Importing Car into Canada from US

tnltnl

Hi,
I just came across this tread.

Is it still possible to buy a Toyota, Honda, Subaru, or Bmw in the US and import into Canada?
I heard that Toyota and Honda dealers in the States were told they can't sell to Canadians. I emailed a number of them in Montana and Washington state and they said they couldn't.
I am in Western Canada, but would consider going anywhere to get the car.
Thanks for any help.

wooha2000

I purchased a toyota 3 weeks ago. If you want I can PM you the person I dealt with. Don't know about other Automakers.

tnltnl

Yes, PM me if you can.
Thanks

hbs

Can you also PM me please ?

Thanks...

taco4rnr

Could you please PM me as well?

Thanks

scouzi

Any luck with the Binder insurrance for Quebec?

I just bought a brand new Subaru. Meloche didn't say no but they will do a risk assessement for the Binder insurance. They will let me know within 48 hrs. First they told me they can only register cars that are registered at the SAAQ. Then I explained the chicken and the egg problem with that and the REP dug a little deeper.

BTW, if you don't already know, there is another forum at:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307601

subahonda

how much did I save? I like to say I saved nothing - I spent $25,000 on a car that I wouln't have bought if I had to pay $38,000 in Canada. Really. I would not have bought it all. The dealers in Canada not only started with a higher price but had add-ons like PDI (which is not on cars in the US) and various compulsory fees, and much higher freight. The best deal in Canada was $700 over invoice and no "glasss etching" fee. You can figure it this way: go to kbb.com or edmunds.com and get the actual selling price and convert to C$. You add on the RIV fee and provincial safety inspection charge. There was no import duty and GST and PST were less because the sales price was lower. The salesman was terrific and appreciated my business and was pressure-free. I do have a speedo in mph and temps are in F. In the end, the price was only about $8000 less, all in. But the dollar was gone up since then. Is it worth it? - not for most people, obviously, since it's not hurting sales here. But if you want to do it, it's a positive experience.

boomchek

had add-ons like PDI (which is not on cars in the US)

Frieght and PDI is added on to EVERY new car Canada and US, whether you see it or not.

scouzi

Yes except that freight and PDI is about 33% of the cost in the US for the same car. I guess it's probably related to the population density.

boomchek

Just like any new car price is about 33% less than in Canada.

subahonda

"Freight and PDI is added on to EVERY new car Canada and US, whether you see it or not" What is the basis in your statement about the PDI? It was not on my invoice - and domestic dealers don't normally have such charges, even in Canada. Indeed, freight was invoiced (destination charge)and according to the dealer there was no PDI. I checked on the kbb site and they don't show PDI on the invoices.... And the freight was less than if I'd bought it in Canada.

trentsteel

Quote:"In the end, the price was only about $8000 less, all in. Is it worth it? - not for most people, obviously, since it's not hurting sales here. "

How much money do you have if saving "only" $8,000 is not worth it? I think it is well worth it for most people.

boomchek

The basis for my statement is that I sold Hondas for 3 years.

Just because you didn't see it on your invoice doesn't mean it's not there.

skyviewman

Just as a word of warning regarding the warranty coverage in Canada on some US vehicles. In my case it was a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. I first became aware of the dealer through Ebay which in his ad he stated he could sell to Canada. I didn't bid but negotiated an deal over the internet and by phone. I asked repeatedly about the warranty coverage in Canada and he said it would be no problem. I asked him to check with Chrysler, he did or so he said and again it was no problem so we had a deal. We firmed up the deal, set a delivery date and I made arrangements to fly down and pick it up. When they went to register it, Chrysler would not accept the registration and the only way I could get the truck was if I purchased it without warranty. Who would purchase a $50K vehicle with no warranty? I talked to Chrysler in the US and in Canada and the answer was the same, no warranty coverage either on new or used no matter how many miles were on it or how long it had been registered. I am finding out now that it is in their franchise agreements that they cannot sell outside of the US. I have set up a complaint file with Chrysler in the US as I think it is a fraud for these dealers to advertise that they can sell to Canada, take your money and then when the dust settles, say they can't sell to you and refund your money. In this case I lost about 2K in exchange and reservations and I thought I had done my homework, so be careful and make sure you check with the manufacturer regarding warranties before you give them any money. So much for free trade.

defrederick

Thanks wooha2000. Can you update us on your warranty experience with Toyota? What kind of vehicle did you purchase?

