Below are common questions we've received about importing a car from the U.S. into Canada. If you have a question that is not on this list, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or give us a call.

Q: What is the most important thing to do when considering importing a car from the States?

A: First, make sure the vehicle is allowed into Canada! You need to check the Canadian vehicle import admissibility list. Click here for a copy of this list in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

Q: What are the costs for importing my vehicle?

A: You are exempt from duty if the vehicle was manufactured in North America. Otherwise a duty of 6.1% will apply. Fees applied by the Canada Revenue Agency and Transport Canada include a $100.00 + sales tax air conditioning fee and an RIV fee of $195.00 + sales tax. BuyUSACars also charges a set fee for brokering the transaction. This fee varies and depends on the cost of the vehicle and the cost of obtaining a U.S. title. The fee can range from $2000.00 to $3000.00. The cost of transporting your vehicle from the U.S. dealer to you will vary depending on distance.

Q: How much do I save?

A: The best way to determine savings is to research the manufacturer web sites in both the U.S and Canada and compare the list price for your chosen vehicle and options. Remember to add the dealer prep and shipping charges normally added in Canada by new car dealers. Once you add the fees and costs described above, and compare them to the U.S. prices, you will have a good idea of the possible savings. The higher the cost of the vehicle, the greater the savings. In many cases you can expect a 20% to 30% savings. BuyUSACars will be happy to provide a comparison quote on request.

Q: Do I have to pay GST or HST on my imported vehicle?

A: You will have to pay the GST and PST (or HST in Atlantic Canada) on the purchase price.

Q: How much time do I have to complete the RIV inspections in Canada?

A: You have 45 days to complete any required modification work and inspections in Canada. Most cars don’t require modifications but the exact modifications (if any) for each model are explained in the RIV regulations.

Q: Will I get a rebate on fuel-efficient vehicles?

A: Any rebate may not be honoured in Canada if you buy the car in the U.S.

Q: What about if I buy a "gas-guzzler"?

A: The new Canadian Vehicle Efficiency Incentive Excise Tax imposes upon inefficient vehicles a fee of up to $4,000, regardless of the vehicle's place of sale. Make sure you factor this cost in if you plan on buying a car with lower fuel economy.

Q: How is my vehicle delivered?

A: BuyUSACars will arrange to have your vehicle shipped right to your door or to any pre arranged location. We will provide a quote for that service at time of order. Alternatively, if feasible and at your request, the vehicle can be driven from the U.S. dealer by you.

Q: Will the US warranty be valid in Canada? 

A: The warranty situation is changing rapidly. Some manufacturers, like Toyota, fully honour the new vehicle warranty. Other manufacturers, like Honda/Acura, do not. Some manufacturers, such as GM, implement a black-out period for the first six months the vehicle is in Canada.  During this period, the vehicle needs to be taken to a U.S. dealer for warranty service. Following this six month period, the warranty is honoured by Canadian dealers. Mercedes operates on a case by case basis, and requires the vehicle to be converted to Canadian standards before transferring the warranty to Canada. Part of your due diligence in making your purchase decision is to check with the Canadian distributor about warrantey coverage.

Q: What about Financing and Trade In?

A: You will have to secure your own financing with your bank or other lender. Your current vehicle must be sold privately as BuyUSACars does not accept trade-ins.