Bringing my car

[Rempert13 0]

Hi,

Quick question....anyone from Canada bring their car to the US? If so, was it a hassel? Did it cost a lot? I need to get a new car and am wondering if I should get a new car and bring it to the US or buy a cheap one that will last the next year and I wouldn't mind dumping it before I leave. Any thoughts suggestions would be great!

Thanks

[Ontarkie 14,450]

~~Moved to the Canada forum , from Off Topic~~

[Flames9_RN 358]

Keep in mind cars are generally cheaper in the USA than in Canada

[Canadatousa 7]

A family friend brought her Canadian car over to the states and said it was a complete pain in the butt. I'd probably buy a cheapo and then buy a brand new one in the US, if I were you!

[floridaboundcanuk 7]

Do a search, many people bring cars. There are only 3 forms you need to fill out. If it's over a year old its duty free at the border. You will need a letter of compliance from the manufacturer that it meets or exceeds US specifications though.

[nightingalejules 678]

Hi,

Quick question....anyone from Canada bring their car to the US? If so, was it a hassel? Did it cost a lot? I need to get a new car and am wondering if I should get a new car and bring it to the US or buy a cheap one that will last the next year and I wouldn't mind dumping it before I leave. Any thoughts suggestions would be great!

Thanks

If you need to get a car now, I'd get a beater and resell it on Craigslist before you leave. It is kind of a pain to bring a car over (although not expensive, just a nuisance) and it will be much cheaper to buy a decent car in the US when you get there.

[Ontarkie 14,450]

~~One post removed as requested~~

[pro_star 52]

If you get a new car, BEWARE.

They won't let you import a car that has liens on it (like financing.).

I'd say beater it up and who cares.

[Flames9_RN 358]

There is a lot to consider.....

1) Some manufacturers won't issue (or make it extremely difficult) to get a compliance letter--I believe Hyundai is one of them.

2) If your paying out of pocket, not a concern, but if you have a car loan, some banks won't releases the lien on it, which I believe may cause problem Registering the vehicle in the USA

3) Do not believe what a car salesman tells you!! Many times when you take a new car to another country--it NO longer has a warranty! Yes they will still do recall work, but not warranty work. I found this out when we bought our 2011 Honda CRV and moved to Nicaragua. Car salesman told me, of course you will have a warranty, Honda is a global company! WRONG, I called Honda and they confirmed--no warranty--which I was fine with.

4) Back to the compliance letter--quite often the compliance "stickers" can be found in the engine compartment or driver side door.

5) Cars are generally cheaper in the USA. My 2011 CRV was around $26000 out the door, pretty sure the same price in Canada was close to $10,000!! Of course back then the Canada $$$ and USA $$$ were pretty much even, not the case now.

Years ago, over 20,lol I bought a 1978 Honda 2 door civic for the winter!! $750!! Dad found it in a farmers farm while doing work. What a fun car to drive, sold it that spring for the same $750 I paid for it. Even of you bouight a car for $3000 and sold it for $1000, your probably still ahead of the game as more than likely the car in the USA will cost less, AND have a warranty. And no hassles importing it.

[Lights 56]

I agree with Flames!

I'm in this situation right now. I was told by a salesman that my car would be under warranty, which it isn't. Also, depending on the state you move to, there may be more inspections that need to be done. This means, you need to do more than just have a compliance letter from the manufacturer. I was told that if I were to bring my car over to California, I would have to get it inspected before I can get it insured. My car is about 2 years old, so I don't see it being a problem. However, I thought about what if I wanted to sell it in a few years… the car would only be 5 years old and the value would mean way less in the US then if I were to have sold it in Canada.

I also have finance on my vehicle which is a problem. I was told that I would be able to bring it over but continue paying in my Canadian account (finance payments) but I don't believe that is true. I don't think you can physically bring the car into the US unless there's a clean title on it.

Now, I am thinking of giving the car to my brother. He can make payments on it (through my account, since we won't have to pay for the document change fee's) and put him on the insurance and the car will remain in Canada.