Importing a Car From the US
09-16-2004, 01:02 PM
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Importing a Car From the US
Picked up my 98 C2S yesterday in Blaine.
The process at US Customs took about 20 minutes (19 minutes of waiting and one to stamp the papers). Very straightforward and the US Customs agent didn't even come out to look at the car. Probably because it was raining!
The process on the Canada side was very easy as well. It took 20-30 minutes. Fill out the Form 1, pay the Duty, GST, Excise Tax ($100 for air conditioning) and the RIV fee.
I had expected a hassle and to get jerked around. I was very pleasantly surprised.
I towed the car from Washington to BC. Given the hassle in getting the car on and off the trailer, I would do it differently with the benefit of hindsight. I would get a 3 day Washington state transport permit (which is good in Washington State only) and a 1 day (or more) ICBC Transport permit (probably has a different name) and drive the car.
The process at US Customs took about 20 minutes (19 minutes of waiting and one to stamp the papers). Very straightforward and the US Customs agent didn't even come out to look at the car. Probably because it was raining!
The process on the Canada side was very easy as well. It took 20-30 minutes. Fill out the Form 1, pay the Duty, GST, Excise Tax ($100 for air conditioning) and the RIV fee.
I had expected a hassle and to get jerked around. I was very pleasantly surprised.
I towed the car from Washington to BC. Given the hassle in getting the car on and off the trailer, I would do it differently with the benefit of hindsight. I would get a 3 day Washington state transport permit (which is good in Washington State only) and a 1 day (or more) ICBC Transport permit (probably has a different name) and drive the car.
09-16-2004, 08:23 PM
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The all-in cost was less than I would have paid from any dealer. I don't know whether it was cheaper than the private market because I have seen very few 993 widebodies offered for sale privately. I know that in the US market, I got a good deal.
Here are some pics. Since they were taken, the window tint has been removed.
Here are some pics. Since they were taken, the window tint has been removed.
09-17-2004, 08:58 PM
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Very nice, yah its a bit tough finding a widebody 993 here. And even tougher finding a good deal in our over inflated market. Though I like it with the tint but your car is beautiful regardless. I saw a nice 993 4S the other day, would love to have one, but can't give up my newer 996 for it.
10-10-2004, 02:45 PM
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I like cars as stock as possible.
Also don't like window tint.
On the wet coast, don't get a lot of sunshine so not a big deal.
Also don't like window tint.
On the wet coast, don't get a lot of sunshine so not a big deal.
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10-16-2004, 02:01 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
did you fly out to test drive the car? seems like you purchased it a long way from the home; how is the car? out of curiosity will MCL be servicing the car?
11-04-2004, 03:25 AM
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Which border crossing did you go to? What kinds of payment do they accept? I've been looking into importing myself, but the info I've read so far made it sound rather more complex.
11-04-2004, 09:25 AM
#14
Three Wheelin'
I want to hear about the Hyundai Dune Buggy project. Lose the Mazda 626 and find a 323 GTX for a project.
Why wouldn't you B.C. guys look for Porsches in Ontario? Unless you want a 993s or 993 C4s, there are plenty of good deals here (compared to B.C. that is).
Why wouldn't you B.C. guys look for Porsches in Ontario? Unless you want a 993s or 993 C4s, there are plenty of good deals here (compared to B.C. that is).
11-04-2004, 12:16 PM
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Cpt. Beaky,
I used the Truck Crossing. One of the things you have to do is clear it through US Customs (to make sure it isn't stolen and that there aren't any liens on it before it leaves the country). You have to do that at the US Customs office at the Truck Crossing.
I paid with a combination of bank draft and VISA. They accept credit cards.
When you read through everything it seems a bit daunting but it was surprisingly easy. Just took some time.
Alon, I looked extensively since February. I checked out autotrader.ca weekly. Not a lot of widebodies for sale and the ones that were were quite overpriced relative to the US. Especially now with where the C$ is vs. US$.
I agree that there are a lot more Porsches in Ontario and that the prices are better. The last 911 I had (1984) I bought in Toronto, owned it for 5 years, sold it in Vancouver for more than I paid for it.
I used the Truck Crossing. One of the things you have to do is clear it through US Customs (to make sure it isn't stolen and that there aren't any liens on it before it leaves the country). You have to do that at the US Customs office at the Truck Crossing.
I paid with a combination of bank draft and VISA. They accept credit cards.
When you read through everything it seems a bit daunting but it was surprisingly easy. Just took some time.
Alon, I looked extensively since February. I checked out autotrader.ca weekly. Not a lot of widebodies for sale and the ones that were were quite overpriced relative to the US. Especially now with where the C$ is vs. US$.
I agree that there are a lot more Porsches in Ontario and that the prices are better. The last 911 I had (1984) I bought in Toronto, owned it for 5 years, sold it in Vancouver for more than I paid for it.
