Importing from US - Here's my experience
09-03-2008, 10:05 AM
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oakville
Posts: 1,155
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
excellent post. I selfishly left out your suggested 7a because my 2007 S4 had no modifications required, but it should be noted for all that this can be an expensive step. With the bumpers out of the way (for the most part) there are far fewer mods needed on the newer models.
MTO told me a temp Georgia permit would be ok, but double checking would be wise as you never know. I can say that I was stopped in the car once for speeding with the Georgia permit on, and the cop thought it was fine. I was also eyeballed by at least 2 or 3 other cops (i think for having no front license plate) and none stopped me for the (lack of) tag.
MTO told me a temp Georgia permit would be ok, but double checking would be wise as you never know. I can say that I was stopped in the car once for speeding with the Georgia permit on, and the cop thought it was fine. I was also eyeballed by at least 2 or 3 other cops (i think for having no front license plate) and none stopped me for the (lack of) tag.
Just got back from my trip to pick up our 'new' 2001 Allroad. This is the THIRD U.S. vehicle (all Audis) that we've bought, but we had the other two shipped. This one was particularly appealing because it was in an adjacent state (Montana) to our province (Alberta), so it made more sense to get there and drive it back.
I was at the Piegan, MT crossing, and while the process was smooth, it was more like 8-10 minutes while the U.S. official worked through the paperwork. Maybe at a busier port they have it more down to a science and it goes quicker. And I had heard some horror stories about the U.S. office not getting the documents in enough time (the 72-hour thing) & being turned back at the border, but it all went smoothly.
At the Canadian crossing (Carway), it took probably 20 minutes total, with several officers doing different parts of the process. Again, not a particularly high-volume crossing station. Also, contrary to the RIV web site, they did NOT facilitate me paying the RIV fee there (and faxing in the Recall Clearance letter) - the officer at the end said I had to do that from the RIV web site. I had heard of other border stations being more helpful and offering an Internet terminal to use right on the spot, but not this one.
I would add to the list above that before step 8 you do need to have had the required modifications done before getting the federal RIV inspection done - kinda obvious, but might be worth sneaking in there as a 'step 7a' or something.
Oh, also, I did have the (private) seller get me a temporary permit - affixed to the inside back window - to be able to drive it to the border, but my understanding was that it was NOT valid in Canada, so I had an Alberta "In Transit" permit ready to go (affixed to inside front right windshield). $8 for the U.S. permit, good for 40 days (!), $24 for the Alberta one, good for 7 days!! Hmmm...
Anyway, just a few more thoughts on the process. This will have saved us probably $4-$5K from buying locally, and as others have mentioned, it's just plain hard to find some of these models locally anyway.
Bart
I was at the Piegan, MT crossing, and while the process was smooth, it was more like 8-10 minutes while the U.S. official worked through the paperwork. Maybe at a busier port they have it more down to a science and it goes quicker. And I had heard some horror stories about the U.S. office not getting the documents in enough time (the 72-hour thing) & being turned back at the border, but it all went smoothly.
At the Canadian crossing (Carway), it took probably 20 minutes total, with several officers doing different parts of the process. Again, not a particularly high-volume crossing station. Also, contrary to the RIV web site, they did NOT facilitate me paying the RIV fee there (and faxing in the Recall Clearance letter) - the officer at the end said I had to do that from the RIV web site. I had heard of other border stations being more helpful and offering an Internet terminal to use right on the spot, but not this one.
I would add to the list above that before step 8 you do need to have had the required modifications done before getting the federal RIV inspection done - kinda obvious, but might be worth sneaking in there as a 'step 7a' or something.
Oh, also, I did have the (private) seller get me a temporary permit - affixed to the inside back window - to be able to drive it to the border, but my understanding was that it was NOT valid in Canada, so I had an Alberta "In Transit" permit ready to go (affixed to inside front right windshield). $8 for the U.S. permit, good for 40 days (!), $24 for the Alberta one, good for 7 days!! Hmmm...
Anyway, just a few more thoughts on the process. This will have saved us probably $4-$5K from buying locally, and as others have mentioned, it's just plain hard to find some of these models locally anyway.
