Importing a Porsche from the US into Canada

[nexus]

thank you so much all, the info re taxes, drl, and stickers most helpful. will get to work on this ASAP keep you posted with the progress.

[marakbai]

guys, I read this and cannot seem to get a definitive answer on if the warranties are still valid here in Canada?
I may be able to get a deal on a V6 Cayenne out of Florida (2008 with 4000 miles) .... just want to know about that.

Also, as a second question, how is it possible to have a V6 with S badge? I'm a newbie and totally confused by this.

Thanks

[Porsche_monkey]

I would go to your Porsche dealer and be up front about it. They are the ones that will be doing the work, (or not). I wouldn't rely on rumours you might hear or read about.

[mef38]

Originally Posted by marakbai

guys, I read this and cannot seem to get a definitive answer on if the warranties are still valid here in Canada?
I may be able to get a deal on a V6 Cayenne out of Florida (2008 with 4000 miles) .... just want to know about that.

Also, as a second question, how is it possible to have a V6 with S badge? I'm a newbie and totally confused by this.

Thanks

I agree with PBH. Check with your dealer. Keep in mind that the service department wants you as a client. There is more money in the service than in the sale of the car! (for the dealer)

I have heard that the warranty will be honored but that they may not give you the same level of service that they would give their own customers. I find this hard to believe because you are becoming their own customer.

Check into it and let us know.

On another note... My Boxster from Georgia just went through the RIV inspection at Canadian Tire and passed. Tomorrow I go to the SAAQ and get my license plates.


Mark

[buskey]

Hey guys,

Does anyone know for sure, do you need a letter of compliance from PCNA if the car you are importing from the US has the compliance sticker in place? I'm assuming not but hate to get to the customs office and get stuck for not having one.

Thanks!

[buskey]

Originally Posted by mef38

On another note... My Boxster from Georgia just went through the RIV inspection at Canadian Tire and passed. Tomorrow I go to the SAAQ and get my license plates.


Mark

Hey Mark, did you have to do the daytime running light mod on your car to pass RIV at Canadian Tire?

Thanks,

Bill

[mef38]

Originally Posted by buskey

Hey guys,

Does anyone know for sure, do you need a letter of compliance from PCNA if the car you are importing from the US has the compliance sticker in place? I'm assuming not but hate to get to the customs office and get stuck for not having one.

Thanks!

Bill,

You'll need the letter to fax (or email) to RIV to get the inspection form. It took PNA 24 hours before they faxed me the letter. Once I had it, I scanned it and emailed it to RIV. 2 days later I had the inspection form (2).

As for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) what I did was to buy the wire/connectors for the DRL on eBay (there is a guy who sells a little kit made with the wires, etc for $10) and it took 5 minutes to install.

I then called my local Porsche dealership's parts department and ordered the bilingual Airbag stickers. The parts guy told me that he never sells them and no one he knows places them on the car prior to inspection. I told him that I wanted to do it right so he ordered them for me.

While I waited for the label to arrive, I then went to Canadian Tire and proceeded to get the inspection done. The mechanic never looked or asked about the stickers and signed off on the car. (Everything but the stickers was done on the car.)

I then assumed that I had everything done and was ready to get my license plates. Off to the SAAQ I went with all my paperwork and the lady asked for the inspection report. I gave her the one stamped by Canadian Tire and she said, no, she wants the provincial inspection report. Provincial? What's that? It seems I forgot to get the provincial inspection done. Canadian Tire does the Fedeeral inpsection. So off to another spot where I paid $74.07 to get my provincial inspection done.

The mechanics for the provincial inspection actually inspected the car. This I was pleased with. While I hated to pay the money, at least they did more than check the VIN and if I had DRL (like Canadian Tire). They checked the brakes, tires, steering, windshield wipers, etc.

Everything was in excellent shape so I got the Quebec sticker on the car, the inpsection report and yesterday I went back to the SAAQ. Again I presented all the paperwork and received my license plates.

It is a lot of running around, but, once you know the procedure, it isn't all that hard. There are companies who you can pay to do this, but I would rather save the money and do it myself. I am now ready if ever I do this again.

Enjoy bringing your new car to Canada and if you need more help, let us know.


Mark

[mef38]

Originally Posted by buskey

Hey Mark, did you have to do the daytime running light mod on your car to pass RIV at Canadian Tire?

Thanks,

Bill

Bill,

You will need to get the DRL on your car before going to Canadian Tire.

Here is where I bought my mod: eBay


Mark

[Christien]

Originally Posted by buskey

Hey guys,

Does anyone know for sure, do you need a letter of compliance from PCNA if the car you are importing from the US has the compliance sticker in place? I'm assuming not but hate to get to the customs office and get stuck for not having one.

Thanks!

Make sure you're not getting confused between the recall clearance letter you need from PCNA (or an authorized dealership service dept) and the emissions compliance [b]label[/] - they're 2 different things. You don't need the recall clearance letter to get across the border, just to show at the RIV inspection at Canadian Tire.

