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Smart Shopper Importing Car into Canada from US
4553 messages, Last post on Mar 11, 2010 at 7:22 AM
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Replying to: yangpa (Sep 19, 2006 7:22 pm) My dealer asked me to bring there the plate from my current vehicle and he put it in the paperwork for the new car. Any risk by doing so? Wondering Transpo Canada won't like that without their permission. Any advice will be much appreciated.
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This will be long-winded, but will hopefully help some of you, and answer some questions. I am located near Toronto. I decided several weeks ago to investigate buying a MB SL500 and included the US in my search. I found a car that suited my needs and began the process. I had already looked into this via BMW and MB forums, and through internet searches, so had a fleeting knowledge of the process. Once I identified the car I wanted to buy, at a high-end used-car dealer across the border in Buffalo, I contacted MB Canada (as the RIV website indicated I should) to investigate the process. They advised me I would have to request a letter of admissibility from them by fax (now changed to online apparently). I did so, and received it back by fax the next day. Further, they advised that I must call a dealership service dept to request a quote for the modifications required to make the car 'Canada-compliant'. I called the local dealer, got a service advisor (SA) on the line and explained the reason for my call. He told me the charge for the estimate was $250 flat. After chatting for several minutes, and explaining I didn't want to pay without knowing the estimate, the SA asked for the VIN, and told me he would call me back. He di call back, the next day, and verbally gave me the estimate over the phone. He let me know that if I bought the car, the $250 charge would still apply, and would be added to my service invoice. Further, he explained that once the modifications had been completed, a Field Svc Rep from MB-Cda would have to inspect the car to ensure the mods were in fact done, and would issue a letter of Compliance, at an additional cost of $500. The cost for the mods, estimate and compliance letter was $3400. This amount would vary depending on which year and model of MB was bought. My mods included: 1. replacing the rear bumper strip in order to meet Cdn crash standards, 2. Installing a Daytime Light Module and 3. replacing the 'Brake' warning symbol in the cluster with the international brake symbol. So, before making the decision to buy and import the car, I clearly understood the additional costs I would incur. That doesn't mean I liked the costs, but at least I knew what I was getting into. (I understand the first 2 mods, but the 'Brake' symbol?! Please... I called the dealer and firmed up the deal. (It was at this point I requested the letter of admissibility; received one day later.) Next up was insurance. I called my broker, and discovered that, in Ontario, you can buy a car (anywhere) and automatically be covered under your existing policy for 14 days, even if you don't call the insurance broker. I did, however, require some sort of document indicating the specific vehicle I bought was covered, as the dealer was going to obtain a NY State 30-day temporary tag so I could drive the car home, and the DMV absolutely required proof of insurance. The insurance broker issued a 14-day (maximum available) insurance certificate, which sufficed for the NY DMV. The dealer faxed the title to US Customs 5 days before I bought the vehicle (3 days is minimum). I obtained a bank draft, and with wife in tow drove to Buffalo to complete the deal. (A side note - not every border crossing has teh Vehicle Export office - be sure to know which do.) I exchanged bank draft for car, and headed to the border. First stop was US Customs where they married the original title to the faxed copy, stamped the original as being exported and bid me farewell. Next stop Canada Customs, where I completed 'Form 1', as required for importing a vehicle into Canada. I proffered Form 1, the original title, bill of sale and driver's license to the CBSA agent who completed the bits I missed, and sent me to the cashier to pay GST and 6.1% duty, as the car was made outside of NA. The agent suggested I pay the RIV fee on-line as would speed the process up. CBSA submits this Form 1 to RIV on your behalf. The printed number at the top right of the page becomes your case number. I then drove home, enjoying the drive in my new-to-me car. Next call was to MB-USA to request a Recall Clearance Letter. It arrived in about 3 days, though I did call 2 or 3 times to follow up. They were unperturbed by my calls, and in fact rushed for me as this was the week of US Thanksgiving. My first request was the prior Friday and I received the letter