Okay, long and confusing.
I have been driving the woman's car I work for.
Today, her niece calls to tell me, she'd like to give it to me for a wedding present. The car isn't the best but it's a car. This is after my parents had already offered to buy the car off of her. The neice doesn't want the extra paperwork.

My father had a heart attack Friday morning, and I can't talk to him about it right now. Jim isn't sure how things work up here.

I called my mom and told her that the woman would sign the ownership over to me, then they can have the car. We're not sure if I have to register it, then they have to register it, etc to start with.
My mother, who is also extremely stressed right now, says she doesn't want it, because she'd have to take care of the safety, etc.

NOW Jim is at me to bring the car with me, I don't see how I can do that. I'd have to register the car in my name? Insure it, get the form for Customs, and have only had it a week? Jim is telling me to leave the car in the present owners name and change it when I get down there.

I'm just trying not to scream, too much coming at me right now. Any help of advice would only add to my confusion, but would be GREATLY appreciated.

I don't have any advice for you, but I wanted to send you a hug. You'll get through this.

shoo, don't hug me, you'll make me lose what little composure I'm holding onto!

But thanks, hugs are better than advice

I've never had a driver's license and have no idea how these things work but yeah, I just wanted to send you some virtual support and well wishes for your father too. *hugs*

You may be better off declining the car and not bringing it with you.

ETA: here's the CBP doc about importing a car: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbo...portingacar.doc

Thanks Misa *S*, I'm thinking the same thing.

Try calling your department of motor vehicles and ask them what your options would be...good luck!

I called my mom and told her that the woman would sign the ownership over to me, then they can have the car. We're not sure if I have to register it, then they have to register it, etc to start with.
My mother, who is also extremely stressed right now, says she doesn't want it, because she'd have to take care of the safety, etc.

If the person who currently owns the car 'sells' it to you (for say a $1) on the bill of sale, you can in turn 'sell' it to your mother for a $1 with a new bill of sale. Then your Mother will register it in her name/your parents name. It would be easier if the current owner just put your Moms name on the bill of sale, but no big deal if she doesn't. Have her take both bills to the registry.

NOW Jim is at me to bring the car with me, I don't see how I can do that. I'd have to register the car in my name? Insure it, get the form for Customs, and have only had it a week? Jim is telling me to leave the car in the present owners name and change it when I get down there.

I don't know much about taking a car over the border but I see problems with this. How would you register the car when you got there if the registration isn't in your name - plus who is insuring it? (That's an aside as to how you would actually get it over the border when you don't actually 'own' it).

Sounds like this is all too much for you (and your Mom) right now. If it were me I would have the person sign it over to me, I would sign it over to my Mom and leave it behind in Canada. If your Mom and Dad decide they don't want it they can always have a charity pick it up or sell it as they choose (you can even offer to have the charity pick it up if they choose not to keep it, only a phone call and might make your Mom feel better).

Hope this helped and didn't add confusion, sorry you are having a stressful time of it right now and hope your Dad is feeling much better very soon.

I was in a similar situation back in 2003. My parents gave me their truck. So for the longest time I just kept on Sk plates (even though I was residing in BC and eventually Manitoba)

So time came and i wanted to trade in the truck for a brand new car!! Truck was in my parents name, so they wrote me out a bil of sale for $1!! BUT the motor division people dont base the value of the vehicle on the bil of sale, they took it on the book value!! And one had to pay tax on the book value. It was an older truck, so wasnt much tax to be paid! Was a very easy procedure, and the truck was in my name. Only took minutes to do. Think I just took in the vehicle registration papers and the bill of sale (receipt) and of course drivers license.

Then of course you will need a letter of compliance from ur vehicle manufacturer:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import...anada07032.html

If it is an older car it may not pass, so best to phone and find out. Best of luck

Sound advice. GM used to give out the letters of compliance for free but last time I checked they charge $45, even if the car is assembled in the USA. You will need to register the vehicle and transfer ownership. I believe you can move the vehicle over the border and have ownership transferred. I've imported vehicles into Canada but I've never tried it the other way but I do know of several people who have without much trouble. I would pay taxes only once, so I'm in agreement with Jim over this one, register it in the US.

Sales tax! aha! I was reading your posts (flames and mumsie) and thinking, what tax are they paying when they register their vehicles.

Sorry this is off topic, but I guess in provinces where you have a Prov. sales tax, you pay tax on used vehicles?

In Ontario if you drive a car they'll tax the street, if you try to sit, they'll tax your seat, if you get too cold , they'll tax the heat, if you take a walk they'll tax your feet.

You pay taxes on the book value of your used automobile.

Anyway, that's quite the ripoff!

same in most states, even if you give the car to one of your kids

That is one of the best things I have ever heard So true!

I'm trying to catch up, not sure of the origin/destination, but in Michigan, you don't have to pay sales tax if a family member is buying the car?!

and I'm pretty sure that you'll have to pay duty crossing the boarder if you have not owned the car for a year. ... If I were you .. I'd pass .... alot of headache for a very short period of time that you have my dear.

Tinker, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I hope he is doing well. (((hugs)))

I agree with Trailmix. Have them sign over the car and leave it in Canada for now. You've got enough on your plate.

Mumsie..... what's the process for bringing cars into Canada? We have been asked by someone in Canada if we would sell one of ours to them.

Hi Krikit,

This was actually on our news the other night (due to the rise in the dollar).

This is a link to the CTV video: Buying a U.S. vehicle not always worth it

This is the link they provide that has all the details (list of vehicles that can be imported, specifications - like speedometer which shows kms etc) : Registrar of Imported Vehicles - U.S. to Canada

Oh, NICE, Trailmix!! Thank you!!