Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 13:08:05 -0800
Reply-To: VW Doka <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: VW Doka <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Importing from Canada to US
In-Reply-To: <77403.94097.qm@web81311.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Bill,
It's not as bad as you think. If this is a true Canadian market vehicle
(i.e., it was sold brand new in Canada by VW of Canada), then import is a
relatively simple and inexpensive process.
The first thing you should do is to have your friend contact VW of Canada
and tell them that they plan on moving to the USA and need a compliance
letter for their vehicle. It is extremely important that you have them
contact VW, and that they tell VW that they plan on moving (not selling the
vehicle) to the USA. Most manufacturers will provide a letter of conformity
to people who are relocating.
If you get the letter, and it states that the vehicle meets all USA safety
standards, you're golden and won't need anything further to import and
register. You may also get a letter that states the vehicle meets all
safety standards except 'xxxx'. In that case, you would need to have a
Registered Importer change those items and label your vehicle as compliant.
Any changes should be minor.
Emissions is a non-issue as the Canadian and U.S. EPA's have an agreement
accepting each others emissions standards.
If you can't get the letter, talk to a Registered Importer who deals with
Canadian imports, other than Customs fees, the cost shouldn't be more than
$1,500. We only charge $700 for direct Canadian imports.
This is only true for true Canadian market vehicles. A vehicle that was
imported into Canada and then brought to the USA will be treated as
non-Canadian market vehicle and any attempt to disguise it as a Canadian
market vehicle is considered smuggling & fraud. Sure... they probably won't
throw you in prison, but they will take away your vehicle if they catch you.
BTW: I am a Registered Importer out here in California, so I'm pretty
familiar with the rules and regulations.
Let me know if I can provide you any other info.
Cheers,
Jeff
Autostadt West (RI #: R-06-346)
www.autostadtwest.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of B Monk
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Importing from Canada to US
The speedo is no problem as it also shows MPH. I think the problem is going
to be
having the van listed as compliant. My understanding is that VW no longer
will
issue a letter of compliance anymore. If everything I am reading is true
and I
understand it correctly that without this letter I'm pretty much screwed.
I'll have to pay a
150 percent bond until the vehicle is deemed compliant by DOT/EPA
agencies. If that
the case I'm not sure we have the money to put up for the bond. Which
means we would have to come up with the 21000 for the van plus another 31500
for a total of 52,500.00
U.S. Dollars. I don't know if they would take a Credit Card for the bond.
Plus carrying
the interest for a few months might be expensive.
Bill
Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
I think you are going to need more than help. I do not se the Eurovan on
the list of allowed imports. If it has the US DOT compliance and emission
stickers, (I doubt it) you will still need to the speedometer changed to
US spec and you will have to pay an import duty. Your local DMV will tell
you what documents including customs papers are needed. This year is too
new for this to be easy.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
B Monk
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:12 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Importing from Canada to US
Hi,
I need some help with a purchase we are about to make. We are going to
buy a 2003
Eurovan weekender off our friends in Canada. We live in CT. Can anyone
give me a
run down of what it takes to import a vehicle into the U.S.? I can get
them to drive it over
the border as that will have to happen anyways as we don't have a
passport yet and don't want to wait for them to process to get the van.
Any information and experience you have
will be greatly appreciated. Were getting a great deal on the van. Its a
2003 with
50,000 miles. Just had a complete service including a transmission
flush,new tires,new
batteries. Comes with the metal security screens for the front
windows,insulated covers
for the windows,a cabinet that looks like the one Steve at Eurocampers
sells,(by the way
Steve-Lori Hilton in Guilford CT loves hers,got lots of good feedback at
a turkey day campout). Were getting it for 21,000 even. The paint is
perfect as is the interior. We were
really looking for a Vanagon Camper but couldn't find a 90-91 in decent
shape anywhere near us. Plus we have owned everything from a splitty to a
vanagon so far and figured its time for something really plush...
Bill Monk
Mystic,CT 06355
