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Importing Car into Canada from US

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  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Not always the case. Canadians simply are not like Americans where they scream louder. Many years ago, Americans where coming to Canada to buy their car ' coz it was cheaper here due to the exchange rate..and the car companies @ that time were using all the dirty tricks in the books @ to make it harder for Americans to get their cars from here.

    They did the same thing in Europe many years ago where population between borders is no longer the question. Once people starts crossing the border, car companies started making life miserable for them. Guess what happened, the car companies were penalized by the European court.

    So, where is your population/market potential excuse? What happened to the so-called economics? The truth is, they'll get away with crime if you let them and the North American politicians are allowing it.

    Here's a great example on how we're being gouged, a Chrysler made in Canada will have a freight ( transportation fee ) of around $700 - $800 in USA while we pay around $1400 in Canada. There's absolutely no sense to it. And the cars that they sell to Canadians were 10 - 25 percent more expensive.
  • yeboyebo Member Posts: 13
    Hello folks,

    Been a while since my last post here. Just getting bck in the importing game again ! Makes it even better since the dollar is close to parity ;)

    Question - Has anyone on the board recently imported a new Mazda Cx-9 (or perhaps a different mazda)? A dealer in OR is willing to sell a new one to me but i have heard some rumours (from other dealers) that there can be problems on the border since they expect cars to be at least 6 months old or certain miles to be able to import without any hassle. Sounds pretty wierd that border folks would have anything to do with this but i thought i 'll just check to see anyone has come across such a thing. Please can you share your experience about any such thing.

    Thanks,
    Rv
  • mugsy4mugsy4 Member Posts: 1
    I live directly on the border and I can tell you, "don't be surprised if you cannot bring a new vehicle back to Canada". Free trade is Ok for big business but not Ok for you and I. That is the message I hear. Yes it is true that we make em and sell them for less to our American friends. The government/press work hand in hand to Keep all these matters quiet and if reported are relegated to the depths within the paper and then quietly forgotten. After all is said and done my savings approached $10,000.00 for my first US bought vehicle. The disparity in cost is disgusting, the various tax grab schemes IE RiV fee, safety check on a 2008 vehicle, Japan tax (if made in Japan), Gst/Pst, are obscene as well. And I still saved 10K, wow! PS I love my new FX.
  • rjmbcrjmbc Member Posts: 51
    I assisted with the import of one either late in December or early January. It was brand new & came across with no problems
  • howard19howard19 Member Posts: 5
    Can anyone assist with information on importing a new GTI? Is there any warranty coverage and will Volkswagon dealers sell new cars to Canadians?
    Thanks.
  • johnlijohnli Member Posts: 1
    Hello,
    Please let me know how, I am planning to buy a same car.
    Thanks.
  • ostrich001ostrich001 Member Posts: 13
    Hi pkfolly and bav fan07, I found your posts by doing a search on this same issue, so I am wondering if you can answer my questions.

    I am a US resident and I am planning to purchase a 2009 BMW in the States. However, I just got a job offer in Canada and so I probably will be working there on a Work Permit late this year. I plan to bring the BMW with me.

    I know that BMW Canada is requiring something that is way beyond what the Canadian government is asking for. However, BMW Canada told me that if I did not do that, then they would not honor the warranty! Is that true?

    So, if I get the DRL switch done at Canadian Tire, then BMW Canada would void my US warranty!?!!? That sounds pretty ridiculous to me, if that is true!!!
  • bangomanbangoman Member Posts: 1
    Hi been looking at this for a while - there was one other mention of the Audi S4 in this thread stating no problems importing into Canada. I'm thinking only DRL and a French airbag sticker will be required?

    I'm also unclear what happens with US state taxes if I buy from a dealer or non-dealer. Am I right in thinking that most states will want me to pay them state taxes if I want to transfer the title and put plates on the car, even if they are temporary? I find all the different states' DMV sites a little confusing as there generally aren't any specific sections for out-of-state buyers.

    I look forward to hearing your experiences.
    Thanks in advance.
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    If you are not moving to Canada permanently, you may not have to import the car....you can just show Canadian customs that you are only staying there temporarily...that was my understanding.....though the situation could be different in Canada. AFAIK, in the USA, if you are going there for a temporary work assignment, you do not need to import your car there since you are supposed to eventually leave the country...however I could be 100% wrong on this. When I was offered a job in the USA, that was what I was told by my employer. However I never ended up taking the job so I didn't truly experience it.

    What exactly is BMW Canada requiring from you? Are they requiring that you do the changes through them? I do not believe they can force you to do that any more. Similar to the re-call clearance letter fiasco, they have removed a lot of their restrictions.

