Cost to bring my vehicle to Canada?

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

Does anyone know much it will cost me to bring my 2000 Nissan Xterra with me when I move to Toronto? I am trying to find out the best way to plan this out. I can't find the price anywhere online.

Thanks! Ellen

[fox fox 5]

it would depend on where it is now.

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

it would depend on where it is now.

It is with me in Minnesota, I will be moving to Toronto in the fall to be with hubby, and we are trying to decide if it would be better to bring my vehicle or if he will get me another one once I move. I guess I should have said that, I'm sorry!

[zenaxe 22]

It is with me in Minnesota, I will be moving to Toronto in the fall to be with hubby, and we are trying to decide if it would be better to bring my vehicle or if he will get me another one once I move. I guess I should have said that, I'm sorry!

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for your hubby going to the USA. What happened with the tax information that caused all this to be derailed?

Also have you petitioned the Canadian gov't for immigration? Sounds like you want to move to Canada. Good luck with that. Soon you guys will be together.

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for your hubby going to the USA. What happened with the tax information that caused all this to be derailed?

Also have you petitioned the Canadian gov't for immigration? Sounds like you want to move to Canada. Good luck with that. Soon you guys will be together.

It's not that it hasn't worked out, I just don't expect to hear from MTL before the end of this year-based on how they treat people from "certain" backgrounds. I am finding out after the fact that it had nothing to do with my taxes, they just were going to find some reason not to approve his visa. IF hubby does not have his visa by September (fat chance), I will be moving to Canada. He has already missed the first 2 years of Chellie's life, and we just can't keep going like this. Yes, we petitioned CA gov for immigration already, and that seems to be the best option for us to get back on track with our lives

[neiks 19]

Are you a former Canadian resident?

How long have you been in the US?

What was your status while you where in the US? On a Visa or just Visiting?

If you are a former Canadian resident and have been residing in a foreign country for over 1 year you can bring your personal goods (including a vehicle) back to Canada tax free (up to $10,000 value) if the goods have been owned/used and possessed for at least 6 months prior to moving back to Canada. IF the vehicle is valued at more that $10,000 applicable duty and tax will be charged on the amount over $10,000. Ie, if your vehicle is valued at $15,000 you will be tax exempt on the first $10,000 and will pay 5% GST on $5000. If you have provincial tax in the province you will pay the PST when you go to register the vehicle.

If you have not been a residend of the US for at least a year and/or have not owned it for 6 months, then the vehicle will be imported into Canada with full Duty and tax's owing on the value. 5% GST, $100 excise tax if it has A/C, if the vehicle was not manufacuted in the USA, Canada or Mexico it will also be subject to 6% duty. There will also be a $205 inspection fee RIV (registar of imported vehicles) to ensure that mets Canadian safety standards and you will be responsible to pay for any modifications that may have to be made to meet those standards.

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

Are you a former Canadian resident?

How long have you been in the US?

What was your status while you where in the US? On a Visa or just Visiting?

If you are a former Canadian resident and have been residing in a foreign country for over 1 year you can bring your personal goods (including a vehicle) back to Canada tax free (up to $10,000 value) if the goods have been owned/used and possessed for at least 6 months prior to moving back to Canada. IF the vehicle is valued at more that $10,000 applicable duty and tax will be charged on the amount over $10,000. Ie, if your vehicle is valued at $15,000 you will be tax exempt on the first $10,000 and will pay 5% GST on $5000. If you have provincial tax in the province you will pay the PST when you go to register the vehicle.

If you have not been a residend of the US for at least a year and/or have not owned it for 6 months, then the vehicle will be imported into Canada with full Duty and tax's owing on the value. 5% GST, $100 excise tax if it has A/C, if the vehicle was not manufacuted in the USA, Canada or Mexico it will also be subject to 6% duty. There will also be a $205 inspection fee RIV (registar of imported vehicles) to ensure that mets Canadian safety standards and you will be responsible to pay for any modifications that may have to be made to meet those standards.

I am a USC-have resided here my whole life, have owned the vehicle since 2007. I will be moving to CA this fall as a PR, the vehicle is currently worth about $6000. I am not really sure where it was manufactured. How can I find that out?

