Hi Guys,

Has anyone had any experience importing a Canadian car to the US? I'm just curious if it is a simple process or if headlights have to be changed, or otherwise federalized.

Cheers,

Grant

 

I cannot add any useful information to this thread, so instead, I will post this:

 

Thank you, this was very helpful.

Mods, can we archive this for future reference?

 

Grant, I'm not sure if the Canadian models have the RoW suspension or the US suspension. If the former, the ride height will cause the headlights to be lower than allowed. Further, you'd need the emissions to be US-compliant (i.e. secondary air injection, etc.). Finally, the stupid nanny crap (like requiring the clutch to be depressed to enable starting) also has to be functional.

Here's the Customs and Border Patrol page - it has some (basic) information on importing a non-US car, as well as links to more information. There are also duties (tax) to be paid when importing a vehicle...
http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-impor.../importing-car

 

With the low Canadian dollar and some great deals I've seen lately it makes great sense

 

I think you will find there is not much difference between the two, I imported my car from the States to Canada the main items needed were daytime driving lights, an Inspection to ensure the car met Canadian requirements, a child seat Anchor?? and proof of compliance with recalls, I don't think that there is much difference in the Spec on the Cars, suspension etc. If you check online with your border security, Immigration, Customs types there should be some info there on what you are required to do in order to facilitate importation.

 

Agreed. I'm pretty sure all North American cars are the same except for daytime running lights and Imperial/SI units. My car is also from the US and all that was required when I imported it was install the DRL, switch over the speedometer (very easy) and the RIV inspection (plus money: 6% duty and taxes).

 

pontifex4 here on RL has first-hand experience doing this. If I recall correctly, it was more or less a painless process. It's even more easier if the car was originally from the US.

 

I imported my car from Canada. It is stupidly easy (assuming you're going to be driving across said border yourself).

Call up Porsche America with the VIN (1-800-PORSCHE) and tell them you're importing the car from Canada to the US, and you need a Safety and Compliance/Import Letter. They'll send it to you in about 7 days (and it's FREE!).

Then just take that with you, drive the car across the border with a bill of sale and the transfer paperwork (I've imported cars from Ontario and BC, and both have different registration/title paperwork), tell the border guard you're importing the car, and they'll send you over to "the office".

Then go inside, wait an insanely long line, and then talk to the first available friendly CBP agent. Present all your paperwork, and they'll calculate the tax.

PRO TIP: Stay in Canada for 48 hours, and your tax-free limit goes up - I think high enough that unless you're getting ripped off on the price of the car, it should allow you to bring the car in tax free. I did not do this, and had to pay a pretty minimal $280 or something like that.

Then, they'll give you your paperwork, customs stamp - and you're on your way. Take ALL the paperwork to the DMV, make copies ahead of time, and register the car in your state. A few weeks later, you'll get your title and registration.

It really is that easy. If you have any questions, PM me and I'll help you out. I went through this only about a year ago for my 996. I was amazed at how smooth everything went.

 

Wow thanks a lot guys, this was super helpful.

Grant

 

Awesome info!

 

Reviving an old thread here... I'm looking at purchasing a car in Canada, I leave in Massachusetts. One snag I'm running into is that MA does not allow temporary plates. So it wouldn't be legal for me to drive the car back home. Yet I don't think I can get the title and registration before the car has passed the border.

Anyone with experience importing a car from Canada to MA (or other state that doesn't allow temp plates?)

 

Just get it trailered across if you are really concerned? Still a 30% discount just on currency!

 

I drove it home on the PO's plates... I'm guessing that probably wasn't a good idea, but it worked for me. No issues at the border.

 

OK, I wasn't worried about the border, but driving in MA. I guess as long as nothing happens it's OK, but there's always the risk of getting pulled over or worse, getting in an accident. Glad to know you made it work.