Importing a Porsche from the US into Canada - Page 7

Purrybonker · 03-05-2008, 01:17 PM

I used a slightly different version in regard to the temporary registration for driving an import vehicle to the US-Canada border.

Last time I imported a car I had the seller scan/email a bill of sale before I paid for or even saw the car (eBay purchase). I took the bill of sale and pink slip (obtained from the insurance co using the same bill of sale) to the Alberta Motor Association and picked up an Alberta temporary registration for my soon-to-be 911.

I went down to Boise, inspected and paid for the car and drove away happy as a clam.

I didn't bother with any temporary US registrations - just relied on my Alberta temp registration. Cleared US and Canadian customs per the protocol outlined in the original sticky here without any plates on the car - just the paper Alberta temp registration lying on the dash.

I'm looking to bring up a 997S from Florida and was thinking about using the same methodology. Geez, if you spend time in the US, particularly California, you see cars everywhere with no plates on them. I doubt driving with a temp Canadian registration would attract much attention in the US, particularly if you didn't draw attention to yourself.

Anyone had bad experiences with this approach?

GWN7 · 03-05-2008, 02:18 PM

I did the same when I bought a car from OR. Had the sellar email me a scan of the title and bill of sale. Went to the DMV with those and bought temp insurance (which is issued by the same people who issue registrations/titles here). Faxed the copys of the US bill of sale and title to the US border crossing I would be coming across at on the way home. Got on a plane and drove it home.

Only person who looked at the paperwork was a state trooper who thought I might have been driving a tad fast in Wash State. Good thing he didn't have his radar on, or the trip home might have been a bit more expensive.

miclam · 03-17-2008, 09:59 AM

I recently brought a carrera from the states. I bought the car to the dealership to have a provincial inspection done. Because the car was from the States, I was told I needed a post entry inspection also; just to make sure the car had the correct engine, transmission, etc. Even though I bought the the car from an authorized dealership in States. The car is a year old and under warranty. Is the post inspection a normal procedure at your dealership? I just want to make sure that I'm not paying for something I don't need. Thanks.

Porsche_monkey · 03-17-2008, 10:12 AM

I believe Canadian Tire can do everything you need to get the car on the road. Probably more economically than the dealer.

jeffgrant · 03-17-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miclam

I recently brought a carrera from the states. I bought the car to the dealership to have a provincial inspection done. Because the car was from the States, I was told I needed a post entry inspection also; just to make sure the car had the correct engine, transmission, etc. Even though I bought the the car from an authorized dealership in States. The car is a year old and under warranty. Is the post inspection a normal procedure at your dealership? I just want to make sure that I'm not paying for something I don't need. Thanks.

Never heard of checking the engine, trans, etc.

The only post-import inspection I had/needed for my car was for federalization (bumpers, ride heights, etc.).

It MIGHT be that the engine/trans inspection was for the dealer to ensure that it was still under warranty or something like that.

But really, I don't know.

GWN7 · 03-17-2008, 02:38 PM

Only inspections I've ever heard of are the RIV (federal) inspection and the provincial safety inspection. None of which have anything to do with checking the motor or trans.

Sounds like the dealer has made this one up.

What did they exactly charge you for and how much did they charge you for it? It should be spelt out on the invoice they gave you.

miclam · 03-17-2008, 06:47 PM

I got charge $140 for the provincial inspection and $280 for an import verification. As far as I know, nothing physical was done to the car. Just verifying that the VIN matches the said vehicle. I've done my federal (RIV) at Canadian Tire. I feel like I got taxed just because I bought the vehicle from the States.

maximechasse · 03-29-2008, 08:40 AM

Could anyone help me as I am just about to import a 2008 911 turbo from the U.S . and the riv.ca website mentions that 2008 models do not comply and require modifications. Here is the quote from the RIV website :

''All passenger car U.S. models (Boxster, Cayman, 911 varients) do not comply with CMVSS 215 (bumpers). In order for these vehicles to be brought into compliance with CMVSS 215, the two impact pipes (part # 996 505 019 01) and their mating two desk pad impact absorbers (part # 996 505 775 00) that support the rear bumper have to be replaced with the Canadian specification impact absorbers (part # 996 505 015 01) and desk pad impact absorbers (part # 996 505 775 01).''

Can someone help me express on that one. Thanks

Porsche_monkey · 03-29-2008, 08:43 AM

You also need to check the anti-theft system. Canada has a higher standard than the U.S. starting 2008 MY. It is possible that a U.S. Porsche meets the standard, but if it does not there is no conversion/upgrade possible, the car simply can not be imported.

Why not call the dealer and ask a) prices for those parts and b) installation cost?

Purrybonker · 03-30-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maximechasse

Could anyone help me as I am just about to import a 2008 911 turbo from the U.S . and the riv.ca website mentions that 2008 models do not comply and require modifications. Here is the quote from the RIV website :

''All passenger car U.S. models (Boxster, Cayman, 911 varients) do not comply with CMVSS 215 (bumpers). In order for these vehicles to be brought into compliance with CMVSS 215, the two impact pipes (part # 996 505 019 01) and their mating two desk pad impact absorbers (part # 996 505 775 00) that support the rear bumper have to be replaced with the Canadian specification impact absorbers (part # 996 505 015 01) and desk pad impact absorbers (part # 996 505 775 01).''

