Import a truck to canada

So I was looking at a mazda up for sale in the states and contemplated if it was worth driving down to get it. For awhile I really was going to make the trip until I read an article on importing vehicles from the U.S.A to Canada. First you purchase said vehicle then before you transport it you must fax all documentation to the border crossing officials 3 days in advance so they can verify that the vehicle you just purchased is not stolen. So you get through the U.S. customs now you have to deal with our customs. They will start checking all documentations on the vehicle and start the charges, the first is $206.00 that goes to Registrar of imported vehicles and that covers them looking over your documents and having a federal import inspection done by an approved inspection site. Guess who the inspection site is Canadian tire service department.I wouldn't let them change a tire let alone let them inspect a vehicle but thats our government. Then the border services collects the G.S.T. based on the bill of sale. Then another charge of $100.00 to the CBSA if the vehicle has air.Remeber theres tax on these charges.
Now you can drive it home if it has valid plates and insurance or tow it home. They give you a form called FORUM 1 This starts the government machinery working. In 10 days you get a letter from R.I.V telling what modifications you need to make, to make the vehicle pass Canadian vehicle saftey standards.In most cases the gauge cluster must be changed or must be able to read in kilometers as well in miles per hour, child seat restraints tether installed and anything else to make it legal for canadian roads. You are allowed 45 days to complete these modifications. If you can not finish these mods and be brought up to compliance it must be re- exported or destroyed at the owners expence. Now that .that is behind you it is like any other vehicle saftey and an Etest then dowm to the DMV to register it and get plates.

So is it worth getting it, I still need to figure it out but atleast I know that it is alot more money than gas and buying it. Just letting others know what is in store when bringing a vehicle up to Canada.Just my 2 cents

Also, don't forget that the vehicle must be at least 15 years old (take current year and count backwards) or you are in for an even bigger hassle...

NOT WORTH IT.

It sounds like a lot but I know a few people that do it all the time, you get the seller to fax the papers to you or the boarder before you buy it, also you have to figur eout if it is really going to be that much cheaper than buying it locally.

i dont think its worth the effort.

I see you got the Performance In Motion mag in the mail,lol. I read the article too,and it's definetly not worth it,unless the vehicle is like stupid rare or you just HAVE to have it.

I don't think it would be any worse than getting a car imported from Japan though,would it?

prolly easier i would think, pretty limited if any shipping, and no language barrier .

rhat happen if tail renses no pass inspections? SUCKS!

you have reary reary big probrem

[Korean president from Team America voice] "Oh rearrrrry?"