Importing a car from the US that needs work

[Spud72]

I am considering buying a 24 year old car from the US that needs some work. It is "driveable" - but I'll probably trailer it back.

It needs a new instrument cluster and possibly some other work.. but regardless there is no way it would pass an inspection to register due to the cluster alone. What I was planning on doing was buying it and working on it over the winter.

Since I won't be driving it across the border on its own power, does anyone know how the inspection process would differ?

[P90Puma]

I am considering buying a 24 year old car from the US that needs some work. It is "driveable" - but I'll probably trailer it back.

It needs a new instrument cluster and possibly some other work.. but regardless there is no way it would pass an inspection to register due to the cluster alone. What I was planning on doing was buying it and working on it over the winter.

Since I won't be driving it across the border on its own power, does anyone know how the inspection process would differ?

If it was newer then 15 years old, you would have some problems. But since it isn't and therefore does not go through the RIV program, you should have no issues whatsoever. IIRC you have unlimited time to get it registered in Canada, as all you have to do is pass provincial inspection/etest.

This is just all off the top of my head, confirm with the border and RIV before you commit to purchasing.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

More than 15 years old means basically do what you want as far as compliance goes. You DO still have to pay the GST on the purchase price, plus the $100 aircon fee if it has aircon. There's a few things like CHMBL(Third Brake light) and DOT headlights but I think CHMBL is only for 20 yrs old or less, if the car is LHD it should be fine for headlights, and no one is going to care about it anyway.

I would contact a customs broker, they can deal with all the CRA stuff at the border since there is no "compliance" issue. Basically it has to pass Alberta OOP, but until recently most shops didn't check cars for the number of brake lights or RHD headlights.

[onecoolloser]

What car is it?

[Spud72]

Thanks for the replies folks, that's encouraging.

I'll do some more research on it but that sounds good. :)

loser: It's an 1983 280ZX Turbo. I've wanted a nice example ever since I was a teenager and found a decent one that needs just minimal work to be mint for a good price.

[maxgohan]

Thanks for the replies folks, that's encouraging.

I'll do some more research on it but that sounds good. :)

loser: It's an 1983 280ZX Turbo. I've wanted a nice example ever since I was a teenager and found a decent one that needs just minimal work to be mint for a good price.

no s30 no care :cheesygri