Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Are you the "contact us" on www.bordercompany.com?
I have 2 friends with recent new purchases in the US, one Honda and one GMC. Both have an MCO/MSO that was signed over to them on the reverse by the selling dealer. Also, on both there is additional space on the back for this document to be signed over to another individual.
I have spent some time reading up on State DMV laws and some clearly say that a RESIDENT of that State cannot sell a vehicle to another resident of the SAME State without first Titling and Registering the vehicle in that State. However, If the purchaser is a NON-resident of the selling State then the vehicle can be sold without first being Titled and Registered. It makes sense that a Canadian buying a brand new vehicle from a US resident friend who has not titled the brand new vehicle should fall within this legislation and be allowable.
Even still, State DMV laws do not govern the export of vehicles out of the US. They only govern Title and Registration of vehicles that are bought/sold and remain in that state.
So, I also looked long and hard and I can find no rule in the US Customs vehicle export legislation that prohibits the US seller from using an MCO/MSO (that was transferred into his name originally) to transfer to another (Canadian) buyer. In other words, the transfer of an MCO/MSO by a US individual to a Canadian without an accompanying State title should be admissible by US Customs.
A friend who works for Canada Customs says transfer of the MCO/MSO with an accompanying Bill of Sale wold not be a problem to them. And in fact, Canada Customs typically look closely only at the Bill of Sale.
I have not yet confirmed this with US Customs. Is your experience different than this? Are you aware of anyone that has tried having the MCO/MSO transferred and accompanied by a Bill of Sale from the US resident to the Canadian buyer? Can you shed light on this?
Thank you.
I have a Toyota dealer that is willing to deal with me, in the VERY far southern area of the States. But he wants me to put plates on the vehicle for a year and also to pay the state tax in that state. I have no idea what the legal implications are with driving around with that states plates are. I will also need a family member/friend down there (I do have one) to supply me with a mailing address, for paperwork.
I am aware of all the other costs, like the 6.1 duty and the RIV and PST and GST and all that, please can anyone tell me what they think of all this??? :confuse:
Well, I have a good mind to call the friends I made as I shopped Toyota dealerships throughout Texas to find my perfect car. I'm wondering if you're looking for a new or used one; though.
I just bought a used Highlander down there; and it was a piece of cake. I just got home ( I took a few weeks getting back because I have a toddler in tow and enjoyed the good weather toooo much!! )
As I said in a previous posting, I didn't pay tax - I didn't register the vehicle - I didn't need a stateside address - and crossing the border was a walk in the park ( it took 42 minutes from the time I passed the " last chance to turn around " sign at Sweetgrass till I passed the " speed limits are in Kilometers now " sign at Coutts.
I would love to tell you about it blow by blow if you'd like... should one decide to do it yourself. There were a few small details I would have appreciated knowing in advance; but certainly nothing that stalled me.
Anyways, I have the business cards of some warm and friendly salesmen at Toyota's in Houston, San Antonio, and McAllen. Should I ask them if they'd sell you a new one or a used one?
It won't work. You can't drive a vehicle in Canada with a US license plate.
With all the work and trouble that you are going through, have you considered using an import broker? It will be hassle free for you, and import broker will get price much better than MSRP. At the end you may be paying the same, or less.
Just click on our userid to see our profile if you think we may help you.
Go for it ... still a great $$$$ deal ......
Anyone had experience on the west coast? Dealer in the US ? Broker in this area?
I live in Vancouver, B.C. How can I bypass the registering in CA and import straight to B.C.? Thanks.
I am also planning to buy a used gx 470 or Highlander(2006 or 2007) from Texas in 3rd week of july. I will be happy if you share with me the names of salespersons and dealers there. Also I need step by step guidance in importing process.
Please email me @nadeemahmed1@rogers.com
I wish I had sourced a couple alternative vehicle choices; I found a lot of autotrader internet ads were bogus and existed more so to get you onto their lot. I was perturbed that despite calling ahead to verify, the car I'd come to look at was not there ( " oh but let me show this other one " ). I was tempted by a Volvo at one point, however I had no idea if it was admissible... & it was Easter weekend. I didn't intend to tour Texas to find the car... I intended to buy the car and then tour Texas. In hindsight, it's a good thing because when I bought the car I signed a document that said I would take the car out of Texas immediately ( re: 'state tax' exemption ).
Know how you're going to insure it!! I befriended my local insurance agent and discussed everything in advance - you may need a hard signature on file with them before you leave the country to go get your car. Anyways, I suggest you have an insurance agent already on the same page & expecting your call from the states. At the last minute I ended up with Allstate insurance... an option I had not explored before leaving home.
