Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I am thinking of getting an A3 from the USA, is this allowed by Audi?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

yes it is "allowed" as long as you jump through some canadian hoops!
Check the A4 forum re this - lots of posting in the last few months on this subject
i just imported both an A6 and GTi to canada from the USA
PM for more info if you like

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Hey Thanks Zuma. Unfortunately we want a 2008 and it's not on the list yet. Thanks for the info anyways.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I'm in the same boat. But doesn't the RIV list say all other models? (doesn't this imply the A3 is acceptable).

Are any of you out there trying to look for cars with low/no state taxes too? I was reading something here where a dude bought a new toyota and avoided both state taxes and new vehicle registration fees. Can this be done with Audi's also?

Auto - WOW ---- New cars from US up to 20% cheaper (cost to import under $200) - Page 290 - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

[QUOTE=ahhbeebee;3212]I'm in the same boat. But doesn't the RIV list say all other models? (doesn't this imply the A3 is acceptable).

That's true. However I think we would have to wait until perhaps mid-year before it might be on the admissble list.

I did save some over MSRP, I went through an auto-broker.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I think I'll give the RIV a call, cuz the A3 has been in the US market since '06, so you wouldn't think they would be THAT slow in updating their lists. Quite possible give our government though.

So you saved some money going through an auto-broker? This means you've bought a different car from the States before?

I've contacted both Audi dealers in US and Canada, then one in the States is willing to sell to me, but since its a new car, I'd have to go through the 'registration' process. The canadian dealer warned of 'expensive' upgrades/mods to make it legal in Canada, but from what I can tell, just need to activate the DLR's and the A3 will be good to go.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I dont think the '08 would be any more expensive to register in Canada than the 05/06 i brought over - and that was not expensive at all - duties & taxes plus RIV fees was the only expenses oh and yes the Canadian Tire Out of Province inspection for me. If the US Dealer will sell to you i think the only other thing would be to speak to the RIV
Good luck. I would be curious on how the New Vehicle importation process works if any different. Keep us up to date

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

FYI, This auto broker is a local chap. I saved a few g's , it's not as big as doing it myself through the states. PM me if you want his contact info. I am in the 604 area

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Hello,

I have heard that Audi USA is prohibiting the sale of the new cars to Canadians. Can you please elaborate how you managed to work around this problem?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Didn't have to....neither of mine was new! Certified pre owned AUDI and the warranty is fully transferable to Canada

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Gents,
I sell Audi's here in Toronto and I'm forever being threaten with the option of buying from the States and it DOES make sense at the moment. However here is what i have been told, and remember i work for a corportaion so it might be what they want me to think...(take it with salt). They told us that they are thinking of following Honda in voiding the warrenties if this occurs. They claim that its a gray area legally and their lawyers are all on salary so they welcome the court dates. Also, coming over the boarder you will need to get day time running lights that come on automatically, change the cluster (mainly becuase our brake light is a symbol and the american car says "brake"). Its all silly, at the moment i think that I would buy from the states if they had the car i wanted. Once th $ stregthens in the states im sure it will all simply blow over. its not as cheap as it seems in the beginning, but there are some $'s to be saved i think.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

OK, please do so. I think it is possible, but its not going to happen on the previous cars. (i.e. - it may start for 2009)

maybe they would look into the Toyota experience from 2002, when they tried to do the same for the US buyers buying Canadian cars..

(hint: it did not work well for Toyota)


default on 2008 and electronic setup (50$) on previous model.


As far I know, there is no chance RIV is going to force you to change the cluster - period.

I wonder, how many people would by BMW (or other) instead of AUDI. How much this negative PR would actually cost AUDI.

p.s. Maybe AUDI should approach to lowering prices with the same agility as in preventing Canadians buying in US.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

oh well, it is sooner then later:

Automakers facing class-action lawsuit | Fort Frances Times Online



Automakers facing class-action lawsuit
(CP)
Thursday, September 27, 2007

TORONTO—Several automakers have been slapped with a $2-billion class action lawsuit that claims the industry conspired to artificially maintain car prices in Canada and inhibited cross-border vehicle shopping fuelled by a rising loonie.....


there, now those lawers would have something to do, not just sit tight and wait for action.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

They may void warranty however if I do buy US it will be a used car that is basically out of warranty or is about to go out of warranty.
Running lights are an easy DIY fix most of the time.

