Importing a new U.S. vehicle into Canada

Matt · #1 02-01-2007, 08:42 AM

I bought a car in the US this past summer. I was looking for a 4WD, and did look into Subaru... I was told at the time that there weren't any warranty issues to worry about, but you need to check, as the situation could change.

I wound up buying a used Audi, but the process of importing couldn't be simpler. You've already got the link to Riv.ca, and that's all you need.

When you buy the vehicle, have the title faxed to the US border post where you intend to have it enter to Canada, 72 hours in advance.

When you get to the border, stop in at the American side, and they'll have a quick look at your paperwork (bill of sale, title), and send you on your way. Then stop at the Canadian side, and they'll assess duty, and GST, and take the RIV fee. Then you have about 3 weeks to have the car provincially and federally inspected, make any modifications necessary (like daytime running lights), and then register it.

If you're not bringing it back yourself, then hire a broker, and they'll take care of most of that for you.

DO make sure the car is on the RIV list of importable vehicles. If it isn't on that list, you will not - no matter how much you whine - be able to import it. You'll have to take it back to the US and leave it there.

It really is simple. Your main 'gotchas' are the RIV list, and the warranty. Once you've got those, go for it. You'll save a small fortune.

trilinearmipmap · #2 02-01-2007, 03:19 PM

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Unfortunately the Subaru dealer in Seattle told me this model has been completely sold out for two months and no more will be made.

muck · #3 02-01-2007, 03:21 PM

I think they only released 800 cars in that model.

Tarolisol · #4 02-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I bought a car in the US this past summer. I was looking for a 4WD, and did look into Subaru... I was told at the time that there weren't any warranty issues to worry about, but you need to check, as the situation could change.

I wound up buying a used Audi, but the process of importing couldn't be simpler. You've already got the link to Riv.ca, and that's all you need.

When you buy the vehicle, have the title faxed to the US border post where you intend to have it enter to Canada, 72 hours in advance.

When you get to the border, stop in at the American side, and they'll have a quick look at your paperwork (bill of sale, title), and send you on your way. Then stop at the Canadian side, and they'll assess duty, and GST, and take the RIV fee. Then you have about 3 weeks to have the car provincially and federally inspected, make any modifications necessary (like daytime running lights), and then register it.

If you're not bringing it back yourself, then hire a broker, and they'll take care of most of that for you.

DO make sure the car is on the RIV list of importable vehicles. If it isn't on that list, you will not - no matter how much you whine - be able to import it. You'll have to take it back to the US and leave it there.

It really is simple. Your main 'gotchas' are the RIV list, and the warranty. Once you've got those, go for it. You'll save a small fortune.

What would duty be on a new car, that might be scary?

Matt · #5 02-02-2007, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarolisol

What would duty be on a new car, that might be scary?

Depends on where the car was manufactured. Figure 6.1% for most foreign-made. Zero% for American-made.

trilinearmipmap · #6 02-02-2007, 01:36 PM

Both my dad and my brother-in-law are likely going to import Subarus later on this year, once it is done I will post back on their experiences and savings.

ponokareefer · #7 02-06-2007, 04:04 PM

We have had a few clients do this. One item that can be overlooked is insurance. Talk to the salesman down there and get a referal to a US broker in that state. If you are only going through one state, you shouldn't have an issue. Issues come up if you are going through multiple states.

LostMind · #8 02-17-2007, 12:04 AM

Helped my friend import his porsche, nearly purchased my STi down south, am considering buying a new subaru legacy for my wife from the USA as well...

So easy you can't imagine. spend 4 hours to save $10k? Isn't that a no brainer?

I got my STi locally because of colour issues. Otherwise, I'd eat the 6.1% duty (manufactured in Japan not USA) and still save $8k.

The Subaru Legacy is considered US built, thus no duty. Which is great as the engines are built in Japan, then bolted on the frame and the body parts hung on in Indiana. On a Legacy GT Limited, you can save up to $13k compared to buying locally!

trilinearmipmap · #9 03-13-2007, 03:22 AM

OK to resurrect an old thread I got back from Vancouver last week and my dad just got his Outback from the states. It took him ten days for the whole process of licensing inspection etc. before he was finally allowed to drive it in Canada. Plus about one day of hassle for a round trip to Seattle. His savings after all expenses taxes etc. was about $6000.00 but more importantly he got the car with options not available up here.