Importing to Canada

[jdugene]

Does anyone have experience importing a U.S. spec Elan into Canada? The good news is that the car is now 15+ years old. I'm not sure about the bumpers, glass and..... I'm pretty sure they would have to rig daytime driving lights. Any other ideas, places that do conversions, or stories? I have an interested person in Canada for my Elan and want a success if he choses to buy it.
Many thanks,
John

[TJi]

Because it's 15 years old it's really easy. None of the bumpers, lights, glass, etc. have to be touched.

The new owner may need to add daytime running lights depending on his/her province. However this is checked at registration and does not effect the actual importing at all. He/she will need to fax the signed title to the US side of the border crossing at least 72 hours in advance, then show up with the car, cross over, pay some taxes and get a "Form 1" from the Canadian side.

When I lived in Canada I imported my Mitsubishi Starion (also over 15 years old) from New Mexico and it was really simple, just needed all the documents in order. I plan to bring my RHD Elan back with me if/when I move back there.

- J

[jdugene]

Many thanks. I spoke with the "RIV" in Canada and they basically said the same thing. It seemed too good to be true so your affirmation is helpful. However, I did speak with the California DMV and they said that a new owner and I would have to bring in the signed title in to a DMV office and get an "export certificate." Also, he said that the license plates would stay with the car until reregistered in Canada. Interesting. The new owner would provide their own insurance.
Again, thank you.
John

[jdugene]

A Final Upate:

The car was successfully taken into Canada yesterday. U.S. Customs requires 72 hours notice with all sale documents (title, bill of sale, insurance etc.) to be faxed to the port of entry. (See US Customs and Border Security web site for information and port of entry information and telephone numbers -- best to call ahead) This went smoothly and my buyer was through easily despite being at the border in 36 hours.

Canadian Customs was apparrantly a pain. They charged the buyer $800 because they thought the car was coming in for resale. He couldn't get out of this. I'm not sure how to convince or pre-plan this, to assure customs that a purchase was for private use. A head's up though for the future.

Everything I've read says that since the car is over 15 years old it is exempt from their transportation requirements including daytime driving lights. In other words, no modifications to the car are required. If this changes when the new owner registers, I'll let the forum know.

That's it. Easy and simple with these lessons learned.

John