I don't know who told you that changing the cluster was mandatory but that is false. You can keep the same cluster as long as km/h are indicated even if they are secondary (smaller numbers)

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

just to clarify a bit more on audi warranty.. actually they can not and will not void your warranty, since it is clearly stated in the agreement.

What they are trying to do is to PREVENT you to buy from Audi dealer a new car. And that is all they can try, and probably impose a restriction. However you have no limitations on the used cars and the warranty is still valid in Canada.


About the cluster, actually there is no chance you would have to change the cluster even in the worst case, where there is no KM markings on it. In that case RIV hands out a sticker with a conversion table and it will get slapped somewhere on the dashboard ... thats all. :mrgreen:

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

As far as I know Audi still allows this (in all states). Being in the FX business I work car dealers and their clients daily. There's a few dealers that've had the metaphorical hammer dropped on their Canadian sales. Any Audi dealer that I've talked to are still rolling!

The same thing happened 8-10 years ago when the US dollar was so strong! People from the USA were coming up here to buy cars. Now, it's the other way around and dealers are threatening to break the NAFTA agreement.

After calling AUDI in Ottawa last night I had these two rebuttles from the "Audi Specialist" @ Mark Motors. You won't have a warranty and you can't lease...

Ok....so, if I buy a car in the US for $10000 CAD less. EVEN if I have to pay $3000 in 4 years for repairs....I'm still $7000 ahead!
Even when taking border fees into consideration (you can actually hire a border broker that can have everything done, including their commission for under $1000) you're saving thousands!

I'm considering buying in the US myself. Although, for convience...I still called Ottawa.

So, it's a catch 22. There's issues going both ways....and of course. It's a matter of how much you want to work to save money.

Ty

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Hi,
Sorry it is not too late to share this. I have recently imported an CPO A3 from the states :) and just got my Ontario license plate last week. The paper work process is intensive but not complicated.

Bernard

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

There are a huge number of dollars to be saved honestly. The work that needs to be done to make an American car fit for Canadian roads isn't really that big a deal and it doesn't take that long either. I wouldn't hesitate in doing it if the car I wanted was across the border.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I have personally seen a difference up to $20,000 on comparative cars. I would not hesitate on importing the right car if it caught my eye.

There have been a couple s4's on ebay that really got me riled up, but they wont be legal in Canada.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Bernard,

what kind of savings did you get if you don't mind? Were they willing to negotiate or was it a sticker deal cause you are a canuck? I am very interested in doing this but am afraid of all the taxes and charges at the border. You are the first person I've heard of that imported the same car I want - an A3.

Thanx

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

The savings was around $7k-$8k after netting the taxes, 6.1% duty, travelling costs, inspection, RIV fees and Day time running light mod at Audi here. The demand for A3 in the U.S. is very high but price is still negotiable. Bear in mind, I purchased a CPO (certified Pre-Owned) with 100k warranty coverage which is transferrable to Canada.
CPO A3 is in high demand. In one occasions, I was outbid by another buyer the last minute. I don't think being a canuck has a disadvantage.
Good luck.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

For your information the 08 GTI is not admissible in CDN due to the new bumper height of the US model which is lower than the CDN model, I would think the A3 as it is on the same platform would be lowered for 08 in the States as well therefore not admissible, I would check to be sure with RIV.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

If buying an Audi I would only view Audi certified if buying in CDN or US for peace of mind, my TT is certified no problems as yet in last 30k.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

whats up with RIV saying the list is not proven to be 100% accurate that they publish?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I emailed an Audi dealer in Montana to see if they'd sell to Canadians. This what he said today: "We do sell new Audis' to Canadian customers as long as they own property in the United States. If they do not own property in the states then we are allowed to sell a preowned Audi as long as the car is not certified"

So it doesn't look good for importing.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

this is only for new cars tho right?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

New and Certified used (they won't sell Canadians these)

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

hmmmm....