[neiks 19]

You qualify for the "settler effects" http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.pdf so your vehicle will be exempt from Duty and tax (GST. You will however have to still pay the $205 RIV fee for the federal inspection and pay for any modifications to meet the Canadian safety standards. http://www.riv.ca/ You may also still have to pay provincial sales tax at the time of plating/registration - check with the province you are moving to.

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

You qualify for the "settler effects" http://www.cbsa-asfc.../d2-2-1-eng.pdf so your vehicle will be exempt from Duty and tax (GST. You will however have to still pay the $205 RIV fee for the federal inspection and pay for any modifications to meet the Canadian safety standards. http://www.riv.ca/ You may also still have to pay provincial sales tax at the time of plating/registration - check with the province you are moving to.

Cool! Thank you so much for your help. I think I will just keep this vehicle instead of trying to find another.

[trailmix 77]

The Canadian website info for importing your vehicle to Canada is pretty good, it's here:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles

Couple of other things, beside what Neiks mentioned:

You must fax the car documents to the US Border Services (at the port of entry you are crossing at) at least 48 hours before you go to enter Canada. Then you stop on the U.S. side and basically 'export' your vehicle.

So aside from the fees you pay at the Canadian border ($205) and the inspection, which is included in that cost (a short inspection that you have to have done at Canadian Tire) - in Alberta our vehicle also had to have a provincial inspection.

It all adds up - they check every single little thing. For instance one of our windshield wipers didn't sit quite right when it was turned off, so we had to have that repaired before they would pass it. So unless your vehicle is in tip top shape - honestly, it's probably not worth importing. However, check the Ontario rules for imported vehicles.

Edited June 5, 2010 by trailmix

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

That information should be on your vehicle title.

The Canadian website info for importing your vehicle to Canada is pretty good, it's here:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles

Couple of other things, beside what Neiks mentioned:

You must fax the car documents to the US Border Services (at the port of entry you are crossing at) at least 48 hours before you go to enter Canada. Then you stop on the U.S. side and basically 'export' your vehicle.

So aside from the fees you pay at the Canadian border ($205) and the inspection, which is included in that cost (a short inspection that you have to have done at Canadian Tire) - in Alberta our vehicle also had to have a provincial inspection.

It all adds up - they check every single little thing. For instance one of our windshield wipers didn't sit quite right when it was turned off, so we had to have that repaired before they would pass it. So unless your vehicle is in tip top shape - honestly, it's probably not worth importing. However, check the Ontario rules for imported vehicles.

It is in really good shape, the only thing is the covers are missing from 2 hubcaps that someone swiped. I'll get those replaced for sure. Thanks!

[neiks 19]

You must fax the car documents to the US Border Services (at the port of entry you are crossing at) at least 48 hours before you go to enter Canada. Then you stop on the U.S. side and basically 'export' your vehicle

Small correction - they want the title 72 hours before export from the US.

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

Small correction - they want the title 72 hours before export from the US.

On the title, will they want the actual document or will I be able to fax it?

[neiks 19]

On the title, will they want the actual document or will I be able to fax it?

You will fax a copy of the title to the US Port you will be exiting from 72 hours in advance... You will stop at that US port before entering Canada with the original title for them to stamp for clearance for export. Edited June 5, 2010 by neiks

[SupportGeek 21]

The Canadian website info for importing your vehicle to Canada is pretty good, it's here:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles

Couple of other things, beside what Neiks mentioned:

You must fax the car documents to the US Border Services (at the port of entry you are crossing at) at least 48 hours before you go to enter Canada. Then you stop on the U.S. side and basically 'export' your vehicle.

So aside from the fees you pay at the Canadian border ($205) and the inspection, which is included in that cost (a short inspection that you have to have done at Canadian Tire) - in Alberta our vehicle also had to have a provincial inspection.

It all adds up - they check every single little thing. For instance one of our windshield wipers didn't sit quite right when it was turned off, so we had to have that repaired before they would pass it. So unless your vehicle is in tip top shape - honestly, it's probably not worth importing. However, check the Ontario rules for imported vehicles.

