Importing Car into Canada from US

hacheyimports

No cereal1964, you do not need to register this vehicle in the US prior to import. Some manufacturers will restrict the export of new vehicles and so folks work around this by registering and then re-selling.

I am actually assisting a buyer who is bringing his BMW Z4 home from Tuscon this week.

Take care.

alieee

Hi there, I'm looking to buy a new lexus rx 350 awd and import it right away to canada. Could you please tell me the details who is the sales rep that can help me thru the importing process? because I know some of the lexus dealer are not allowing canadian residents to buy a new car .

You can also pm me for the details, thank you in advance.

sterio_love

wondering if you were able to get info on az broker and can you PM me the az broker?

kat90

Hi,
I bought a GMC Savana wheelchair van with a wheelchair lift in it, they call this a modification. GMC is not on the list for this lift, only Ford and a mini Chrysler. Many Savana vans in Canada put the exact same lift in, now they say I need to send it back to the USA. Anyone know if I can appeal? It's considered safe if it was modified here.The van has been in Canada for 2 weeks now and I just got the letter saying this now.
Thanks

seegee37

After a fun drive slipping and sliding across Washington state, spent under 10 minutes at US Customs, Blaine - then about 15 minutes at Canada Customs and 10 minutes at the RIV office nearby - then drove our G back to the island.

I had emailed the information to US Customs, so it took no time at all. The only glitch at Canada Customs was forgetting my VISA pin, but they took Amex so no big problem. RIV has already emailed me the inspection form, so all in all a very easy process (as long as you have done your homework in advance). Lucked out with exchange at .9924

Including the original US price, duty, tax, air excise, modifications, RIV fee, etc - the total savings are $ 14,000 - well worth the effort to get a model no longer sold in Canada!!

SeeGee37

weldonblair

I have a 2009 MDX (sport model) SUV that I'm planning to take to carmax but was hoping to get feedback from people here first. I would appreciate your thoughts on the following:

1) I have the towing package and the Acura bike rack. Does it add value to bring the bike rack in with the car when it's appraised?

2) In addition to the cloth floormats, I purchased the all-weather mats for the front and rear as well as the utility tray for the back. Does carmax give you anything for these additional sets of mats or am I better off selling these on my own?

3) When I look up the MDX on kelly blue book.com there is no distinction (in terms of value) for the various levels (like this one is the sport model which has everything but the DVD entertainment system). Will Carmax take into account that this car is the sport model? Will they add in more for the Accura sport running boards I had installed?

Thanks so much for your insight!

theautobroker

The previous posters are correct. Many manufacturers have threatened to penalize dealers who sell to Canadians.

We provide an All Brands new car buying service for Canadians looking to take advantage of the stronger Canadian Dollar.

When necessary, we title the vehicle in the USA, thereby overcoming these restrictions.

Kirstie_H

Folks, please keep in mind that this is a place to exchange information and experiences. We don't allow any solicitation of business here. If you've used a particular dealer and want to recommend them, you're welcome to post the dealership or service name - but no contact info, and please don't ask others to email you privately for info. That's often a back door to solicitation.

Thank you for understanding.

mbsl55

I recently purchased a 2006 MB SL55 AMG in the U.S.A. that I would like to bring into Alberta. Seemed easy enough to get into the province until I dealt with local Mercedes of Canada dealer. They are now telling me it will cost $3500 to equip with "appropriate upgrades" to meet Canadian Standards and they are the only ones authorized to write a compliance letter (for an additional $500 beans). This includes changing out the instrument cluster that already is programmed for daytime running lights and can easily be switched to km on dashboard. "Lack of Service" rep indicated the only reason for this was to discourage Canadians from buying in the States. Do I have any recourse or am I basically paying a "$4K sin tax" directly to MB Canada? I realize I should have done my homework first but I have had friends who have brought in Acura and Lexus products without this issue . . . so I assumed. Thanks

mountainchar

The savings from importing are too great to ignore, especially given the strength of the Canadian dollar at the moment. I got tired years ago of paying extra for the privilege of being Canadian, and started looking into importing cars. My most recent purchase was a Volvo XC90 and I've also sourced a Honda Beat and BMW 318i from Japan. The Internet Autobroker took care of all three transactions for me and next on my wish list is a CTS-V.....

