has improved. We still have a bunch of snow on the ground , so it's a bit early to get the SL on the road. I've had it out a couple of times to give it a good run in the last 2 weekends, but I'm probably 3 weeks away from getting it on the road for good. We plan on taking it for a 4-5 day long weekend down to NC and back. I plan on checking out some C55's while I'm there - I still can't get past the ridiculous prices up here and the lease on my 525i is up in July. I look forward to the pix of the CLK!!
  • ronny1ronny1 Member Posts: 13
    Check out the following. I contacted the lawyer already I gave him all my particulars If he needs any thing I am more than willing to pursue MB Canada. What they did to me wasn't right I will certainly let everyone know what MB did. The lawsuits as I understand it is not against MB it is against the way RIV Canada functions, Riv Canada is supposed to be neutral except for some foreign car companies which can dictate policy, how un-Canadian

    http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/28/c6093.html

    Anyway I still love my car i just wish the weather would change from Snow to rain to sunshine.

    Ron
  • phill_69phill_69 Member Posts: 8
    Hi everyone,

    I am back in Canada with my 2007 Honda S2000.

    Flew down to Hilton Head Island SC.
    Picked it up at the mercedes/ honda dealer there.

    Wired the money.
    Got all of the documentation I needed.
    Sent the fax to US Customs Minimum 72 hours in advnce.
    Drove back after spending 2 beautiful days with the top down.

    No problems at the border.
    Line up after signing in around 1:30 pm Monday at US Customs.
    Very busy. After about 40 minutes waiting in a room.
    They asked for my original title and on e copy of same.
    Customs officer did a bit of typing on the computer.
    She asked which car it was outside.
    Looked out her window. Said ok.
    Date stamped the title and said I could go.

    Officer at the canadian side was very nice. She took down some information about the car on a yellow slip and pull over to Customs office.
    She smiled and said enjoy the car.

    Filled in Form 1.
    Showed Officer my receipt and title.
    She processed info. Filled in form 1.
    Told me to pay my 6.1 and 5 percent.
    Also 100 for air conditioning tax.

    Paid my taxes with Visa.
    Showed the Officer on the way out the yellow slip.
    He looked at the car from 20 feet away. Asked me how I liked the car. Asked me to show the receipt and asked what it cost new.
    He said looks like I got a great deal.
    Smiled and said enjoy the car !
    Total time at the border 90 minutes. Most of that just waiting in line.

    Registered online with RIV cost 204.75.

    Money spent so far about 30 K for an 11 month old car. Here same car with taxes that is about 60K.

    Whole trip was well worth it.
    Last thing to do is wait for form 2 and get Canadian Tire to give their ok. Then I can get Ontario Plates.

    Hope more people buy inthe USA. Maybe then the canadian Manufacturers will see the light.

    The crossing at the border was a bit nerve racking since I hadn't done it before. But if you have all the paperwork it is as easy as bringin gover your booze and cigars.

    Paul
  • azrussazruss Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone know if a 2000 Freightliner truck is admissible to import ?
    Do I still need a recall letter ?
    I just purchased it for a contractor in B. C. and I need to get it set so he can bring it over the border.

    Thanks in advance

    Russ
  • tedd2tedd2 Member Posts: 23
    I have been out of the loop on this for some time since I purchased a Porsche Boxster last year in a private sale in the States. When I was looking to import a car I believe that Honda was one of the makes that said their warranty would not be valid if the car went across the border. Is that correct in your case?
  • lazaruslazarus Member Posts: 3
    Hello everyone,

    These questions may have been answered already, but there are so many responses here, I thought it would be a good idea to post the questions again.

    If I were to purchase a new or used car from the U.S. and bring it into Canada, will the warranty be honoured?

    I have heard so many answers to this question, such as it depends on the manufacturer or if the car is new or used. I can save many thousands of dollars on a few of the cars I am considering, so it would really be appreciated if I can get an answer to this.

    As well, I have heard that there are some cars that need just a cheap inspection, and some that need bumper work that can run into the thousands of dollars. Is this true?

    Thanks so much for your help...

    Michael
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Lazarus
    You may want to check the APA.ca site - they have just updated their waranty information. I believe they did a good job at updating this info last week.
    Serge from www.carswithoutborders.com We are still alive and well. We have a new logo and we are still trying to shake up the government and get the border opened. Come visit
  • jnap0527jnap0527 Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know of a good place in the Hamilton, Ontario area that will install daytime running lights? I assume that there's MANY US vehicles that don't have them as standard, and knowing that this feature is required to pass the federal inspection, I would assume many people have found a place that will do this.

    Is there a relay/module I can buy or is there simply a place that will do it for a reasonable cost. Any advice, tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Again, I am from the Hamilton, Ontario area.
  • phill_69phill_69 Member Posts: 8
    Hi yes as I understand it Honda does not honour warranty here. Then again I don't expect to need it. Honda is a quality product.

