buying a Canadien car to register in US

[fredmeister]

What must be done to successfully purchase a car froma private owner in Canada to be registered in the US?
I have found a grey market 1980 turbo in Canada that I wish to purchase and register in the US. (as I am a US citizen), but I need to know what will be invovled in registering it.
As far as I thought all I need is the title isgned over to me and one form for Customs filled out when I cross the border.
Please tell me the details if anyone knows what is truelly required.
----One concern I had was the "grey market" issue of the 1980 turbo not being a sold in USA car. Are there specific problems because of this that I need to take care of......the owner originally thinks the car was brought from Germany into the US first, but has no records of the transaction or service history.
Thanks,
Fred

[Black968]

If the car resides in Ontario, have the owner supply you with a copy of the 'Resale Package' from the Ministry of Transport. This will show you if there are liens, the car is branded, and all of the owners. Also, check with Michigan State DMV to see if the car is allowed in. A ROW car does not have an emission recirculation pump and perhaps no cat, thus if you need a emission test, it will never pass unless these parts are added.

Cheers

[fredmeister]

Thanks for the info.
The owner in Canada never mentioned having the Resale Package. He just spoke of a Canadien title. Is this something he can get easily?
In Michigan there is no vehicle testing so anyhting goes, I am not worried about cats or inspections, at least one hurdle can be jumped. Michigan DMV just wants to see a title, Customs form 7501 and proof of insurance.

[Black968]

The owner should have no problem supplying you with the retail package. It cost $20.00 and is similar to a carfax. It will show the owners and liens if any. I am unsure if it will show the European history of the car. The title in Ontario is 2 colors of green and will not show if the car has liens. All you need is the serial number of the car and you can buy the package yourself. Call 1-613-962-3121 (License Bureau where I live) and explain your situation. They should be able to help you out.

Cheers

[Christien]

A little late chiming in on this, but here's a bit more info: the resale package is properly title a UVIP - Used Vehicle Information Package. Some MTO offices (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) will tell you you can't get a UVIP for a car more than 15 years old, or older than 1982 - that's crap, I have one for my 72 911. But I had to ask at 2 different offices to get it (probably a dumb clerk at the first one). The UVIP will show current liens, whereas the title registration paper itself does not. The UVIP won't show owners outside Canada. My car was brought into Canada in the early 80s, and that's the first that MTO knows of its existence. You'd have to trace previous ownership by calling the POs listed in the UVIP.