pkfolly

I had the same issues with my BMW with BMWCanada, $500 recall notice and $3000 instrument cluster. The solution is to avoid MB Canada. I went back to my American dealer's service advisor and in 5 minutes he had printed out the recall history for free (I did have to ask him very nicely, and promise not to be discrete and not use his name if the notice ever became an issue. As long as km also show on the speedo face (the government doesn't care about the odometer), the Canadian Standards are met, and as you said, the DRL's are already there and can be turned on easily with the vehicle's computer.

mbsl55

Thanks,
I suspect you are correct about avoiding MB Canada. Only issue would be the after market warranty would likely not be honored at a MB Canada dealership. So I am left with the options of a) cancelling the warranty (a bit worrisome given the cost of powertrain components on this vehicle) b) taking it to the US for repairs - not really practical c) or getting bent over by MB Canada. Thanks for the comments pkfolly. Seems you have been through this a time or two.

screwedguy

Hi

I am a Canadian and I want to import a car that I just bought from Buffalo to Canada. The car will be shipped from California to Buffalo. I will pick it up from Buffalo.

My question is, am I allowed to drive it on the roads in Buffalo in order to reach the border on Lewiston Bridge? Would I have to pay any taxes in Buffalo? In California, I have to pay 9% taxes for getting the car under my name.

I'll have to pay taxes, once again, in Canada. It's a loss-loss situation for me. Do I have to pay taxes for getting a temporary number plate/tag in Buffalo if I want drive my car from Buffalo to Toronto?

Or can I ask the dealer to give me a tag from California, would it be ok for my to drive me car in Buffalo and in Toronto on this tag/number plate?

Thank you.

ronny1

Don't really know, i trailered my car. My question is why are you paying California Taxes. You are not a resident of California. You are exporting the Car from the US, you should only pay GST and PST (In Ontario it is now HST). If you stay in the US (with Proof, ie Hotel bills) for 48 Hours you can save a little here to as you are able to reduce your taxes.
I bought an SL600 and my insurance compant tried to help me by having me plate the Car in the Boston, Mass. This ment I would have to pay local/state taxes. I refused as I was not going to pay this twice, once in the US and then again Canada, good luck getting a refund from California.

Hope this helps

Ron

jimsxn

Hi there
Very close to buyin and importing a 2008 BMW 328xi - the difference in price is substantial even though not as great as a new car. The car has DRL and I will get the Recall certificate from the dealership. The Speedo is red herring - it does have kilometers...
Is there anything to worry about? Any experiences to share (apologies if I have missed your comment previously made in this forum).
Thanks much in advance.

wazzybaby

If you are purchasing from a dealer in California, ask them for a temp permit for driving and ensure it is good in NY state. If it isn't a dealer, you need to find out how to get a temp plate on the car to drive it. Usually the temp permit is good for about 15 days (not positive, but looked into this last year).
If you have car insurance in Ontario on an insured vehicle in Ontario, your policy automatically covers you for a short period of time on this vehicle (believe it is 7 days). This is part of the insurance law in Ontario - you can check with your insurance company, but you shouldn't have to pay anything extra. Once in Ontario, I believe you have to register it/ insure it within 2-3 days (again, it could be longer - it has been a while since I checked into all of this).

infinit

Bob,

Can you send me your 21 steps document as well.

Thanks a lot.

trilium1

Hi I can't seem to find an answer to this question but know someone reading this could probably help out . I want to purchased a used car in either California or Nevada and understand that one of the documents I will need to fax to the border 72 hrs. in advance of bringing the car across in Canada is a copy of the title, and that I need to bring the original title with me. My question is, where do I get the title? Does the person I buy the car from give me their title and just write my name on it? Do I have to go to a DMV office in that state and request a new one with my name on it? If so, will I have to register the car there?

rjmbc

All you need is the Original Title which the owner should have assuming he has no debt against the vehicle. The border doe not really care about the name on the title as long as it is endorsed to the purchaser.
I just brought a couple of new 2011 Highlanders (one in January & one last week). In both cases the Title was in the name of a company and endorsed over to me.

trilium1

Hey thanks very much for that info.

