Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
Can you please comment on the company Fleet Bargain. 1) - Are they a a good company to do business with? 2) - Do they handle the entire transaction & I just pick the car up at some designated Cdn city?
Optinions or recommendations. You can also email me at beng@sasktel.net
Hammatime! Have you talk to RIV, what is your status? I am in similar situation - my car was build post Sept. What I talk to RIV on Friday, I am still in inadmissible list and my case in on-hold.
Hi everybody, I don't know if it's been told here. We all knew Acura/Honda wouldn't honor warranties in Canada for cars imported from US, but now, after contacting a couple of Acura dealers, they all told me they wouldn't sell NEW to Canadians. They were told to do so!
This is crazy how things are going. Let me guess, in a year from now, all models will be prohibited from importation. :mad:
This has to stop. Is there something we can do? What are our hopes, Canadians, to get a fair market price on new cars?
As mentioned previously, US manufactures have no weight with Transport Canada/RIV. They will not issue certification of compliance and TC will not accept one from them.
So now we are saying that Canadian law should override US law? These are dealership agreements that are between 2 entities who have agreed to the terms. We should be pressuring Canadian manufacturers to lower their prices. That way Canadians reap the benefits both ways. Through savings on their purchases and through taxes paid by dealers.
No, Canadian law should not override US law, but there is a free trade agreement between the two countries and the benefits of that agreement should apply equally to consumers as they do with the car manufacturers.
Of course the ideal solution is to buy in Canada. But having the ability to buy in the US is what will keep Canadian prices in check.
No, Canadian law should not override US law, but there is a free trade agreement between the two countries and the benefits of that agreement should apply equally to consumers as they do with the car manufacturers.
Problem is, free trade agreements only pertain to goods and services that routinely cross borders. They don't apply to purely American, Canadian, or Mexican concerns.
For example, Toyota USA is a purely American concern, as are its dealers. Yes, the parent company is international. But, Toyota USA and its dealers are responsible for US business only. As such, they are not concerned with exporting cars, or selling them to foreigners.
The people that you SHOULD direct 100% of your ire to is your own government,and their stupid on again off again policies. The Gov't of Canada needs to step up and issue a final ruling on this, pro or con. At least w/ the US DOT, you know where you stand on importing cars, esp new ones. They just don't allow it.
It seems to me that certain basic legal principles ought to apply. That is - you have the money, the dealer has a car - and we make a deal. Canada or US or Mexico. The deal will take into account all other cost factors - such as the trouble of going to the US, shipping etc.etc.
If any dealer would dare ask a client what religion he-she is because he cannot sell to a catholic, or protestant etc, they would have the biggest PR fiasco. Or if the dealer would say sorry you are a woman - I'm so sorry I only sell to men... These language, age, sex, religion are principles protected under our Charter of Rights and I beleive in the US under their constitution. So why is a Corporation able to discriminate against the country of origin of the purchaser. Under the Free Trade Agreement, we have the right to buy and import. There are rules for trade, but now we are not looking at logical rules except the rule of Profits. The car companies are looking at greater profits or protecting those margins. And we as buyers are looking for a better deal, the best deal that we can find by following the laws of Canada. Who is breaking the law right now today? the smart car consumers or the car companies?
I don't understand. Why does it takes so long to transfer title? Did I miss something? Does this only pertain to someone buying out of state, and don't want to pay state tax?
If you use the MSO to cross the border, does that also have to be signed over to your name?
John, Any dealer can print you out the recall letter. Key word is CAN, not will. If you get told no by one, just call another. You can also call the Honda of us and ask for one. But they like to take a few hours/days to get it to you. But have not had one NOT get to me in time. Hope that helps!
I was planning on getting a Buick Enclave but GM does not want me to buy american.That is the reason I asked about the MDX. Not everyone is looking at importing a japanese car .My other choice is the ML320 CDI but it's more than I can spend.I drove a 2008 Highlander and it's so boring I took it off my list . John
Well, I think things look OK for me but again, not 100% sure. Jan's article in the Montreal Gazette says I can bring my "Inadmissible" 2008 Maxima, Sept. 07 manufacture, across the border. I'd like something in writing from TC that verifies the "do-not-bar" order that has purportedly been sent out to border posts. Why is this not on the TC web-site, which they did update on Friday. Why is it not on the RIV web-site. How imbecelic are these people!!??
I'd like to bring the vehicle over, get the Mastergard installed, pass my inspection and get the car registered. The two bad scenarios are: 1) Export from US and no admittance into Canada. My vehicle is in no-man's land. I would have to import it back into US. Don't know what would be involved, Might not happen if I'm not a US resident.
2) Export from US, admitted into Canada, but not officially imported, and then fail RIV and ordered to export the car.
Re your questions: CMVSS 114 is the whole deal with Maximas manufactured after Sept. 1/07, and with all other vehicles as well. CMVSS 114 is TC's spec. for a vehicle immobilization system (VIS). Cars built after Sept. 1/07 must have a VIS that meets or complies with CMVSS 114. The Maxima has a VIS which I am positive meets CMVSS 114 but good luck getting Nissan to give you a letter to that effect. Mastergard is a company here that sells after-market VIS which meets CMVSS 114 (cost about $450).
The only other mod. I know of is the day-time running lights (DRLs).
I would suggest you might want to wait a few days and monitor this board before you buy (unless it's a pre-Sept. 1/07 manufacture).