    I know someone who just imported a BMW from the USA. I do not believe he went to BMW Canada for anything and his warranty is still being honored by BMW USA. Not sure about bmw Canada. Check out this link:

    http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360292

    The guy has a real good write-up there. Check it out.
  • booneiibooneii Member Posts: 2
    I recently inquired about purchasing a new f-350 superduty with the the new ford diesel. I inquired with 2 different Ford dealers in Michigan as I live close to the boarder and with the dollar close to par the US price on this truck is $12000.00 cheaper than in Canada. Both the US dealers say they cannot sell a new truck to someone who lives in Canada. Has anyone heard of this?
  • lapielapie Member Posts: 1
    I would want to buy a Hyundai Santafe 2009 is the anti theft on a US car meet the requirements of Canada transport for the immobilization system?
  • tbladetblade Member Posts: 2
    I am considering buying a MBenz GL320 cdi in USA and importing it into Canada. I have read about charges of $5000 to $8000 for modifications to bumpers, etc. I have also heard from a broker that some of these problems have been eliminated. Does anyone know if there are still problems with bringing a GL320 cdi into Canada or what problems there may be?
  • bluechipjbluechipj Member Posts: 1
    I work for an importer (http://www.importtrader.com/) and we have imported Mercedes, Audi, BMW and many others.

    Hyundai does not provide a warranty in Canada.

    Mercedes Benz modifications vary depending on the vehicle. They typically force cluster changes despite many vehicles having metric units in smaller #s while miles in larger number.

    MB & BMW force you to do the modifications through a dealership if you want to maintain a warranty.
  • tbladetblade Member Posts: 2
    Your response was very helpful. Do you know how I can find out what modifications are necessary to import a 2007 or 2008 Mercedes GL320 cdi and what the estimated cost to have whatever modifications done would be?
  • sloan55sloan55 Member Posts: 10
    Call your local MB dealer with your year, make, model and VIN number and ask them for a modification quote. Talk to service

    Keep in min $350 USD for a recall letter from MB USA which you have to get on your own, or if you are buying it from an MB dealer, you need a recall letter on the dealerships letterhead accompanied by a service computer print out showing no open recalls. If you can get this, you can save the $350. RIV will accept both.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    Just to let you know that yes importing is picking up quite a bit with the rise of the dollar. More than 10,000 a month. CarsWithoutBorders just published some data on the site by province by month. Also we (Bob Lamb and I ) will be meeting CBC to talk about automobile imports again soon. This issue is bound to get the headline it deserves in the next few weeks. :)
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    It might be a good idea to mention the freight/transportation fee that we pay in Canada which is around $1,800 while Americans pay around $700. This is also true to cars made in Canada. We also pay around $800 processing fees here. We are being super gouged and our government don't want to do anything but play politics.

    It might also help if we can pressure both governments to have a North American standard and to find a way to make car companies cover warranties anywhere in NA.
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    How about extended warranties - back in 2007 I paid $1,000 for a 7 year - 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. In Canada the same was like $2,300. It's on all aspects of the deal that we are getting shafted. The large market in the USA is not a reason - the Toronto - Vancouver - Calgary - Montreal markets are very large and should benefit from fair pricing. If I go to smalltown USA - I get better prices than in Toronto - come on - consumers need to wake up - only the consumers can make a difference. I will be posting on www.CarsWithoutBorders.com the imports in 2009 for the major car companies - Toyota - Honda - GM - Ford and Chrysler. Maybe we will see where the price variances are the highest, or which ones are easier to import.

    Why is a Honda Civic built in Alliston Ontario more expensive in Ontario than in Plattsburg New York, or Buffalo - Detroit?
  • sergelbergeronsergelbergeron Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2009
    Well it turns out the number of vehicles imports in 1st Q 2009 were 18,794 vs 1st Quarter 2010 of 36,272 - a whopping 93% increase. Somebody's doing some importing. This number includes all vehicles - motorcycles, motorhomes, etc that must be cleared by the RIV. We import one at a time - the RIV gets this over 10,000 times a month :mad: :cry::)
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    Hi,

    I have posted this message before, likely about 18 months ago.

    Two years ago I imported a 2008 Impreza WRX from Bellingham Washington to Vancouver. BC. I paid 10k less after all taxes and fees than the best offer I received from the local Canadian dealers (though to be fair, my American model had about 2k less in options -- options that were not optional in Canada). It was a very painless process, and I would certainly not hesitate to do so again.

    I documented the steps I went through to import the vehicle. As well, this document now contains comments from another person who used my document as a starting point to import a Subaru last fall (about 6 months ago).

    If you want a copy of the document, send me an e-mail. All I ask in return is any feedback available on any additional info that might supplement my doc.

    E-mail me at Bob_Langelaan@telus.net for a free copy.

