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Canadian_Stig · 03-18-2010, 02:49 PM

1st post here, but I've been lurking (accountless) for over a year.

I've imported 2 vehicles and 1 trailer personally and helped two family members import a vehicle each. Each purchasing situation was different so I believe I have a relatively good knowledge of the process.

Vehicles imported: Year imported: Amount saved
04 RX-8 2008 $6000
07 Trailblazer SS 2008 $15000
08 Highlander Hybrid 2008 $10000
04 PT Cruiser Turbo 2006 $5000
07 Enclosed Pace Trailer 2009 $3500

Total amount saved: $39500 CDN

I'm considering do the same thing with the Camaro.

Process is very simple, but time consuming, here is some info:

You won't be able to buy brand new from a GM dealer - GM has placed penalties on US dealers who sell to Canadians. If you can somehow find one, the dealer will have to register the vehicle in it's state first prior to selling it too you, meaning you have to pay state taxes on the purchase, then you have to pay GST and PST in Canada.

You can buy any used Camaro doesn't matter how many kms(miles) it has on it. You just cannot register the warranty in Canada until the car is 6 months old. A lot of used Camaros have been stored over the winter, so 6 months old and low kms.

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253#gm0

You pay a Registered Import Vehicle of Canada fee of $195+ tax at the boarder along with GST (based on the US price after conversion to CDN), and $100 for air conditioning excise tax. There is no duty on the Camaro because it is built in North America.
The following link has all the info you need.
http://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx

Car inspection can be done at any Canadian Tire, while you are there, takes five minutes and "IS" included with your RIV fee. You WILL have to show the CDN tire inspector that the daytime running lights come on when the car is started, this is a CDN requirement. Most 09 + cars built for the US have the ability to turn on or off this feature, as long as it is on when you go for inspection you will be fine. 08+ new vehicles also require an engine immobilizer installed, which all 2010 Camaros have so no problem.

As for speedo/temperature gauges, it is NOT a CDN requirement to have them read kms/Celsius. However, some cars have the ability to press a button and switch between them. As per the cars listed above, the Trailblazer SS and RX-8 (Digital display/one numbered dial) switch with the press of a button, the PT Cruiser and Highlander don't. Don't worry you get used to reading the smaller kms numbers very quickly.

As someone already said, "DO" get a recall letter from a dealer in the US prior to bringing it over. Some auto manufactures in Canada now charge for this letter, however, it should be free in the US.

If this car wasn't white and I had the wife's permission, I'd be on a flight to pick it up next week. It'd be like buying a new 2SS in Canada, but it comes with 600 BHP and upgraded suspension for the same price.

Maybe we cannot buy "off the lot" new but for $10 000+ savings on a "used" one it is sooooooo worth it.

03-18-2010, 02:49 PM	#12
Canadian_Stig Drives: Highlander Hybrid, Durango, TurboPT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ajax, ON Posts: 28	1st post here, but I've been lurking (accountless) for over a year. I've imported 2 vehicles and 1 trailer personally and helped two family members import a vehicle each. Each purchasing situation was different so I believe I have a relatively good knowledge of the process. Vehicles imported: Year imported: Amount saved 04 RX-8 2008 $6000 07 Trailblazer SS 2008 $15000 08 Highlander Hybrid 2008 $10000 04 PT Cruiser Turbo 2006 $5000 07 Enclosed Pace Trailer 2009 $3500 Total amount saved: $39500 CDN I'm considering do the same thing with the Camaro. Process is very simple, but time consuming, here is some info: You won't be able to buy brand new from a GM dealer - GM has placed penalties on US dealers who sell to Canadians. If you can somehow find one, the dealer will have to register the vehicle in it's state first prior to selling it too you, meaning you have to pay state taxes on the purchase, then you have to pay GST and PST in Canada. You can buy any used Camaro doesn't matter how many kms(miles) it has on it. You just cannot register the warranty in Canada until the car is 6 months old. A lot of used Camaros have been stored over the winter, so 6 months old and low kms. http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253#gm0 You pay a Registered Import Vehicle of Canada fee of $195+ tax at the boarder along with GST (based on the US price after conversion to CDN), and $100 for air conditioning excise tax. There is no duty on the Camaro because it is built in North America. The following link has all the info you need. http://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx Car inspection can be done at any Canadian Tire, while you are there, takes five minutes and "IS" included with your RIV fee. You WILL have to show the CDN tire inspector that the daytime running lights come on when the car is started, this is a CDN requirement. Most 09 + cars built for the US have the ability to turn on or off this feature, as long as it is on when you go for inspection you will be fine. 08+ new vehicles also require an engine immobilizer installed, which all 2010 Camaros have so no problem. As for speedo/temperature gauges, it is NOT a CDN requirement to have them read kms/Celsius. However, some cars have the ability to press a button and switch between them. As per the cars listed above, the Trailblazer SS and RX-8 (Digital display/one numbered dial) switch with the press of a button, the PT Cruiser and Highlander don't. Don't worry you get used to reading the smaller kms numbers very quickly. As someone already said, "DO" get a recall letter from a dealer in the US prior to bringing it over. Some auto manufactures in Canada now charge for this letter, however, it should be free in the US. If this car wasn't white and I had the wife's permission, I'd be on a flight to pick it up next week. It'd be like buying a new 2SS in Canada, but it comes with 600 BHP and upgraded suspension for the same price. Maybe we cannot buy "off the lot" new but for $10 000+ savings on a "used" one it is sooooooo worth it.