The solution is for TC to rewrite CMVSS114 to make FMVSS114 an acceptable standard. The industry is furiously lobbying for retention of non tariff import barriers. Politicians brains turn to mush when presented with brown envelopes containing cash, all completely legal under the law, campaign contributions. The opposition (all 3) are braying like jackasses for Mulroney's head over an issue flogged to death for over a decade. Has a single member stood up in Parliament to question the daylight robbery of Canadian auto buyers caused by Transport Canada's lack of foresight and continuing incompetence. Is parliament relevant anymore?
I'm also surprised by lack of media interest. Jan is doing a great job but we need this thing on TV. CBC and CTV did several reports on the car importation spree. I wrote to CBC advising them of what is happening to folks now. Got no response. I would think they would be interested. Perhaps we need to get it to an investigative show like W5.
On Nov 10th we tried to import a 2004 Honda Pilot, we were unable to get it past Customs because unknown to us the Compliance label was missing from our vehicle. We have contacted Honda US asking for a Compliance Letter to replace the missing label, no luck there! We got the dealer whom we purchased the Pilot from to try and get the letter, no luck! Our dealer purchased the pilot from Honda leasing division,( we suspect that Honda removed the label to prevent the vehicle from crossing the boarder, we never even thought to ask our dealer if the pilot had the label. ) Honda told us they would only release the letter to a US owner that was moving to canada.!!! ouch we now have a beautiful Pilot sitting in sweetgrass rotting away. Any one have any suggestions?
On Nov 10th we tried to import a 2004 Honda Pilot, we were unable to get it past Customs because unknown to us the Compliance label was missing from our vehicle. We have contacted Honda US asking for a Compliance Letter to replace the missing label, no luck there! We got the dealer whom we purchased the Pilot from to try and get the letter, no luck! Honda told us they would only release the letter to a US owner that was moving to canada.!!! ouch we now have a beautiful Pilot sitting in sweetgrass rotting away. Any one have any suggestions?
The annoucement in the article was that those stuck at the border with their vehicle can bring it across with INADMISSABLE stamped on the form one. TC will make a further decision on the mess, when I don't know.
My truck was at the border for the past 5 days. I just brought it home but I can't drive it or get it insured.
Maybe a few suggestions - maybe check to see if it is illegal for anyone to remove the label - probably it is??? and maybe a person cannot sell a car that doesn't have a Federal Label - so the dealer sold you a car that may be illegal maybe you can get a refund or perhaps mention that you need to call the police in that State to find who is removing labels from cars. That might get someones attention. Also should the VIN not indicate that the car was produced for the USA and its federal regulations - I'm not sure but all the numbers in the VIN have a significance and maybe someone here can find help you each component. Country of Manufacture - Manufacturers Name - year of manufacture - and then the vehicle #- something like that. I hope this helps.
How did you end up getting the letter, we have tryed everything, Honda told us you have to be a US citizen moving to Canada with proof to get the letter.
Thank you for your reply, We have already tried the VIN route with RIV, they said the only way to get the Pilot accross the boarder is to produce a compliance letter.
Note recognition of CMVSS114. Also nonconforming vehicles have 120 days to perform modifications. A difference is that a Registered Vehicle Importer brings it in and consumer posts a bond that they will conform or export within 120 days ( for nonconforming veh.) .
Pretty close to what Cda. had before Sept 01-2007.
We are in no position to cast aspersions on Americans. TC needs to clean up its act.
I am getting ill just thinking about how you people must feel having a vehicle in Canada that you can't plate or bring back to the US to sell....stressful to say the very least...
I am trying to get clear answers as to how I can avoid this situation for myself if I decide to import a vehicle. As this point I don't know where to turn. I honestly feel like I'm living in a 3rd world country with a corrupt government that doesn't know its [non-permissible content removed] from a hole in the ground.
I just cannot believe that our government is standing by and letting this happen to Canadian citizens...As far as I can tell from the outside looking in, Canadians are simply following, to the letter, the TC/RIV guidelines that are in place to import a vehicle and they're still getting into these near impossible situations. What else can we as Canadians do besides follow the rules?!?!?!?!? As far as I can tell its a [non-permissible content removed] crap shoot of a system that we have to follow and obide by...one that has no protection measures in place for us...Put simply --> If one can't follow a process put together by their own government without being 100% sure that what they're doing wont lead to some level of financial ruin there is a problem. Another way to put it -->WTF
I'm really starting to think that the only reason the RIV exists is to ensure that all the fees, taxes, and duties surrounding the importation of vehicles goes into government coffers...I don't see that their mandate includes a component that is designed to protect the interests of Canadians.
Quite frankly, Transport Canada should be embarrassed with how they are handling this situation. Unbelievable...If things keep going the way they are it won't just be the Auto manufacturers that are facing multi-billion dollar lawsuits...the GOC will be getting target by these lawsuits too, and rightfully so...surely they realize this...
Could you guys please help me? I want to make sure I am fully understanding how to interpret this admissibility list with respect to these CMVSS114 issues...
In the RIV admissibility list...
The following 4 Toyota SUVs are the only ones listed in the admissible column without "(see notes)" written next to them:
ie:
2007 and 2008 Highlander Sport 2007 and 2008 Highlander HV 2007 and 2008 4Runner 2007 and 2008 Highlander Limited
Could someone clarify something definitively for me?....Do I take this to mean precisely that these are the only 4 Toyota SUVs that are admissible needing only a recall letter? (ie: no need for a compliance letter from Toyota to say CMVSS114 compliant?)