[mef38]

Originally Posted by Christien

Make sure you're not getting confused between the recall clearance letter you need from PCNA (or an authorized dealership service dept) and the emissions compliance [b]label[/] - they're 2 different things. You don't need the recall clearance letter to get across the border, just to show at the RIV inspection at Canadian Tire.

I was led to believe that I had to fax or email the "No Recall" letter to RIV. At that point they issued the Inspection form 2 so I could take the car to Canadian Tire for inspection. I never had to show it at Canadian Tire.


Mark

[Christien]

Woah, you're quite a bit off. Did you read my post that started this whole thread? It explains it in there, but in a nutshell, you don't need anything to do with recalls or emissions to cross the border - all you need there is the title and bill of sale, then pay the taxes (duty and GST, plus AC fee if applicable, and RIV fee). At the border you fill out RIV form 1 and pay the RIV fee, then RIV should mail you form 2. (note: if you don't get it in a week or 2, call them - they didn't send mine because somehow they weren't notified that I paid the RIV fee at the border.) You never fax or email anything to RIV. After you've got the safety and e-test done, and you've received form 2, you take all this plus the recall clearance letter you've got from PCNA (or a dealership, either on dealership letterhead or with the service manager's business card, complete with Porsche logo, photocopied on to the letter) to Canadian Tire for the RIV inspection. The inspector will check that all the documents are present, and that any required modifications to the car have been completed (usually daytime running lights, child seat tethers and french airbag stickers). He'll then pass the inspection - he'll notify RIV that it's passed and sign you off, at which time you can go to the MTO, register the car in your name, buy plates and pay the PST. Then you're done. If the RIV inspector fails you, he'll tell you why and then you fix what's needed then return. This happened to me because the recall letter showed a recall on the gas filler cap. He said he needs to see a bill of sale for a new gas cap to pass me. I bought one from a dealer in upstate NY, had them fax me the bill of sale, then went back for the RIV inspection with the bill of sale, even before the gas cap arrived, and passed.

Make sure you fully understand the process before doing it. It's really not all that complicated, but it seems it at first, and you really have to have all your ducks in a row, especially at the border. Read the first 2 posts in this thread carefully, check out the RIV site to 1. make sure your vehicle is admissable (might have a problem with MY08s as last I heard they had made the admissable list yet) and 2. make sure you know what modifications are required. If you've still got questions, make sure you get them answered (i.e. post here) before getting the ball rolling.

Hope this helps!
Chris

[mef38]

Originally Posted by Christien

Woah, you're quite a bit off. Did you read my post that started this whole thread? ...

Hope this helps!
Chris

Chris,

I can only think that the procedure has changed since you imported your car. According to the RIV web site, they say:

"Recall clearance however is the responsibility of the importer. As a result we are unable to release the Inspection Form until such time as we receive a confirmation that there are no Outstanding recalls for your vehicle.

To facilitate the timely release of the inspection form, mail directly to our office or:

Fax: 1-888-642-9899 (exclusively for recall service)

Email: recall@riv.ca


A recall clearance letter is a document issued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of your vehicle that states whether or not there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle. If you are not sure of what a recall is, simply put, it is a safety defect on your vehicle as a result of the original manufacturing process. The OEM is responsible for notifying the last known owner, and fixing the problem normally at their expense. It's best to obtain this information before you import the vehicle to avoid any unnecessary delays.

The letter must come from the OEM's head office and be written on official company letterhead, duly signed with the name and position of the official at the OEM clearly visible. If the manufacturer's logo is not on the letter it will not be accepted.

In some cases, we will also accept a printout from an authorized American dealer. If you obtain a printout from an American dealer, you must ensure that they are an authorized dealer and not a re-seller. You can confirm this by calling the head office of the manufacturer and providing them with the location of the dealership in question

If the printout is from an authorized American dealership, the company stamp must be affixed to the printout. In either case, the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question must be included in the letter.

If your vehicle does not have any outstanding recalls then the letter should say "this vehicle has no outstanding recalls." This letter must be presented to the RIV department prior to your Vehicle Inspection Form being released.

If your vehicle does have a recall you will need to complete all repairs required. Once completed, the dealer will provide you with an invoice that contains the same work order number as your recall letter. You will then take the recall letter with the invoice from the dealer with you to your federal inspection as proof that the outstanding recall has been completed."


That is why I sent the email to RIV.CA, and they sent me the inspection frorm for Canadian Tire. On this "Form 2" it clearly stated that the No Recall letter was not required and Canadian Tire did not ask me for it.

So I think that because so many cars are now being imported, they've adjusted this procedure. It is important to have the latest information to avoid delays.


Mark

[cmartinez]

I just got last week with my 2007 Boster form N.H. Just go to a US Porsche dealer and have them re-program the lights. It took them 15min. and $55. easy!

[Lorne@YVR]

Originally Posted by mef38

I've found the DRL hack online and I will do it myself. It is easily done and I'm a specialist with wiring. So it'll be pretty simple. The only thing I still need is the Airbag Warning Sticker in French. I'll keep looking for that one.


Mark

I've seen a number of references to the need for the bilingual airbag stickers.