Call the manufacturers 1-800 # before you buy the car and ask about recalls. You'll have the VIN from the CarFax report you asked the salesman to get for you. Folks, get a CarFax. Katrina was in Sept '05. My '05 was built in '04. Most dealerships will have or can get for you the CarFax. If not, you can buy it online. In this case there was in fact a recall on the car and before I handed over the cheque, I took it over to the service dept and had the ( carpet clips ) installed. The recall clearance letter was in my inbox the next day.
I knew in advance that the warranty was not going to be transferrable. I suppose I could have discussed a 3rd party warranty... but I didn't and have no thoughts to share.
Used cars often have had more than one owner. In my case, the title came w/ 2 Power Of Attorney letters; to explain the contradicting signatures of previous owners. The US border will want to see not only the front and back of the title, but the POA doc's ( and I think dealerships commonly excercise POA doc's )
As I said before, the dealership is in charge of mailing you the title. If you lived there, you'd come in and get it. You might want to stay there and wait for it. You can do that! but once you have the title you must leave the state right away. And they had no problem mailing it to Canada - being that Canada is my address. However I needed to have the title with me before I got home, so I used a temporary mailbox ( that was UPS friendly )( which was never officially recorded anywhere ). Check out Mailbox's Etc.
You carry with you a Bill of Sale until you receive the title.
Approaching the border ( which for me was weeks later ) fax in your Title and Bill Of Sale - 72 hours prior to export - to the US Export office where you'll be crossing. You must wait 48 hours after faxing to call and confirm whether they've received your fax. I mean, I called right away, but they shot me down and said " you can't call for 48 hours after faxing " . Hmmmm. They called me within 12 hours to say they wanted to see the POA's and this did delay the 72 hours processing time. It wasn't until they received the POA's, by fax, that they gave me the earliest time I could bring the car across ( which was 72 hours from receipt of the second fax )
According to the ( Canadian Food and Drug ) website, you must wash the car clean of any dirt before you import. If you're crossing at Sweetgrass the closest carwash is at Sunburst ( the next town south of Sweetgrass ) - I had to backtrack to the carwash because there wasn't one in " Sweetgrass ". It's an unmarked, coin operated, 1 bay, itty bitty carwash. It takes 8 quarters at a time. It took me 2 cycles. * You oughtta get a roll of quarters before arrive to that one horse town.
At the Sweetgrass border crossing, there are plenty of blue signs that point to " U.S. Vehicle Export " - one of the first signs you see is at a small pullout for " vehicle export parking ". Stop! park there! it's not employee parking... it's for us, and it seems odd because it's so far away and you'd tend to think they're going to want to see the car... but they don't. Hike towards the border ( 200' ) to the U.S. building...I can only imagine the bind we'd be in if we drove any further than that small pullout. ( nowhere to turn around, eh ). Go in the unmarked door and up the stairs to the 2nd floor. It was so unclear which way to go, and whether or not to park the car or drive it up to the building; that I called the office where I had faxed the title... however, they are 50 miles away and didn't know themselves. At the counter; you show the same documents you've faxed and they stamp the title with a colorful stamp that says U.S. Vehicle Export/ date / port of ( Sweetgrass ). Voila.
Walk back to your car, get in the line-up that leads to Canada, and have the exact numbers ready to declare. I was asked the typical questions about the value of tobacco and alcohol, asked if I'd had any repairs done to the car since I bought it. ( they would want to know the value of those repairs if so ). The wonderful CDN officer directed me to park and go inside to the " traffic counter " - where I showed my Title and BIll Of Sale. He did go and personally witness the date of manufacture label on the car door, he promptly filled out a Form 1, instructed me to go to the RIV website when I got home, use my new account number, and pay the $204.74, and wait for the inspection letter to come in the mail. He said " Welcome Home " and directed me to the cashier, where I paid duty and GST and was on my way. The fact that I went to all that trouble to wash the car within an inch of it's life seemed irrelevant. Did I mention how quickly I crossed the border with my new car? It was so slick I kept checking my notes to see if I missed a step.
I haven't gotten to the bottom of what some townhall members have referred to as " Cdn's can't drive U.S. cars in Canada " ... but I have confirmed with Allstate, that my Canadian kisser, with my Alberta drivers license, and my new car ( '05 toyota, exported, unregistered ) are insured whilst I run errands here in my home city...until the day that VIN is registered in Alberta.
Ahem, I have a problem with speeding; I've been pulled over in the last week both in Utah and in Alberta. I wish I didn't have to admit that.