Likewise, can one also assume that all 2008 Lexus SUVs (except LX570) are CMVSS114 compliant and admissible/importable with only a recall letter? (ie: no need to get a compliance letter from Lexus/Toyota?)
This is how I am interpreting what I am seeing...Am I right or wrong?
I stopped at the border on the way to the US - MT and I was told that the 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT (pre-Septemeber 1, 2007) that I have bought is admissible to import to Canada
I had a friend buy the vehicle ... I have to wait (6-8 weeks) for the title then finish the process ... I am in no hurry and prepared to wait just hope the rules don't change.
shellyh ... I am waiting as well for the title .... car is in Montana The dealer gave me a GM Vehicle Inquiry System summary that states "Vehicle has no current record of outstanding campaigns" in other words no recalls and I also recieved a print out with the vehicle's manufacture date and serial number ....
Hope everything works out for you. I wish I had bought a pre-Sept 1st manufactured. Mine was manufactured Sept 18th. If one of the 10 RIV agents that I spoke to prior to buying the vehicle had told me that importing a post Sept 1st was going to be problematic, I would have found a vehicle manufactured at least 18 days earlier. And I specifically asked about this issue.
With the search this discussion not working on my side for some reason, I've read through about 75% of the thread and Mercedes hasn't really been discussed too often. From what I know so far, the main hassle with Mercedes is having to go to an authorized dealer to get the modifications done. (As per Mercedes Canada and MB Dealership in Vancouver Canada) Personally, I'm willing to go throught that to get the car.
From what I know so far, this would be the typical process: (Note, these steps are what the MB dealership recommended to me, very generic)
-Find the car I want, send the VIN# to the MB Canada to determine if the car is allowed in Canada -If the car is allowed in Canada, give the VIN# to the local dealership and they will give me an estimate on the total cost of modifications for a fee of $250. -Buy the car, get the USA recall letter clearing it. -Do all the paperwork at the border, pay Taxes/duties/RIV -Bring the car to the local MB dealership to get the modifications done -Get the letter from MB Canada(or was it the MB dealership..?) saying the car is Canadian approved. -Go to Canadian Tire for Federal Inspection -Submit documents to RIV
Now, please don't flame me if I have this wrong but this is what the service manager told me, and it does seem close to the typical way of importing a car.
My question is, has anyone successfully imported a Mercedes Benz from the states? I'm looking into getting a 2004-2005 CLK320 or 500, and I wanting to hear other experiences with getting it into the country.
Subject: Canadian Auto Manufacturers and the Federal Government are restricting Canadian consumers from purchasing lower priced American vehicles. Based on 2006 sales volume and very conservative numbers provided by Stats Canada, more than $4.0 billion dollars a year is being gouged out of hard working Canadians!
BackGround Box : Robert Lamb is the Owner of a 2008 Honda Civic EXL. He purchased the car in the U.S. with a savings of $5,500 over the same car in Canada. Transportation Canada has ruled the car inadmissible! As reported last week in the Gazette by Jan Ravensbergen many many more people across the country are stuck in limb. They are angry and frustrated with Transport Canada!
Mr. Harper,
Back in the years when all Canadians took the big leap forward into NAFTA we were told by our leaders that this was for the best overall solution to secure our future as a strong united economic power. We were told that protectionist policies would disadvantage our citizens; we would be swept away by the rest of the world as other nations were taking advantage of “globalization”. We were told by our leaders at the time that we would have to swallow our medicine and change our ways. Many people in Canada were hurt by this shift. We voted though, and we agreed to go down this path. Over the years, as our population grew and our distinct Canadian ability to survive provided us with many great opportunities. We turned them into many success stories.
Some may say that a lower dollar protected us as we evolved and clearly many Multinational Companies took advantage. But today it is different. It is apparent that many Manufacturers have not been able to adjust to the rapid rise of our dollar and that many of these Multinational Companies have not adjusted their prices over the last few years as our dollar rose. It is also apparent that Canadian citizens are not getting a fair deal when it comes to pricing of goods ranging from books, to food, to tires and Automobiles. I was recently quoted $150 per winter tire that included a $20 discount. The tire shops in Plattsburg quoted me $98 U.S. and would include storage of my summer tires.
The Canadian Auto manufacturers, through their multinational companies and Transport Canada appear to be working to protect their inflated prices and isolate the Canadian consumer from taking advantage of our strong dollar. Price discrepancies between the models for each country vary anywhere from 18 to 40%. Just check out http://www.ataleoftwoprices.com/Default.aspx
The purpose of this letter is to appeal to your common sense for the overall protection and good of the citizens of Canada and Quebec. You were elected by the people to protect them and look after their best interests.
