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Should you Import From the US to save money?
Import a car from the States?
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Sacrifice and compromise leaves you with exactly what you asked for. If you want it cheaper, you get exactly what you paid for. So you have heard that you can buy a car in the states for thousands less. With
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The answer is yes. This is absolutely true. But is it cheaper? It really depends on the car, the price, what you are using it for and how long you are going to keep the car. There really is more to consider if you are really thinking of going through with a cross-border purchase. AMVIC (Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council) has put together a news release regarding purchasing a vehicle in the
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- First call the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) 1-888-848-8240 or visit their website to ensure the vehicle you want is admissible in
Canada - Shipping the vehicle will cost around $1500.00 or work out the costs in time and money for going and picking up the vehicle and driving it back.
- There are several steps and costs that you will incur prior to registering the vehicle.
- The
U.S. - RIV requires you to fill out a form 1 which will cost you $195.00 plus GST.
- GST will be collected at the border from the sale of the vehicle.
- Federal Inspection included in the cost of RIV fee – check their website for locations.
- Provincial Out of Province inspection – the cost of which will vary depending on where you go. New vehicles may be exempt.
- Provincial registration – you are required to provide the original
u.s.
- The
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The warranty may be voided or delayed. Some manufacturers will honour the warranty and some will cancel the warranty if they find out that the vehicle is out of the country, the best way to find out about this is to call the place where you would probably have the vehicle serviced and find out what the warranty issues are.
AMVIC was created to help you with your vehicle purchase in the
There are other issues as well. Most dealers will not take a
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The fluid reservoirs are not as large; the weather stripping is not as robust. You must install a block heater. The batteries are larger as well as the alternators and heater fans and components. Canadian vehicles come with all-season tires, the bumpers are nor rated to Canada's safety standards and no daytime running lights.
Then there is the issue with transporting it, the three day wait, and possible accommodation. Another thing to consider is the dealer on the other end. Will they sell you a car to transport to
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This does not make sense for me to buy anything less than a $70K vehicle from the south, especially if I am only saving a few thousand dollars, my time is not worth it. But if you are buying a higher-end car that will not see winters, then I consider it a good bet... only if you are going to keep the car for quite a while. With Corvettes, Porsches, etc. you will save thousands. This is when it is worth a serious look. Ryan Ossevorth.
Director of Import Only
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