    I think if there was a major problem like the Camry V6 6 speed trannies they would likely do something about it as a good will.
    Hopefully I won't need it.
    Someone will likely sue Honda soon and like Toyota a few years ago, they will begin to honour their warranties.
    I have saved over 20 K I will take the risk.

    Paul
  • simcoebtsimcoebt Member Posts: 2
    does anyone out there know if this model,2008 comes with the engine immobizer as standard equipment or if any import issues i should be aware of...tia
  • marketguymarketguy Member Posts: 1
    Hi Phil

    How did you license the car in Hilton Head?
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    I just came back from North Carolina with an import. The dealer attached a paper "temporary plate" to the car. Good for 30 days. Total cost ONE dollar.
  • comefindmecomefindme Member Posts: 6
    Just curious what kind of vehicle you're looking at? What kind of quote did you receive from the US side? I found a site that helps Canadians with the process and will even DELIVER the vehicle...check it out at www.bordercompany.com
  • comefindmecomefindme Member Posts: 6
    I do believe you're correct on this... I use to work for a dealership in the States and we had a lot of Canadians who came down to purchase new vehicles; however, this is no longer possible. I believe the Canadian Government put a ban on "new" vehicle purchases to try to stop Canadian residents to stop buying in the States as typically they're saving thousands of dollars. However, if the vehicle is "used" (no minimum mileage) and used (previously licensed in the United States) it can be imported into Canada. I know of a company that will purchase the car NEW for you and actually deliver it to a regional airpot for you. Check out the site at www.bordercompany.com
  • raven007raven007 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know of any company that would sell insurance to non-resident (with no cancellation fee) and will this insurance be valid in Canada (if there is no cancellation fees it does not really matter if it is valid in Canada after I register it here)?
    The state I am looking to purchase the car in is Virginia and I am in Ontario.
    I cannot purchase insurance in Ontario for US car since I do not currently have the insurance here.

    Thanks.
  • jennandcherubjennandcherub Member Posts: 7
    HiYa! Well, how are you making out? Why do you reckon you need to register your Jeep in Montana before bringing it home? I could be wrong and about to learn the hard way.... but, I too am from AB - and I just came from Texas where I found the right car for us ( '05 Highlander ). ( I'm in Utah today... )
    I signed a declaration that I was taking the car out of state and used my AB address on every document. I showed my AB drivers license for ID. The title was mailed to me ( to any address I wished - they would have mailed it Canada, but I needed it to cross the border so, I used a mailbox-centre in a city I anticipated to be at by then ( and was prepared hang out in until it the mail arrived ). While the salesman processed the sale my ( American, who has 3 other vehicles insured with this Allstate ) spouse called his insurance co. with the VIN and insured the car for ( me, a canadian ) driving ( my car ) in both US and CA. Within minutes I had a fax of the insurance policy. I also called Toyota right then and there and requested the recall clearance letter; and they informed me of the outstanding carpet-clips recall. ( Halfway through the signature session ) I said to the salesman; " well I'll be right back.... I'm taking the car over to Toyota & I'll be back within the hour" . And I was.
    I drove off the lot with a paper plate that reads UNTITLED VEHICLE and it has an expiry ( 20 days from date of sale ) which reads that the dealership has until this date to put the car my name.
    They said upfront the fastest way to get my hands on the title was to pay with a cashier's cheque. And I did.
    I did receive the title in the mail (9 business days later), and it shows me and my AB address as the outright owner of this car.
    I did receive a recall clearance letter in my inbox the next day.
    I did have an appointment with Canadian Tire for an RIV inspection before I even bought the car ( as was suggested here.... Thanks! )
    I've been to Houston, McAllen, San Antonio - all dealerships - mostly Toyota's. All were quite eager to sell to Canadian. Once, a salesman said we could not avoid state taxes and we said goodbye, then. Hmmm! he called first thing the next morning to correct himself... anyways, he wanted too much for the car in question. ( and not that I needed to; but I did show the final sale salesman the letter from the Texas Tax People's as was suggested on here.... Thanks! )

    I dunno man, but I'm not sure you need to trouble yourself with Montana branch of your plan. I'll let you know if I have any trouble at the border. I talked to my CAA agent and had arrangements to insure the new purchase over the phone... same as Allstate did ... but Allstate was much cheaper & far more willing to do it; so explore all options ahead of time.
  • phill_69phill_69 Member Posts: 8
    The dealer got me a 45 day Temp tag from their Dept of Motor Vehicles.
    There is a temp plate on the rear with an expiry date of May 10/08.

    No problems driving it up here with the the temp tag.
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