Recently the US offices of the major Japanese auto manufacturers, particularly Honda and Toyota, have threatened all US dealerships with penalties if they sell cars to Canadians. They also state they will not honor the warranty of a U.S market car that is purchased by a Canadian and is driven in Canada. The process to approve U.S market cars into Canada is flawed. It depends on manufacturers to certify whether their vehicles meet all Canadian safety, emissions and other regulatory standards. The manufacturer's decision is then posted on a detailed website maintained by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. It's a self-certification regime. I am told the manufacturer’s can declare a car inadmissible and not be required to provide any explanations! The latest “gem” appears to be that these Manufacturers are now all hiding behind the new immobilizer standard CMVS 114 introduced on September 1st. This was a good law with good intentions. It added more security to the car in an effort to reduce crime in Canada. The Car makers have known about this for over 5 years. Inadvertently, our legislatures have somehow introduced a law that provides the Automakers the ability to lock out America market cars from being sold in Canada. In this day and age were interoperability is the “catch all” phrase, where common standards, systems and terminology make it easy for us to compete globally our Transport Canada group has formulated a standard that is apparently incompatible from the rest of the world. Although if I am an American citizen, I was told that Honda America would provide me with a letter stating that my car, a 2008 Honda EXL meets Canadian Standards. I was also told by a an individual close to the RIV ( Registrar of Imported Vehicles) that I could not add a compliant 3rd party Immobilizer on top of the apparent non-compliant one installed by the manufacturer.
The process of importing a car into Canada is very easy to follow. The people that work for the RIV, Transportation Canada and the border service folks for both countries have treated me very well. I was impressed with their overall professionalism, at the same time taking the time to understand my problem and find a way to help me. Their leaders though, or management need to be reminded that they need to manage this process as service oriented business.
I would like to also make you aware of the Transportation Canada “Gaffs” by that have been perpetrated on the average Canadian citizen.
o The September listing of acceptable vehicles at one time included 2008 Hondas. Many people viewed the web site and made their buying decision based on this list. I visited the dealer in the U.S. three times to make my purchase and each time I witnessed up to 5 or 6 people or Quebecers in the show room. We were all told no problem, the process is easy, and all 2008 Honda models are admissible. Last month we were told it was a mistake! Well what a mistake it was. It sounds like the managers at TC and the RIV don’t care give a damn if a mistake costs several people 20, 30, or 40 thousands of dollars. I would suspect that someone on the lower levels of Honda America did send in the information approving all the vehicles, but that it was quashed when TC and the higher ups realized what was going to happen. The words “subject to change” is ridiculous. Does that mean that if I am going to buy a car in the U.S. I need to bring my computer with me and be hitting refresh all the way through the border and until I am issued a Form 2. Does this mean that after I give my cheque to the dealer that the deal “is subject to change”. ....cont'd on next post.
Does this mean that after I give my cheque to the dealer that the deal “is subject to change”. This process needs to change. Once a car is on the list it should stay on the list, or people that purchased based on this error should be given an exemption.
o Last week many people were granted and issued letters of amnesty. They were told that if they purchased their vehicles prior to November 1st, that it would be ok to proceed. These letters were given only to SUV, Van and Truck buyers, passenger vehicles (or the more popular – lower cost saving cars were not to be granted amnesty). This is very upsetting for those poor folks with these vehicles sitting idle in their driveways. It is a good example of the “flip-flopping” going on in Transport Canada today. As well, the working couple, with three kids in daycare, struggling to make ends meet is not allowed to purchase an economical, environmentally friendly passenger car. They could save 5 or 6 thousand dollars. This is just not fair!
o I am personally aware of individuals that purchased the same model as I, more than a week after my purchase, and they were fully approved and are now driving in the streets of Quebec with their Quebec plates. They have a manufactured date that is after the September 1st immobilizer law was implemented.
• I could go on listing many other reasons. The list of injustices is quite long. Right now many people in similar situations are working with me. We will be contacting other people and we will grow this network significantly and continue to protest the manner in which this Conservative Led Government is treating its citizens .
o If I go to Wal-Mart and buy socks for $1.99, and then I find the same socks at Sears for .99, Wal-Mart will refund the difference. In Quebec if I am charged $5.00 for an item that should be $3.00 I an entitled to the item for free. That is the law. Competition and accountability for mistakes. This is the issue.
• My friends and I were allowed to bring in an “illegal car” into the country and they are sitting idle in our driveways. Management at Transport Canada and the Automakers treat us like the plague. They are frustrating our families and are making our lives miserable. There is something extremely wrong here!!!.
• PLEASE CORRECT THIS INJUSTICE TODAY!!!!!!
Signed: Robert Lamb Kirkland Also representing: Serge Bergeron Cornwall Ken Saunders Saskatoon Don Baron Edmonton, Roger Haskett Edmonton Robert Lutrell, Montreal Darren Foo, Vancouver Roger Haskett, Vancouver Martin Buschau, Calgary Ron & Kim Brar, Abbotsford, B.C. Dave Hines Langley, B.C.
And many, many others who are afraid to speak up at this point because they feel it might jeopardize their case with Transport Canada.
Add my name to your list but I know they dont give a dam about the plight of its citizens, Do you remember Harpers turnaround on income trusts. Well thousands of seniors are a lot poorer now having lost over a third of their invesment. but flaherty could care less. Many groups have lobbied Ottawa to no avail. When a government does respond to its citizens we live in non democratic state. Harpers friends are big business and you are a inconvenience he sees every few years at election time.
you can register as either a supporter, or someone also having problems...that would like our help.
in confidence or not send an email to Robert Lamb or Serge Bergeron at either Serg's adress ot scrolllock@hotmail.com, please provide details of your story or complaint.
If nothing else some words of encouragement would also be welcomed!
