How to Buy Your Next Vehicle from the US - and Save Thousands!

[bionicbadger]

which car gives you most value?
eg. the difference between the price in the states, and the price in Canada is the largest.

I think its Porsche. A luxury 911 turbo is over $40800 cheaperin the US, thats after the 6.1% duty is added to the US price.
And Porsche warranties are from Porsche North America, so honored in both US and Canada.

[mau108]

I just sent an email out to kirkland toyota and the response was the following

"Thank you for your recent Internet inquiry regarding our 2007 Toyota Cars Avalon. Unfortunately Toyota dealerships in the U.S. are not authorized to sell Toyota motor vehicles to customers located outside the U.S. or to sell Toyota vehicles for resale or use outside the United States. Toyota dealers in the U.S. are authorized by their franchise agreements only for sales of vehicles which will be registered in the United States. We recommend that residents of Canada and Mexico contact an authorized Toyota dealer in their country for their vehicle purchases. "

[alysomji]

I just sent an email out to kirkland toyota and the response was the following

"Thank you for your recent Internet inquiry regarding our 2007 Toyota Cars Avalon. Unfortunately Toyota dealerships in the U.S. are not authorized to sell Toyota motor vehicles to customers located outside the U.S. or to sell Toyota vehicles for resale or use outside the United States. Toyota dealers in the U.S. are authorized by their franchise agreements only for sales of vehicles which will be registered in the United States. We recommend that residents of Canada and Mexico contact an authorized Toyota dealer in their country for their vehicle purchases. "

Yes, getting a Toyota from the US is difficult. Look beyond cities right on the border and you might find it easier to get a willing dealer.

[mooga]

I think its Porsche. A luxury 911 turbo is over $40800 cheaperin the US, thats after the 6.1% duty is added to the US price.
And Porsche warranties are from Porsche North America, so honored in both US and Canada.

Wow, even used porsches here are so expensive. Is it easy to purchase one in the US and bring it here? Alysomji, do you have any info on Mercedes Benz?

[spicytuna]

Hi,

Thanks for the great write up.

Just had one question though. Is it really necessary to have the recall letter in hand to cross the border? I was under the impression that it was only needed to register the vehicle in Canada.

I know that US customs only requires the worksheet and MSO/COO but will the Canadian customs request the recall letter as well?

Thanks.

Ken.

[bionicbadger]

Hi,

Thanks for the great write up.

Just had one question though. Is it really necessary to have the recall letter in hand to cross the border? I was under the impression that it was only needed to register the vehicle in Canada.

I know that US customs only requires the worksheet and MSO/COO but will the Canadian customs request the recall letter as well?

Thanks.

Ken.

I had it, but they didn't really look at it. RIV needs a faxed copy before they send you form 2.

If you have/can get a fax/copy of the original title, you should be able to fax it to the manufacturer/american distributor to get a recall clearance letter from them before you have the actual car or paperwork in your hand..

[spicytuna]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I called the RIV shortly after I posted that message and they confirmed that I didn't have to have the letter to enter Canada.

I just faxed the worksheet and CoO to the Whitlash border crossing in Montana. Will be driving back a 2007 Legacy GT Limited on Sunday.

[sonic19982]

I’m interested in importing a Sienna from the US and I was hoping someone could help me out. I found a dealer willing to sell to me but I’m worried about the registration issue. How did those of you without US addresses get around the registration process (most dealers won’t sell unless you have a US address) since Toyota requires it for to register the car to their computers. Do any of you have any problems with your Toyota warranty?

[Nilox]

Hi,

Great information!

Correction to point #2 of <<After You’ve Arranged the Deal>> - US Customs will NOT accept fax or copies of the Title. The 72hrs countdown will start upon reception of the ORIGINAL document only - NOT a fax.

I tried to arrange for a fax of the title with both the Champlain, NY Port (I87) and the Alexandria, NY Port (I81) and they categorically refused to consider a fax (<<not unless you want me to break the law sir!>> - per the officer. Gotta love these guys).

I'm in the process of importing a used Honda Pilot purchased on eBay.

Good luck.
Nilox.

[bionicbadger]

Correction to point #2 of <<After You’ve Arranged the Deal>> - US Customs will NOT accept fax or copies of the Title. The 72hrs countdown will start upon reception of the ORIGINAL document only - NOT a fax.

Blaine Washington accepts FAXed copies, you can email or phone them a day after to you FAX to make sure they have everything they need and they let you know the date from which you are ok to export.

[Nilox]

Hmm... It'll be a small detour for me to go across the continent and back.

But it's annoying to see the NY officers have different "laws" than out west - or let's say they are less flexible. Bummer.

Nilox.

[woodstock827]

So the CT inspection fee is included in the RIV fee??

I'm doing some math on a Mazda Miata and figured one could save ~$4900 if car is bought at MSRP.... the only problem now is to come up with ~$36000

[michelb]

Blaine Washington accepts FAXed copies, you can email or phone them a day after to you FAX to make sure they have everything they need and they let you know the date from which you are ok to export.

Hmm... It'll be a small detour for me to go across the continent and back.

But it's annoying to see the NY officers have different "laws" than out west - or let's say they are less flexible. Bummer.

Nilox.

Each POE pretty much makes their own rules - I wouldn't be surprised if different agents at the some POE have different rules.

I would suggest calling other POEs around just to see but not being to fax isn't the end of the world; you can probably have the original title Fed-Ex'd overnight for $30 or so (depending on where you are buying the vehicle from).

[Nilox]

Call Champlain & Thousand Islands and they pretty much gave me the same answer. But you are right, I will have the Title sent by courier and report my trip to Atlanta next weekend to pick up the car.

Just gotta be cautious because the border address is a general mailbox and it takes extra time to do the "internal" delivery, especially on long weekends.

[shopauto]

wow, that is alot of reading. I would normally buy and sell right here in Canada, by going through our website, since I see deals coming through our place before they get placed online.