Here is what happens if you ask to buy / import a Canadian vehicle

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by JSH

Individuals can import cars - you just have to do the paperwork or pay someone to do it for you.

The above is mostly false for cars under 20 years old.

Out of hundreds of examples
I’ve only ever seen “old” cars imported by individuals, never anything remotely new.

Dealers on the border however have no issue with Canadian pickups

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Dealers on the border however have no issue with Canadian pickups

Ain't most trucks in Canada nowadays built in the very same factories, and under the very same specifications as the ones in the USDM? Including those which were eventually made only in Mexico for export.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

The above is mostly false for cars under 20 years old.

Out of hundreds of examples
I’ve only ever seen “old” cars imported by individuals, never anything remotely new.

Dealers on the border however have no issue with Canadian pickups

NO - it is not false. Individuals absolutely can import a car into the USA that is newer than 20 years old IF they are willing to do the paperwork and certify that it meets US regulations or prove that they have modified it to meet US regulations.

Cars older than 25 years old can be imported without meeting US regulations for off-highway use only. (At least as far as the federal government is concerned - some states allow vehicles imported for off-highway use to be registered for road use)

[Piotrsko]

My F250 was born a canuck according to the sticker that was on the window. I was happy because the American assembly plant had low quality.

Some states bordering Canada have loosey goosey registration and titling as opposed to Cali. Having said that, Cali also requires compliance inspection from some of those states. I suppose you could change title a couple of times, but that might be more effort than it's worth.

That's what I have experienced

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by JSH

NO - it is not false. Individuals absolutely can import a car into the USA that is newer than 20 years old IF they are willing to do the paperwork and certify that it meets US regulations or prove that they have modified it to meet

When I filled out the paperwork, submitted to the government, I was told I needed a letter of compliance from the manufacturer.

I did validate that the entire emissions package, engine, bags, bumper, lights etc were the same 50 state compliant parts used here but that is irrelevant to the government without a letter from the manufacturer.

So while what you say is true in writing, it is not true in practice, the government really won’t accept anything unless it’s from a bonded entity or the original manufacturer. (Neither of which will provide at the moment)
True I could spend a 1/4 of a million to push the issue but that’s plain stupid and why I say it’s not possible.

Historically you could just ask GM and they would send you a sticker, they haven’t done that on cars in At least 10 years.
In the 90’s one of my relatives drove back a Canadian car, dealer gave them the sticker and they didn’t even have the paperwork yet and it went right through, border folks had everything on hand and it was very simple..
Even though the laws are the same now as then because manufacturers don’t cooperate it is a completely different situation now,

First world problems.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

When I filled out the paperwork, submitted to the government, I was told I needed a letter of compliance from the manufacturer.

Yes, If you want to import a car into the USA that is less than 25 years old you need to provide proof that the vehicle meets US regulations. That will either come from the manufacturer (Who has zero incentive to spend money to provide you with documentation to import a grey market car) or from a independent 3rd party that will certify compliance. Yes, that costs money.

It is entirely possible to do - if you are willing to follow the process.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Cars older than 25 years old can be imported without meeting US regulations for off-highway use only.

Didn't the 25-year rule allow registration for street-legal usage too? As a waiver to enable collectors to drive some overseas-spec classic, somewhat just like the 30-year rule which applies in Brazil or in Australia for instance, or the 15-year rule in Canada.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Didn't the 25-year rule allow registration for street-legal usage too? As a waiver to enable collectors to drive some overseas-spec classic, somewhat just like the 30-year rule which applies in Brazil or in Australia for instance, or the 15-year rule in Canada.

In the USA vehicle imports are handled by the Federal government. A vehicle that is 25 years or older can be imported into the USA without proof that it complies with US regulations. However, if you don't prove it complies you get an off-highway use importation. So you can get a non-compliant vehicle into the USA if it is more than 25 years old. That doesn't mean you can register it for the road.

Vehicle registration is handled by the states in the United States so there are 50 different sets of rules. Some states allow off-highway vehicles to be registered and used on the road. (Even brand new UTVs) Others do not.

In the last few years several states have stopped issuing or renewing registrations for vehicles that were imported under the 25 year rule unless they have proper documentation that shows they were imported as road legal vehicles. Those include Maine, Rhonde Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Ain't most trucks in Canada nowadays built in the very same factories, and under the very same specifications as the ones in the USDM? Including those which were eventually made only in Mexico for export.

Does Brazil allow the import of junk, salvage or automotive parts?

https://priuschat.com/threads/change.../#post-3359160

This guy wants to convert to EV but I think it’s most likely a boondoggle

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Does Brazil allow the import of junk, salvage or automotive parts?

Unless it's deemed a "collectible" car 30-years or older, it's not easy. Not even in the Manaus Free Port Zone.

This guy wants to convert to EV but I think it’s most likely a boondoggle

Either he tries to make a cabrito with the help of a Paraguayan, or it definitely won't be possible.