Dan

wooha2000

None as of yet but if you are wondering if the warrenty is honored in Canada. The answer is yes. I spoke to 2 Toyota sale persons in Calgary and they told me that vehicles purchased in the USA warrenteed in Canada. Also there was inforation on the internet indicating this also.

I purchased a 2007 Touring Prius.

What are you purchasing?

defrederick

We're looking at a 2007 Sienna XLE Limited with FWD. You can't even get a loaded 2WD Sienna in Canada. I guess the powers that be feel we get too much snow.

oasis2000

Hi subahonda and others,
Your posts have been very helpful. I am planning to go to the Buffalo too to get a car. One of the big doubts I had is about the paper license tag.

1. When you buy the car does the dealer give the paper tag to you or do u have to go to NYS DMV with some documents to get it?

2. Also, what does the tag say exactly? Does it have some kind of information about the intended destination of the car?

3. I am planning on buying a new Toyota camry using my NJ license (I moved to Canada late last year) and so I can buy the car fairly easily but I have no Idea what the Paper tag will say. If all that the dealer needs is just my license, SSN and the money, I should be good, but I am scared by the prospect of the car being stopped by US or Canadian customs because of the temporary tag.


Btw, is it the same as an Interstate permit?

Any responses will be appreciated.

Thanks

oasis2000

hey wooha,

when you bought the car in the us, did u get an in transit permit? What kind of number plates did it have basically?

Thanks

oasis2000

Hi All,

I went through the modifications list and I am planning to bring over a 2007 Toyota Camry. I was able to get most things in the camry prospectus but i have no idea of some others


1. 8 km/hour bumpers - What are those??

2. Metric speedometer and odometer labels - I am assuming that Camry 2007 which has a digital speedometer can show info in metric as well as english. Any confirmation on this?

3. French supplementary restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance - Now what might that be??

Thanks

wooha2000

It was a temp drive tag issues by the dealer that got placed on the font left corner of the windshield.

So, basicly a 15 day temp DMV tag.

wooha2000

firstly, the only thing I had done was getting DRLs, other than that the inspecter checks the other items mentioned below if it is listed on "form 1" RIV sends.

If you call RIV they will tell you what needs to actually get done.

1. 8 km/hour bumpers - What are those??
Bumper that can withstand a 8km impact with no damage (I believe). all new cars adhere to this.
2. Metric speedometer and odometer labels - I am assuming that Camry 2007 which has a digital speedometer can show info in metric as well as english. Any confirmation on this?
Call and ask.
3. French supplementary restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance - Now what might that be??
Label on the sun visors of the car. I think all new car have them now. Mine did.

windsorguy

wooha2000 - Can you tell me which dealership you bought your toyota from? you can mail me at rg1495@yahoo.com

thanks

tedd2

I am hoping you folks in Ontario can help me with this as you are the ones most likely to have come across this. I am purchasing a car private sale from someone in Michigan. The owner is telling me the Michigan Secretary of State is saying I have to pay sales tax there. I simply don't think that is correct. Has anyone out there made a purchase in Michigan? Can you tell me whether or not in fact you had to pay their sales tax? Thanks.

oasis2000

Can you let me know too which dealership you got your from? My email is jkohli_9@yahoo.com

Thanks

tidester

Can you let me know too which dealership you got your from?

It's okay to name the dealership here. We just ask that contact information (phone numbers, names of salespeople etc.) not be included.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

oasis2000

So the tag said that you can drive the car up to Canada?

wooha2000

Correct... they put your address on the tag.

pondorpool

wooha2000 - I am running into this "Lexus policy not to sell to Canadians" issue with a new IS350 I'd like to buy... can you please PM me with the person/dealer you bought your car through - Thanks.

oasis2000

I just got off the phone with Canada customs. They say that the car MUST be titled - frustrating. I tried to explain to her that I will have the MSO but shes like...as far as I know you must have the Title or they wont let you in. God, dunno why RIV wont confirm this. Any inputs anyone?

rhj1954

I am interested in purchasing a Nissan Pathfinder and was wondering if anybody has any experience with Nissan products having their warranty honoured in Canada if the vehicle was bought south of the border.

wooha2000

I think when they mean "titled" it is the same as what I recieved.

