Importing Car Issue (TPMS...)

[zilchfox 296]

So! Gonna import the car...it'll be paid off by the time I move down, which is awesome. Anyways, all was going well, until...

http://i.imgur.com/rexBnSM.png

...Am I screwed? Can I still import my car with the missing TPMS? That's the only red flag on my compliance letter.

[GP&LG 14]

Hi there,

Unfortunately you have hit a dead end if you do not have TPMS in your car. (I am in the same situation as well). It is a law in the US that all cars have TPMS and they cannot be registered if they don't. Since it is not mandatory in Canada, although most cars have TPMS, some (even newer ones like mine) still don't.

You can "petition" the DOT (Department of Transportation) for them to accept your car, but it would be an extremely lengthy and expensive process. Really not worth it unless you're driving a brand new $100k car.

Sorry...I know not the news you wanted to hear. My husband works in the fright and transport business and we spent months trying to figure out any way to get around this and talking to many higher ups even within the DOT. There is just no way around it. It's infuriating...but oh the things we do for love!

[zilchfox 296]

Shucks. I'll most likely have to sell it in Canada then.

Quick question with that said: Can I still drive it down for moving purposes and then bring it back later once I have AOS/AP? I don't have much stuff, but it'd be much cheaper for me to drive down my existing car to move my stuff than shipping the stuff, I'll have a car for a short while, and then take a trip back to Canada later to hand off to my parents to sell on my behalf?

I'll just end up buying a new car in the US instead of going through the headache of trying to import my car. My fiancé also has a vehicle I can use in the meantime (although I don't like it much...) once I get rid of my car.

[NikLR 13,231]

Yes you can. Just make sure your insurance will cover you etc. You won't be able to take it back until you get your AP so count on at least 90 days of driving your car in the USA and make sure you're covered insurance wise.

I ended up selling my car before I left and using that money for a uhaul, but I had too much stuff for a car.

I wouldn't buy new in the USA unless you want an upside down loan. If you can pay cash, or have a small loan that's much better. Cars lose their value here like crazy unless you get a popular vehicle for your location.

[zilchfox 296]

Thanks for your help, NLR. We ultimately decided that it'll actually be easier (maybe not cheaper...but easier and cost a lot less time/back and forth) if I sold the car in Canada when I can.

I'll be selling the car to my parents for $1, and they will then sell the car on my behalf (hoping for at least $10K on it) after I'm gone and wire me the money once sold. I'll just ship what little belongings I do have and fly it down to GA.

Edited June 22, 2016 by zilchfox

[NikLR 13,231]

I could not imagine driving down to Georgia from anywhere in Canada. Definitely easier doing your route!