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blum2001 12-16-2007 02:33 PM

I just came through the blaine border on Thursday with a CLK500 I'm importing and here are the steps I took to get it across...

Bought the car from a private sale. Got the bill of sale, state title from the previous owner.

Drove the car up to the border and left it at a family friends in bellingham since I had to wait 72 hours (3 business days). This was all on the previous friday.

When I got home, i emailed 'CBP.Blaine-EXPORT@dhs.gov' asking for the vehicle export worksheet. 2 DAYS later I got the email which included the export worksheet, status request form, and information on where to go when you arrive to the border. I filled out all the information and emailed it back. I also used the status request form and I confirmed i was able to bring the car back on the Thursday.

Thursday, drove down to pick up my car, arrived at the border. Parked my car in a the half circle shaped lane, walked across to the US Customs building and lined up in the vehicle export line. Gave the US Customs guy my export worksheet and title, he stamped it and told me to head to canada.

At the Canadian border, I told the border guard i'm importing this car, he asked a bunch of questions, gave me a white form with my car information, and told me to go into the office. In the office the customs agent asked proabaly about 20 questions. **I WOULD ADVISE IF YOU ARE BUYING A USED CAR, BRING IN THE AD FOR THE CAR. I found my car on craigslist and the add expired, so we had to use our bank information to verify that I purchased the car for what I stated. I purchased my car for approx $15k less than the redbook that they have there for reference so i had a hard time justifying it. None the less everything was ok.

After that, you head to the cashier table, pay your GST, Duty (if applicable) and then you're on your way.

My car is currently at Mercedes Benz getting its modifications done so I'll update once that process is done.

SpuGen 02-18-2008 06:15 AM

Somebody help me.

I'm looking to buy a shell from the states. no engine, not running, just shell with VIN and stuff.

It's still the same process right?
How long do I have until I have to register it as a running vehicle?

dt789 03-19-2008 01:22 AM

has anybody imported 06 audi a3? anybody had any problems? let me know

godwin 03-24-2008 02:33 PM

Shell ie not rolling chasis you can import it as parts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpuGen (Post 5713859)
Somebody help me.

I'm looking to buy a shell from the states. no engine, not running, just shell with VIN and stuff.

It's still the same process right?
How long do I have until I have to register it as a running vehicle?


Nike One 03-26-2008 12:19 PM

Quote:

does anybody know of like a "broker" by chance who does this as a buisness?
If you looking for a car in the US (or even Canada), I highly recommend Messiah Motor Cars:
http://www.mmcars.ca/
(604) 786-8999

I never heard of them before until a friend recommended them. They have various import package fees to choose from.

Bruce at MM Cars there helped me pick up a car. Customer service was awesome. First, I told him what I was looking for. They have access to the wholesale market in the U.S. and Canada. I’d get daily no-obligation no-pressure emails with price quotes and car fax reports for cars all over the US and Canada.

We eventually found a car and agreed on a price, and they even took my trade-in. The car was detailed. Then they delivered the car to my work, along with an ICBC agent, who came prepared with a computer and printer. Did all of the insurance paper work at my work! Great service. I would use them again.

winks 03-27-2008 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blum2001 (Post 5607518)
I just came through the blaine border on Thursday with a CLK500 I'm importing and here are the steps I took to get it across...

Bought the car from a private sale. Got the bill of sale, state title from the previous owner.

Drove the car up to the border and left it at a family friends in bellingham since I had to wait 72 hours (3 business days). This was all on the previous friday.

When I got home, i emailed 'CBP.Blaine-EXPORT@dhs.gov' asking for the vehicle export worksheet. 2 DAYS later I got the email which included the export worksheet, status request form, and information on where to go when you arrive to the border. I filled out all the information and emailed it back. I also used the status request form and I confirmed i was able to bring the car back on the Thursday.

Thursday, drove down to pick up my car, arrived at the border. Parked my car in a the half circle shaped lane, walked across to the US Customs building and lined up in the vehicle export line. Gave the US Customs guy my export worksheet and title, he stamped it and told me to head to canada.

