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Hoops You Have to Jump Through to Bring a Car Up From the States

By Brian Turner, CanWest News Service

"Question: I am spending my winter months in Florida and I intend to buy my next Camry there since our dollars are at par. I would realize a saving of close to $4,000. Are there any restrictions and/or regulations I must observe besides paying the GST when bringing the car into Canada? I intend to drive the car across the border." ~ Gunther Bauer, Ottawa

Answer: With the Canadian dollar approaching the US$1.10 mark and with most auto manufacturers being slow to announce complete price reductions across their entire model lines, Gunther isn't alone in considering a cross-border car purchase.

And while many U.S. dealerships located close to the border are bowing to pressures from their manufacturers in refusing to sell to Canadian customers, the farther south you travel, the less resistance you'll be likely to find in the showroom.

That said, buying a new or used car south of the 49th isn't the same as a trip to your local dealership.

First, you'll need to find out if the vehicle of choice is admissible to this country, or can be modified to meet Canadian standards.

Transport Canada has an up-to-date manifesto online and the 2008 Camry is on the approved list - however the 2008 Yaris hatchback, Corolla, Prius and Matrix are not.

The Camry doesn't appear to need any modifications either. You can confirm this by contacting the Registrar of Imported Vehicles at 1-888-848-8240 or email inforiv.ca.

Speaking of which, the first website a cross-border shopper should check out is the Registrar's - www.riv.ca.

It contains a lot of useful information and links to other government sites.

Then, for a list of eligible vehicles check the Transport Canada website as www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation. The Canadian Border Services Agency's site is www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Next, you'll need a letter from the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer indicating that your specific vehicle doesn't have any outstanding recalls. You will also need a statement of compliance from the car maker indicating that your wheels meet Canadian safety and emission standards.

You'll want to find out exactly what duty and taxes you'll have to pay at the border and Canada Border Services Agency officials will be happy to tell you. Call them at 1-800-461-9999.

The U.S. government will need some information as well. Its Customs agency requires notice of all vehicles being permanently exported, along with proper documentation, 72 hours in advance.

By the way, on top of taxes and any duties, you'll also be required to pay a $195 Registrar of Imported Vehicles fee. Don't forget to obtain insurance coverage.

At the border, there will be a few more forms to complete. You'll need to present all your documents - proof of title and registration, sales receipt, and manufacturer's statements of compliance and recall status. Any tax payable will be based on the price listings on file with the border staff, not your bill of sale.

After you arrive home, you'll have to wait until you receive a federal inspection form from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles which will outline modifications, (if any), required to bring your new wheels into compliance with Canadian standards.

Give local dealers a chance at your business. Saving a few thousand dollars on the purchase price may not make up for all the border hassles and paperwork and fees and lack of a repair centre when something goes wrong down the road.