Can someone help me express on that one. Thanks

The modifications need to be made by a Porsche dealer - I'm told it's about a $2k cost. 2008's were just recently (last month or so) made eligible for importation into Canada from the US. I've added '08's to my search list as well, bearing the additional modification cost in mind.

Of course, once you think '08 - then you can't help but think '09, I'm betting Porsche is gonna drop Canadian prices/raise US prices once they start hedging currencies for the '09 model year. But who knows.

'09 will bring direct injection engines (bit more power, better economy) and those nifty new clutches to replace the tip.

Armando Galasso · 04-09-2008, 07:17 PM

hello gents I a new in this forum and I just imported A boxster S 2001 and as many of you need to hook up the DRL .Does anyone have an electrical skematic or can help me out in order to pass the inspection?
Tx Army

jugni · 05-06-2008, 10:38 PM

Hi,
Earlier in this thread there is mention of some guy on ebay who sells the DRL kit for about $10. I am not able to track this down and I also need help with DRL on an '01 911. Can anyone make a recommendation.

Thanks

daniell911 · daniell911's Garage

DRL HACK for 911/996 & Boxster

http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/drl/

Hope this help!!

Daniell911

silver911 · 05-09-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miclam

I got charge $140 for the provincial inspection and $280 for an import verification. As far as I know, nothing physical was done to the car. Just verifying that the VIN matches the said vehicle. I've done my federal (RIV) at Canadian Tire. I feel like I got taxed just because I bought the vehicle from the States.

I think you're right - it's the European manufacturers. I just imported a Mercedes and the cost was $1,500 for inspection fees only to obtain RIV approval. This included Mercedes Canada fee and the B.C. Provincial safety inspection fee of $120 - although I still have to have Canadian Tire approve both RIV forms (Mercedes appears unimpressed with this). Also, prior to crossing the border I had to have Mercedes Canada mail a letter to me approving the import of the specific vehicle(mailed by Canada Post only according to Mercedes) that I had to show at the border. Also, the only acceptable form of factory recall letter has to come from Mercedes Benz USA and not an authorized US dealer which adds another delay. It is apparent Mercedes does not like Canadians importing their vehicles from the US.

camus997 · 07:09 PM

For those who have just recently imported a US Porsche into Canada, will your warranty be ok at your local dealers? Does this differ with the PPO warranty?

From the Porsche USA web site PDF warranty document which claims that "warranty can be claimed from any Porsche partner across the world."

It also states that "if your car is taken to an authorized Porsche automobile dealer outside the US Porsche Cars NA's warranty will not be applicable and defective parts will be repaired or replaced ONLY WITHIN THE TERMS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE WARRANTY FOR NEW PORSCHE VEHICLES FOR YOUR MODEL YEAR IN EFFECT IN THE COUNTRY WHERE SUCH AUTHORIZED PORSCHE AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ARE LOCATED." (CAPITALS are mine)

So, it seems that "US warranty" is invalid in Canada but "Canadian warranty" standards/criteria are in effect. This seems to suggest there is "officially" warranty covered for US vehicles in Canada with some minor country based variations. Getting your Canadian Porsche dealer to comply may be problematic (or not) but we need to hear from Canadians who have actually done this and tried or received warranty work in Canada for Porsches bought in the US.

Thanks in advance from a member interested in importing a 997 to Alberta.

Porsche_monkey · 05-20-2008, 05:36 AM

The only way to be sure is to go see your dealer beforehand. But do not expect them to honour the US warranty here, the very best you will get is the Canadian warranty.

Smiledoc · 05-27-2008, 01:55 AM

Hi guys, great info on this forum! I spent some time taking notes on all of the advice for importing US cars to Canada. I'm in Alberta, and there is a 2001 911 C2 Cabrio that has caught my eye. It has a turbo front AND back bumper. The turbo rear bumper is wider so some custom body work was done on it. Carfax is clear, no accidents reported, 4 owners listed. The dealer told me it was his personal car for a year and loved it, but is selling it because his new "toy" is an M6. It has about 40k miles on it, and asking 40k USD.
Do you guys think that:
a) this is a decent price?
b) i'll have any problems passing the inspections (provincial and/or federal) because of the cosmetic mods on this car? I'm not sure if it is lowered...If lowering is a problem, what is the standard/acceptable 'ride height'?
c) is there anything i should ask the pre-inspection porsche mechanic to look for that would make me want to think 2x before i get this car?
d) is getting the paper title from the California DMV still a pain in the azz?? ie. wait 20 days AFTER purchase for it?? - this would be a deal breaker i think.
Thanks guys! it's either this, or a 1999-2003 C2 or C4 with a GT3 aerokit under 50k miles!

Porsche_monkey · 05-27-2008, 04:48 AM

I wouldn't anticipate any issues with minor bumper changes or ride height.

Post your general C2 questions on the main forum, you'll get lots of responses.

Smiledoc · 05-27-2008, 10:05 AM

Hi, thanks for your response, and your suggestion. I have a question for anyone who has imported from California - the dealer is telling me he can just sign the title over to me, but according to this thread this is not good enough for the border crossing. Am I supposed to buy the car first and then have a new paper title sent to a california address? Too bad California has alot of nice 911's for sale, because it seems like that state is difficult to import from. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Porsche_monkey · 05-27-2008, 10:24 AM

I brought my car here with just a signed title. It doesn't seem reasonable to re-title the car in your name.