At the Canadian border, I told the border guard i'm importing this car, he asked a bunch of questions, gave me a white form with my car information, and told me to go into the office. In the office the customs agent asked proabaly about 20 questions. **I WOULD ADVISE IF YOU ARE BUYING A USED CAR, BRING IN THE AD FOR THE CAR. I found my car on craigslist and the add expired, so we had to use our bank information to verify that I purchased the car for what I stated. I purchased my car for approx $15k less than the redbook that they have there for reference so i had a hard time justifying it. None the less everything was ok.

After that, you head to the cashier table, pay your GST, Duty (if applicable) and then you're on your way.

My car is currently at Mercedes Benz getting its modifications done so I'll update once that process is done.


any updates?

blum2001 03-28-2008 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winks (Post 5778496)
any updates?

My bad... Forgot to update this post.

The car has been registered and plated in BC since mid December, and everything is great with the car. To continue from my last post.....

The modifications were done at Mercedes Boundary, took approx 3 days to do. Originally I was quoted anywhere from $4500-8000 for mods, and it ended up costing $3000 including tax and the BS Mercedes 'Admin Fee' charge of $750. I don't know if the $4500-8000 is a scare tactic but the car was here, so i had to go through with it.

I then received a letter of compliance from MB Canada, and faxed that to RIV, and they sent me my Form 2, and off to crappy tire to get the car inspected. That took about 10mins, and then I headed to my insurance broker...

It's been a few months but off the top of my head here are the costs.

$25,000US for the car, exchanged my money at $1.07, so $23500ish CAD
$300US for Mercedes Portland Certified 155 point Presale Inspection
$1600 for GST
$1700 for Duty
$3000 for Mercedes Mods
$1700 for PST
$120 for Canadian tire inspection
$209ish for RIV fee
$50ish gas money from Portland to Vancouver
$6 Mcdonalds lunch on the drive up. lol.

Approx Total for a 2004 CLK500 w/t AMG Package 3-4 months ago: Say $32,000 CAD give or take.

3 months ago, the car was listing in Canada anywhere from $39,000 as high up as $45,000 CAD. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Most people are scared by the amount of paper that is needed but as long as you have half a brain and are able to keep your papers/outlines in order, it's a breeze. Mercedes and BMW's are one of the hardest cars to import and if a stoner like me is capable of doing it, anyone is. Until the prices of cars are even on both sides of the border, I will not buy a car in Canada.

The ONLY regret I have is not getting a CLK55 convertible instead :(

winks 03-29-2008 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blum2001 (Post 5780106)
My bad... Forgot to update this post.

The car has been registered and plated in BC since mid December, and everything is great with the car. To continue from my last post.....

The modifications were done at Mercedes Boundary, took approx 3 days to do. Originally I was quoted anywhere from $4500-8000 for mods, and it ended up costing $3000 including tax and the BS Mercedes 'Admin Fee' charge of $750. I don't know if the $4500-8000 is a scare tactic but the car was here, so i had to go through with it.

I then received a letter of compliance from MB Canada, and faxed that to RIV, and they sent me my Form 2, and off to crappy tire to get the car inspected. That took about 10mins, and then I headed to my insurance broker...

It's been a few months but off the top of my head here are the costs.

$25,000US for the car, exchanged my money at $1.07, so $23500ish CAD
$300US for Mercedes Portland Certified 155 point Presale Inspection
$1600 for GST
$1700 for Duty
$3000 for Mercedes Mods
$1700 for PST
$120 for Canadian tire inspection
$209ish for RIV fee
$50ish gas money from Portland to Vancouver
$6 Mcdonalds lunch on the drive up. lol.

Approx Total for a 2004 CLK500 w/t AMG Package 3-4 months ago: Say $32,000 CAD give or take.

3 months ago, the car was listing in Canada anywhere from $39,000 as high up as $45,000 CAD. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Most people are scared by the amount of paper that is needed but as long as you have half a brain and are able to keep your papers/outlines in order, it's a breeze. Mercedes and BMW's are one of the hardest cars to import and if a stoner like me is capable of doing it, anyone is. Until the prices of cars are even on both sides of the border, I will not buy a car in Canada.

