importing car to US - no support of compliance letter

[sty 0]

Hi All, I read past post in this forum about previous experiences of importing a car.

I like to ask another question regarding importing Toyota Rav4 - it is manufactured in Canada and manufacturer did not agree to provide compliance letter.

1. It is very new car , what options i would have to import my car by my own ?

2. Also when i checked with some agents they said the TPMS has to be installed by manufacturer which I'm sure will cost a lot and time taking (if they have a support to do it ) , does aftermarket parts can be installed and presented along with receipts ?

3. Does odometer be converted to miles ? The speed still stays in km after changing from multifunction display.

Appreciate the informative responses.

thank you

[Barson 4]

I’m looking at this too, but last I heard about 1-2 years ago was that they banned European new cars from import, I don’t know if this has changed in the mean time.

[mam521 2,056]

On 5/20/2024 at 2:31 PM, sty said:

it is manufactured in Canada and manufacturer did not agree to provide compliance letter

You cannot import it without the compliance letter.  You'll either have to find a registered importer or sell the vehicle in Canada and buy something stateside.  Keep in mind, if the vehicle is financed, you also require permission from the finance company or bank to export the asset from Canada.  It's often easier just to sell and move on.  

[Vicnic 32]

Do you need to do import it right away?

im not sure what I am going to do - my car isn’t paid off yet - and I can’t really afford a new one !!!

how much does importing cost ? I have. A 2021 mini 

[gmprive 10]

12 minutes ago, Vicnic said:

Do you need to do import it right away?

im not sure what I am going to do - my car isn’t paid off yet - and I can’t really afford a new one !!!

how much does importing cost ? I have. A 2021 mini 

As far as I know, you have a year to import the vehicle. I may be wrong tho. 
You'd have to check with the company who provided you the loan for your car to see if they accept you use the car in the US for an extended time. I know when I had a leased car, there was a specification in my lease saying that I was not allowed to use it outside Quebec for more than 30 consecutive days. If I was to, I needed a letter showing that my leaser approved my trip. (Kinda wild but I understand why they need to do that).

 

I do not know the cost of importing your car. (I know I can't import mine so I'm just going to sell it)

[mam521 2,056]

1 hour ago, Vicnic said:

Do you need to do import it right away?

im not sure what I am going to do - my car isn’t paid off yet - and I can’t really afford a new one !!!

how much does importing cost ? I have. A 2021 mini 

Because you're moving on a greencard, the border agent may make you.  There was a thread from about 2 years ago where a person here was turned away at the border because they weren't prepared to import the car.  

 

The costs will depend on the state you're going to and if they decide to charge you taxes.  

 

Additionally, your state will have some requirements.  Texas requires vehicles to be brought into compliance and registered in state within 30 days.  Others have similar requirements. 

 

1 hour ago, gmprive said:

You'd have to check with the company who provided you the loan for your car to see if they accept you use the car in the US for an extended time.

It's not just this, but also insurance.  Most Canadian insurers won't insure you past 6 months at the most.  

[Vicnic 32]

23 hours ago, mam521 said:

Because you're moving on a greencard, the border agent may make you.  There was a thread from about 2 years ago where a person here was turned away at the border because they weren't prepared to import the car.  

 

The costs will depend on the state you're going to and if they decide to charge you taxes.  

 

Additionally, your state will have some requirements.  Texas requires vehicles to be brought into compliance and registered in state within 30 days.  Others have similar requirements. 

 

It's not just this, but also insurance.  Most Canadian insurers won't insure you past 6 months at the most.  

I was going to I sure it and look into importing - I think I have a year left on my loan - I can buy it out if needed to import.

the site is so confusing to sort out for imports.

i dont even know where to start !!!

but i am waiting on my crim check ( so I have time before DQ and Interview to hopefully figure it out) I am moving to Oregon ( if it makes a difference on the state)

any insights appreciated!!! Car is a 2121 Mini Cooper that I really want to keep !!

[mam521 2,056]

1 hour ago, Vicnic said:

I was going to I sure it and look into importing - I think I have a year left on my loan - I can buy it out if needed to import.

the site is so confusing to sort out for imports.

i dont even know where to start !!!

but i am waiting on my crim check ( so I have time before DQ and Interview to hopefully figure it out) I am moving to Oregon ( if it makes a difference on the state)

any insights appreciated!!! Car is a 2121 Mini Cooper that I really want to keep !!

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

 

You'll need:

- letter of compliance

- bill of sale

- Form HS-7

- EPA form

 

If it's financed through Mini, you'll have to pay it off.  It's parent company is BMW and they will not allow the vehicle to leave Canada while a lien exists.  

 

You'll likely have to pay another 2.5% in duty.  

 

In Oregon, check the DMV for what they need.  https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/titlereg.aspx

 

At that point, you'll have to assess whether the cost is worth it.  2021 Cooper is worth about $24K US according to Kelley Blue Book.  If you have to pay out the financing, pay duty, then bring it into compliance in Oregon, it will be up to you to determine if it's worth it or if it's worth it to sell it in Canada and buy a different one in the US.  

[Vicnic 32]

8 hours ago, mam521 said:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

 

You'll need:

- letter of compliance

- bill of sale

- Form HS-7

- EPA form

 

If it's financed through Mini, you'll have to pay it off.  It's parent company is BMW and they will not allow the vehicle to leave Canada while a lien exists.  

 

You'll likely have to pay another 2.5% in duty.  

 

In Oregon, check the DMV for what they need.  https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/titlereg.aspx

 

At that point, you'll have to assess whether the cost is worth it.  2021 Cooper is worth about $24K US according to Kelley Blue Book.  If you have to pay out the financing, pay duty, then bring it into compliance in Oregon, it will be up to you to determine if it's worth it or if it's worth it to sell it in Canada and buy a different one in the US.  

There is no way by little MC is worth  24,000 usd 😳😳 i only  paid 26,000 Canadian brand new three years ago !!!

I would  fully sell it for that 🤣🤣 thanks for info - very helpful 

I still have a few months to go…. Not  even DQ yet. 
I sent a message to mini today to figure it out…

 

[mam521 2,056]

On 6/7/2024 at 8:53 PM, Vicnic said:

There is no way by little MC is worth  24,000 usd 😳😳 i only  paid 26,000 Canadian brand new three years ago !!!

No idea which model it is.  That will determine value.  You can easily check online yourself.