Awaiting the Inspection forms; my local Canadian Tire is now on a first come first serve basis for Fed Insp's ( booking an appointment might be futile if we're dependant on the Federal form
Oregon would probably be best for you as it is on your way home, has no state sales tax and you can get a temporay permit fairly easily - I have been told. I have not heard of the 10K or one year and have just brought back a Toyota (new) myself.
Just wonering if anyone knows a good shipper. I have to send back my clk 430 to the U.s, It has been sitting in my garage in Canada since last yr. I was hoping the rules on importing them would change. But no such luck, thanks to mercedes benz Canada. The car was a great buy, beuatiful albastine wht, with nav, chrome amg benz rims. And more extras. But I have to sell it back to the eatern U.s because I can't drive it in Canada.
Any advice on shippers will be appreciated.
Thanks
Wesjo
Easy enough, eh? Can't see why you wouldn't have the same pleasant experience.
I sought a car that required little to no modifications. According to my research; this car will be a breeze to inspect.
Aaannd, I've thoroughly enjoyed talking with and dealing with the government agencies; Every call was answered promptly and the answers were consistent. Having spent over a month stateside, I have a renewed appreciation for our way of doing things. I can't say enough about the calibre of my peers and the ambience at the Cdn border. ( but that's another forum ) I have read of some townhall member's struggles... and am sorry to hear that, & grateful it went smoothly for me. I have to admit I had white knuckles more often than not, until I walked away from the traffic counter last Wednesday.
I read your other posts; where did you get the info on driving a U.S. titled car home and no further? Do you think U.S title and U.S. registered are the same thing? if so, how did you arrive at that conclusion?
And, hazmatcdn: please please share the results of your next endeavor, when and if it realizes; I'm so looking forward to hearing about it. It sounds complicated and interesting. Best of luck to you guys with that! ( piece of cake, piece of cake, piece of cake... )
Well, well. Carry on Canada!!! and God bless American cars -and especially American boyfriends
thanks!
I know a dealer just a few minutes south of Seattle, WA that might be able to help you with your Toyota. gordm135@yahoo.ca
I am sure this question has been answered in this thread but I do not want to sift through the 4000+ post to try to find the answer.
What do I have to do to sell a new F250 Diesel truck to a Canadian citizen?
Is there a web site that will break it down for me and what are my responsibilities and the buyers responsibilities? Thanks!!!!
BTW for those that do not know I am at a Franchised Ford Dealer, not a private sale.
you have to also ensure vehicle has electronic engine immobilizer (i think ford calls it theftlock, $79 option).
you will have to provide recall documentation, see www.riv.ca
printout from ford inquiry system will suffice.
after that, the rest is up to them.
Finally, are you happy with it? I'm looking at this or one of the Mercedes-Benz Diesel SUV's (ML, R or GL depending upon what I can find).
This is another example of the benefits of this discussion board!
Won't bother to post every step of the importation process here as it has been repeated so many times already. But in summary, the importation process was just quick and simple for me.
There were 2 minor surprise:
1. When I was at the border to pick up the vehicle, my cell phone stopped working as there's no coverage. It is fortuate that the truck driver was on time and we could find each other.
2. I was required to apply for exemption for the provincial inspection (Alberta) even though it is brand new. It is no big deal but a couple days of delay + $10.
As mentioned on the forum before, the most difficult and time-consuming part was to find a cooperating dealer to sell you a new car. I contacted about 150 dealers in more than 15 states (from west to east) and most of them said no to Canadians. I managed to find about 10 dealers that said okay. The closer to the border, the more money they want. I ended up paying MSRP - $2500. This might not be the best deal. But considering the services they provided, I think it was the best at the time.
Regarding savings, since I converted into US$ a few months ago at around 1 CAD = 1.06 US in anticipation of this purchase, I believe the saving is at least $13000.
It is interesting that when I stopped by a local Toyota dealer last week, I tried to bargain for a similar vehicle with the same opions loaded but I tried so hard that the sales manager finally only gave me $1000 off the MSRP (it started from no discount at all). He stressed that no more than that. I tried the same thing 3 months ago in another local dealer and got the same amount off. I guess Toyota dealers in Alberta has no problem selling their cars.
Anyway, I would like to say many thanks to those who've helped me on this forum (answering my questions). I'm done with this project and will have to take a break (after checking this forum every day for 6 months). See you guys later.
1. Did you get the RCL from the dealer?
2. Did you have to have paperwork from the dealer... that says your Sienna is equipped with an immobilizer?
Thanks
Hi Hacheyimports, when you said the town office not DMV, can you please be specific about this town office?
Second question: does the resale i.e title transfer process take long?
