looking at buying a car from USA repo

[billybob123]

Originally Posted by greyshep

Takes a bit more planning now if you want a chance to test drive and make your decision at the site itself.

Can one even test-drive an auction car? Aren't they usually sold "where is, as is"? I assume that's why people get the great deals - they have no idea if the car will even start. You can inspect the cars before the auction but I don't know about test driving them.

All I learned about auto auctions came from the Top Gear (US) episode where they pimped out their auction buys and then sold them. One of the cars they bought didn't even shift between two or three gears, and wouldn't go in reverse.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by billybob123

Can one even test-drive an auction car? Aren't they usually sold "where is, as is"? I assume that's why people get the great deals - they have no idea if the car will even start. You can inspect the cars before the auction but I don't know about test driving them.

All I learned about auto auctions came from the Top Gear (US) episode where they pimped out their auction buys and then sold them. One of the cars they bought didn't even shift between two or three gears, and wouldn't go in reverse.

Yeah I dont know what the details are regarding this auction idea. I was just speaking about the process of importing a vehicle from the US.

After looking at the link provided by KC it appears that there is a lot more questions than answers on this one. I would be a bit leery buying from an auction whether it was in the US or Canada for that matter.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by greyshep

The fees and taxes are minimal considering the savings you can gain.

I believe there is a general RIV fee, an a/c excise fee, and GST (which you would pay on any vehicle you purchase at a dealer here anyways)

All these fees have to be paid at the border crossing when bringing the vehicle across.

But if you do your research you should still be way ahead of the game when it comes to total costs.

I saved $5000 on importing a travel trailer back when we had a 85cent dollar. I cant imagine how much a person could save now considering the strength of our dollar.

Oh for sure, just gotta make sure you get the right deal. EDIT: Like others have said, I think there is duty too. You can do it right with a little research and work, but you can also do it wrong if your not careful.

[calgaryrocks]

yea you are definitely saving because of the high risk of those types of vehicles. the riv site is great for researching what you will need to do. when I was looking at getting a new mazda from the states I found out I really wouldn't save anything because I would have to pay the tax there, then a 6% duty because it was made outside north america. it depends on the car, but for high end you would save big time

[Fozzie_DeBear]

Question...once you have title, bill of sale and insurance...

...Can I use my Alberta plate to drive the vehicle home as long as I use that plate to register the new vehicle within 2 weeks?

[billybob123]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

...Can I use my Alberta plate to drive the vehicle home as long as I use that plate to register the new vehicle within 2 weeks?

No, unless it's registered to the license plate. Otherwise it's illegal. I don't know what the penalties for driving an unregistered car are but I imagine they would be quite severe.

You just get a temporary transport permit for the state where you purchased your car, and it's legal to bring it to whatever jurisdiction you want. Same thing if you bought a car in Saskatchewan or Ontario and hadn't registered it yet in AB.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

Question...once you have title, bill of sale and insurance...

...Can I use my Alberta plate to drive the vehicle home as long as I use that plate to register the new vehicle within 2 weeks?

I believe you can, yes. That is what we did with the trailer we bought. I dont believe alberta has temporary transfer permits. But if you are traveling with it in the US you may need to follow that process.

[Ryan Coke]

FirStly, it depends on the vehicle make. You need some things from the manufacturer to get it registered in Canada, and some (like Honda) are good about it while others (like BMW) charge you a bunch of money.

As mentioned also depends on where a specific model is made. Also some vehicles that burn more gas get extra duty added.

Generally, the prices have evened out a fair bit in the last few years. If you are buying an expensive new car, likely you can save a decent amount. On the other hand, if you are getting something a couple years old for 10-20k I have found there isn't enough of a savings when you add in the extra costs.

Having said that, with the more recent runup in the dollar it does change the equation by another 5% or so to the good.

[speede5]

My coworker just bought an MKX out of Chicago and it went seemless, but he did pay the dealer extra (about 1500) to deliver the vehicle to the border (Portal) and do all the paperwork. He drove down and brought it over in about 15 minutes. Had to pay GST at the border and PST at SGI. You only pay duty if the vehicle was manufactured out of Canada/US/Mexico. Free trade. If the vehicle is being driven you need registration/permit and insurance in the US and another permit/policy in Canada.

Most dealers can help you but if you are buying private/auction cars you will need time to do it. You need title and a title search, plus RIV paperwork. There are brokers who can help you, for about $1500.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by greyshep

I believe you can, yes. That is what we did with the trailer we bought. I dont believe alberta has temporary transfer permits. But if you are traveling with it in the US you may need to follow that process.

Alberta does have temporary transfer permits as I just picked up one for a client from BC. They are good for 7 days.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by Sample00

Alberta does have temporary transfer permits as I just picked up one for a client from BC. They are good for 7 days.

Interesting, I have never noticed anyone with one of those other than in the US.

Actually that brings up a question in my mind, how is the process any different when buying privately within alberta? I always bring a plate from one of my current vehicles to drive a newly purchased vehicle home, etc. I always notify my insurance company in advance and they provide a 30 day temp policy, but I have never looked into a transfer permit.

Are people supposed to purchase a transfer permit to get the car home within Alberta?

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by greyshep

Interesting, I have never noticed anyone with one of those other than in the US.

Actually that brings up a question in my mind, how is the process any different when buying privately within alberta? I always bring a plate from one of my current vehicles to drive a newly purchased vehicle home, etc. I always notify my insurance company in advance and they provide a 30 day temp policy, but I have never looked into a transfer permit.

Are people supposed to purchase a transfer permit to get the car home within Alberta?

I really dont know for sure as I believe within province you have up to 2 weeks to transfer your plates.
Having said that, I think it would be prudent to actually get a transfer permit sticker for your vehicle.
Most people in the province just throw a plate on a take the vehicle home and deal with registries later. yes/ no?

[arloiginla]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

I would hope to get one owned by Jon Voight

Ah, the good ol' LeBaron convertible. Check the glove box for a chewed up pencil.

[Hilch]

Becareful with the duty you have to pay. I've had heard some experiences where they had to pay taxes on the bluebook value of vehicle, not the bill of sale price. So you may only pay $6k for that Porchse but you will be paying taxes like it's worth $50k.

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by Hilch

Becareful with the duty you have to pay. I've had heard some experiences where they had to pay taxes on the bluebook value of vehicle, not the bill of sale price. So you may only pay $6k for that Porchse but you will be paying taxes like it's worth $50k.

Wives tail. Only reason this woudl happen is if you are trying to fcuk with the CBSA.

I have bought many US Cars, all luxury cars worth a lot.


Be sure you have proof of payment, signed bill of sale, etc - if you can prove that you paid $X, they won't default to the bluebook.