Importing Cars from Canada - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

A264172 · #1 12-06-2005, 05:16 PM

Anyone know whats involved in buying a used Canadian car for use in U.S.

uberwgn · #2 12-06-2005, 05:29 PM

If the identical model was sold in the USA, the process is very simple.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/VIG_Canada07032.html

A264172 · #3 12-06-2005, 05:58 PM

Thanks for that very helpful link uberwgn.

TheDon · #4 12-06-2005, 09:29 PM

just a heads up.. i know a guy that drove a vw across the border with false plates .. just for the engine.. nice canadian diesel all mechanical no electronics.. for his caddy with what he says the last tail gate from the north america warehouse.. lucky

Mark V · #5 12-06-2005, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

just a heads up.. i know a guy that drove a vw across the border with false plates .. just for the engine.. nice canadian diesel all mechanical no electronics.. for his caddy with what he says the last tail gate from the north america warehouse.. lucky

If this is possible, I would be very scared, border gaurds should pick up plates to a wrong vehicle pretty quickly.

You know we're not afraid to use salt 6 months a year up here don't you?

A264172 · #6 12-07-2005, 04:00 PM

The car I am looking at would need speedometer/odometer/labeling alterations made to it by a stealer.

Any recommendations of one between Toronto and the rainbow crossing that I could solicit a quote from?

Quote:

Originally Posted by VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES

3. If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. In addition to the documents cited in item 2, above, you must present the invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement to obtain Customs approval.

Mark V · #7 12-07-2005, 05:21 PM

Try:
Garden Motorcar in Burlington Tel: (905) 523-5557
M-B Oakville ******** in Oakville Tel: (905) 845-6623
Performance Cars in St. Catharines Tel: (905) 685-3838

Which one you pick will probably depend on what hiways you take to the border. I can't comment on any of them personnaly I just know they are on the way to the rainbow bridge and all are close to the 403, easiest access is probably the St. Catharines store.

A264172 · #8 12-07-2005, 05:42 PM

Thanks Mark,
Import rules require an MB dealer do the work

so it looks like M-B Oakville

I am only semi-interested in the car and it may all be for nothing but an education... but I will at least find out what the costs look like and report back to the thread...

bhatt · #9 12-08-2005, 05:48 PM

Marty,

I'm in Oakville and have been to all 3 places.

MB Oakville and Garden Motorcar are BOTH dealers. I know Performance was at one point, but haven't been there in a few years. You might want to call them to check.

MB Oakville is known for high parts prices.. make sure you get quotes from 2 places as they can vary 15-20%

Neal

A264172 · #10 12-08-2005, 07:05 PM

Thanks Neal,
Expensive is how it seems thus far. To bring an 88 300E over it requires a Spedo/Odo combo. The parts guy couldn't see the price on the US version on his computer because he's not allowed to order it without special permission. The Can. version was priced at -C $700.00 + 107.00 labor.

The car in question was a buy it now: at -C $1991.00 (-US $1719.05) 5 speed with euro lights and non standard MB alloys with 242,000 km (150,000 mi).That I had thought would be a good candidate for a beater/parts car. Another -C 800.00+ took it out of my comfort range as I suspect major rust issues down the road for this car.

The parts guy at Oakville told me that they need a letter from MB Canada with part #'s... Then they do the work and issue an invoice... Then a guy from MB Canada comes over to inspect the work and give it a final seal of approval.

I didn't have much time to deal with it today but I plan on investigating every nook and cranny for loops and back doors... For instance if the vehicle in question had an existing US spedo when it showed up at the shop would they replace it?

I of course will report back... after many doors are slammed in my face... whether any are left open.

davestlouis · #11 12-08-2005, 11:14 PM

seems like an awful lot of effort...how about bringing some hi-flow toilets back? my kids seem to need 4 flushes with the new-fangled low flow ones in my new house. i was tole there's a thriving blackmarket in toilets in Detroit/Windsor

bhatt · #12 12-09-2005, 07:09 AM

I brought two cars (including one MB) into Canada when I moved back here 5 years ago. They were American cars and I had to go through a similar process (inspection, bumper replacement, etc, etc.)

I would avoid the whole thing if I were you. If you could lean a little towards "parts car" rather than "beater", I have an idea.

Have the current owner drive down to your place (or at least Detroit or Buffalo) for a "vacation". While they are there, their car breaks down for good and they come back on the bus or airplane. They can always tell customs/immigration (if pressed for details) that the car is being repaired and it will take 2 weeks or something..

You buy the car from them and it's already at your place. Take it apart and don't worry about all the regulatory/government BS you have to go through. It will end up costing as much as you paid for the car.

I once sold a Canadian MB (one that I previously brought up from the states) to a guy from Kansas. He flew up and met me in Detroit. I crossed the border to Detroit, and gave him my Ontario title (registration) and he was fine with it. I understand he registered the car a week later, but that may have been the Kansas DMV not knowing that the car had to be imported (or maybe that Ontario actually isn't in the US!)

I'm in Oakville and can recommend shops/meeting places in either Buffalo or Detroit since I frequent those spots. I'll be in Detroit from Dec 22-27. If there is anything I can do to help out on my end (go see the car, act as intermediary in some way, etc.) let me know.

Neal

bhatt · #13 12-09-2005, 07:11 AM

So *you* are the one who bought that car! I remember seeing it on eBay. I recall the seller didn't make a big deal out of the fact that it was a rare 5spd!

Neal

A264172 · #14 12-09-2005, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhatt

So *you* are the one who bought that car! I remember seeing it on eBay. I recall the seller didn't make a big deal out of the fact that it was a rare 5spd!

Neal

Nope. Auction ended "reserve not met" and I never placed a bid.

What kind of seller takes his pictures in the dark and dripping wet? ...whew must be a bad paint job on a butchered body job.

Any way, at that buy it now price, it had potential.

ptoro01 · #15 12-09-2005, 01:11 PM

Hey,
I talked to that guy. I was actually really interested in the car since Im moving back to toronto. Here is his story on it after he sent me a second chance offer which hes not willing to acknoledge because ebay is charging him way too much.

He bought it from the driveway of a morgage broker who needed a flashier car than this. The car was flatbedded to his house because of 2 flat tires...the rims leaked down. Another flatbed got it to a tire place where they fixed that issue. It has been sitting at this guys house and now he needs to pay rent so he is selling it. BUT...the tranny which is the only cool thing about it has been said to not go into high gear but he hasnt test driven it. It starts right up even in cold weather and he has only moved it around the parking spot. Very shaky deal and I plan on looking at the car once I get back before any commitment.

Pete