    Cheers,
    Bob
  • yeboyebo Member Posts: 13
    Hi,

    I imported a vehicle just a couple of weeks ago and process was fairly simple. This is a collaboration space so it would be best to post your document so people can share their experience rather than keeping it in the offline mode unless of course, there is a commercial idea doing rounds ;)

    Cheers!
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    Hi,

    I agree, the process is fairly simple :)

    The problem is that the document uses 3 different color fonts and is fairly large.

    Send me an e-mail requesting the doc and if you can figure a way to post it without losing any context or content, you are free to do so :)

    Bob
  • michaelnorbertmichaelnorbert Member Posts: 3
    I just imported a used Honda Pilot from Roush Honda in Ohio to Ottawa. The import process is so well documented that I won't post my steps. But it is dead simple. Anyways I wonder how long it has taken people to get their vehicle registered and plated? I got my car shipped to Ottawa and had to do the import process myself. I got to the warehouse at 3:00 pm Thursday and I had the car plated and on the road Sat morning at 9:30.
    Here's my timeline
    Thursday
    3:00 go to warehouse to pick up docs -- title, bill of sale etc.
    3:15 drive to CBSA office to fill out Form 1, since they were at the warehouse earlier in the day they had already verified the VIN and SOC on the car
    3:45 back to the warehouse to drive the car home
    Friday
    7:30 drop car off at mechanic to install DRL, safety and e-test
    2:00 receive Form 2 via email from RIV
    3:30 pick up car from mechanic
    4:45 do RIV inspection at Cdn Tire
    Sat
    9:00 get plates and register vehicle at Service Ontario

    I saved $6000 off a Cdn Pilot. I got a 2006 Ex-L Pilot just out of warranty. I worked with Roush Honda (Norm Nolder) and he was excellent. He gave me the full vehicle service. (It was bought and serviced by Roush Honda) They put new brakes on, did the latest scheduled maintenance and flushed all fluids, (brakes,transmission,differential etc.) If anyone is hesitant about importing, don't be.
  • amorakamorak Member Posts: 3
    Hi Guys,

    I am looknig to import a BMW to Calgary from the US. I have heard horror stories of people having to replace the HVAC and speedo for thousands of dollars in order to get Canadian warranty.

    Is there a better way to import a used BMW and keep its warranty intact in Canada without spending over a grand?
  • markpromarkpro Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at importing an 07' Aston Martin Vantage V8 into Canada and was wondering if this car will get hit with the green levy tax and/or the duty tax?

    Any comments would be much appreciated.

    Thanks.
  • bcameronbcameron Member Posts: 5
    Not sure about the green levy... I just did a Mercedes CLS550 and it didn't get hit with it (would have thought it would... its got a monster V8 as well), but you will definitely have to pay the duty (and PST/GST). The Aston is made in the UK. If you go to RIV, you'll see the duties/taxes due. Nice wheels BTW.
  • dupa99dupa99 Member Posts: 1
    I have 2 questions, as I am thinking of purchasing a vehicle from the US & driving it back to Canada:
    1) What do I use for a license plate? The state will provide a temp permit but no plates.
    2) What is the best way to pay? I'm afraid that by using a certified check (bank draft) from a Canadian bank, I might be held up waiting for the dealership (or its bank) to clear the check.
  • michaelnorbertmichaelnorbert Member Posts: 3
    1. Just use the temp permit but make sure you have insurance
    2. Wire transfer, bank to bank.
  • wajahatwajahat Member Posts: 1
    Hello Everyone! i would be happy if anyone can guide me in the right direction. I am planning to import 1991 Toyota Mark II from UAE to canada. i live in canada. My family is in UAE. please tell me if this car is eligible to import in Canada.
    Thanks,
    wajahat
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    I am happy to report over 50 people have requested and received a copy of my document since I made my offer on April 20th. Still waiting for feedback, but since it takes a few weeks to complete the process, hopefully the feedback will start coming my way soon.

    Cheers,
    Bob
  • rutilus99rutilus99 Member Posts: 5
    Can I please have a copy of your "21 steps to Importing a Vehicle from the USA" ?
    I promise to leave feeback.
    Thanks, rutilus99 at hotmail.com
  • rutilus99rutilus99 Member Posts: 5
    Here is some information that I'd like to share.

    I live in Montreal, Quebec I'm looking for a new Acura MDX ora Lexus R350. To start my quest I joined consumerreports.org and got actual quotes from dealers, the price was basically "at invoice".

    The Acura dealers had no prlobem selling a new car to me but the Lexus dealers said no way, however all offered me 2010's with very low mileage (2,000 - 10, 0000 miles) and they were Lexus certified. Boston dealers offered to ship for US$500.

