Car shopping in the USA
Moderators: lilfssister, North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
Car shopping in the USA
My beater won't last much longer and so I've been looking to buy a truck. Obviously the prices are better down south but what sort of hidden costs are there at the border? Has anyone any experience with this? What about insurance?
Took it upon myself to figure it out...
http://www.importcartocanada.info/
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
These websites were of help. Anyone with any personal experience?
http://www.importcartocanada.info/
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
These websites were of help. Anyone with any personal experience?
My parents just did it. Make sure you get your ducks in a row before you cross and be prepared for bureaucracy to still trip you up. Even with all their T's crossed some idiot of a border guard refused to accept one certification for the door and refused to let them cross. The following day they tried again with no problems - a new guard that told em everything was great.
That was at Coutt's in Alberta. The dealers in Great Falls are aparently really familiar with the process as they're selling 50-60 vehicles a week to Canucks. I imagine its similar in other places so the dealer will easily be able to bring your car to Canadian standards(daytime running lights etc), if its not already.
That was at Coutt's in Alberta. The dealers in Great Falls are aparently really familiar with the process as they're selling 50-60 vehicles a week to Canucks. I imagine its similar in other places so the dealer will easily be able to bring your car to Canadian standards(daytime running lights etc), if its not already.
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
the main points:
You need to -
advise US customs 72 hours in advance of taking it back to Canada.
ensure you vehicle can be imported without modification or that the modifications required are feasible.
pay the $200 RIV fee at the border.
pay the GST at the border.
pay duty & excise taxes at the border. (If made in N.A. no duty, $100 excise tax on AC and another $100 depending on your vehicles weight)
get federal inspection (I think you have 90 days) after entering Canada (canadian tire does this).
get provincial inspection (needed before registering in most provinces - most mechanics can do).
That's it. And depending on your vehicle you will likely save thousands even after the inspections/fees are paid...
I'm saving up for my new tundra now before the dollar goes down the shitter again...
the main points:
You need to -
advise US customs 72 hours in advance of taking it back to Canada.
ensure you vehicle can be imported without modification or that the modifications required are feasible.
pay the $200 RIV fee at the border.
pay the GST at the border.
pay duty & excise taxes at the border. (If made in N.A. no duty, $100 excise tax on AC and another $100 depending on your vehicles weight)
get federal inspection (I think you have 90 days) after entering Canada (canadian tire does this).
get provincial inspection (needed before registering in most provinces - most mechanics can do).
That's it. And depending on your vehicle you will likely save thousands even after the inspections/fees are paid...
I'm saving up for my new tundra now before the dollar goes down the shitter again...
Also keep in mind that the speedo will be in miles and what about warranty? Word on the street is that Canadian dealers are reluctant to honour any warranty claims.
The average pilot, despite the somewhat swaggering exterior, is very much capable of such feelings as love, affection, intimacy and caring.
These feelings just don't involve anyone else.
These feelings just don't involve anyone else.
Don't try to undervalue the amount you paid for it. They will roast you, and after they seize your car, your passport will have a 'red flag' on it for six years which means you will have extra hassles almost every time you clear customs coming back into Canada. Yes, even when you are on duty as a pilot. The fees are huge to get it unseized.
-
5400AirportRdSouth
- Rank 5
- Posts: 362
- Joined: Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:23 am
Nicely put Altiplano, I've moved a few dozen cars over the border over the years and I've never seen it explained so simply and thoroughly. I may print your email and put it in a manual...haha
On the 72 hour notice to US customs, if you call them ( ask for the vehicle reporting team ) at the port you plan on using to bring the car across at, they will fax you a form to use to give them all the info they require.
They'll also want the front and back copies of the US Registration( the "pink" slip ) as the back is a bill of sale, and should be signed by the previous owner . Do not under any circumstance try and move the car across the border until the 72 hour notice period has elapsed AND you have a name and badge number of a US Customs officer who has confirmed you're now good to go.
Oh - and dont even think of skippping the US side on the way out, the canadians will ask if you've done the reporting dance and if you cant produce the paperwork proving you have, they'll rat you out and send you back, to face seizure ofthe vehicle and a serious fine.
And yeah, dont mess with the man, you can only imagine how many rocket surgeons figure they can shave a few thousand or so off the purchase price and try to avoid some GST. They can see you coming a mile away and are waiting for you.... trust me, they have ways of making life difficult for you if they even suspect you are trying to pull one over on them...
On the 72 hour notice to US customs, if you call them ( ask for the vehicle reporting team ) at the port you plan on using to bring the car across at, they will fax you a form to use to give them all the info they require.
They'll also want the front and back copies of the US Registration( the "pink" slip ) as the back is a bill of sale, and should be signed by the previous owner . Do not under any circumstance try and move the car across the border until the 72 hour notice period has elapsed AND you have a name and badge number of a US Customs officer who has confirmed you're now good to go.
Oh - and dont even think of skippping the US side on the way out, the canadians will ask if you've done the reporting dance and if you cant produce the paperwork proving you have, they'll rat you out and send you back, to face seizure ofthe vehicle and a serious fine.
And yeah, dont mess with the man, you can only imagine how many rocket surgeons figure they can shave a few thousand or so off the purchase price and try to avoid some GST. They can see you coming a mile away and are waiting for you.... trust me, they have ways of making life difficult for you if they even suspect you are trying to pull one over on them...
Something else you may want to look into:
I just picked up a JDM Toyota Landcuriser BJ74
-Turbo Diesel
-24 Volt
-Full floating axles
-fully locking diffs
-PTO winch
-96,000k
sticker price was $15,500
you show me a truck built over here that can compete with that price point,
You can either buy it yourself online and ship it over (about $1,500 for the boat,) or buy it from a dealer.
http://www.ivoac.ca/
http://forum.ih8mud.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=76210
Anyway it’s a big topic, lots of things to consider, RHD, Parts etc… but if your in the market for a replacement it may be worth your while to at least have a gander.
I just picked up a JDM Toyota Landcuriser BJ74
-Turbo Diesel
-24 Volt
-Full floating axles
-fully locking diffs
-PTO winch
-96,000k
sticker price was $15,500
you show me a truck built over here that can compete with that price point,
You can either buy it yourself online and ship it over (about $1,500 for the boat,) or buy it from a dealer.
http://www.ivoac.ca/
http://forum.ih8mud.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=76210
Anyway it’s a big topic, lots of things to consider, RHD, Parts etc… but if your in the market for a replacement it may be worth your while to at least have a gander.