The ONLY regret I have is not getting a CLK55 convertible instead :(


what were the mercedes mods? only mercedes and bmw u have to do these mods to? what bout a honda? i would think just a honda recall letter and daytime running lights?

s_anails 04-04-2008 12:31 PM

is there a recent tax implication change when buying from the states and bringing it back to canada?

blum2001 04-07-2008 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winks (Post 5782902)
what were the mercedes mods? only mercedes and bmw u have to do these mods to? what bout a honda? i would think just a honda recall letter and daytime running lights?

I had to get the following changed/programmed

Instrument Cluster - changed to KM's
Front Bumper foam pads - changed to Canadian impact standards or some BS like that
Program daytime running lights to stay on

All cars 'may' need to get mods done, the only thing different with Mercedes/BMW is that the mods you need to do to make it Canadian compliant HAVE to be done at a Mercedes/BMW dealership. Any other brand of car you can do the mods yourself or bring it to a shop of your choice which is a lot cheaper. MB/BMW charge a rediculous amount for the mods and there's actually a class action lawsuit going on about it right now. Regardless I still saved $10k and I'm happy with my purchase.

Sp3cial_K 04-11-2008 11:18 AM

Hey guys,
i've imported a car before but it was a private deal.

i haven't had experience dealing with a dealership yet. How does it work ? i assume that if an american walked in and purchased a car he/she would have to pay all the taxes and what not. But since i'm Canadian what is the process for me? do i just not pay taxes? or do i pay them and get rembursed later?

anyone have past experience? please share, thanks!

godwin 04-25-2008 10:55 PM

You still pay state tax unless you have an out of state dealer license.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sp3cial_K (Post 5802516)
Hey guys,
i've imported a car before but it was a private deal.

i haven't had experience dealing with a dealership yet. How does it work ? i assume that if an american walked in and purchased a car he/she would have to pay all the taxes and what not. But since i'm Canadian what is the process for me? do i just not pay taxes? or do i pay them and get rembursed later?

anyone have past experience? please share, thanks!


tool001 05-13-2008 10:25 PM

do you still have to pay GST and duty if somebody with a US drivers lic. drives the car accross the border. DOest not tell them he is taking the car to sell,

give me the car here and i register it by paying only PST? only (do i have to pay GST and duty)

izzue.hk 06-23-2008 02:43 PM

does anyone know a good shipping company if you are going to have your car shipped from the US back to Canada??

blum2001 06-24-2008 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tool001 (Post 5852414)
do you still have to pay GST and duty if somebody with a US drivers lic. drives the car accross the border. DOest not tell them he is taking the car to sell,

give me the car here and i register it by paying only PST? only (do i have to pay GST and duty)

You still have to go through RIV (if it's not older than 15 years).

Good luck getting your insurance without your Form 2.

winks 06-26-2008 08:12 AM

transport canada have removed bumper restrictions starting today

hurley11 07-01-2008 02:05 PM

Altima Coupe
 
I imported a 2008 Altima Coupe 3.5 from Bellevue in February. I know the process pretty well and I have a few tricks, so if you guys have any questions, fire away.

Tegra_Devil 07-01-2008 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winks (Post 5915959)
transport canada have removed bumper restrictions starting today

so has anyone figured out if it applied to older cars i.e evo9's, r34 skylines? or is it only cars manufactured from 2009+?

derfud 07-27-2008 09:46 PM

The harmonized bumper standard applies to older models in addition to the 2009 models.

StylinRed 08-02-2008 11:02 PM

ok just to make sure this info is still in place, bmw's are still importable correct? just costs some extra $$?? (been a long time since i checked up)

gonna go down and grab one

Konvict 08-20-2008 05:28 PM

its all on website of whats importable and whats not...riv.ca

i used a broker for my car :) no hassles no problems...and u arent allowed to bring over a modded car...so i had to use a broker...he did private inspections..no canadian tire BS

EndLeSS8 09-02-2008 01:57 PM

Sooo........

Are EVO's legal to bring up now? I checked riv.ca and on their updated pdf file, it seems to be legal now......

Has anyone done it here/know someone who has imported an EVO?