So I am now looking for dealer willing to sell me a new Lexus. I know many of you have had the same request in the past. If anyone has had any luck finding one please let me know and I will contact you to get more info. I wrote a letter to Lexus head office and explained to them that forcing U.S. dealers to discriminate against Canadian buyers is not only unethical it is bad business. If I can't find a Lexus dealer who will sell me a new vehicle I WILL buy from another manufacturer that does sell to Canadians.

blangelaan

Hi,

How did you get around the fact that U.S. Toyota dealers are not supposed to sell new vehicles to Canadians?

Bob

mr_mayhew

New Toyota and Lexus are the hardest dealers to buy from. I have 3-4 contacts for each of those brands, where for most brands i will have over 6 across the country. Especially after the Japan Crisis, lexus dealers are tightening up on their exports and getting near MSRP for even the CDN made RX350. My pricing which is normally back of invoice on all toyotas and lexus has even increased with 20+ monthly new toyota and lexus imports.

theautobroker

It's a very interesting situation what is happening with the dealers. The only brand I am aware of that will knowingly sell to Canadians is Subaru, and even then they have to be careful because every vehicle they export reduces their allocation.

We have been able to successfully intermediate almost every brand from US Dealers on behalf of our Canadian clients. However, I highly doubt you'll find any Lexus (or other) dealers willing to risk their $20 million investment selling directly to Canadians.

While ethics are always debatable (i.e. Canada blocks bulk water exports to the USA), the legal issues surrounding these dealer export restrictions are becoming clearer. I expect you'll see more states challenging the status quo as they have in Florida, Colorado and elsewhere.

mr_mayhew

Subaru wont give up incentives, dealer cash or hold back though, so really, not really worth even buying from them personally, even if they will sell to you.

rjmbc

The same way I have been bringing vehicle in for the last 3 years. My company in the US buys them and sells them to me

theautobroker

I provide my clients with the option of a third-party warranty. You can even take your vehicle to the franchised dealer for repair.

lannyv

Would you mind sharing, I have been looking for weeks and keep getting told they can't sell to Canadians.

wblinks

the canadian dollar is soaring now and i see a lot of folks having experience importing. I don't want to take the hassle to do on my own. Any Toyota / Lexus dealer.. broker that can help? Looking for a Lexus RX 450 H wesleyblinks@gmail.com

good2all

Hi,

I have been talking to a dealer in US about importing a new Acura MDX into Canada. Does anyone here has experience doing this? Has been doing research for about 1 week, I still have some concerns:

1. Dealer wants me to wire full amount of money to them, then give them some time to confirm the money is in their account and they will fax all the documents to the border. Then after 3 business days, I can go there and pick up the car. I will only sign the contract when I am there picking up the car. Still not comfortable wire the money to someone I only talked on the phone.

2. Since Honda/Acura doesn't allow dealers in U.S. sell new cars directly to Canadians,dealer require a U.S. address from me. Not sure if this U.S. address will be in the MSO or bill of sale, if so, does this give me any trouble at the border? since I won't have any IDs with that U.S. address.

3. on RIV website, 2011 MDX is under Admissible column, but with some notes about EIS. I called RIV, and was told I may need day time running lights and electronic immobilizer system. I confirmed with the dealer that new MDX has both, however, RIV won't confirm me anything, they said it will be decided at the border.

4. any other things I need pay attention to/could go wrong?

I have seen somebody on internet had imported new MDX into canada, but couldn't find anyone to talk. I have asked dealer to give me a reference, have been waiting for a week, no reply yet.

So, does it worth taking the risk, I would save about 7500C$ but without warranty...... any information provided here is appreciated.

thanks.

good2all

thanks for your reply.

would you please further elaborate this: they prefer to send it directly to the state licensing authority for titling“? If they don't give me the MSO, how do I bring the vehicle out of US and import into Canada? MSO is required by US custom. why they send it to state licensing authority? register the vehicle in U.S. ?