This is the kind of things they will check in an Ontario vehicle safety inspection.

The following items shall be inspected, and the motor vehicle shall be denied an SSC if:

In the body and interior:

a) any bumper, fender or mudguard has been removed or is mounted insecurely;

b) any body part has protruding sharp edges that could be hazardous to pedestrians or passengers;

c) any hood latch or passenger door does not operate as intended;

d) the driver's sun visor does not operate properly;

e) any occupant seat is insecure or fails to maintain its adjustment;

f) the inside and/or outside rearview mirrors are loose, cracked or have any significant reductions of the reflective surface, or the inside mirror (where required) is missing;

g) where required, the seat belt assemblies are missing, insecure, damaged, inoperative or do not function as intended;

h) the frame or any structural unitized member is broken or cracked; has any loose or missing connecting fasteners; or is perforated with rust that could downgrade the safety of the vehicle; or

i) The underbody, including the trunk floor pan, is perforated by rust or damaged or has any opening that may allow entry of exhaust gas.

Glazing

a) any glass, where required, is other than safety glass;

b) any glazing material has exposed sharp edges, a missing part or is insecure;

c) any safety glass in the windshield, or to the left or right of the driver, has been replaced with any vision-obstructing material, or is clouded or fogged so as to affect the driver's vision;

d) the windshield has any star, crack or stone chip in the area swept by the driver's wiper blade that could affect the driver's vision; or

e) the driver's window does not open freely.

Lighting and Electrical

a) any prescribed lamp fails to operate or interferes with any other circuit;

b) any turn signal indicator lamp fails to operate properly;

c) any lamp or reflector is loose or missing in whole or in part, or is discoloured;

d) any headlamp is covered with a coloured lacquer or is fitted with any device affecting brightness (e.g. headlamp shields);

e) any headlamp shutter or retracting headlamp fails to operate properly or is not secured in the fully-open position;

f) any headlamp is aligned incorrectly;

g) the headlamp dimmer switch or high-beam indicating light fails to operate as intended;

h) the horn fails to operate or is insecure on its mount;

i) the windshield wiper/washer assemblies and the heating and defrosting systems do not function as originally intended;

j) where originally fitted, the neutral safety switch has been removed or allows the starter motor to operate in any other than the neutral and park positions; or

k) the speedometer is not in good working order.

"Prescribed Lights" is the phrase used to cover the lighting requirements of vehicles for the purposes of the HTA, and applies to all vehicles, including passenger cars, light and heavy trucks and trailers. "Prescribed Lights" vary with vehicle dimensions and include the lights listed below:

Headlamps: no more than four, and shall be white or amber in colour;

Turn signals: shall be self illuminating;

Stop lights: shall be red or yellow in colour;

Tail Lights: shall be red in colour;

Licence plate: rear plate must be illuminated by a white light;

Reflectors: shall be red in colour, located at the rear and as close as practical to the outside of the vehicle body (most tail light lenses incorporate a reflective lens in their construction); and

Side markers: one on each side near the front, green or amber in colour, and one on each side near the rear, red in colour.

NOTE: Although side marker lights are not required for certification of a motor vehicle with a length of 6.1 metres (20 feet) or less, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) requires all vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1971, to be equipped with side marker lights.

Engine and Controls

a) with the engine running, there is any visible leakage in the fuel system (the fuel tank does not have to be filled before inspection for leaks);

b) any attachment or component of the fuel system is insecure or missing, including a proper fuel filler cap;

c) the accelerator linkage fails to return the engine speed to idle when the pedal is released; or,

d) the power steering belt is defective, incorrectly adjusted or missing.

Exhaust System and Manifolds

a) any exhaust component is missing or mounted insecurely;

b) any exhaust leakage is present, other than from the manufacturer's drain holes;

c) any exhaust component is within the occupant compartment, or is so located or unguarded that any occupant may be burned by entering or leaving the vehicle; or

d) the exhaust system has been shortened or modified from original, so as to fail to direct the exhaust beyond the underbody of the occupant compartment or luggage compartment.