"Certificate of Origin For a Vehicle"

This is the document I got and it was no issue with Customs. The dealer will give you a "document" indicating it is titled. Just symantics on what it is called.

subahonda

1. The dealer gave me the tag and put it in the rear window. It is needed to drive to the border. It is not needed in Canada.
2. The tag said New York and the expiry date and some numbers
3. You're scared? Don't be. You will not be a novelty at the border. Hundreds of vehicles are imported weekly. They don't even look at the tag - it's not their business. All the agents on both sides were nice as can be and facilitated the process - that's their job. They don't work for car dealers. They don't even look at the car. They look at the paper work and take your money. Canadian Tire doesn't look at your tag. If your car is not yet registered in Ontario - it just has to be insured.
Finally, your NJ license is not the issue - your residence is. They don't ask for your license - they need your address. If you buy it for delivery in NY you pay NY sales tax and full registration. If you buy it for export, then there are no taxes. They don't care who tested you as a driver. Toyota in Buffalo will not sell it for export. Buy a Subaru at Northtown in Buffalo, get a great car at a great price with full warranty. I know that Honda dealers (in Watertown at least) will sell you their product. Someone has posted that they can get a Toyota. The dealer on Grand Island was selling to Canadians but stopped when pressured. You might try again.

oasis2000

Thanks suba, the only problem now is that 2007 Subaru Legacy is now out of stock and 08 is not on the approval list yet and the grand island dealer is only willing to sell a used car now, but thats besides the point.
Bummer.

rhj1954

Has anyone had any experience as to whether Canadians are eligible for factory and cash rebates if they are purchsing in the U.S. Thanks.

lax5

I purchased a Nissan Frontier in December and received the $2000 rebate off the top. It was the posted rebate that Nissan was offering at that time. It still remains to be seen if I will be able to get any warranty work done, should I need it, though.

subahonda

Same for Subaru - factory rebate is taken as a discount to the final price. Check it out at edmonds site for pricing or kbb. This is even better than an instant rebate - it comes off before the final price is tallied. This serves as the basis for GST & PST.

cmry07ownr

Hi all,

After finding lots of useful info in this forum I successfully bought a new 07 Toyota Camry and imported it into Canada.

After doing my homework it only took 20 minutes at the US border and 25 at the Canadian side.

I also found out and experienced that the 72hrs waiting period does not apply to brand new cars if you pass one of the smaller border crossings (ask in person before doing so).

I live in BC and found out that some dealers in the western part of the states are willing to sell new Toyota's to Canadians and some are not. It just takes a bit driving around to find out which one will and which one won't.

Surprisingly the Toyota dealer just half an hour over the border (who you'd expect to refuse) didn't blink and said they would sell cars to Canadians and have done so regularly. However, I had a bad experience with that particular dealer since they couldn't/didn't deliver what they promised twice.

I was flexible with their first screw up: the fact that they forgot to mention with the first (second hand 400miles 07 Camry) that they didn't have the certificate of title in their possession, which would be necessary to export it (was because the car had been sold 18 days before). Depending on the US RIV this could take up to three weeks before I would get it. I was lenient and agreed to purchase a new one for a little bit more. However, after having verbally concluded an agreement to buy a certain kind of color Camry they called me two hours later to say that they didn't have it in stock anymore (the sales person even checked her database just before I agreed to purchase it). They refused to do a dealer trade at their own expense (which would be the right thing to do after one of their sales people screwed up) and the rude English manager told me that he did not want to do business since I complained about them not delivering me what they agreed to sell...

I still do not agree with the they breached contract twice and refused to fix it. I thought about suing them but that would at the end be a waste of my time. They are the closest dealer to the border but I will never ever buy a car there anymore..

After wasting a week with that one I drove 1,5hrs more south and found a larger dealership with very polite people wanting to give good decent service for people wanting to spend their money.

Like I said the import was a joke. Am now waiting on form 2.

Found useful info on this site: http://www.importcartocanada.info/

Toyota faxed me the recall letter one hour after I called and insurance was easy after finding ICBC person who imported himself.

So go forth and save thousands of dollars on new cars in the US. The odo in miles and temp in F is the only downside.

Good luck!

kim15

Good job! Thank you very much for sharing your experience. May I ask the dealer's name where you purchased your Camry. Thanks.

tinyguy

While shopping around for a used vans, I found that there were few vans imported by the owners (legally of course) and selling at substantial discounts. Does it make sense for Canadians to go after these?

I realize that speedometer will be out of wack :0 by Canadian standard (i.e. miles) and odometer will also only display in miles. Are there other problems that I should be worried about?