    Best State, well NH has temporary tags and no sales tax. Hope this helps those in the Quebec region that are looking to save C$8k to C$10K by buying in the USA.
  • smarty666smarty666 Member Posts: 1,503
    While I like some of their products, importing a Nissan or Infiniti into Canada from the US has another added problem, most other car brands don't. None of their products come with DRLs, where in Canada, DRLs are required by law so if you import a Nissan or Infiniti, you have the added headache of getting DRLs installed or wired onto your car!
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    I believe one significant distinction between Acura and Lexus is that the warranty for Acura vehicles cannot be transferred to Canada, which is not the case for Lexus. This would make me very uninclined to import an Acura (or Honda which has the same restriction).

    Bob
  • echohappyechohappy Member Posts: 1
    Currently, I am planning to import one 2009 Honda Accord to Canada from US. Does anyone has similar experience to share? Thanks very very much
  • mdebreynemdebreyne Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2010
    Your CLS550 just makes it in without the levy (from http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/tms/lst_vh-eng.html, it avgs 12.58L/100k)

    Out of curiosity, what did you have to mod to bring it to Canadian specs and how much was the total for all modifications?

    An 07 Astin would might be ok as it's only vehicles put in service after March 07 that pay the levy otherwise it's $1000 or $2000.

    (note that this is strictly from Transport Canada's fuel ratings which are pretty optimistic (It rates our Sienna at 10.08, we avg (although mostly city) about 13)).
  • bcameronbcameron Member Posts: 5
    Not sure how they get 12.58L/100Km.... I drive it a bit like a maniac (that 392Hp V8 is intoxicating) and a bit :-) above the 100kph limit on average and get 10.4L/100Km. I guess when the Transport Canada guys tested it they really went nuts with the V8! (Or do a lot more city driving than I do).

    In any case, the modifications from MB came to about $2500... nutso, but necessary to get the warranty. The change to daytime running lights is particularly stupid as the car has the option to go to DRL right from the menu screen but that isn't good enough for MB... they wanted > $500 to make it so you have to turn on the headlights to be able to get highbeams (when the car already has automatic headlights). They also changed the shifter knob so instead of on/off for keyless go, it has this circle which every single person has asked me what it does because nobody can figure out what the sign is supposed to mean. If you don't care about the warranty, you can bring one in and not do any of those mods but MB won't be happy.
  • redletterredletter Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I'm new to the forum and I require some advice on importing a 1966 Cobra replica manufactured by Everett-Morrison into Canada through a private sale. Is this possible? What would be the best way to do this.....through a broker?

    Any information would be helpful.....appreciate the advice.
    Thanks,
    Randall
  • mdebreynemdebreyne Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2010
    In general, kit cars are NOT admissible for import into Canada so you can only import it if you can prove that it was assembled 15 or more years ago (http://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx)

    If it is more than 15 years ago, there's basically nothing to do other than bring it to the border, export from the US and import into Canada (paying taxes but no RIV fee as it doesn't go into the program).
  • akeyakey Member Posts: 3
    Can you please email me your 21 steps guide. I will leave feedback for sure.
    asingh70@sqatester.com
    Thx
  • akeyakey Member Posts: 3
    It is very helpful guide for some one who like to import from US.
    Good job Bob
  • akeyakey Member Posts: 3
    Hi All,
    I need your help to find out Infinty or Audi and import to Toronto. Can you guys help me if you know any friendly dealer who is near Ontario border give good deals?
    I am looking Infinity FX 35 2009 or 2010 or Audi 2009 Q5.
    And also if you post or send me your experience if you imported above cars.

    Thanks
    Anil
  • lax5lax5 Member Posts: 29
    Looking into a vehicle in Arizona and would need to haul it to the Washington/BC border. I am looking for info on who to use and costs associated with this.

    TIA
  • lax5lax5 Member Posts: 29
    I am looking at importing a 1963 Buick. I brought a truck home from the US three years ago, but I bought it new. The process was extremely easy. I am wondering what the steps are for importing a vehicle older than 15years, expecially if there are any safety issues that I need to know about so that I can get plates/insurance in BC.
  • romdolieromdolie Member Posts: 2
    Could you send me a copy of the guide?

    Thanks

    Ron
  • autodafeautodafe Member Posts: 1
    Hi Bob

    Would you be so kind to email me the guide?
    I am looking for initial advice on importing for personal use and not for resale business.
    Thanks in advance
    Gregory
    g.gold@rogers.com
  • astortxastortx Member Posts: 3
    I am a Canadian living in USA for last 6 years , and planning to move back in May 2011. I can work out some deal who wants buy luxury car from here and import to Canada.As far as I know I am exempt from most of the taxes and fees.
  • l8ll8l Member Posts: 1
    How do I get a copy of 21 steps to importing a car into Canada.

    thx

    JohnL
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    Read message #4578 for instructions.
  • blangelaanblangelaan Member Posts: 31
    Read message #4578 for instructions.
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