* From some of the charts we are averging 140 /mth in 2007 = 1680
** I would venture to guess that Nov and Dec are going to be deadly so lets just say 1650 estimated for 2007 1650 Figures for 2006 indicate 1,666,327 vehicles were sold for revenue of 54.6 Billion 54.6 SO given these numbers:
The average price for a car in 2006 is 33496.93252 rounded to $33,000
I saved 5.5
Canada 30,175 US 24,700 5,475
OK now so lets just assume that prices come down a bit and our dollar stays only at par.
Let us also assume that we only save $3,000 per car on the average . I know it is higher but lets see how much the Canadian Immobilizer rules will really cost us. Especially since the Canadian boys don't have to reduce prices any more!!!
Assume around 1,600,000 vehicles sold in 2008.
Then Canadians are being gouged for : 1,600,000 TIMES $3,000 EQUALS
$4,800,000,000
Over 5 years not including interest etc .
$24,000,000,000
I bet we really could really do something to help our health care seniors and schooling.
A friend of mine imported a 2007 SL550 (a gift from his son) earlier this year and his experience was OK but expensive. It took 3 or 4 weeks to get the Mercedes Benz work done and he ended up spending ~$17,000 (instrument cluster, bumbers etc) but his is registered and on the road.
I have been researching the web for 3 weeks for 3 different vehicles. Have found dealers willing to sell to canadians. I am now in the process of buying another label. These 2 vehicles are up for grabs. So if interested, send me your email address.
No I do not have anything in writing from Toyota that confirms this. However, based on my research there has been no evidence that Toyota has changed their policy in this regard. Honda has not been honoring warranties for years. This is nothing new. They wont honor and make no bones about it. Toyota, based on my research, will honor. To my knowledge they have never made a public statement to the contrary. I believe if you check on their website it says they will honor too...
Could you possibly point me to your source of information that seems to indicate otherwise?
Make sure the Vehicle has a compliance label on the drivers side door or frame. We had all our ducks in a row and still could not get our Vehicle pass the boarder because the Label is missing, we suspect Honda removed it before sale (it was a lease back). We assumed it would be on the vehicle, we now have a Honda Pilot sitting in no mans land.
toyota will honor warranty, see the link below. But what good in the waranty if we cannot register our cars?
"Warranty Application: This warranty is applicable to any vehicle registered in Canada and normally operated within Canada or the United States mainland."
Comments
1) - Are they a a good company to do business with?
2) - Do they handle the entire transaction & I just pick the car up at some designated Cdn city?
Optinions or recommendations. You can also email me at beng@sasktel.net
Thanks
Have you talk to RIV, what is your status?
I am in similar situation - my car was build post Sept. What I talk to RIV on Friday, I am still in inadmissible list and my case in on-hold.
This is crazy how things are going. Let me guess, in a year from now, all models will be prohibited from importation. :mad:
This has to stop. Is there something we can do? What are our hopes, Canadians, to get a fair market price on new cars?
Of course the ideal solution is to buy in Canada. But having the ability to buy in the US is what will keep Canadian prices in check.
Problem is, free trade agreements only pertain to goods and services that routinely cross borders.
They don't apply to purely American, Canadian, or Mexican concerns.
For example, Toyota USA is a purely American concern, as are its dealers.
Yes, the parent company is international.
But, Toyota USA and its dealers are responsible for US business only.
As such, they are not concerned with exporting cars, or selling them to foreigners.
The people that you SHOULD direct 100% of your ire to is your own government,and their stupid on again off again policies.
The Gov't of Canada needs to step up and issue a final ruling on this, pro or con.
At least w/ the US DOT, you know where you stand on importing cars, esp new ones. They just don't allow it.
If any dealer would dare ask a client what religion he-she is because he cannot sell to a catholic, or protestant etc, they would have the biggest PR fiasco. Or if the dealer would say sorry you are a woman - I'm so sorry I only sell to men... These language, age, sex, religion are principles protected under our Charter of Rights and I beleive in the US under their constitution. So why is a Corporation able to discriminate against the country of origin of the purchaser. Under the Free Trade Agreement, we have the right to buy and import. There are rules for trade, but now we are not looking at logical rules except the rule of Profits. The car companies are looking at greater profits or protecting those margins. And we as buyers are looking for a better deal, the best deal that we can find by following the laws of Canada. Who is breaking the law right now today? the smart car consumers or the car companies?
If you use the MSO to cross the border, does that also have to be signed over to your name?
If you have paid in full?????
Thanks
Any dealer can print you out the recall letter. Key word is CAN, not will. If you get told no by one, just call another. You can also call the Honda of us and ask for one. But they like to take a few hours/days to get it to you. But have not had one NOT get to me in time.
Hope that helps!
Not everyone is looking at importing a japanese car .My other choice is the ML320 CDI but it's more than I can spend.I drove a 2008 Highlander and it's so boring I took it off my list .
John
Well, I think things look OK for me but again, not 100% sure. Jan's article in the Montreal Gazette says I can bring my "Inadmissible" 2008 Maxima, Sept. 07 manufacture, across the border. I'd like something in writing from TC that verifies the "do-not-bar" order that has purportedly been sent out to border posts. Why is this not on the TC web-site, which they did update on Friday. Why is it not on the RIV web-site. How imbecelic are these people!!??
I'd like to bring the vehicle over, get the Mastergard installed, pass my inspection and get the car registered. The two bad scenarios are:
1) Export from US and no admittance into Canada. My vehicle is in no-man's land. I would have to import it back into US. Don't know what would be involved, Might not happen if I'm not a US resident.
