General TR Canada to USA?

[NutmegCT]

Has anyone recently bought a Canadian car and brought (or shipped) it back to USA?

I'm trying to get a handle on exactly how to do that - paperwork, customs, provincial documentation, etc. Several guys have told me it's no big deal - but haven't done it themselves.

I've also found a few companies that will do all the paperwork and ship to you - but as the car(s) I'm interested in are only a few hundred miles from me, I'd like to know how to do it myself in case I buy one.

Thanks all.
Tom M.

 

[wifegonnakillme]

Hi Tom,

I've gone the other way and also gone across part of the USA with an "in transit permit" - I agree with others, do a bit of research and it's not a big deal. Expect to spend some time at the border, you will be the lucky guys with a new person who doesn't know what to do and has to talk to four other people... Start here though:

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

 

[Geo Hahn]

Tom -

A friend on the Healey forum here just bought a car in Canada and returned to Tucson with it a couple of days ago. I have asked him to contact you.

Didn't sound like an onerous process but his experience may save you some time and money.

 

[Healeysince59]

Geo is talking about me. I bought a car on BAT auctions near Toronto and picked it up myself. I trailered it. The process at the border was painless. I had the Canadian title signed over to me, a bill of sale, and proof that it was over 25 years old. I had the invoice from the original sale dated 1965 but I think the title would have sufficed.

I went through the least crowded port of entry on my route (Port Huron vs Detroit), waited in line about 20 minutes, and after the passport check and normal questions, proceeded to customs. There an agent went out to the car with me and verified the chassis number against the title. Back in and waited while he filled out forms and figured the duty. Paid with my Visa card and left with the paperwork they say I need to title it in my state. That's this afternoons exercise.

I looked into a transport company. They didn't want to handle the multiple boxes of loose stuff, wanted 2.85% duty vs 2.5% that I paid and almost $400 for a customs broker.

If the the car is less than 25 years old, it is more complicated.

Anything i didn't cover, feel free to ask.

Marv J

 

[NutmegCT]

This is great. And many thanks Marv for the personal experience.

Several years ago I considered buying a 1960 vintage car in Toronto. I was warned by several BCF members to be sure to get the "title history" on the car. It's some kind of form issues by the Province, showing ownership all the time it's been in Ontario.

Did you have something like that? In addition to the bill of sale and signed over title/registration?

I don't have a truck and trailer, so my choices are (1) use a transport company ($$$) or (2) drive it home. (yikes!)

And I hear you about the extra fees beyond mileage charged for international transport. A $2000 total would substantially cut into my purchase budget. And $1695 is the lowest quote I've received so far.

Tom M.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Tom,

In Ontario, you get what's called a "Used Vehicle Information Package". I think it costs $20.00. It list all the previous owners of the vehicle ( back to a certain date) and let's you know if there are any liens etc among other things. It is a very simple document that also has a blank bill of sale page at the end if you and the seller decide to use it.

Cheers
Tush

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks Tush. You're the first person who seems to remember that form. Marv - did you have that form?

It's one of the reasons I'm hesitant to purchase the car unless I'm 99% sure I can obtain all the correct forms for import into the USA.

Tom M.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

https://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.shtml

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks for the MTO link.

PM sent.

Tom M.

 

[Healeysince59]

I did get that form. The seller is supposed to provide it. It would be informative if there had been multiple owners but since this is a one owner car, it's pretty blank. I don't think Arizona will have any interest. It does include a bill of sale. I had the seller also fill out a generic bill of sale. Don't think I'll need either one.

I found out today that I have to have a level 3 inspection which is a real PITA. Looks like I won't get it registered till late this week.

Marv J