What about maintenance? Are US bound vehicles built the same as Canadian bound ones?

I am specifically interested in 2004 - 2005ish Odysseys and Siennas.

Thanks!

chan530

I am about to purchase a 2003 BMW 325i imported from the States. I was wondering what the cost is for repairing the vehicle if problems do arise. Is the repair cost the same as any 2003 BMW 325i purchased in Canada?

boomchek

The cars should be the same and share same parts, so costs should be the same as well.

boomchek

The Siennas and Odysseys are identical save for the colors, and sometimes their trim levels might have different features. For example an Odyssey EX from US might have different options than an Odyssey EX from here.

leftcoastauto

I have a similar thought from the other side of the issue.

Has anyone tried to sell or trade in an American import in Canada?
While the difference of odometer and speedo is in practical terms minor, I would think it might be a stumbling block to selling. Any experiences?
I have imported two cars to date, and will probably look at selling one soon.
As an anecdote, I feel no guilt saving money by importing,and bypassing the local dealer. A few years ago it was near impossible to find a good used pickup on a dealers lot. I asked a dealer why that was? His response, "we wholesale them all to the States". The benefit was twofold, firstly realizing a quicker and larger profit (via exchange rate) and secondly creating a marketplace where buying new stock was encouraged through the lack of good quality near new. Shoes on the other foot now and I feel no remorse.

dougb10

A couple of years ago, I sold my 90 year old father's 1990 Cadillac DeVille, which he bought in 1992 in Birmingham, Alabama.( He wanted a used Caddy with no salt!)

Put in the AutoTrader for the Toronto area....sold it in two days for $7,000 cash....the 65 year old purchaser brought me 350 $20 bills in a plastic shopping bag.

The U.S. odometer and speedometer did not bother him at all as I had the original bill of sale from Birmingham and all the service records. This car was a creampuff ...navy blue with blue leather...had 100,000 miles or about 160,000 kms.

You see U.S. cars for sale around here all the time.

Doug

hotel1

DOUG............If I recall my 90 DeVille had a button on
the dash to turn all speedo/odo readouts to either metric/km
to english.. Didn't that one have it?

tinyguy

For sure you will take a hit. My main motivation for consiering US imported behicle was the price. I am put off when I see US gages. I'm sure other Canadians will as well.

I plan to see how long those models last in the used market. If they stay for a while, I may offer a substantially discounted offer to see if that works...

One of the model I saw was strange:

- 2004 Sienna XLE LTD (non AWD) with everything inc. Nav
- $23500 CA
- Only 29k mi (Can I really trust this?)
- The rear bar just above the plate is black! (Only CE models are supposed to come this way)
- Console between the two front seats dont exist
- It comes with running boards (yuck)

But believe it or not, this is about $6 - 8k less than what it would cost if it was a pure Canadian model with equivalent mileage, assuming clear condition. Considering that CA$ vs US$ is nearly 1:1 now, we Candians are seriously getting ripped off...

This owner purchased it from a dealer in Canada 1 year ago and now he doesn't need it anymore... Hmmm.

Does this sound risky?

boomchek

If the trim pieces don't match I'd be very suspicious. Most likely had an accident, or was a rebuild.

And I'd be wary of used US vehicles with no documented history as some could come from the Katrina floods. Last thing you want or need is an ex-flood car.

Our Honda dealer had a customer who wanted to trade in a CRV from Ontario. It was a 2003 EX model with a factory sunroof (they never made 2002 and up EX with factory sunroofs). Turned out the car had a rollover before in Ontario (didn't show on ICBC check) and the roof section was welded on from an EX-L model, hence the sunroof).

We never took the car in on trade, but you might end up with rebuilds like that if you don't check the history properly.

dougb10

hotel1....the odometer was only in miles.

Buying the car was a real "bonding" experience with my then 80 year old father. We flew from Toronto to Birmingham to check out all the Cadillacs available. Found this immaculate 2 year old DeVille...it was navy blue with blue leather ( I told my Dad he could become an airline limo driver if he got bored).
The sales guy at Williams Cadillac told us the car had "never been driven uphill or against the wind"!
We did this in January....drove back to Toronto in a mother of a snowstorm...so bad, the dealer called us at home later to see if we made it OK...they were great to do business with.

Doug

subahonda

I think it would be a bad idea to post the name of the dealer since it could invite pressure from other dealers - and kill off the possibility you are seeking. Send a PM to the OP or simply read what it says and do the work.