Shogun 09-05-2008 02:02 PM

Most of these steps have been adapted from lowside67's post and RIV.ca with a few additions and updates from my personal experience. This is what I went through when purchasing my 1995 Nissan recent as of Sept 2008

SUGGESTIONS WHEN LOOKING FOR A USED CAR IN THE STATES:

1.) Do a CARFAX report or CARPROOF report for your car
2.) Arrange to do a CarChex Inspection or Licensed Mechanic to inspect the car after you have seen the car in person. There’s always hidden things you may miss out when just looking at the car yourself. Always have a mechanic to have a second opinion!

STEP 1 – PURCHASE YOUR CAR
1) Please make sure you obtain a TITLE for the vehicle, fully signed over to you

2) A Bill of Sale for your vehicle, must clearly indicate:
§ VIN#
§ purchase price (and currency)
§ kms
§ the seller’s personal information
§ buyer’s (your) personal information
3) Optional: An ad of the vehicle for sale e.g. the ad from craigslist

4) If available and buying car from dealer: Obtain a Recall Cleareance Letter.

5) Drive the purchased car and park it at a friend’s/relative's place. You will have to leave the car in the states for 72hours minimum.
NOTE: Double check the VIN of the car matches the VIN on the TITLE and Carfax report!


STEP 2 – US EXPORT DOCUMENTATIONS
1) When you get home, EMAIL the US vehicle export office and ask them to email you the proper documents and Vehicle Export Worksheet. CBP.Blaine-EXPORT@dhs.gov. Fill out the information and email them back.

2) Fax the Vehicle Export Worksheet, Title (both sides) and Bill of Sale to the US border @ 360-332-2639

3) After 2-4days, email them the status request form. They will confirm they have received the faxed documents and tell you the earliest date you can export your vehicle.

4) If you haven’t done it in Step 1, call your vehicle manufacture to obtain a Recall Cleareance Letter.
Here is a list of phone numbers you can contact to get a recall clearance letter for the major vehicle manufacturers:

Audi -Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-822-2834 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
BMW -Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-831-1117 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Chrysler - Recall documentation can be obtained on the internet at www .daimlerchrysler .ca or RIV will accept a VIP printout from a dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Ford -Recall documentation can be obtained from www.ford.com; head office by calling 1-800-392-3673 or RIV will accept an OASIS or Ford Confidential printout from a dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
General Motors -Recall documentation can be obtained from GM Vintage Vehicle Services by calling 1-888-467-6853.
Honda, Acura -Recall documentation can be obtained from the internet at www.honda.com. You must register with the ownerlink, and print the recall specification page or printout/letter from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Jaguar -Recall documentation can be obtained from www.ford.com; head office by calling 1-800-452-4827 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Mazda -Recall documentation can be obtained by filling out a Recall Clearance Letter Request Document and Sending it in to Mazda. Click here for more information on Mazda Recall Clearance Letters, or click here to download the Mazda Recall Clearance letter request document.
Mercedes-Benz -Recall documentation must be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-367-6372.
Mitsubishi -Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-222-0037 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Nissan -Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-647-7261 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Toyota- Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-331-4331 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Volkswagen -Recall documentation can be obtained from head office by calling 1-800-822-8987 or RIV will accept an internal system report from a U.S. dealership on letterhead or with dealer stamp.
Volvo -Recall documentation can be obtained from Volvo Cars of North American head office by calling 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Cars being imported will also require a Letter of Admissibility.


STEP 3 –THE DAY OF CROSSING THE BORDER WITH THE VEHICLE

1) In Canada: Purchase insurance from ICBC called “Binder of insurance” (~$35/10 days [maybe more $])

2) Prepare your documents:
a. ORIGINAL title
b. ORIGINAL bill of sale
c. COPY of title
d. COPY of bill of sale
e. Vehicle export worksheet
f. Insurance papers
3) After crossing the US border, go to the nearest Department of Licensing and purchase a US Temporary Permit. ($35 for 3 consecutive days) This permit allows you to drive your car from the States back to Canada.

4) Make sure you have enough $ credit on your credit cards (easiest form of payment) to pay for all the duty and taxes at the border. 6.1% Duty (If your car is not made in North America) +7%GST +$100 A/C fee. Here is a tool to calculate how much you will need approx: http://www.importcartocanada.info/to...ce-calculator/

5) US Customs to EXPORT: Drive the car to the US TRUCK CROSSING BORDER. [NOT PEACE ARCH] Stay on the right lane and before you see the Canadian Customs Border, between both borders there will be a Kiosk or white booth. Park your car there and walk into the office and go to the window where it says Vehicle Export. *ARRIVE BY 3:30PM MON-FRI OR THEY WILL NOT EXPORT YOUR VEHICLE!!!!!!* They will confirm they have received the documents and stamp your Original Title. This process takes only 5 minutes if there is no line up.

