2009 Acura MDX |
Why import a car from the U.S.?
There are two main reasons:
1. Cost savings: There can be a significant differential in vehicle pricing between the Canada and the U.S. Even after adjusting for currency exchange rates, fees, taxes and other required costs, our customer savings typically range between 5% to 35% percent depending on the make and model.
2. Selection, availability and quality: At all times, there is approximately ten times the selection of vehicles in the U.S. to choose from. With new cars, we can often quickly obtain cars on your behalf that are unavailable or subject to extreme wait times in Canada. The larger selection is particularly advantageous if you are looking for a specific pre-owned car. It allows you to get you the exact car you desire, often with lower miles and in better condition than available locally.
Why should I use Trend Auto Importing?
Purchasing a car and importing it into Canada can be a difficult and needlessly costly task if you do not know what you’re doing. The key to importing a car into Canada is knowledge, and proper preparation.
Let us take the worry and stress out of the import process with professional service and an affordable vehicle importing package. We are experts at importing vehicles into Canada. Our prices are low and our experience on both sides of the border will save you time and money.
What is your fee to import a U.S. car?
Our import fee costs just $595 plus duties and regulatory fees. To determine if importing makes sense for you, take advantage of our free estimate and find out exactly how much you can save. Simply tell us the year, make and model of the vehicle and price. If you’d like transportation assistance, we will also need to know the City and State the vehicle is being shipped from. Click here to request an estimate.
Can any car from the USA be imported?
No. Your Trend representative can quickly answer this question for any car for you. Or, you may check yourself by going to www.riv.ca. Some vehicles need modifications like the addition of daytime running lights, and/or child tether anchors.
What about duty and taxes?
There is no duty on cars built in North America. Cars built elsewhere are charged a 6.1% duty. You pay GST and PST if applicable in your Province. In some cases, a green levy tax may also apply. Your free Trend estimate will cover these items, so you have an all-in number to compare to buying locally. Click here to request a quote.
How do I know which vehicles are duty free?
Typically, if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) starts with a number, it’s made in North America and can be imported duty free. If the VIN starts with a letter, it’s made elsewhere in the world and you will be charged 6.1% duty.
Can I buy a new vehicle from a U.S. Dealer?
It depends on the Manufacturer. Many prohibit their U.S. dealers from selling directly to Canadians. The best way to find out is to call the dealer and ask them if they sell new and pre-owned vehicles to Canadians. You can also search online for Canadian-friendly dealers in the U.S.
Will the warranty be valid in Canada?
Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer. Many cars have complete warranty coverage. Your Trend representative will either confirm the coverage on your behalf or direct you to the appropriate authority. Click here for a list of manufacturer’s phone numbers.
Can I purchase a warranty for a U.S. vehicle?
Yes. Trend Auto Importing offers affordable extended warranties on both new dealer and pre-owned U.S. imports. Complimentary warranty quotes are available.
If I have a friend or relative with a U.S. address, can they buy the car in the U.S. and register it there before importing it to Canada?
Yes, but you may be charged sales taxes in both the U.S. and in Canada.
Can I get financing for a car purchased in the U.S.?
You cannot get financing through a U.S. dealership or manufacturer unless you have an American social security number. You may be able to get a car loan from your bank, but banks usually only loan you the money once the vehicle is imported and registered in Canada. To solve this problem, Trend has developed relationships with two Canadian leasing companies that are prepared to purchase the vehicle and lease it to you once your credit application has been approved and you have signed a lease agreement with them. Call us for details.
What about hidden costs?
Trend does not have any last minute or surprise documentation or administration fees. Guaranteed. We are a member in good standing of the Lower Mainland Better Business Bureau.
Are there any drawbacks in having a U.S. car?
On some cars, there is the minor inconvenience of having vehicle mileage in miles rather than kilometers and having the largest numbers on the speedometer in MPH rather than the KPH, although both are obviously very readable. On some cars, the climate control and computer data information can also be in Imperial measurements. However, many vehicle computers allow us to easily switch from Imperial and Metric measurements. For most people these items are non-isssues when compared to the savings. Still, your Trend representative will be happy to confirm the readings on your specific vehicle if this is a concern.
