Buying a newer car from Canada and importing to the USA

Buying a car from Canada and importing to the USA

We found a perfect car that we want to buy. Only problem is it is in Toronto (few hours away). I had thought that Canadian cars were considerably more expensive then the same car in the USA. Don’t know if the strong USD is the reason or not. It is a loaded 2014 Audi A4 at an Audi dealership. Exact color we want, manual trans, sport seats, cool wheels. Low mikes (8400 km). Is this going to be a PITA to do? Are there going to be fees or duties that I will have to pay? Can a KM speedo be swapped out with a MPH? We would buy this tomorrow at their asking price.

I sold a car to the US years ago. The car had to have all the recalls done and export paperwork done. Seemed easy (but I didn't do it).

You'll have more issues on the state level than the federal. Emissions etc. I believe my old jetta might have originated as canadian. I think if its a car already sold here as well its different than if its not sold here IE not crash tested here etc.

But on the same token you cant say buy the note sold in the US diesel model from Canada or something and easily bring it here

go here http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

(This is the Federal stuff)

Does the certification label (one in the drivers doorjamb) say FMVSS or CMVSS (with a maple leaf)? If the second one, you will have to have the paperwork done by a Registered importer (and they will also do the speedo stuff and attach a label, they have to do it, you cannot).

There is a problem, if you look under Registered Importer newsletters #50, basically, if the car is a canadian certified and is NOT equipped with TPMS, you will not be able to import it without paying a dealership to install the OEM system as well (if you can talk a dealership into doing that)

So, basically, for Federal, you need to have a Registered Importer do the paperwork, get through the TPMS thing with the OEM option as origionally installed, or as installed by a dealership, and pay them for the papers. Oh yeah, and taxes, you get to pay a few percent in federal taxes for the importation.

For tax stuff look here http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

Dutiable Entry Foreign-made vehicles imported into the U.S., whether new or used, either for personal use or for sale, are generally dutiable at the following rates:

Auto

2.5%

Trucks

25%

Motorcycles

either free or 2.4%

Duty rates are based on price paid or payable. Most Canadian-made vehicles are duty-free.

As a returning U.S. resident, you may apply your $800 CBP exemption and those of accompanying family members toward the value of the vehicle if it: •Accompanies you on your return; •Is imported for personal use; •Was acquired during the journey from which you are returning.

For CBP purposes, a returning U.S. resident is one who is returning from travel, work, or study abroad.

After the exemption has been applied, a flat duty rate of 3% is applied toward the next $1,000 of the vehicle's value. The remaining amount is dutiable at the regular duty rate.

Here's the EPA link that discusses importing late model cars from Canada. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/canadian.htm NHTSA link: http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

I have a feeling that after paying the Taxes and the Registered Importer (and the customs house broker to keep all the papers straight), you probably will be spending more than you save, and thats without the TPMS thing.

You have to consider he is saving 20% due to the exchange rate. Might be worth the hassle if it comes out on a wash price-wise but is the exact car they want?

Contact Audi of Canada and ask them to verify if the vehicle meets all applicable US standards. If they will give a letter saying it is then things go easier. If they say no you'll be into the hassle of getting it changed to meet the FMVSS and all other applicable standards. 15 years ago I moved from Ontario to Michigan. The race car (a VW) had that letter and was of no concern to any authorities, but the tow vehicle (a Chevy Astro)didn't meet all US standards. I was permitted to import it , but it had to be exported to be sold, or scrapped. My son wrecked it so disposal became really simple.

We have been looking for a few months for a particular car- s-line, 6 speed, sport pack w/ sport seats and not silver, gray or black.mthis one is a good $3,500 cheaper then any others we have seen that are less than 8 hours away.

It is a Audi dealership, the sales guy said finally got back to us and they have shipped to the U.S. before.

Shipped to US before sounds like a rumor the sales guy heard and no direct experience. I don't think you are going to be able to do the import for less than 3500 if it requires any of the paperwork shenanigans. Probably at least a 40k car so at least 800 in import taxes. You might have better luck using the other car to negotiate with an american dealer

It has to read in miles per hour, as well.

stuart in mn wrote: Here's the EPA link that discusses importing late model cars from Canada. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/canadian.htm NHTSA link: http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

Yup, just read that. It's the real info from the source. Not all that difficult if the car meets the regs.

Be aware of a current class action against audi regarding the oil consumption on the 2.0 gas turbo. Wife's 2011 burns ~1qt/1k miles. I have replaced the plastic oil separator and lines.

Little bit of thread necromancy here.

I'm in the process of importing an 08 Lancer Evo from BC to Washington, just now got off the phone with the border agency having confirmed some things.
All I need when I'm bringing it across the line is the title, bill of sale, and letter of conformity.
Nothing about changing over the speedo.
Those three items will get me a form to take to the DMV, good to go.
Since the car was manufactured in Japan I'm on the hook for duty, but I anticipated that.

TL;DR version: Letter of compliance, title, bill of sale = good to go. (For WA at least)

Check with your local DMV though if they have additional requirements to register it, they may. CA is notorious for that (one of the reasons that a lot of the legal, over 25 JDM imports are 49 states only), dunno about WA.

Back from the dead - the weak canadian dollar is driving me to hunt Kijiji for cool rides. latest I would be looking would be 2000-2005 which subjects me to the thoughts covered in the thread. Other thoughts are older cool stuff 25 years back that would be quite a bit easier.

Just ran in to an issue with a car tgat was imported from CA. It had an issue that would normally be covered by the mfgr under warranty. But because it was a CA car and not brought I properly it was not I the manufacturers system and that ment no warranty coverage. Last I heard it was headed to court as the car was purchased from a dealer. Used but still from a dealer.

I would be very careful with this especially if it is a newer car.