Advice on Importing a Car from US to Canada

[*trish*]

Hi there!

I recently bought a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan in Boston, Mass, to go on a road trip with friends. It was in good driving condition, still is, but with some cosmetic dents on the outside, so we managed to get it for US $950.

Road trip completed, I am wondering about the feasiblilty of bring the mini-van back to Toronto with me, and wondering what costs I am looking at to bring such a inexpensive car across the border.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!

Thanks!

[Anonymouse]

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles have been imported by individuals over the last 18 months; it's quite easy to do. See http://riv.ca . Note that you will need

0) to pay RIV's approx. $200 fee
1) the sales receipt showing how much you paid for the car, for tax purposes
2) a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer to show that there are no outstanding recalls.
3) If the speedometer doesn't have kph markings, you will have to apply some stickers (which you can remove later if you want).
4) If the airbags require periodic maintenance (which some cars of that era do), you will need a french language sticker for the sun visor.
5) daytime running light activation, which is generally a $10 relay you can buy from the dealer and pop in yourself

[TrevorK]

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles have been imported by individuals over the last 18 months; it's quite easy to do. See http://riv.ca . Note that you will need

0) to pay RIV's approx. $200 fee
1) the sales receipt showing how much you paid for the car, for tax purposes
2) a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer to show that there are no outstanding recalls.
3) If the speedometer doesn't have kph markings, you will have to apply some stickers (which you can remove later if you want).
4) If the airbags require periodic maintenance (which some cars of that era do), you will need a french language sticker for the sun visor.
5) daytime running light activation, which is generally a $10 relay you can buy from the dealer and pop in yourself

Isn't there also a federal safety inspection? And a provincial one as well?

These two items alone would definitely drive up the cost of importing such a low-value vehicle.

[Narci]

Try this thread, lots of good info.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307601&highlight=importing+cars

[Anonymouse]

Isn't there also a federal safety inspection?

Yes, it's included in the RIV fee.


And a provincial one as well?


Yes, I think for a used car there is also a provincial inspection. Don't get it done at Canadian Tire; go to an independent garage.



These two items alone would definitely drive up the cost of importing such a low-value vehicle.

In my city, you can get a provincial safety inspection for $90. YMMV.