6) Canadian Customs to IMPORT: Drive the car to cross the Canadian Border as you would normally when you go back home from the States. They will give you a yellow card at the booth and tell you to park your vehicle and go to the Canadian Customs Office. Once inside the office, grab a ticket and sit down and wait. May take minutes to hours depending on how busy it is.

7) You don’t need to fill out any forms, the Customs agent will do that for you. They will give your FORM 1 and stamp 2 stamps on it. (They will stamp a 3rd stamp on the bottom if your vehicle is older 15yrs). Next, you will have to pay the taxes and duties at the cashier. Make sure you keep the blue card receipt! Before you leave the office, make a final check that you have all your documents:
a. Original Title
b. Original Bill of Sale
c. Form 1 (yellow and white sheets)
d. Receipt of duties and taxes

STEP 4 – AFTER THE BORDER, BACK IN CANADA:

1) COMPLETE: Finish completing the Vehicle and Importer Information portion of Form 1

2) PAY: Go online and pay the $204.75 for the Federal Inspection: https://www.riv.ca/rivpayment/html/enter.cfm
[make sure you submit a email address to them, so they can email you the form 2 so it’s faster]

3) FAX:
a. Title and Form 1 to RIV: 1-888-346-8235
b. Vehicle Recall Letter to RIV: 1-888-642-9899
4) WAIT: An inspection form, FORM 2 will be mailed or emailed back to you in 2 weeks after completion of the above. If after 2 weeks they still haven’t emailed or mailed it to you, give them a email at info@riv.ca with your 6-digit case number at the top left corner of Form 1. [ex. H123456]

5) VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS: While you wait for your Form 2, I suggest you use this time to do the necessary vehicle modifications. For a complete list go here: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/mod_i...uirements.html
But mainly what you need are:
a. Daytime Running Lights - $200 at Canadian Tire [can be cheaper else where]
b. Cheld Restraint tether anchorage hardware kit. (Some cars may already have it, if not it can be purchased at Canadian Tire for $5)
6) FEDERAL INSPECTION: Once your Form 2 has arrived, you can go forward with the Federal Inspection. Go to your nearest Canadian Tire as early as possible, 8am – 6pm Mon-Sat for your Federal Inspection. You cannot book an appointment, it’s First come First Serve. Obtain the passed Federal Inspection Document [Form 2] and they will also put a final stamp on Form 1.

7) PROVINCIAL INSPECTION: I suggest going to shop other than CanTire for your OPP inspection, as CanTire is unneccsary strict!!! They will fail you for minor things such as license plate bulb being out, etc. Cost will be $80 - $150. Obtain the passed OPP inspection document

8) REGISTER YOUR CAR/ICBC INSURANCE: Bring all the forms that you have obtained to your nearest ICBC agent, once again they are:
1) Form 1 [with 3 stamps]
2) Original Title
3) Original Bill of Sale
4) Passed Form 2
5) Passed Provincial Inspection Document
6) Receipt of Duty and Taxes
note: At this point, you will pay the 5%PST when you buy your insurance
2nd note: you won't need aircare on the first year of insurance for your OPP car. The next year you will though.

9) After 3 – 4 weeks, RIV will mail you a sticker saying your car has passed the RIV program. Stick this on the driver’s side door panel. CONGRATS YOU ARE DONE! ENJOY YOUR CAR!! :thumbsup:

Ch28 09-11-2008 05:20 PM

There's a huge thread about this over on RFD. Shogun's post is probably better because it has step by step instructions but the RFD thread is almost 400 pages long so I'm sure there are questions/answers there if you feel like searching.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=307601

d1 09-15-2008 02:01 PM

I would like some confirmation on this: Purchasing a new car in Washington state requires state tax to be paid whereas used cars do not? I was told so by a car sales person in WA.


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