Bart
09-08-2008, 02:36 PM
#12
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 77
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
So am I reading the RIV list right? The 2000-2002 S4 Avants are in now? They weren't a year ago. They're weren't listed as inadmissable but it was common knowledge that was a no-go.
09-08-2008, 02:38 PM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oakville
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Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
I guess you mean the Transport Canada list?
I think that sounds right. The list changed pretty dramatically over the past 6 months. US bumper standards being honored were a big part of it too. Many Audis had bumpers that couldn't be modified to meet stricter Canadian standards, thus were inadmissable. Now many of those are straight up admissable with no mods (to the bumpers anyway). The inadmissable list is pretty short now.
****INADMISSABLE*****
1993 AND 1994 100CS Quattro Wagon
1994 100S Wagon
1995 S6 Wagon, Wagon Quattro
1995 TO 1997 A6 Wagon
1996 AND 1997 A6 wagon Quattro
1998 A6 Wagon & Wagon Quattro
I think that sounds right. The list changed pretty dramatically over the past 6 months. US bumper standards being honored were a big part of it too. Many Audis had bumpers that couldn't be modified to meet stricter Canadian standards, thus were inadmissable. Now many of those are straight up admissable with no mods (to the bumpers anyway). The inadmissable list is pretty short now.
****INADMISSABLE*****
1993 AND 1994 100CS Quattro Wagon
1994 100S Wagon
1995 S6 Wagon, Wagon Quattro
1995 TO 1997 A6 Wagon
1996 AND 1997 A6 wagon Quattro
1998 A6 Wagon & Wagon Quattro
Last edited by sakimano; 09-08-2008 at 02:42 PM.
09-08-2008, 02:47 PM
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 77
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
Sorry - yes - I meant the admissibility list. I brought in my Allroad last year; the S4 Avant wasn't admissable at the time. It looks like the S4 Sedan is off so I guess that includes the wagon too. Nice!!! That's what I wanted. Maybe it's next. Now do we need a second car? 
I would add one thing to your list:
During the pre-purchase phase, if you're buying used, pay the the few hundred bucks to have a mechanic go over the car and supply a report. There are several companies that do this with prices ranging from $99 to $500+. New is not an issue but if we're talking used I would consider it a must.
I would add one thing to your list:
During the pre-purchase phase, if you're buying used, pay the the few hundred bucks to have a mechanic go over the car and supply a report. There are several companies that do this with prices ranging from $99 to $500+. New is not an issue but if we're talking used I would consider it a must.
09-08-2008, 02:56 PM
#15
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: calgary
Posts: 59
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
I've been looking at cars the past couple of days and looking at importing -
Few questions-
1) Say I fly down, and pick up the car in Dallas. To drive it back to Alberta, will I need a "In-Transit" license for every state back to Alberta? A co-worker told me I did.
2) Insurance. Assuming I buy a car down there, and get the VIN, do I simply call the insurance company up in Canada and get it on it? Won't I need it registered in Canada first?
3) Once the car is in Canada, is it possible to drive the car to Canadian tire etc to get it tested or to a mechanic to get any alternations done?
4) Lastly - isn't it a big strange not being able to go sit in the car and try it out first? How the heck do you know if it doesn't smell like the the "Beast" from Seinfeld.
Thanks
Sean
Few questions-
1) Say I fly down, and pick up the car in Dallas. To drive it back to Alberta, will I need a "In-Transit" license for every state back to Alberta? A co-worker told me I did.
2) Insurance. Assuming I buy a car down there, and get the VIN, do I simply call the insurance company up in Canada and get it on it? Won't I need it registered in Canada first?
3) Once the car is in Canada, is it possible to drive the car to Canadian tire etc to get it tested or to a mechanic to get any alternations done?
4) Lastly - isn't it a big strange not being able to go sit in the car and try it out first? How the heck do you know if it doesn't smell like the the "Beast" from Seinfeld.
Thanks
Sean
09-08-2008, 02:59 PM
#16
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 24
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
I guess you mean the Transport Canada list?
I think that sounds right. The list changed pretty dramatically over the past 6 months. US bumper standards being honored were a big part of it too. Many Audis had bumpers that couldn't be modified to meet stricter Canadian standards, thus were inadmissable. Now many of those are straight up admissable with no mods (to the bumpers anyway). The inadmissable list is pretty short now.
