Importing the car

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

So, I checked out Kristy's car (1999 Pontiac Grand Am) and there is a sticker in the engine compartment stating that it complies with all US EPA regulations. However, I see nothing about FMVSS, CMVSS, or DOT. Do we need to try to get a letter from GM? Also, do we have to pay off the car first, or can there still be a lien with TD bank on it?

[Flames9_RN 358]

there was a member on here just recently thathad a hard time getting the paperwork from chrysler, BUT had the same sticker as u!! They got to the POE and were told it was NOT sufficent, they required the paperwork. There post was just in the past week, I dont have time to look for it though, but I bet they wil chime in!!

[lynamon 0]

Here's that thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=94729

[Doug n Amanda 0]

Jeremy, you need the other sticker, and a letter from GM; save yourself some time (Doug & I went thru this, here's what you do):

GM owners need to contact Vintage Vehicle Services (they ONLY do GM vehicles and are located in Oshawa, Ontario) at 1-888-467-6853. They email a form to fill out, with instructions on paying the $79.50 via. Visa or MC number. Once the form & payment is received, they can email the letter (PDF or Word doc) directly to you within 24 hours.

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

Jeremy, you need the other sticker, and a letter from GM; save yourself some time (Doug & I went thru this, here's what you do):

GM owners need to contact Vintage Vehicle Services (they ONLY do GM vehicles and are located in Oshawa, Ontario) at 1-888-467-6853. They email a form to fill out, with instructions on paying the $79.50 via. Visa or MC number. Once the form & payment is received, they can email the letter (PDF or Word doc) directly to you within 24 hours.

Well, I asked about it from one of the NEXUS officers when I was in the office last, and he said there'd be no problem. The car was probably made in Lake Orion, anyway, he said. I THINK because it's a '99 there is no problem as in '98 the US and Canada standardized on something or other I think I read. So, I think we'll actually take a chance. If we can't, then I'll leave it in Canada and pick it up after we get the letter.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I've heard of some people getting their cars through without the letter and others who have required the letter. I really wonder if the CBP folks even care about the rules. I just hate to think what's going to happen when Mom tries to take the family car to the US. A 1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser bought new in IN, imported into Ontario in 1973. I couldn't even get the build sheet from GM (US office redirected the letter to the Oshawa which pointed out that the car was shipped to the US and I should contact them). I can't imagine what's going to happen when the Mom-mobile gets repatriated.

Jeremy, if it's too much trouble I think you should drop the idea of importing the car. Get another car, maybe something a bit more practical....A white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T with a 426 Hemi.

[thermophile 0]

Hey IR5

If you can find any paperwork showing that the car was bought in the US (bill-o-sale, license plates, etc.) or proof that it was imported into Canada, they should just export it at the border. well, that's how it worked for us, but my car had only been in Canada 2 years so I still had all that stuff.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Hey IR5

If you can find any paperwork showing that the car was bought in the US (bill-o-sale, license plates, etc.) or proof that it was imported into Canada, they should just export it at the border. well, that's how it worked for us, but my car had only been in Canada 2 years so I still had all that stuff.

Same here, we re-imported Bren's car with no problems... as long as you have the paperwork that it was originally bought (or maybe even manufactured) in the US according to EPA standards me thinks it should be fine.

[Carlawarla 1]

I don't know all the ins and outs about importing cars, but dearheart recently posted her experiences with this. They tried to cross at the border and were told they either had to leave the car there, or get someone to give them some type of "approval". I THINK she couldn't get a letter from the manufacturer. So, they ended up going to Lethbridge and paying something like $400.00 to get whatever they needed to get the car across the border. So, she posted this as a reminder that you need a letter!

I wouldn't take the chance of on move day...paying someone $400.00 to get me something to get my car over the border. If you can, please search for the thread and read up on it.

Carla

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately my big bro destroyed much of this stuff (owner's manual, protect-o-plate, bill of sale) when he was a little kid. I've only got a few maintenance bills from 1969-1972. I think we'll need to request the relevant info from GM HQ, using a US address. I just wonder if CBP will care about a forty yo car. Emissions controls in 1967 consisted of the PCV valve, long before the EGR, and oxygen sensors. Car should still pass 1967 EPA standards (non-California) though.

[Texanadian 10]

I can't really offer any help in this thread. I imported my 1989 Trans Am back in August. No questions asked other than can we see your insurance papers. (Wanted to see that I was the owner.) Took down the VIN number off the insurance paper and I was on my way. They never even looked at the car.

[Carlawarla 1]

I can't really offer any help in this thread. I imported my 1989 Trans Am back in August. No questions asked other than can we see your insurance papers. (Wanted to see that I was the owner.) Took down the VIN number off the insurance paper and I was on my way. They never even looked at the car.

I'm glad you didn't have any problems! Isn't it crazy that some people have to do all this work, while others don't? I'm thinking it not only depends on which crossing you use, but which border official! Nothing seems to be standardized...or, if it is, it's not being applied the same.

Carla

[Leafgal 3]

I just called my local CBP office and asked what I needed, the guy had a great sense of humour. I asked what I needed and told him I called Ford and they told me that I need 2 letters and that I would have to pay for them. The customs officer was shocked. I told him I was pretty sure that the door sticker says it was manufactured in the US. He said just bring the car with the documents that I have (insurance and registration) and that should be fine. So I suggest that you call the CBP office that you are going to be using and see what they require.

[trailmix 77]

I just called my local CBP office and asked what I needed, the guy had a great sense of humour. I asked what I needed and told him I called Ford and they told me that I need 2 letters and that I would have to pay for them. The customs officer was shocked. I told him I was pretty sure that the door sticker says it was manufactured in the US. He said just bring the car with the documents that I have (insurance and registration) and that should be fine. So I suggest that you call the CBP office that you are going to be using and see what they require.

Two letters?? Why not three!

We just got - well ordered - our compliance letter from the Ford dealership here last week. They charged us $50 and they are going to mail it to us. No mention of 2 letters.

We need to look for said sticker on the door I guess.

[Flames9_RN 358]

There was a VJ memeberr that was told if ya have the stuicker on the door your good to go!! NOT!! they got to the border to only find out they required the letter!! I belive they drove back to Red Deer and had to get a vehicle broker??? The story is somewhere on here in the Canada section, but it was awhile back! Just throwing this out there!! As well you may get across the border, but I believe one does require certain paperwork at the DMV!!