Who has imported a car into the U.S.?

rscupper · 01-24-2002, 04:06 PM

I'm interested in a car for sale in Canada.

What are some of the experiences with importing a car?
Is Canada easier than Europe?
Are Porsches made for the whole N. American market (maybe OK DOT, 50-state emissions, etc...)?
Duties? I have export experience with Dept. of Commerce and hope I wouldn't have to deal too much with them.
What about using an importer/agent (if such exists)?

Any info, referrals, experiences, and/or advice is appreciated.

Thanks

andrew15 · 01-24-2002, 04:27 PM

How old is the car?

I'm in Canada and have gone the other way - from the US to Canada. In my case, there were no problems with the import as the car was made for the North American market and over 10 years old. Hopefully, the US would have a similar provision.

As a side note - It's almost impossible to import a newer car into Canada that was made for a foreign market (non-North America) - we can't even do equivilent DOT/EPA modifications.

Regards,
Andrew M

rscupper · 01-24-2002, 04:33 PM

Andrew, it's a 1993. I doubt it would easy to accomplish import to the U.S., not so much for the DOT regs but, due to California emissions regs. It's difficult to import a 50-states-emissions-approved U.S. car into California!

Of course the car is one of those I'll never find in California at the price - so I have to at least ask

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

I'm on the west coast of canada...is your prospect from Vancouver - I'm very curious to find out which car your looking at if it is.

rscupper · 01-24-2002, 04:34 PM

Hi Jasper, it's a Guards RSA in Ontario. See, it's getting tougher - I don't even speak French!

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

Ah...Onterrible. That's a long way from my house.

A friend of mine recently acquired a 993 Targa from ON. I haven't seen it yet (the driving season is only six weeks away) but I understand he got good value.

The Ontario climate can be BRUTAL on cars Brian - that's my only caveat.

good luck!

rscupper · 01-24-2002, 04:44 PM

Thanks for the heads up. We'll see what happens.

Ottawa911 · 01-24-2002, 04:57 PM

Where abouts in Ontario Brian? I'm in Ottawa so if it's anywhere in the area, I can eyeball it for you if you like.

rscupper · 01-24-2002, 05:16 PM

Thanks Ron, but a bit premature. I first need to check import feasibility, then I need to put the close on my accountant/wife.

If you're interested though the car is in Oakville, ON. Check out the ad in the PCA classifieds (I just noticed it's dated 12/20/01 so the car may be gone by now). It's a '93 RS America, S/R & A/C delete, Guards on black, 18" TT wheels, & roll cage. Looks like a nice little drive-to-the-track-for-a-day-of-spirited-driving car.

Thanks all!