****INADMISSABLE*****
1993 AND 1994 100CS Quattro Wagon
1994 100S Wagon
1995 S6 Wagon, Wagon Quattro
1995 TO 1997 A6 Wagon
1996 AND 1997 A6 wagon Quattro
1998 A6 Wagon & Wagon Quattro
I think that sounds right. The list changed pretty dramatically over the past 6 months. US bumper standards being honored were a big part of it too. Many Audis had bumpers that couldn't be modified to meet stricter Canadian standards, thus were inadmissable. Now many of those are straight up admissable with no mods (to the bumpers anyway). The inadmissable list is pretty short now.
****INADMISSABLE*****
1993 AND 1994 100CS Quattro Wagon
1994 100S Wagon
1995 S6 Wagon, Wagon Quattro
1995 TO 1997 A6 Wagon
1996 AND 1997 A6 wagon Quattro
1998 A6 Wagon & Wagon Quattro
<shrug>
Oh, and I would also second the excellent suggestion to get the vehicle inspected somehow before purchasing (or bidding, in the case of eBay & the like). Our first two Audis we had good luck finding someone on the quattro mailing list (audifans.com) who looked at & drove the cars for us prior to purchasing. This last one, in Whitefish MT, didn't work out that way, but the sellers agreed to take it to a local auto shop for an inspection, so we had some assurances of the Allroad's condition before agreeing to buy.
Bart
09-08-2008, 03:06 PM
#17
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 24
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
2) Insurance. Assuming I buy a car down there, and get the VIN, do I simply call the insurance company up in Canada and get it on it? Won't I need it registered in Canada first?
3) Once the car is in Canada, is it possible to drive the car to Canadian tire etc to get it tested or to a mechanic to get any alternations done?
4) Lastly - isn't it a big strange not being able to go sit in the car and try it out first? How the heck do you know if it doesn't smell like the the "Beast" from Seinfeld.
Thanks
Sean
Thanks
Sean
Couldn't do that for our latest (Allroad), so it was kinda fun to be 'surprised' by all the new things inside & out, compared to our '98 A6 QW.
Having owned an Audi of some kind since '88, I had a fairly good feeling that I'd like it even without having driven one like it, but also got it inspected so I'd get some kind of feedback on any potential major issues (like BEAST smell).
Bart
Edmonton
09-08-2008, 03:08 PM
#18
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 77
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
@ seanwg:
1) Correct. You need a plate. If you're buying from a dealership of any kind they can issue a temporary permit for you.
2) Yes. Once you have a VIN and you're ready to buy, you get the insurance up here and fly down with your slip. They'll register you with insurance knowing you're importing. Actually getting an AB plate on it occurs at the end of the import process.
3) Yes. You have that temp plate from the US. It's legit to drive it. If it expires you have to pick up another temp plate here.
4) See my previous post. I would absolutely pay a mechanic to go and check it all out first. Also - if the car is actually available here, I'd test drive them up here so you know what it feels like. I think I drove 6 different Allroads before I actually bought mine, right down the particular year with various options.
1) Correct. You need a plate. If you're buying from a dealership of any kind they can issue a temporary permit for you.
2) Yes. Once you have a VIN and you're ready to buy, you get the insurance up here and fly down with your slip. They'll register you with insurance knowing you're importing. Actually getting an AB plate on it occurs at the end of the import process.
3) Yes. You have that temp plate from the US. It's legit to drive it. If it expires you have to pick up another temp plate here.
4) See my previous post. I would absolutely pay a mechanic to go and check it all out first. Also - if the car is actually available here, I'd test drive them up here so you know what it feels like. I think I drove 6 different Allroads before I actually bought mine, right down the particular year with various options.
Last edited by f115QT; 09-08-2008 at 03:11 PM.
09-08-2008, 03:19 PM
#19
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oakville
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Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
Answers
1. that's what I did, but I used the ATLANTA temp all the way home. Even used it in Ontario for a month.
2. Get the VIN, get the documents (title) and call your insurance company. You should call them first in case you're buying something insane...you might get a shock. My S4 for example was way more than my old A4 Avant to insure, and it also had a $1000 minimum deductible .
3. You can take it wherever you want for stuff like that...just make sure your TEMP plate is good for 30 days so you have a few weeks to get the steps done to register the car after your 2-3 day drive home.