Wednesday. I faxed this to the RIV, indicating my case number. Once home I called the SA, with whom I had chatted a number of times, and re-confirmed my appointment to get the mods done the next day. We had pre-set the appointment, as he already had the required parts in stock. The mods were completed in a day and a half, and the Field Service Rep visited the dealer the following day, inspected and approved the mods. His office sent the 'Letter of Compliance' to the SA the next day, and he faxed it to me. I faxed this to the RIV, indicating my case number. The dealer also arranged for the Emissions test and safety certificate for me. Through all of this, I called the RIV daily, to be sure they were receiving my docs and to insure I didn't overlook anything. They were quite helpful, though I am glad I was persistent, as they all sounded new, and not entirely sure of the next steps. Once the RIV had received all of my docs, it took another couple of days before I received my Form 2, otherwise known as the Inspection Form. This is specific to your vehicle and indicates any required mods. I took it, along with emissions certificate, safety cert, and invoice showing the mods had been done. My car did not require a child seat tether as it is a convertible. They were unconcerned about a bilingual airbag warning. My speedo reads in MPH over KPH so nothing had to be done. I was out in 1/2 and hour. Next stop, Ontario Ministry of Transport Licensing office. I paid my plate fee, PST and off I went. Total elapsed time: 12 calendar days. Though a bit time-consuming, the process was not difficult. I have heard that the process is getting a bit slower, as MB is taking longer to get Admissibility letters and will no longer fax them, as apparently CBSA requires an original (which I think is bunk). MB-Cda is dragging their heels somewhat on getting the info to the dealers needed to prepare the estimate. It appears I was ahead of the curve (if only by a couple of weeks) and the process was a bit smoother. Summary - do your homework, be patient and be persistent. I would not have brought the car into Canada without first contacting the manufacturer for details about any required mods. I hate surprises. Do I think the manufacturers are trying to make it difficult? Yes, of course. DO I think there are still great deals across the border? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! I hope this helps. I'll be happy to answer any questions - but a warning that I may only check this forum a couple of times a week. Cheers, Sc00p |
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Replying to: sid11 (Dec 12, 2007 8:51 am)
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Replying to: jasonng (Sep 06, 2003 6:06 pm) I just imported my car to Canada and I didnt pay any duties!!! The only fee I had to pay is called an RIV fee and it was $206, not bad considering I saved over $10,000 on the car import. I used the free website Importcar2canada and it proved to be pretty usefull!!! |
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Replying to: manitoumike (Dec 09, 2007 9:31 am) See post #3021 for more info. |
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Just got a call from RIV asking to update my contact information because they think my vehicle (2008 Sienna, Oct. 07 manufacture date) could be released early next week. They want to be able to send me form 2 as quickly as possible. I never thought RIV would be calling me after everything that has transpired. The agent was in a good mood.
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Can I cross the border using dealer plates?? that he has lent me? How would I get a brand new untitled vehicle across?? The dealer here in Florida says he'll lend me plates and I could drive across then replate in Ontario and fedex the plates back to him. Is this legal? Knowing my sh*tty luck I'd end up in the slammer and have my pix in the post office. Can anyone please help or direct me to someplace for help? I called Transport canada and they gave me a tremndous run-around with no answers at all. 
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Replying to: manitoumike (Dec 12, 2007 4:09 pm) A trailer is a good way around this. If it doesn't touch the street it's just a hunk of metal as far as both governments are concerned.(note - leave it on the trailer when crossing) |
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Replying to: manitoumike (Dec 12, 2007 4:09 pm) also, I am pretty sure you cannot use the plate to cross into Canada.
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Replying to: regstevens (Dec 12, 2007 3:06 pm) Except they aren't similar regions, they are sovereign nations. Completely different. Similar regions would be BC and Alberta. European nations all have different prices for essentially the same cars. |
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