Kirstie_H

Period. none. This discussion exists for the exchange of information only - not to generate business. Thanks for your cooperation.

rjmbc

If you are still interested in the dealer information & how I did it, search this forum for my earlier posting with my email address in it and send me an email.

spunkyblond

Dear Weldonblair,

With regard to your 2009 MDX being appraised by Carmax, the towing package, bike rack and rubber floormats will add value to your MDX when trading or selling; however, it will be an insignificant amount. Carmax will take into account your vehicle's factory installed options and its trim level. The more factory installed options you have (not aftermarket), the higher the appraisal.

More importantly, it's your vehicle's overall condition: interior/exterior conditions, structural condition (does it have a perfect carfax), mechanical condition (no lights in dash), mileage vs. being a three yr. old vehicle, what it is selling for on the auction block for the previous 90 days. I recommend doing a honest online evaluation through Autotrader.com. KBB and all those other survey sites do not sell or buy cars like Autotrader. Autotrader is backed by Manheim Auto Auction, #1 wholesaler in the country. You have to set for yourself realistic expectations when having it appraised by anyone. The fair market value of your vehicle is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. Makes sense, right?

I am not associated with Carmax, Manheim or autotrader, just know how the used vehicle market functions.

mbsl55

Thanks to all. Made it through the red tape. Federal and provincial inspection passed. Basically all I did was activate DTR lights and switched digital display for speedo to km/hr. Local MB dealer insisted I would have to change entire dash at $4K, but that does not appear to be the case. Found a local service provider with a good rep who works on German cars and a decent after market warranty for the next 4 years - so I am hopeful I can avoid the "stealership" altogether. Cautiously hoping life is good.

bultec

What is your email address?

Kirstie_H

Sorry, we don't permit that info to be posted in the forums. We have a strict "no solicitation" policy.

ike3

I am seeking to purchase brand new from Ontario province to western NY state. The same problem
exists, with Canadian auto dealers not able to sell and then allow for direct export to USA.
I've been looking into a Honda Civic LX (Canadian spec) or similar Chevy Cruze LT (Canadian spec) for
registration and titling in western NY. Assuming the vehicles are 50 state emissions (code word
for CA or NE emissions) and safety/theft standards are identical or can be made to be identical,
how does one go about it? Is the HST paid anyway, then I have to apply for a refund of it? What
auto broker can give me insight on this? I know that if the Canadian vehicle is used, it can be
exported to the USA. However, the importer (me) must use a bonded broker to be able to bring the
vehicle over from Canada to USA. I know this is opposite of what everyone else is doing here, but
since I'm interested in doing the opposite, a discussion on this would be helpful for me.

farhillgreen

I am in the middle of purchasing a used 2010 Highlander (low mileage) from a dealer in NJ. The vehicle is certified by the Toyota, but since I am Canadian with no US address, it is not valid for me. The dealer will sell it to me "AS IS" (the manufacturer's original warranty is still good to be transferable for me). My question: what risk am I facing when the vehicle is sold "AS IS". Please advise today. I have to make remaining payment in next 2 days.

farhillgreen

Let me update with my own solution: I asked the dealer to assure me that the vehicle has not undergone any modification other than the specs in the dealer after it came out from the manufacturer. As I called the Canadian counterpart here and confirmed the balance of warranty will be honored.

robertaz

Has anyone here imported a new BMW into Canada and has had it serviced at their local BMW dealership? If so, have they given you any hassles about it being a U.S. car? Did you manage to convince them that you did not intend to replace the instrument cluster and still expected warrantied service?

Roberta

bav_fan07

Roberta, If you car is under warranty, CDN dealerships should service your vehicle.

What you will not get is of course the included scheduled maintenance package.

For the included scheduled maintenance you will have to drive to the nearest US BMW Dealership.

check out www.bimmerpost.com and go to the forums corresponding to your vehicle.