2) Export from US, admitted into Canada, but not officially imported, and then fail RIV and ordered to export the car.
Re your questions:
CMVSS 114 is the whole deal with Maximas manufactured after Sept. 1/07, and with all other vehicles as well. CMVSS 114 is TC's spec. for a vehicle immobilization system (VIS). Cars built after Sept. 1/07 must have a VIS that meets or complies with CMVSS 114. The Maxima has a VIS which I am positive meets CMVSS 114 but good luck getting Nissan to give you a letter to that effect. Mastergard is a company here that sells after-market VIS which meets CMVSS 114 (cost about $450).
The only other mod. I know of is the day-time running lights (DRLs).
I would suggest you might want to wait a few days and monitor this board before you buy (unless it's a pre-Sept. 1/07 manufacture).
Also, see my post #2125.
I'm also surprised by lack of media interest. Jan is doing a great job but we need this thing on TV. CBC and CTV did several reports on the car importation spree. I wrote to CBC advising them of what is happening to folks now. Got no response. I would think they would be interested. Perhaps we need to get it to an investigative show like W5.
My truck was at the border for the past 5 days.
I just brought it home but I can't drive it or get it insured.
help
Note recognition of CMVSS114.
Also nonconforming vehicles have 120 days to perform modifications.
A difference is that a Registered Vehicle Importer brings it in and consumer posts a bond that they will conform or export within 120 days ( for nonconforming veh.) .
Pretty close to what Cda. had before Sept 01-2007.
We are in no position to cast aspersions on Americans. TC needs to clean up its act.
I am trying to get clear answers as to how I can avoid this situation for myself if I decide to import a vehicle. As this point I don't know where to turn. I honestly feel like I'm living in a 3rd world country with a corrupt government that doesn't know its [non-permissible content removed] from a hole in the ground.
I just cannot believe that our government is standing by and letting this happen to Canadian citizens...As far as I can tell from the outside looking in, Canadians are simply following, to the letter, the TC/RIV guidelines that are in place to import a vehicle and they're still getting into these near impossible situations. What else can we as Canadians do besides follow the rules?!?!?!?!? As far as I can tell its a [non-permissible content removed] crap shoot of a system that we have to follow and obide by...one that has no protection measures in place for us...Put simply --> If one can't follow a process put together by their own government without being 100% sure that what they're doing wont lead to some level of financial ruin there is a problem. Another way to put it -->WTF
I'm really starting to think that the only reason the RIV exists is to ensure that all the fees, taxes, and duties surrounding the importation of vehicles goes into government coffers...I don't see that their mandate includes a component that is designed to protect the interests of Canadians.
Quite frankly, Transport Canada should be embarrassed with how they are handling this situation. Unbelievable...If things keep going the way they are it won't just be the Auto manufacturers that are facing multi-billion dollar lawsuits...the GOC will be getting target by these lawsuits too, and rightfully so...surely they realize this...
Cheers
In the RIV admissibility list...
The following 4 Toyota SUVs are the only ones listed in the admissible column without "(see notes)" written next to them:
ie:
2007 and 2008 Highlander Sport
2007 and 2008 Highlander HV
2007 and 2008 4Runner
2007 and 2008 Highlander Limited
Could someone clarify something definitively for me?....Do I take this to mean precisely that these are the only 4 Toyota SUVs that are admissible needing only a recall letter? (ie: no need for a compliance letter from Toyota to say CMVSS114 compliant?)
Likewise, can one also assume that all 2008 Lexus SUVs (except LX570) are CMVSS114 compliant and admissible/importable with only a recall letter? (ie: no need to get a compliance letter from Lexus/Toyota?)
This is how I am interpreting what I am seeing...Am I right or wrong?
Thanks in advance...
Cheers
I had a friend buy the vehicle ... I have to wait (6-8 weeks) for the title then finish the process ... I am in no hurry and prepared to wait just hope the rules don't change.
I am waiting as well for the title .... car is in Montana The dealer gave me a GM Vehicle Inquiry System summary that states "Vehicle has no current record of outstanding campaigns" in other words no recalls and I also recieved a print out with the vehicle's manufacture date and serial number ....
Hope everything works out for you. I wish I had bought a pre-Sept 1st manufactured. Mine was manufactured Sept 18th. If one of the 10 RIV agents that I spoke to prior to buying the vehicle had told me that importing a post Sept 1st was going to be problematic, I would have found a vehicle manufactured at least 18 days earlier. And I specifically asked about this issue.
With the search this discussion not working on my side for some reason, I've read through about 75% of the thread and Mercedes hasn't really been discussed too often. From what I know so far, the main hassle with Mercedes is having to go to an authorized dealer to get the modifications done. (As per Mercedes Canada and MB Dealership in Vancouver Canada) Personally, I'm willing to go throught that to get the car.
From what I know so far, this would be the typical process:
(Note, these steps are what the MB dealership recommended to me, very generic)
-Find the car I want, send the VIN# to the MB Canada to determine if the car is allowed in Canada
-If the car is allowed in Canada, give the VIN# to the local dealership and they will give me an estimate on the total cost of modifications for a fee of $250.
-Buy the car, get the USA recall letter clearing it.