Thanks in advance
1. Is this can be done in such short time?
2. Car title: I called seattle and they will not sell the car to Canadian. So I have to buy it under my name. Should I request WA title (9.3%tax) or TEXAS title(6.25% tax). Is it matter to do the import? Do I get the title right away for the title transfer.
3. The whole import process? Is this SUV is admissible? What is the fees for the import? What about all the tax my brother need to pay for the import? Should he pay sales tax again. Can I give it as a gift? Will I pay the gift tax? I need those info to see if the saving will worth the trouble.
Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate your answers.
Thanks!
I haven't been to this site as often as I should and apologize if I missed any posts directed at me.
The town hall is where the vehicle registration department is found across the state. Contact the nearest to your seller and they will give you help. I have found all the offices I have dealt with to be cooperative. As you can imagine, they have seen a lot of Canadians such as yourself lately.
The process is quicker in New Hampshire than a lot of states, but can take more than a week in some cases. Generally 2-5 days, but there is no guarantees.
Take care and good luck with your import!
The import of Volvo is not for the faint of heart, and the thought of you paying all of those taxes brings a tear to my eye. No need for it.
Simple answers...not possible to do it in that short of time.
The title is not immediate, can take up to several weeks depending on the state.
The SUV is admissible, but requires modification and letters from Volvo. A full inspection at the Canadian Volvo dealership will also be necessary...and all of this is pricey.
At the risk of sounding negative, the import of a new Volvo is not for everyone. I have done several and the savings are there, but the process is involved.
You definitely can give it as a gift, but the taxes will still apply for your brother upon import. Duty of 6.1% as well. As Volvo does not sell new to Canadians for export I am not sure they would allow this. Interesting and worth looking into however.
Sorry to rain on your day, but some time reviewing this site and asking lots of questions will make this easier. Please feel free to contact me if you would like specific advice.
Take care
Thank you for your quick response.
Regards,
Here is what I am thinking: Once I bought the car from seattle, I can drive to Vancouver and leave the car to my brother. Once I got the title, I sign it and mail it to my brother and leave the import process to him. Do you see any problem for doing this?
I have talked to dealer and here is one response I got:
MSRP $42950.00 we will sell to you for only $37437.00
· If you register in TX: all documentation and charges are up to you. Check with your local DMV
· We can sell you a Trip Permit for 30.00 that is good for 3 days travel
· If you register in WA: 9.3% sales tax and $194.25
My question is since I am going to drive to Canada right after I got the car. Do I have to register the car to one of the state?
2. I had all the paperwork from the dealer and then faxed to the US Custom myself a week before crossing the border. The dealer could've done the fax for me but I wanted to make sure nothing would fall through the cracks.
The only thing left for me to do is a block heater. Anyone knows how much approximately Toyota dealer would charge?
Unfortunately you have a bit of a tough situation because you need to import the vehicle back into Canada before you can sell it. To make matters even worse, it's possible you might have to pay tax/duty on the value of the vehicle when you import it (although you might be ok since it was originally a Canadian vehicle (I'm guessing you wouldn't qualify for the $10k tax exemption for returning Canadians since you aren't actually returning to Canada)). Other than the tax issue, the import might also be difficult because you *might* need a Canadian address and driver's license to register the vehicle back into Canada.
If it's possible, the easiest way to handle this might be if you have immediate family in Canada - in which case you should be able to give them the car (car transfers between immediate family are not subject to taxes) and since they are Canadian citizens / residents, they'll be able to import and register the vehicle. Once they do that, they can sell it for you (or you sell it in their name).
Hope this helps and please correct me if I'm wrong.
Taking the money back is not really an issue since you can probably just get a bank draft and bring that accross - the only issue is that if it's over $10k, you need to declare it to US customs when re-entering the US with it.
Not sure if this is true but my neighbour once told me that he had to pay some tax for "buying" a car from his dad. Of course the value was purposely lowered so the son paid less tax. This is in Ontario.
Cheers,
I have been following this discussion for quite some time because of my interest in buying new lexus ES 350 from US. I live in Winnipeg, MB and I have a friend in New Jersey who is willing to help me out in buying the car under his name, then signing the car to my name. I just have few questions to clear up.
1) do we (my friend and I) have to buy the car outside his state of residence to avoid state sales tax? Right?
2) do we have to register the car in his state or can we register in the same state we bought the car from? if we register the car in NJ, does he get hit with taxes when he has file for tax?
3) how long is the registration process in NJ? anybody got experience??
I know the process may take long and involve some risk (if something goes wrong), are there any canadian importers who can help me out? I know hackeyimports imports cars, but are there any other importers or brokers in Winnipeg, MB or Toronto, ON?
Johnny