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

You need property in the states for a new car because it is required to work through the registration / title process (this does vary by state). Buying new takes a long time out of Montana due to backlog of registration and the time required to issue the title. In my opinion your better off getting something with very low milage. That being said, when I finally did get my new one up here I drove it around for awhile and sold it for more then I paid for it. There is alot of misinformation out there. Stick with riv.ca or send me a PM.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

So I have some Audi Dealers in Canada tel me a Audi Pre-Owned warranty is not going to be accepted by a Canadian Audi dealer.
Has anyone absolutely proved this correct or wrong? Remember.... we are talking March 2010 today so has anything changed since the last post in 2008 here on this thread?

PS: I do not yet own a A6 even thong my signature implies that I do. I am looking to purchase a US 2006 A6 4.2L and bring to Canada myself.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

This is up for some debate. CPO warranty is NOT valid in Canada, but the info I received from Audi USA in January of this year reads as follows, so there may be an exception for residents of Quebec:

"Reference # 100014306


Dear Mr. ****:

Thank you for contacting Audi of America with your inquiries about the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty. I did enjoy speaking to you on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 and appreciate your interest in our products. Per your request, I am replying to you with this written response.


A CPO vehicle that is built to meet United States specifications and is certified by an authorized Audi dealer in the United States can be exported into Canada. However, the CPO warranty would no longer be valid in Canada, except in Quebec where the legislature states that the warranties must remain with the vehicle. The CPO warranty would still be in place with dealerships within the United States.

Mr. ******, I hope this information has been of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or requests, please contact your local Audi authorized dealer or Audi Customer Relations at +1 800 822 2834.

Sincerely,

Heather Klein

Audi Customer Advocate"


Also, for current discussion of this, see the "eastern canada" section and thread about this .

Despite the above info from Audi USA, this member is experiencing difficulty in trying to get the CPO honored from a Quebec dealership.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Thanks for the update Speedy.... I think all in all, any US Audi brought to Canada means that the person who brought it in is on thier own from a repair standpoint unless you are able to drive it back across the border to an Audi dealer in the US for the repairs.

So how has your Audi been maintenance and repair wise? What are you driving?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Just imported my A3 quattro last week (see thread below this one), so time will tell about maintenance and repairs. Cross my fingers! Just to clarify above, the original factory warranty on the car is valid in canada and will be honoured at any audi dealership, just not the certified preowned warranty.

Love the car so far......

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Hey Guys,

New to the board but just wondering as I am reading mixed reviews on the warranty being transferrable to Canada when importing it from the US. Looking at the A4 wagon, from Montreal....if anyone has more insight that would be great.

Nish

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Hi Nish,
The factory warranty if any still left on the US vehicle will be honored at Canadian Audi dealerships.

However the Extended 2 year "Pre-Owned" dealer warranties often added to used Audi's by US dealers will not be recognized or honoured in Canada at Canadian Audi dealerships.

This leaves you two options:

1) Get the US vehicle for a low enough price point to cover any unexpected repairs that may be needed over the following 2 years.... of course this will be pure speculation of how many repairs "IF ANY" will be needed over the following two years after you purchase your US Audi.

2) You can always take it back across the border to the dealership you bought it at to do the Pre-Owned extended warranty repair work. This is why buying it close to the border you live is a benefit. Plus you have to assume that the vehicle will be in a drivable condition to get the repair done across the border right?

So that is the bottom line.

Three more things of importance:
A) Always try to schedule a appointment a few days in advance at a US Audi Dealership near your vehicle you plan to purchase and get permission from the place you are buying it from to have it taken to the Audi Dealer for a thorough inspection. It will run you $200.00 to $300.00 but may be well worth it. If the person or dealer you are buying from will not allow you to take it to a Audi dealer for inspection than I would walk and find another car from a different seller.