Many importers have successfullly serviced their car under warranty at CDN dealerships. Remember BMW Canada/North America reimburses the service department at the dealership.

thanks

robertaz

Thanks, Bav_Fan,

When you say "Many importers have successfullly serviced their car under warranty at CDN dealerships. ", do you mean warranty service (i.e., defective part still under warranty) or maintenance? I expect to pay maintenance costs, as I know they're not covered.

toronto2011

Hi there.

Wondering if somebody can help me with this issue.

My brother is in States who wants to send me a suv. He has offered me that he can drive it all the way up to Toronto. It will help me save a huge amount which i'd have to pay to auto movers if he sends it on a trailer.

Is this at all possible? A family member bringing a car and leaving it in Canada? Any legality issues?

Any advice is highly appreciated.

cheers.

robertaz

Is this a new SUV? If so, it's a bit more complicated. You'll have to get some paperwork completed.

You will also have to install daytime running lights and a speedo that indicates km (if needed). The vehicle will also have to pass an emissions test and you will need a letter from the dealer or manufacturer indicating that the vehicle is not under any recall advisories.

toronto2011

Hi Robertaz.

Thanks for your response. Have couple of follow ups..if you dont mind.

Its a Honda CR-V, small suv. Day time running lights? Ok let me check if the car has this option, if not, how much it will take to do this. I wonder if this comes as a standard in all North American vehicles?

There was another thing i read on Canadian website about Electronic Immobilizer system. Perhaps will have to install that as well.

Lastly, any ideas if a family member is driving this vehicle across the border to give it to me? I was wondering how this will work. So far i've only seen two options, either a Canadian resident going down to buy and then drive the car themselves or buying it but then shipping it to canadian address.

Any comments on that?

robertaz

Hi again,

I don't know anything about an electronic immobilizer. Once again, is the car new or used? Here's a link to a site that can answer your questions:

http://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx

I don't think it matters whether you or a relative brings the car up. YOu will still have to follow all of the procedures. Is the car manufactured in the U.S.? If not, you will have to pay 6.1% duty on it. In addition, there's a $100 tax if the vehicle has air conditioning. You will need to get a recall letter from the dealer or manufacturer and will have to clear the vehicle at the U.S. border at least 72 hours before physically bringing it across to Canada.

Check the above link for all of the details. Good luck!

doc911

Does anyone know if Windsor or Sarnia can be used for the export/import? I previously had to go to lewiston NY. Source for this info.

Also, if anyone needs info on importing new 911, as I did, serious questions are welcome.

tthanh

To Good2all,
Not sure if you already purchased your MDX. We just imported endf of April a brand new 2011 Odyssey from the US. Of course, I take a chance not having Honda warranty, but we saved over $10K in the process.

We had a relative in US purchasing the new car, then resale to us once they received the title from their state DMV (Dept of Motor Vehicle).

You need the title in order to export from the US into Canada.(you have to show the title to both US and Canadian Customs and to plate the car at provincial level). By the way, my relative have to pay state tax 3,12% when they register/title the Odyssey.
Not sure how the dealer asking you only the US address can provide the title. Perhaps, they can get the MSO ?

blangelaan

Why was it necessary for the vehicle to be purchased in the US first? When I bought my Subaru in 2008 I purchased directly from a US Subaru dealer. Does Honda not allow it's dealers to sell new vehicles directly to Canadians? I believe this is the case with some manufactures such as Toyota (both Toyota and Lexus), but I did not think such was the case with Honda.

BTW, I am still sending out copies of my purchasing experience/steps to those people who want a copy. My doc has been updated to incoporate the experiences of 2 addional people who purchased after I did. Just send your request to:

Bob_Langelaan@telus.net

All I ask in return is that you send me any updates that you can provide to help keep my doc as current as possible.

Cheers,
Bob

carjunkie6

As you know, Lexus won’t sell new vehicle to Canadians, I am planning to buy it on my friends name and then my friend will sell it me. The only problem I see is I will have pay sales tax two times on that vehicle. First, when my friend will buy it for me and then when I register the vehicle in Canada.

I will pay anywhere between 3.5K to 4K gst in USA. Is there a way to get around this?

Thx for your help.