When I brought my 01 Boxster S into Canada (moved back here from the States) I went into a local dealer with my digital camera and took a photo of the sticker on a car in the showroom. I futzed around a bit and created a powerpoint file with the image in it.

I printed those images on my inkjet printer using Avery sticky backed paper, cut them out and stuck them onto my visors for the inspection. Went just fine ... as I recall I had to put a rubber band around one visor because the Avery paper didn't stick. As I pulled out of the inspection place I reached up and peeled them off, and they have been off ever since.

If anyone wants that image, email me ... I am happy to send the PPT file.

Lorne

[mef38]

I ordered two from the dealer ($12each) and was told by the Parts Dept Manager that no one installs them on the car and never had any problems. Well I had to wait a week for my stickers to arrive so I went through the inspection at Canadian Tire and never had to install the stickers. I still have them in case I want to make the car legal. But, I have not yet installed them and the car has all the proper paperwork and plates.


Mark

[zadig]

As a car lover, I owned a SAAB...this was built by Scania and not a GM. It's a 1995 900S but made some changes and looks like 9-3. But I'm about to turn 30 summer of 2008, life is now good after a bad ex. So I'm single, no kids, and now ready to enjoy life. Unfortunately for me SAAB is now GM and are baddly assembled and the newer 9-3 is not even a real SAAB but an Opel. They lost my loyalty so I'm going Porsche. The last of the dying breed of European cars built with care. I've loved the 928 ever since "risky business" first aired on TV back in the days. Loved the sound, loved the look, and love the history behind the 928 series. But really expensive to get a 90's model and not a fan of the dash layout. So, the Boxster has my eyes. I can drive topless through the Canadian Rockies as they are 35 min away. But being from Toronto, I went through hell when I brought my SAAB over and went through such a ridiculous amount of pain and expense to pass an Alberta Province inspection.

Now that the CND dollar is good to the US and seems like the US sellers are reasonable when selling a used car, I will buy a Boxster from there. Did you know people are asking 3,500 on average for a dodge shadow and old winter beaters here in Calgary. That's nuts and ever nuttier people actually are fine with it. Well 10-11KUS I think I'll find a decent Boxster and hopefully it won't die on me when I drive it to the boarder.

What scares me is being stuck at the Montana boarder because I lacked paperwork, or don't have enough info to fill out the forms, or just scared that the paperwork will be mountainous. It's scary enough driving across the US w/a car I know nothing about the history and unsure of what will brake down. I say this because I drove from Toronto to Calgary through the US and my caliper acted up in Fargo and locked up in the middle of North Dakota at -37 degrees C. Almost died from the cold as I slept in the middle of nowhere at a truck stop. I promised myself never again will I buy a car that has parts the same price as the value of the car but even worse dealer mechanics who know nothing as it got misgiagnosed. I will try this again because Prosche makes me smile. But could use advice. I expect some hassels but not ready for a tone as it will be a kill-joy. Also any advice on which years of the Boxster to stick with.

what about insurance when driving it back to Canada?

[Porsche_monkey]

I would expect a $10,000 Boxster to break down. Why not have it delivered? For about $1,500 it would be worth it in winter.

[Christien]

I agree. I think you'd be crazy to drive a $10K boxster from the US to Calgary in winter. At that price, you're looking at a first generation with high mileage and spotty or unknown history. Porsche sold a LOT of boxsters back in the late 90s and you just can't be certain someone took care of it, when its value has been so depreciated. A first-gen boxster in decent shape should sell for $15-20K in the states. At the very least, have a thorough PPI done and get a CAA membership.

First generation (2.7L engines, 97-00?) are well-built, comfortable fun cars, but not overly powerful. When they upped it to 3.0 (I believe 01?) apparently the power was much improved.

As for insurance, it differs province to province, and I'm only familiar with Ontario, but here it's pretty straight-forward. The entire procedure is: Call your broker, give them a VIN, explain the situation and they can fax you a binder policy that will do until the full policy gets put in place. Take that and the signed bill of sale to a ministry office and get a trip permit, then you can drive the car for 10 days to get it home, safetied, e-tested and RIV inspection. Then back to the ministry with test results, by plates, pay PST and you're done. Again, this is the process for Ontario, and might be different in Alberta.

Good luck! But please take a cell phone and CAA coverage.

[zadig]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

JUst did it last week with a 90 C4. I ran the California vanity plates (still am) but could have mounted one of my other plates as here in Alberta, we have 14 days to transfer registration. This is positive as i was pulled over with plates from another car on the 13th day one time... and for the record, I did have to pay 6.1% duty on this car. If I told them the car was made in the USA, I could have gotten out of it wink wink...

Hi, I'm a new Albertan and transfered my car from Ontario reg in Alberta and was hell, and now wondering how much hotter hell is when importing a Boxster from the US. I plan on getting one once I sell my SAAB. So about spring-summer 2008.

[twelvegage]

Hey Lorne@YVR, could you email me the bilingual Airbag sticker file. Just going through the import process now. ggarner@westport.com

Thanks