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Importing Car into Canada from US

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Comments

  • jasgjasg Member Posts: 3
    Hi Johnny:

    My understanding was that if you buy under someone else's name who lives in the US, they have to title & register the vehicle in the state where they live before they can transfer the title to your name. In order to do this, they have to pay sales tax according to the state in which they live (doesn't matter where the car was bought). That's why people look for Americans living in states with no sales tax to use this method.

    Am I wrong?
  • comefindmecomefindme Member Posts: 6
    I do believe you're correct on this as you DO have to title the vehicle in the State in which the buyer is from. Realistically you could buy a car anywhere in the States but if your buddy buys it (who lives in NJ) no matter where he bought it, he would title the vehicle in NJ and HAVE to pay sales tax. Your best bet is to look for a used vehicle as Canadians DO NOT pay sales tax on this vehicle in the States. I don't care what the dealer says, you don't!!! I use to work for a Honda dealer in of all places Grand Forks (2 hours south of Winnipeg). I'm not sure what the rate is in NJ but Minneosta sales tax is 6.5% and North Dakota is 5%. Just to give you a clue. If there's anything else I can help you with, please let me know. Thaknks!
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    In New Hampshire (NH) Sales tax is 0%

    Live free or DIE!
  • mdebreynemdebreyne Member Posts: 6
    Probably not true. First, Ontario will not charge you tax to transfer vehicle between immediate members of a family (look near bottom here http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.htm) also lowering the value to pay less taxes hasn't worked in Ontario for about 20 years now since they use the higher of price paid or book value)
  • johnmayor35johnmayor35 Member Posts: 2
    Do you know any importers willing to import the car for me??
  • chibiichibii Member Posts: 5
    I think I am going to import a car in the next few weeks. Why don't you import one yourself?
    Also, are you just looking for someone to drive back the car for you?
  • comefindmecomefindme Member Posts: 6
    Please email me the info again as I know you talked about having someone from New Jersey purchase the car for you. I don't remember if they are going to buy brand new for you or not... if you're buying used, this is an easy process. New is where the major hangups occur. By hangups I mean, your title as generally in "most" States, it takes up to 5 weeks to get the actual title back. Email me at comefindme@hotmail.com
  • gbabalukgbabaluk Member Posts: 70
    Hi Johnny:
    I hope you have "done the math" on that ES350. I did a quick calculation on the ES350 on both the US and CDN web sites and the difference in price is about 10% when you factor in the 6.1% import tax. On the regular model that is about $4K. I am not sure that after shipping the car,etc that it is worth it! On the more expensive Lexus models you can save a lot more but the ES is not one of them. Maybe the US dealers negotiate a little more than the local Lexus dealer(Birchwood).
    ANyway, keep us informed of your progress.
  • dunonedunone Member Posts: 11
    I have a Honda sales person on the West Coast that has just supplied a Ridgeline & a Pilot to me. Just brought the Ridgeline back tonight. What a good feeling. No warranty but the savings sure make up for it.
  • osagiosagi Member Posts: 15
    Hi Dunone

    Can you forward me the Honda sales person's contact info? I am interested in getting a new Accord. Let me know if you can't see my email address.

    Thanks
  • rebecarebeca Member Posts: 6
    Hello everyone, I am in the process of importing a Toyota from the U.S. The dealer had to first search for what I was looking for (not a very common colour and package combination) and then bring it in to the lot. The dealer did it in a very quick time frame, kudos for that! :) So far I have purchased the vehicle, and it is (if things go as smooth as they have been) set to be shipped up to Canada here later this week. I have had a very good experience so far in this, the dealer has been amazingly efficient, cooperative and even set the transport and broker up for me. This dealer can deal with people pretty much from Saskatchewan to BC and I have not had to pay any taxes in the States. All I have to do in the whole process is sign a couple forms that have been emailed to me (one will come from the broker yet, giving my permission to act on my behalf at the border). The whole process is VERY simple quick and painless. I have had numerous emails daily, and several phone calls a week telling me on the progress of where we sit in regards to where the vehicle is and what the next step is, and to make sure that everything is kosher with me. I am very very pleased. I had another deal fail on me (with another Toyota dealership in the U.S.), and this deal ended up to be less money and let me tell you, a whole lot less painful!

    I will let everyone know how the rest of the story goes, once it is all said and done. I am really hoping my 08 Highlander Limited gets delivered to Edmonton this Thursday or at the latest Friday (very high expectations!) seeing as my husband and I will be in the city already on Wednesday and Thursday. :shades:

    Wish us luck!!

