Is it worth buying a car in the US to import to Can?

[COPO]

Anyone here from Canada ever buy a car from the US? Is it worth the hassle of:

-the drive
-spending 2 days in the city where the car is
-sending the ownership to US Customs at the border 2 days prior to you crossing back to Canada
-paying 6% GST on the sale price at the Border
-getting the car safety checked
-paying 8% PST at the DMV

http://www.riv.ca/

Whatever happened to the so called FREE TRADE?

[73Z28LT]

i guess it all depends on what you are bringing up and for what reason...except for paying one tax everything stays the same.

[canadianzed]

Anything worth while is never easy, I have heard of a few guys going that route because they couldn't find a suitable car in Canada. I believe if you've got some patience and willing to search, there are some great deals to be had north of the border, and less hassle in the long run.

[flowjoe]

Originally Posted by COPO

...

Whatever happened to the so called FREE TRADE?

C'mon, you know tha's just for big business not for us average fellas.

I know a far number of Americans who do the reverse...buy in Canada and bring it South...I think it is worth it to them because they can get GM Canada records on the cars. A benefit that would not be available to you if you buy US and ship North

[Kamikaze]

COPO,

The only person who can decide if it's worth it is yourself.
The problem I see is that just like the situation where you had been billed extra high charges when an item was shipped via UPS.

Not knowing what the legal procedures and registration processes are in Canada when bringing in a vehicle from the United States, I would assume that there would be some sort of transference, registration, and title process you would have to follow and pay for. I would also assume that there is some significant duties to be paid and maybe some processing or inspection that has to be done to verify the vehicle.

This is something you need to check with your authorities and vehicle registration departments to understand what forms, fees and procedures you would have to go through.

[COPO]

Originally Posted by flowjoe

I know a far number of Americans who do the reverse...buy in Canada and bring it South...I think it is worth it to them because they can get GM Canada records on the cars. A benefit that would not be available to you if you buy US and ship North

Exactly. That's why I want a Canadian car because I can get the paperwork from GM. The car I'm interested in was built in Oshawa (Chevelle) and shipped to the USA, and has been in the same State for it's life. I've ran the VIN already so see what options came with it and it checks out. I'm just waiting for more pics and numbers/codes. I just wish the car was in Ont already.

[COPO]

Originally Posted by Kamikaze

COPO,

The only person who can decide if it's worth it is yourself.
The problem I see is that just like the situation where you had been billed extra high charges when an item was shipped via UPS.

Not knowing what the legal procedures and registration processes are in Canada when bringing in a vehicle from the United States, I would assume that there would be some sort of transference, registration, and title process you would have to follow and pay for. I would also assume that there is some significant duties to be paid and maybe some processing or inspection that has to be done to verify the vehicle.

This is something you need to check with your authorities and vehicle registration departments to understand what forms, fees and procedures you would have to go through.

I have it all and know what's req'd from http://www.riv.ca/
It's the travelling out of Country and wondering when I arrive that the car is a PO crap then driving back empty handed.
I don't want to make 2 trips. So I'd have to have $$ ready to wire for the balance besides sending a down payment which would be lost if I backed out. And I've never bought a car before site unseen.

My requirements:

1. I will need the bill of sale.

2. Vehicle compliance statement saying it meets US safety standards in drivers door jam (blue VIN sticker), if it's missing then I will need to call GM Canada and for $75.00 I can get a letter from GM.

3. Must send title or a photo copy to US customs 3 business days before I arrive at the border so they can check for liens outstanding if any.

4. Pay GST 6% at the border on the amount I paid.

5. Get car safety checked in Ont.

6. Pay 8% Provincial sales tax on the amount I paid at the dept of transport (DMV) to get a Canadian ownership.

7. Probably need a travel day permit from the Ont DMV for the front windshield.

Anyone in Ont Can have a Canadian SS396 Chevelle 4-spd with the ZL2 Cowl Induction flapper hood for sale?

[Kurtz]

Mark,

I've purchase two of my cars state side. Not that bad of a thing and really straight forward if you do your homework. If you want to call me over the week end I can fill you in with allot of the details.

Is it a private person or a dealer who has the car now?

[SweetFA]

I know amerks can drive a car oughta Can.w/o even stopping at the Can.border???..why dont we run lien checks etc...

[Smokee]

Copo

It is not as hard as you make it out to be. I bought mine 4 years ago in California. Unless they have changed the rules since then I did not need the US safety standard sticker, the car was 30 years old. I did have to fax the paper work to US customs and wait 3 days but I just toured the west coast for 3 days in the car. Cleared US customs paid the GST then drove home. No safety inspection at home as not required. Just make sure you have ALL of the forms filled out CORRECTLY and no hassle at all. I was at the two customs offices less than 1 hour total.

email me if you have any other questions.

Smokee

[LS3SS]

Most of the things on your list you would need to do even if you bought a car in Canada....bill of sale
...Ontario safety check
...8% PST
....travel day permit.
It's really no big deal to import a car as long as all your paper work is correct and you don't mind spending a couple days away from home.
In my experience US Customs are very good to deal with, Canada Customs on the other hand can be difficult because they will assume you are lying about the price you paid for the car. If all your paper work is legit there won't be a problem.
I have also found that crossing at Queenston-Lewiston is MUCH harder than crossing at Port Huron. It is almost worth your while to drive out of your way and cross at The Blue Water Bridge.
I've brought several cars into Canada over the past couple of years and have the phone numbers and fax numbers for most of the bridges, if you need some info or some help please feel free to PM me.
Brian.

[COPO]

ok, thx guys.
Kurt, the car is in the orig owners Son's name still but I don't think the person selling it is the Son, so I assume he's purchased the car to make a buck cause after I mentioned that we get screwed at the border he dropped the price by $6500.00. Hmmmm.

[ZS10]

Originally Posted by COPO

It's the travelling out of Country and wondering when I arrive that the car is a PO crap then driving back empty handed.
I don't want to make 2 trips. So I'd have to have $$ ready to wire for the balance besides sending a down payment which would be lost if I backed out. And I've never bought a car before site unseen.

We have members everywhere, surely someone could have a look at it for you.

[COPO]

oops I meant he dropped the price $6,500.00