My story:
This morning I imported a 1999 996 C2 Aero at the Ogdensburg/Prescott Crossing near Brockville, ON (very close to where the 416 meets the 401 south of Ottawa).
I cross here often to pick up UPS shipments in Ogdensburg, as it's only 40 minutes from my house. The crossing is always very quiet. This is the 2nd vehicle I've imported at this crossing (the first was a diesel Ford Excursion I use as a tow vehicle that I imported 2 years ago).
I knew the process ahead of time, and had all of the paperwork in good order.
I called the Ogdensburg border and specifically asked about whether they required 72 business hours, or 72 consecutive hours. They replied that 72 consecutive hours (weekend or not) was acceptable, but cars could only be presented for export between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. They also do not accept faxed titles.
I had the title and bill of sale FedExed to me last Wednesday, and dropped it off Wednesday at 6pm at Ogdensburg in person.
I faxed the Bill of Sale to PCNA and they faxed me the recall clearance letter within 5 days. They were VERY, VERY nice and helpful.
I flew to Atlanta on Saturday afternoon, and drove from Atlanta to Watertown, NY on Sunday (yesterday). The dealer I bought the car form provided a 60 day Georgia state temp tag as part of the deal. I stayed in Watertown and presented the car at the Ogdensburg border at 8:30am this morning. Total time at the US border was 10 minutes exactly.
Drove over the bridge and declared the car. Told the inspecting officer exactly what I paid for the car, and that I had all documentation prepared. She advised me to park and come inside.
The officer inside took my information, filled out the RIV form, charged my AMEX for the GTS, A/C Tax, and Duty. She told me that she could not take my RIV fee, but gave me instructions to do it online when I got home (did it as soon as I got home, took about 30 seconds). She then told me to enjoy the car, and hoped for a long warm fall. AND THAT WAS IT.
They didn't once actually look at the car at the Canadian border. Very helpful, very friendly, and no waiting what so ever. Even if you live as far West as Toronto, I encourage you to import your car at the Ogdensburg/Prescott crossing.
I drove up to the US border at 8:30, and I was on the 416 heading home by 9:20, so all in all, less then an hour of total time spent at the border.
By the way, they had no issues with the North Carolina plate I had on the Excursion when I imported it, and have no problem with the Georgia temp tag I have on the 911 now.
With the dollar at par, there is absolutely NO REASON why consumers shouldn't buy US market cars and import them. If you spend an hour or two ahead of time and get all of your paperwork (as described in this thread) in order, it's practically zero hassle.
In terms of proof of actual amount paid, I made sure I had plenty of ammo for that, including the receipt for the wire transfer, the wire transfer instructions I had faxed from the dealership, the add from AutoTrader.com (showing the asking price) and the bill of sale which indicated the price in numbers (i.e. $20,000) and English (i.e. Twenty Thousand Dollars).
-Matt - happily motoring in my first P-car.