B) If buying an Audi from a NON Audi dealership, there are 2 or 3 well known reputable companies that will sell you a 1, 2 year or 3 year warranty covering as little or as much as you want from anywhere from $1000.00 to $3000.00. That may be worth looking into as well. Your Non Audi dealer can help you with setting up such a warranty. Do your research on what warranty companies have the best reputation in advance.

C) Check the dealer/ car company you are buying from through sites like www.rippedoff.com for example to see if they have any history of not treating their customers well.


Hope that helps....

Kev

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

How to import an Audi into Canada from the US.

If you're ever curious on importing vehicles into Canada, this guide will help you understand the process, things to watch out for, and what you need to do.

Importing cars from the USA into Canada is generally a straight forward process. This
applies for vehicles including vans, trucks, motorcycles and busses. However, some models may require modifications to pass Canadian safety regulations, and other models may not be admissible at all.

1. Always begin by checking the vehicle against the Registrar of Imported Vehicle
amissability list. Registrar of Imported Vehicles. Here you'll learn if your car needs any modifications
in order to pass federal inspection limits, and the cost.

2. Check for high emissions excise tax. Natural Resources Canada.

3. Check the list of vehicles with safety recalls. It also wouldn't hurt to verify the VIN at a local dealership. You could ask to make sure it has zero outstanding vehicle taxes.

4. Get a vehicle history report. You can visit AutoCheck.

5. If the vehicle is clear, arrange for payment and shipping/drop off. If you're having the car shipped, a customs broker will need to manage the paper work for you. You will need to vehicle title in your hands which can be shipped from the seller. And of course, make sure you have all of the vehicles receipts and any other documentation.

6. Fax a copy of the vehicle title to the U.S. Border Crossing where you'd like to cross. If you're picking up the vehicle, arrange for insurance, or tow it yourself. If you're driving it home, you will need a temporary permit from the local motor vehicle office.

7. Meet the car in person. Check the VIN on the bill of sale and make sure it matches
the one on the car.

8. Bring the car home. US customs will need your passport and driver's licence. They'll
check your papers and car, and stamp to release it to Canada Customs if all matches.

9. Stop at Canadian Customs armed with passport and drivers licence. Tell them you're importing the vehicle. They will pull you aside and ask you to fill out a Vehicle Import Form.

10. Canada customs will send you Form 2 - federal inspection.

11. Pay up you crazy canuck! Right away, you will get dinged with RIV fee of $195+GST and QST if you're importing to into Quebec. If the vehicle was not built in North America, add another duty fee that will be around 6.1%.

12. They allow you 45 days to get any required modifications done to your car. Daytime running lights, child safety, and metric conversions are common. There's also a chance your bumber will need to be replaced.

13. Take your car to get inspected, don't forget any documentation. (title, bill of sale,
import forms...). If is passes, you will have a shiney sticker to boast that your car is
Canadian Safety compliant. They will complete Form 2 and other paper work thats required to register a vehicle in your province.

14. Finally, take your car to your provincial vehicle licencing office with the binder of
documents you've accumulated from importing your car into Canada.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

I'm looking for a B8 S4. I was told by one salesman in Utah, that the govt does not allow new cars to be imported into Canada. Is it Audi that restricts them or any laws?

Any dealerships I should contact or brokers to help me pull a new one into Canada?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

Pretty certain it's Audi that is putting the restriction in place for new cars. If they didn't I'm sure the Canadian dealers would be having "heated" discussions with Audi North America/Germany. As the posts above indicate, getting used vechicles into Canada is very straigh forward but the steps must be followed exactly as described.

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

My friend has a US address in NYC, but he doesn't own property. He used to live at that address so his name is still on there.

Am I able to cross the border into the US and purchase a car with his address?

Re: Does Audi allow importing their cars from the USA?
 

mporting an Audi to the United States involves a number of prior arrangements, a lot of paperwork, extra fees and work in order to ensure that the car complies with U.S. safety and emission standards. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to acquire all of the proper documentation.

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