4. Good point. That's why I bought a nearly new car from a dealership...Audi's don't tend to lose much of their newness in the first few years, let alone months. Further, the dealership detailed the heck out of the car so it was perfect when they met me at the airport with the car and tossed me the keys. If you've ever ordered a new car, you didn't get to sit in it first either...same idea. As for the potential stink...cross your fingers! Actually if you hire someone to do an inspection of the car before you buy it (I didn't, but if I were buying a 3 year old car I would have) you can get them to check. Just make sure they're not 'hard of smell'
1. that's what I did, but I used the ATLANTA temp all the way home. Even used it in Ontario for a month.
2. Get the VIN, get the documents (title) and call your insurance company. You should call them first in case you're buying something insane...you might get a shock. My S4 for example was way more than my old A4 Avant to insure, and it also had a $1000 minimum deductible .
3. You can take it wherever you want for stuff like that...just make sure your TEMP plate is good for 30 days so you have a few weeks to get the steps done to register the car after your 2-3 day drive home.
4. Good point. That's why I bought a nearly new car from a dealership...Audi's don't tend to lose much of their newness in the first few years, let alone months. Further, the dealership detailed the heck out of the car so it was perfect when they met me at the airport with the car and tossed me the keys. If you've ever ordered a new car, you didn't get to sit in it first either...same idea. As for the potential stink...cross your fingers! Actually if you hire someone to do an inspection of the car before you buy it (I didn't, but if I were buying a 3 year old car I would have) you can get them to check. Just make sure they're not 'hard of smell'
I've been looking at cars the past couple of days and looking at importing -
Few questions-
1) Say I fly down, and pick up the car in Dallas. To drive it back to Alberta, will I need a "In-Transit" license for every state back to Alberta? A co-worker told me I did.
2) Insurance. Assuming I buy a car down there, and get the VIN, do I simply call the insurance company up in Canada and get it on it? Won't I need it registered in Canada first?
3) Once the car is in Canada, is it possible to drive the car to Canadian tire etc to get it tested or to a mechanic to get any alternations done?
4) Lastly - isn't it a big strange not being able to go sit in the car and try it out first? How the heck do you know if it doesn't smell like the the "Beast" from Seinfeld.
Thanks
Sean
Few questions-
1) Say I fly down, and pick up the car in Dallas. To drive it back to Alberta, will I need a "In-Transit" license for every state back to Alberta? A co-worker told me I did.
2) Insurance. Assuming I buy a car down there, and get the VIN, do I simply call the insurance company up in Canada and get it on it? Won't I need it registered in Canada first?
3) Once the car is in Canada, is it possible to drive the car to Canadian tire etc to get it tested or to a mechanic to get any alternations done?
4) Lastly - isn't it a big strange not being able to go sit in the car and try it out first? How the heck do you know if it doesn't smell like the the "Beast" from Seinfeld.
Thanks
Sean
10-14-2008, 07:02 PM
#20
Audi Forum - Posts like an S6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oakville
Posts: 1,155
Re: Importing from US - Here's my experience
interesting side note on importing...
a car that was $50,000 USD in May (dollar at par
or 1.00 USD) would be quite a bit more expensive with the recent move in the USD/CAD relationship towards a weaker Canadian dollar
based on today's exchange rate your cost would be up considerably. Consider...
DOLLAR AT PAR (MAY 200
$50,000 USD + 6.1% duty tax + PST/GST on total = $59,946
DOLLAR AT 1.17 (OCT 200
$50,000 USD + 6.1% duty tax + PST/GST on total = $70,137
$10,000 difference!
(there are other fees, but they're fixed or CDN$ so not relevant for this discussion)
a car that was $50,000 USD in May (dollar at par
or 1.00 USD) would be quite a bit more expensive with the recent move in the USD/CAD relationship towards a weaker Canadian dollar
based on today's exchange rate your cost would be up considerably. Consider...
DOLLAR AT PAR (MAY 200
$50,000 USD + 6.1% duty tax + PST/GST on total = $59,946
DOLLAR AT 1.17 (OCT 200
$50,000 USD + 6.1% duty tax + PST/GST on total = $70,137
$10,000 difference!
(there are other fees, but they're fixed or CDN$ so not relevant for this discussion)
