Importing a car from US to Canada

Post by **scot850** » 18 Oct 2022, 13:49

I was looking at what is involved in importing a car to Canada. About 6 years ago my brother and I exported an 850 to the US. A bit of a pain but not too terrible.

I looked at an opportunity to bring a much loved 850 to Canada for a continued life. WOW! Does our dear Canadian Government really like to screw you over. From what I can see (and many of the government website links are broken) is we now have to use the services of an importer. I just got a quote estimate of $720 CDN on a $2000 car. To that you have to add an Out of Province inspection which I hope also covers the Insurance inspection for a car over 12 years old of around $250 CDN. So close to $1000 CDN for a $2000 car.

Biggest laugh is a 'soil test'. Initially I thought that was what you did when you saw the quote!!

But no, a $75 charge to have a soil sample taken from your imported vehicle to make sure it is safe to import. Hmm. I don't recall that being a requirement for any cars crossing the border every day! Now I do understand the reasoning behind it, but it is a rip-off unless every vehicle crossing the border is also tested irrespective of the age of a vehicle.

Has anyone imported a vehicle to Canada in the recent past or have any experience of the process?

I plan to talk to the AMA (CAA) = AAA in Alberta about the process to see if there is a way around all the additional costs. I know the OOP test in Alberta is not optional and has to be completed withing 3 months of the vehicles arrival.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 20 Oct 2022, 08:40

Sounds like a great reason to have a residence in the USA (via a mail forwarding service) and to come "visit" Canada with your "American" vehicle on a very regular basis.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Oct 2022, 09:09

That is funny as that is what abscate suggested as well. Mind you, with the price of gasoline up here, and particularly premium gas, at $2/liter it won't take too long to run up that $1000 in trips to//from the US. Plus they might start to suspect I am a drug mule (certainly an ass!) or gun runner.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2022, 13:04

It’s look like if you leave it registered with a US resident it can stay in Canada indefinitely

Post by **Clemens** » 20 Oct 2022, 13:13

Don't you have the Canadian pink slip anymore so you can simply reregister it?
Probably not, just thinking out loud.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2022, 13:35

Clemens wrote: ↑20 Oct 2022, 13:13 Don't you have the Canadian pink slip anymore so you can simply reregister it?
Probably not, just thinking out loud.

It’s like Australia and Austria. Other than kangaroos, nothing in common.

Post by **BlackBart** » 20 Oct 2022, 14:53

I imported a kangaroo from Austria. His name is Walter. Good mechanic.

Post by **Clemens** » 20 Oct 2022, 15:21

Ever since Walter is gone I have to wrench on my p80s. I sure miss him ...

Post by **scot850** » 20 Oct 2022, 15:24

Now it just so happens I have a brother in Colorado.................Hm.??????

What I would have to look into is how the heck to insure it. Up here the insurance would require a safety inspection at over 12 years old (some are now 10 years). A safety inspection is about half of an out of province one, which they may insist on anyway. Next week I can start investigating.

Neil.