Exporting to Canada

[kpaske]

Cool, I don't think they've ever asked me at the border if I was going to be leaving any gifts in Canada, although I've never been further than Vancouver. So if they ask, I'll explain the situation and hope for the best. If they don't let me through, I'm less than 3 hours from the border so it's not really a huge big deal to turn around and go home, but I'll probably make a couple of phone calls to US and Canadian customs in advance just to see what they have to say.

Are there RIV offices throughout Canada, or are they only at the border crossings and ports? The buyer lives about 10 hours from the border, so I'd hate for him to have to make that drive if there is something that needs to be done there.

[Bulldoggie]

I think it should be the "BUYERS" responsibility to bring the vehicle thru customs.
Shipping, Taxes, Lic., Import duties.... ..... ... Buyers problem.
If he is not willing to come and get it, then He should hire an agent to arrange to deliver it.
Don't let a "potential" buyer, put you, "jumping through hoops".
Hold the hoop out for him, and say, "If you want it, it's here. Come and get it."


CASH!

[Kenny]

Cool, I don't think they've ever asked me at the border if I was going to be leaving any gifts in Canada, although I've never been further than Vancouver. So if they ask, I'll explain the situation and hope for the best. If they don't let me through, I'm less than 3 hours from the border so it's not really a huge big deal to turn around and go home, but I'll probably make a couple of phone calls to US and Canadian customs in advance just to see what they have to say.

Are there RIV offices throughout Canada, or are they only at the border crossings and ports? The buyer lives about 10 hours from the border, so I'd hate for him to have to make that drive if there is something that needs to be done there.

RIV is pretty much one office in Toronto to push the paperwork. The real work is done by the approved mechanics who modify and inspect the vehicles then send in a check list saying that it meets all the requirements set out by RIV.
That's sort of the joke - the RIV instructions say to put the km/h stickers on the speedo, and put on French language air bag and seatbelt stuff (wacky Canadians) - the dealers typically laugh and will do it if the client really wants and either way check off to say that they did... The big items are DRL and child seat restraint hooks.

I agree with the last post, let him buy it first then he can pick it up and drive it through the border. Or if you can get to him and then sell it for CASH, then it's again his problem to get it approved or he'll have to sell it to an American i it has to go back to the US.

Cheers.

[kpaske]

Oh yeah, I totally agree - it's his problem - I'm just trying to help the process along. Because I wasn't working when we initially started discussing the sale I offered to drive the vehicle up if he paid for expenses and a flight back, I just wanted to make sure I was crossing the border legally and all that.

[mrtew]

I moved to Canada and imported my VX and it wasn't that big of deal. I showed did have to fax the title and registration to the border a few days before I crossed and that was it. Then to register it when I got it here I had to do the DRLs and the speedometer stickers and the inspections etc but that seemed to be a totally different process from the border crossing. The child seat hook or whatever it is, is just a 3 dollar item you buy at Canadian Tire (like Kmart) and you don't have to install it... just have it in the glovebox. And they can also install the DRL box for about $100 total I think it was. And the speedo can just be vinyl stickers you put on at 50, 80, and 100 kph (30, 50, and 60 mph). The biggest deal is going to be paying the taxes!

[skipidak]

Hi guys,

Let me start with that - I am Canadian and I alwys wanted to have one of these small beasts which unfortunately have never been for sale in Canada. Finally decided I will import one from down the States. After some research and few phone calls here and there (RIA/etc) I decided to make the plunge. So I just brought my new 2000 VX to Canada . The customs part/payments/duties/etc is all done. Now I have to do the harder part - to get it Registered here. I've been at Canadian Tire (one of the RIA approved 'modifiers') and pretty much I was told all I need is to have DRL enabled. I really don't like the idea to have Canadian Tire guys to poke in my car, I'd rather do it myself. Is there an easy way to enable the DRL on the car (doesn't matter headlights or the fogs)? I've seen several cars in the States for sale with DRL in description, I know some states require DRL (mine unfortunately has no DRL), I am thinking there might be an easy way to do it without much cutting and splicing.
Any advice will be much appreciated!!!

cheers!

[kodiak]

I believe you can buy day time running lamp kits at any auto store in Canada.

[skipidak]

I believe you can buy day time running lamp kits at any auto store in Canada.

Thanks for the advise Kodiak,

I actually decided to have a look on the relay panel and immediately realized it is a very easy mod to do - all that was necessary was to ensure headlights relay gets power wherever ignition is on (to ensure headlights work only when ignition is on) and make ground permanent (to bypass headlight switch off position). In just about 10 minutes I had perfectly working up-to-code DRL-s on the car - only headlights are on when headlight switch on off position - no marker lights/taillights or instrument panel lights. I am happy Waiting for "form 1" to arrive in mail and go get it certified.