    Becks
  • comefindmecomefindme Member Posts: 6
    Glad to hear all is going well. My only concern for you and I'm sure you've checked on this is, make sure you get a factory recall letter from Toyota. I personally have called Toyota numerous times and they will not grant me one if I choose to buy in the States. Please let us all know if it works for you! Thanks and good luck!!!
  • rebecarebeca Member Posts: 6
    The dealer is actually taking care of EVERYTHING. This person could walk a person who has NO knowledge pretty much through the process. I was actually just going to talk about the recall letter and the dealer said, and I will get the recall letter from Toyota for you. I was like, geez! This is going very well. I can sit back and relax, it has been awesome so far. And in case anyone is wondering, I got a great deal. I had done tonnes of homework and thought I knew the process, but really needn't have worried, because my 'helpers' are one step ahead, easing the way for me. So far so good!!
  • dunonedunone Member Posts: 11
    Email sent, let me know if you do not get it.
  • hacheyimportshacheyimports Member Posts: 69
    Do you mind sending me the dealer information? I am very interested if this salesman sold you new into Canada. Great for you..well done!
  • islander777islander777 Member Posts: 1
    Do you mind sending me the dealer information? I am also very interested in your delivery procedure. thanks
  • pmredmontonpmredmonton Member Posts: 2
    Please let me know the name of dealer as well. I'm interested in getting a Toyota Camry Hybrid and live in Edmonton as well.

    Thanks
  • bkushnerbkushner Member Posts: 10
    Me as well, I want a camry hybrid. Maybe we can all do a group buy? I am in Calgary. If we joined forces, better deal! There is Wilson in Bellingham, but he sells at msrp. Did you pay less than MSRP?
  • bkushnerbkushner Member Posts: 10
    Hi Rebeca, did you get any off msrp? Was it in Montana?
  • osagiosagi Member Posts: 15
    Got it!. Thanks.
  • osagiosagi Member Posts: 15
    Hi Rebeca,
    Did you purchase it below the US MSRP? Do you mind forwarding me the dealer contact?

    Thanks.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Has anyone had real experience with Ensurall Warranty for their imported Honda? Does anyone know of a website where they are rated?
  • twotonetommytwotonetommy Member Posts: 35
    Hey doc911

    I am also interested in hearing about Ensurall Warranty. There is another insurance company that would give you similar warranty as a Honda warranty (the elite plan) from Secure Warranty. You just have to spend that much more for the complete coverage. I had an estimate of $1800-$2200 for a 3 or 4 yr comprehensive coverage plan. Add that to the price and now the savings are not as great.

    http://www.securewarranty.ca/cont.html
  • djnbdjnb Member Posts: 1
    Where did you order the Enclave from? Did they know you were going to import it into Canada? Did you have to register it in the US?

    Denver dealers would not sell me an Enclave for import into the US.

    Thanks.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Ensure quoted about 1100. for 2008 accord
  • twotonetommytwotonetommy Member Posts: 35
    I also got a quote for a 2008 accord exl 4cyl and it was $961.88. Ensurall does not cover everything where as the secure warranty plan does.
  • davvosdavvos Member Posts: 1
    sounds good Rebeca - hope it all works out - can you add me to the list of people who are looking to get the dealer contact info? I am in BC and trying to import a Toyota

    thanks
  • h08odysseyh08odyssey Member Posts: 1
    I am doing my research on buying a 2008 Odyssey from the states and I have a few questions in my mind. Please help out if you know the answer:

    1. From hearsay, people who were buying a car from states during Oct/Nov 2007 need to wait a few months (parked their cars in garage) for Transport Canada to issue them a plate because of the processing time, is it true? and why?

    2. For 08 Odyssey (any model), do I need to worry about repair and parts? If I need to replace a part (say transmission), can I replace with a Canadian model part?

    3. Do I need to pay state tax/sales tax when I am importing it to Canada? Will dealers force me to pay a state tax? I am planning to buy in NY state.