NOTE: Although emission control devices are not required to be inspected for the purpose of issuing an 550, the motor vehicle will be in violation of the Environmental Protection Act if any component of the emission control system is inoperative, defective, has been removed, or fails to function as intended.

Trailer Hitch

a) any trailer hitch or attachment is damaged, excessively worn or insecure as to affect its proper operation; or,

b) any trailer hitch lock assembly fails to operate as intended.

Steering and Suspension

a) any visible leakage of fluid is present in the power steering system or the reservoir fluid level is too low;

b) the steering column, box or couplings are excessively worn or loose on their mountings, or parts are missing or loose;

c) any steering linkage joint is worn or loose;

d) any steering system, or suspension locking device or clamp is missing, loose or worn so as to affect its proper operation;

e) the front wheels are visibly out of alignment;

f) the front wheels fail to turn from full right to full left freely;

g) free movement of the steering wheel exceeds manufacturer's limits;

h) the power steering system does not operate as intended;

i) any component, or attachment of the suspension system, or its supports, is excessively worn, corroded, broken, bent, cracked, loose, disconnected or missing;

j) the front or rear axles are tracking improperly so as to affect handling the vehicle;

k) any ball joint is worn beyond manufacturer's limits; or

I) any wheel or axle bearing is excessively worn, loose or damaged.

Wheels and Tires

NOTE: Only those wheels/tires installed on axles are inspected.

a) any wheel-retaining device is worn, defective, loose or missing;

b) any wheel is cracked, excessively bent or has been repaired by welding;

c) any wheel spoke is loose, broken or missing;

d) tire shows any exposed cord;

e) any abnormal bump, bulge or knot is present;

f) any tire makes contact with any vehicle component;

g) any tire bears the markings "not for highway use" or "farm use only";

h) any tire is worn beyond the minimum allowed tread depth; e.g. built-in wear bar indicators are showing on two adjacent major tread grooves at three equal spacings around the circumference of the tire;

i) any tire is of a smaller size than vehicle manufacturer's specified minimum size;

j) any mixture of 50 to 60 series are installed on the front axle and any other series on the rear;

k) any tire differs in construction type from any other tire on the same axle; or,

I) except on a vehicle fitted with dual rear tires, any mixture of radial tires are on the front axle and belted-bias or bias ply tires are installed on the rear axle.

Brakes

a) any fluid or vacuum leakage is present in the braking system;

b) the brake fluid in the brake master cylinder is below the manufacturer's recommended minimum level;

c) any brake tubing has heavy corrosion scaling;

d) any vacuum or hydraulic hose or tube is damaged, insecure, missing or chafes against any part of the vehicle;

e) with the foot brake applied, the brake pedal moves toward the floor;

f) the brakes, including the parking brake, are not adjusted properly;

g) any brake, including the parking brake, fails to release immediately when the pedal or lever is released;

h) any mechanical, vacuum or hydraulic component is missing, cracked, loose, badly worn, seized or damaged so as to affect its operation;

i) any hydraulic component is leaking fluid;

j) with the motor running and the brake pedal applied, the brake failure warning light comes on;

k) with the vacuum depleted from the power brake (by depressing the brake pedal three or four times), the motor shut off and the brake pedal depressed, the pedal fails to move momentarily towards the floor when the motor is started;

I) any brake drum or rotor is worn beyond the manufacturer's limits, or the friction surfaces

are damaged mechanically other than from normal wear;

m) any brake rotor cooling fin is cracked or broken;

n) any bonded brake lining is thinner than 1.5 millimeters (1/16 inch) at its thinnest point;

o) any riveted brake lining is thinner than 0.8 millimeters (1/32 inch) at its thinnest point;

p) any brake lining is broken or loose on its shoe or pad;

q) any brake lining is contaminated;

r) any wheel hub seal, axle seal or oil retainer is missing or leaking;

s) the parking brake does not hold properly and release fully;

t) where originally fitted, the dual-circuit brake warning lamp fails to operate as intended; or,

u) on the road test, the braking system does not brake evenly or stop the vehicle within the required distance.

Some of the standards contained in this PAGE rely on the mechanical experience and sound judgment of the inspection mechanic, based on the inspection standards as set down in the Highway Traffic Act.