-Do all the paperwork at the border, pay Taxes/duties/RIV
-Bring the car to the local MB dealership to get the modifications done
-Get the letter from MB Canada(or was it the MB dealership..?) saying the car is Canadian approved.
-Go to Canadian Tire for Federal Inspection
-Submit documents to RIV
Now, please don't flame me if I have this wrong but this is what the service manager told me, and it does seem close to the typical way of importing a car.
My question is, has anyone successfully imported a Mercedes Benz from the states? I'm looking into getting a 2004-2005 CLK320 or 500, and I wanting to hear other experiences with getting it into the country.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Subject: Canadian Auto Manufacturers and the Federal Government are restricting Canadian consumers from purchasing lower priced American vehicles. Based on 2006 sales volume and very conservative numbers provided by Stats Canada, more than $4.0 billion dollars a year is being gouged out of hard working Canadians!
BackGround Box : Robert Lamb is the Owner of a 2008 Honda Civic EXL. He purchased the car in the U.S. with a savings of $5,500 over the same car in Canada. Transportation Canada has ruled the car inadmissible! As reported last week in the Gazette by Jan Ravensbergen many many more people across the country are stuck in limb. They are angry and frustrated with Transport Canada!
Mr. Harper,
Back in the years when all Canadians took the big leap forward into NAFTA we were told by our leaders that this was for the best overall solution to secure our future as a strong united economic power. We were told that protectionist policies would disadvantage our citizens; we would be swept away by the rest of the world as other nations were taking advantage of “globalization”. We were told by our leaders at the time that we would have to swallow our medicine and change our ways. Many people in Canada were hurt by this shift. We voted though, and we agreed to go down this path. Over the years, as our population grew and our distinct Canadian ability to survive provided us with many great opportunities. We turned them into many success stories.
Some may say that a lower dollar protected us as we evolved and clearly many Multinational Companies took advantage. But today it is different. It is apparent that many Manufacturers have not been able to adjust to the rapid rise of our dollar and that many of these Multinational Companies have not adjusted their prices over the last few years as our dollar rose. It is also apparent that Canadian citizens are not getting a fair deal when it comes to pricing of goods ranging from books, to food, to tires and Automobiles. I was recently quoted $150 per winter tire that included a $20 discount. The tire shops in Plattsburg quoted me $98 U.S. and would include storage of my summer tires.
The Canadian Auto manufacturers, through their multinational companies and Transport Canada appear to be working to protect their inflated prices and isolate the Canadian consumer from taking advantage of our strong dollar. Price discrepancies between the models for each country vary anywhere from 18 to 40%. Just check out http://www.ataleoftwoprices.com/Default.aspx
The purpose of this letter is to appeal to your common sense for the overall protection and good of the citizens of Canada and Quebec. You were elected by the people to protect them and look after their best interests.
Recently the US offices of the major Japanese auto manufacturers, particularly Honda and Toyota, have threatened all US dealerships with penalties if they sell cars to Canadians. They also state they will not honor the warranty of a U.S market car that is purchased by a Canadian and is driven in Canada. The process to approve U.S market cars into Canada is flawed. It depends on manufacturers to certify whether their vehicles meet all Canadian safety, emissions and other regulatory standards. The manufacturer's decision is then posted on a detailed website maintained by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. It's a self-certification regime. I am told the manufacturer’s can declare a car inadmissible and not be required to provide any explanations!
The latest “gem” appears to be that these Manufacturers are now all hiding behind the new immobilizer standard CMVS 114 introduced on September 1st. This was a good law with good intentions. It added more security to the car in an effort to reduce crime in Canada. The Car makers have known about this for over 5 years. Inadvertently, our legislatures have somehow introduced a law that provides the Automakers the ability to lock out America market cars from being sold in Canada. In this day and age were interoperability is the “catch all” phrase, where common standards, systems and terminology make it easy for us to compete globally our Transport Canada group has formulated a standard that is apparently incompatible from the rest of the world. Although if I am an American citizen, I was told that Honda America would provide me with a letter stating that my car, a 2008 Honda EXL meets Canadian Standards. I was also told by a an individual close to the RIV ( Registrar of Imported Vehicles) that I could not add a compliant 3rd party Immobilizer on top of the apparent non-compliant one installed by the manufacturer.
Just recently the Insurance bureau of Canada has stated the contrary. http://www.ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Prevention_Investigation/Immobilizers/Immob- - - ilizer-FAQs.asp
The process of importing a car into Canada is very easy to follow. The people that work for the RIV, Transportation Canada and the border service folks for both countries have treated me very well. I was impressed with their overall professionalism, at the same time taking the time to understand my problem and find a way to help me. Their leaders though, or management need to be reminded that they need to manage this process as service oriented business.
I would like to also make you aware of the Transportation Canada “Gaffs” by that have been perpetrated on the average Canadian citizen.
o The September listing of acceptable vehicles at one time included 2008 Hondas. Many people viewed the web site and made their buying decision based on this list. I visited the dealer in the U.S. three times to make my purchase and each time I witnessed up to 5 or 6 people or Quebecers in the show room. We were all told no problem, the process is easy, and all 2008 Honda models are admissible. Last month we were told it was a mistake! Well what a mistake it was. It sounds like the managers at TC and the RIV don’t care give a damn if a mistake costs several people 20, 30, or 40 thousands of dollars. I would suspect that someone on the lower levels of Honda America did send in the information approving all the vehicles, but that it was quashed when TC and the higher ups realized what was going to happen. The words “subject to change” is ridiculous. Does that mean that if I am going to buy a car in the U.S. I need to bring my computer with me and be hitting refresh all the way through the border and until I am issued a Form 2. Does this mean that after I give my cheque to the dealer that the deal “is subject to change”. ....cont'd on next post.
