importing car

[surfndan 0]

Hey everybody-

I wanted to find out what the costs are to import the car from BC, Canada to Washington DC. Does anyoe have any idea? I am trying to figure out whether or not to keep the car the in Canada or go through the trouble of importing and registering it. I heard it is expensive but I would love some intel. Thanks!

[trailmix 77]

Hey everybody-

I wanted to find out what the costs are to import the car from BC, Canada to Washington DC. Does anyoe have any idea? I am trying to figure out whether or not to keep the car the in Canada or go through the trouble of importing and registering it. I heard it is expensive but I would love some intel. Thanks!

First cost is getting a compliance letter from your car's manufacturer. You present that letter at the border, fill out a form and that is importing your car - not really a big deal.

The only cost after that is registering your car in the U.S. - and that all depends on the State. Some states charge you tax on the 'fair market value' of the car - Florida did with ours. They let us name what we thought the fair market value was though.

Edited September 11, 2009 by trailmix

[Miranda&John 0]

Thanks trailmix!

I'm going to be going through the same process. I came to California on a J-1 only intending to stay for a year which wouldn't require me to import my car... but now that I'm getting married (in 22 days!) I will have to import it. I've read that I can go to any POE (I'm thinking Sacramento Airport) to import it, which is good because I crossed at Buffalo and drove all the way across the country to get here and I NEVER want to do that again

What do manufacturers charge for a compliance letter? Will I need to get the car safetied first or are they just commenting on the car as it was manufactured?

[JillA 2]

Thanks trailmix!

I'm going to be going through the same process. I came to California on a J-1 only intending to stay for a year which wouldn't require me to import my car... but now that I'm getting married (in 22 days!) I will have to import it. I've read that I can go to any POE (I'm thinking Sacramento Airport) to import it, which is good because I crossed at Buffalo and drove all the way across the country to get here and I NEVER want to do that again

What do manufacturers charge for a compliance letter? Will I need to get the car safetied first or are they just commenting on the car as it was manufactured?

Mazda's letter was free, some companies charge. They comment on the car as it was manufactured, but there may be issues that need to be addressed (I.E. running lights) but all that info will be on your letter

[trailmix 77]

I think Ford charged us like $50, can't really remember.

The compliance letter is all you need. Ensure that you have taken care of any recall issues on your vehicle before you get the letter - that way it will state that it does not have any outstanding recalls.

Oh and I wouldn't worry about daytime running lights, although your letter may mention that (ie: your vehicle has them) - the U.S. seems pretty open to this now.

[Inky 1,111]

i will share my import as an example for you

Ford Focus 2008 SES 2dr is my car

Letter of Compliance from Ford - 113$

POE Import - Free

Registration - Nebraska state registration - 204$ for plates and title.

My car was imported August 21st, 2009. my car came from Ontario and went to Nebraska.

Hope it helps any not sure tho cus each state can cost different.

[Krikit 1,164]

Letter of Compliance from Ford - 113$

Thieves.

I think mine was around $75-$85 back in 2006. And even at that price it was a ripoff.

[trailmix 77]

Letter of Compliance from Ford - 113$

Thieves.

I think mine was around $75-$85 back in 2006. And even at that price it was a ripoff.

It really is a ripoff.

To import my U.S. vehicle to Canada they accepted a VIN number check from the Dodge site! I don't know if any Canadian manufacturers have this onsite recall clearance type thing, but it sure made that part easier.

That's pretty much the only thing that is easier about importing your car to Canada though

Edited September 12, 2009 by trailmix

[Inky 1,111]

Letter of Compliance from Ford - 113$

Thieves.

I think mine was around $75-$85 back in 2006. And even at that price it was a ripoff.

i know i thought it was CRAZY when they told me the price. i initially figured to pay around what you estimated but nope i got kicked in the face!