importing a car

[EandL 0]

I am trying to decide if it is worth it for me to import my car when I move to the US. I heard that they make you get the speedometer converted even if you have both km/h and mph. I would imagine this could be quite costly. Does anyone know if this nonsense is true? What rate of duty do they charge you?

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import...anada07032.html

few links on getting the letter of compliance that u will require. Some makes dont charge any $$$ some do (think ford does!!)

I sold my car prior to coming down, but there have been a few that have posted about their importing car experience! Try a search, or hopefully they will post here. cheers

[Krikit 1,164]

I am trying to decide if it is worth it for me to import my car when I move to the US. I heard that they make you get the speedometer converted even if you have both km/h and mph. I would imagine this could be quite costly. Does anyone know if this nonsense is true? What rate of duty do they charge you?

Sorry for laughing, but that's a new one on me.

No, they don't make you convert your speedometer. Depending on how your State's DMV works, you will need to set up an appointment with the person who specializes in imports. They will note on the paperwork that the car is in kilometers and not miles.

If your car is greater than a year old, there is no import duty. Again, depending upon the State, and even the local tag (tax collector's) office, you may or may not have to pay State tax when you register your vehicle. You can look up that information on this site. Or.... better still, give your local office a call and ask them.

When you declare your vehicle at Customs, they will ask you for the value of the car. Give them a low estimate in case you have to pay duty. You can find an approximate value of your car at the Kelley Blue Book site.

[Flames9_RN 358]

With duty, Ithink it also matters where ur car is made?? No duty if made in North America,but if lets say japan?? I could be wrong though!!

[Krikit 1,164]

With duty, Ithink it also matters where ur car is made?? No duty if made in North America,but if lets say japan?? I could be wrong though!!

Oh, yes. I forgot about that. You are definitely correct, Flames. Thank you.

[Flames9_RN 358]

As well again, age of the car may come into play!! Even if it was from japan, and was 15 yrs old, u may pay nothing!! There is another page about importing, http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=112921 I havent read it, so not sure if there is anything that pertains to you. But there are many others on VJ

[shawna7 4]

I imported my car last month..I had all the paperwork from Honda..I had my emissions test in hand(in case they asked). They never asked for any of it..I didn't pay any taxes or anything..doesn't mean they won't..Be prepared with your documents..but for me it was a breeze. good luck!

S

[Travis & Kim 0]

Glad to hear Honda is pretty good then! ( I plan in importing my honda)

I still have a lein on it tho from Honda finance, has that caused anyone problems?

[Krikit 1,164]

Glad to hear Honda is pretty good then! ( I plan in importing my honda)

I still have a lein on it tho from Honda finance, has that caused anyone problems?

I haven't heard of any. I recall one guy saying all he did was keep making payments after he moved to the US. Other than that, there's not been much posted on the topic.

[Travis & Kim 0]

cool, that's what I was hoping to do

I really didn't want to have to buy a new car and start making payments all over again

[Flames9_RN 358]

One should contact ur car maker!! I belive it might vary!! May become a problem whn u coem to register the car in ur state,not positive on that!

[Krikit 1,164]

Thanks for triggering another memory Flames. I'll know who to call if I ever decide to join the WWF as part of a tag team.

Travis & Kim.... I recall there being an area on the form requesting any lienholder information so you'll need to have that handy. (Not sure how that impacts you in any way, since it really only seems pertinent to American-owned vehicles. In the US, the title is not released to the owner until all loans have been paid off. I'm pretty sure they don't do that in Canada. I could be wrong, though.) In any event..... just go to the DMV site for your State and click on the vehicle registration information. There's a form which you can download which will give you an idea of what they want.

[spauldingjeffrey 0]

oops

Edited February 28, 2008 by spauldingjeffrey

[Flames9_RN 358]

Me again, lol Again i haven't followed the importing car stuff that much, because i sold (more or less gave away,lol) my car prior to moving here.

I do believe you will require some sort of paperwork from the POE when bringing ur car over. I do recall reading on here at least one person that didn't get this "paper" and when they went to DMV to register the car they could not. Can't recall exactly where they had to go to the "paper" but wasnt back to the original POE, thunk it was the closets International airport. For that couple it was not a huge pain in the butt as they lived in a major city. Would suck if u resided out in the middle of no where!! Good question for Zyggy!!

[Travis & Kim 0]

Thanks for the help! I won't have to do this for months ahead - but it's good to get a heads up

and you are right - I already do have the title (what we call ownership). In canada you get that right away when you buy a car - and it's just in my name, not co-owned with honda.