Does this mean that after I give my cheque to the dealer that the deal “is subject to change”. This process needs to change. Once a car is on the list it should stay on the list, or people that purchased based on this error should be given an exemption.
o Last week many people were granted and issued letters of amnesty. They were told that if they purchased their vehicles prior to November 1st, that it would be ok to proceed. These letters were given only to SUV, Van and Truck buyers, passenger vehicles (or the more popular – lower cost saving cars were not to be granted amnesty). This is very upsetting for those poor folks with these vehicles sitting idle in their driveways. It is a good example of the “flip-flopping” going on in Transport Canada today. As well, the working couple, with three kids in daycare, struggling to make ends meet is not allowed to purchase an economical, environmentally friendly passenger car. They could save 5 or 6 thousand dollars. This is just not fair!
o I am personally aware of individuals that purchased the same model as I, more than a week after my purchase, and they were fully approved and are now driving in the streets of Quebec with their Quebec plates. They have a manufactured date that is after the September 1st immobilizer law was implemented.
• I could go on listing many other reasons. The list of injustices is quite long. Right now many people in similar situations are working with me. We will be contacting other people and we will grow this network significantly and continue to protest the manner in which this Conservative Led Government is treating its citizens .
o If I go to Wal-Mart and buy socks for $1.99, and then I find the same socks at Sears for .99, Wal-Mart will refund the difference. In Quebec if I am charged $5.00 for an item that should be $3.00 I an entitled to the item for free. That is the law. Competition and accountability for mistakes. This is the issue.
• My friends and I were allowed to bring in an “illegal car” into the country and they are sitting idle in our driveways. Management at Transport Canada and the Automakers treat us like the plague. They are frustrating our families and are making our lives miserable. There is something extremely wrong here!!!.
• PLEASE CORRECT THIS INJUSTICE TODAY!!!!!!
Signed:
Robert Lamb Kirkland
Also representing:
Serge Bergeron Cornwall
Ken Saunders Saskatoon
Don Baron Edmonton,
Roger Haskett Edmonton
Robert Lutrell, Montreal
Darren Foo, Vancouver
Roger Haskett, Vancouver
Martin Buschau, Calgary
Ron & Kim Brar, Abbotsford, B.C.
Dave Hines Langley, B.C.
And many, many others who are afraid to speak up at this point because they feel it might jeopardize their case with Transport Canada.
Cheers
Harpers turnaround on income trusts. Well thousands of
seniors are a lot poorer now having lost over a third
of their invesment. but flaherty could care less.
Many groups have lobbied Ottawa to no avail.
When a government does respond to its citizens we
live in non democratic state. Harpers friends are big
business and you are a inconvenience he sees every few years at election time.
in confidence or not send an email to Robert Lamb or Serge Bergeron at either Serg's adress ot scrolllock@hotmail.com, please provide details of your story or complaint.
If nothing else some words of encouragement would also be welcomed!
Robert Lamb see notes below...
Car sales in (000) units
Province 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007*
ONT 690 630 600 617 620
QUE 434 420 405 408 404
ALB 205 195 196 222 249
B.C. 195 181 182 187 194
SASK 42 42 39 39 40
MAN 49 46 45 47 46
NS 47 46 45 46 48
PEI 5 5 5 5 5
NFL 26 25 23 25 24
Canada 1693 1590 1540 1596 1630 1650**
* From some of the charts we are averging 140 /mth in 2007 = 1680
** I would venture to guess that Nov and Dec are going to be deadly so lets just say 1650 estimated for 2007
1650
Figures for 2006 indicate 1,666,327 vehicles were sold for revenue of 54.6 Billion
54.6
SO given these numbers:
The average price for a car in 2006 is 33496.93252
rounded to $33,000
I saved 5.5
Canada 30,175
US 24,700
5,475
OK now so lets just assume that prices come down a bit and our dollar stays only at par.
Let us also assume that we only save $3,000 per car on the average .
I know it is higher but lets see how much the Canadian Immobilizer rules will really cost us.
Especially since the Canadian boys don't have to reduce prices any more!!!
Assume around 1,600,000 vehicles sold in 2008.
Then Canadians are being gouged for :
1,600,000 TIMES $3,000 EQUALS
$4,800,000,000
Over 5 years not including interest etc .
$24,000,000,000
I bet we really could really do something to help our health care seniors and schooling.
We will post it on the Website we will be designing shortly.
Thanks
Could you possibly point me to your source of information that seems to indicate otherwise?
Thanks
Make sure the Vehicle has a compliance label on the drivers side door or frame. We had all our ducks in a row and still could not get our Vehicle pass the boarder because the Label is missing, we suspect Honda removed it before sale (it was a lease back). We assumed it would be on the vehicle, we now have a Honda Pilot sitting in no mans land.
But what good in the waranty if we cannot register our cars?
"Warranty Application:
This warranty is applicable to any vehicle registered in Canada and normally operated within Canada or the United States mainland."
http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/7/wo/Home.Owners-44vqbTC7MJPX71y- tzPGbqw/5.13.7.11.9.7.5