    4. Does 08 Odyssey have any issues with electronic immobilizer?

    Any tips/tricks/watch-outs would also be appreciated.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    your questions are so vague and indicative of absolutely no research on your own... maybe you should start with that: RESEARCH
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Please see the Honda Odyssey topics for Odyssey specific questions and issues.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • dejoeydejoey Member Posts: 2
    I am also looking for a Toyota dealer in eastern U.S. willing to sell new 2008 Highlander Sport for export to Canada. Any suggestions?
  • jasgjasg Member Posts: 3
    Rebecca:
    Great news ... would you let me know your dealer's info as well? Thanks!
  • dunonedunone Member Posts: 11
    While looking for my Ridgeline, I came across a Toyota dealer in Montana that may sell to Canadians. If you wish the name email me at pdunone at gmail.com
  • draper1draper1 Member Posts: 4
    I have purchased an Enclave through a relative in the US. I am just waiting for him to recieve the title so he can sign it over to me. This seems to be taking longer than it shoud in this day and age, but it will be worth the wait. I am not expecting any problems crossing the border or with the RIV inspection, but if anyone has any suggestions or comments, they would be appreciated. It is unfortunate that Canadians must resort to such cloak and dagger techiques to save a buck. It would probably be easier to smuggle a warhead into the country
  • draper1draper1 Member Posts: 4
    This may sound like a stupi question but Can anyone tell me what a recall letter should look like. I have recieved a recall letter from my dealer and it is titled G.M. Vehicle Summary. It states the VIN# a description of the vehicle and the options and states that the vehicle has no recalls or service history. I have phoned RIV and they have told me this is acceptable, but I don't want any surprises at the border. Can anyone tell me if this is acceptable or how to obtain the proper letter if this is not acceptable, I would be grateful.
  • genia11genia11 Member Posts: 3
    Really? I called Toyota today and got the recall clearance letter within 30 minutes.
    I was never given hassle and I even gave her my Canadian address and phone number.
  • rjmbcrjmbc Member Posts: 51
    That was my experience as well. Took less than 30 minutes & sent to my Canadian fax machine. No hassle. Very pleasant to deal with.
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Yes that letter will do.
  • rjmbcrjmbc Member Posts: 51
    I just saw in the news that Toyota has announced price increases on certain models at the end of this month. You can find it doing a Google search.
  • draper1draper1 Member Posts: 4
    THANK YOU, MUCH APPRECIATED
  • gaylenwgaylenw Member Posts: 10
    Robersha,
    My father just took a new Dodge Ram home Last week. I bought the truck and gifted it to him. You are correct the warranty will still be good if the truck was licensed in the states first. I called Chrysler and they verified that. They said the only thing that won't be good is the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. My father spent 40mins at the Huntington Border crossing and was on his way. Went to the Dodge dealer and had the DRL's turned on and will be done with everything with in a couple weeks. Hope this isn't to late. Because I gifted the truck to him he had to pay GST but not PST. The dealer gave him a recall print out and a letter stating there was not any outstanding recalls and that was sufficient.
  • acurapmacurapm Member Posts: 10
    I've just returned to Ontario from the US with a used Lexus Rx330. I've faxed the Recall Clearance letter to the RIV and paid the $195 processing fee. I'm considering the drive to Etobicoke (about three hours in total) to get the Form 2, but I'm not sure if this is a waste of time, or not. Has anyone had the experience, and if so, is there much of a wait time involved when going in person to the RIV office in the West Mall?
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    I actually went there in person...no wait, done in 10 minutes...staff very friendly and helpful. Just off 427 at Burnhamthorpe and West Mall. From there,took form to a greater Cdn tire dealer... done... then to PST office...All in one afternoon
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    PS "West Mall" is a street name...not a mall...One block west of the 427...large corner bldg.
  • ztorontoztoronto Member Posts: 3
    Hi Gaylenw,

    Does Gifted car not pay PST?

    If my sister in UAS buy and register the car in states and sign it to me as a gift then I import it to Ontario as a gift. Can I waive the PST? How could you do that, please advise. It will save a thousand dollars.

    Thanks in advance!
  • doc911doc911 Member Posts: 56
    Gifty or not, no PST is collected for auto sales between immediate family members...
  • minivanforusminivanforus Member Posts: 9
    Hi Gaylenw,

    Were you asked to give any source of proof by anyone that your dad is lawfully "your dad"?
    In the case of siblings who live in different countries for years I am not sure I can think of any kind of document that proves the relationship

    Thanks
  • chrisjwchrisjw Member Posts: 6
    HI does anyone know if there is a listing of where cars are manufactured to determine if the 6.1% duty has to be paid? I am interested in an Infiniti G37 and would like to know if it is made in the US or Japan.
  • b_lum81b_lum81 Member Posts: 25
    I'm not sure about the G37 but I believe if you check the VIN# and it starts with a letter it's made outside of North America which means you have to pay duty.

    If it starts with a number it's made in North America....

    Can anyone else confirm that?
  • twotonetommytwotonetommy Member Posts: 35
    First digit in VIN determines where its made:

    1, 4, 5=USA
    2=Canada
    3= Mexico
    J=Japan
    W=Germany
    K=Korea
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