You need a compliance letter from a manufacture to bring a car across the border.

Last i heard, Porsche Canada now charges $5,000 for the compliance letter.

 

Did mine this summer and the compliance letter cost $15 and took just a few min to do!

 

I purchased my 911 C4S from Niello Porsche in Sacramento in early 2007. Even before the strong currency appreciation I saved about CDN$30K and found the car I was looking for. The pre-owned market in Canada for 911's is very small with little to choose from and far higher prices. The US market is flush with near new cars in every configuration combined with motivated dealers. "Canadianization" (daytime running lights and KM speedo display) was DIY with a few on-board computer selections; nothing to it. Porsche Canada has reduced prices by 10% for 2008 and imposed importation barriers on MY2008 cars. According to the RIV web site you have to contact Porsche to enquire if a MY2008 car is admissible - no one will give you an answer - classic case of protectionist rope-a-dope. I'm considering another 911 purchase in 2008 once prices settle further in the US. I would avoid buying privately however if you do your homework however it can be very rewarding.

 

When you are looking at new is it that much more difficult? The Lexus LS is about $22 000 less expensive in the states, and with the dollar at par it sounds like it may be a better deal.

 

A new car purchase cross border can be far more challenging. Many dealers are prohibited or at least discouraged from selling to non-residents however they are happy to sell you a preowned car with almost no miles (which are in abundance). Some of the stories I have heard suggest that the further a dealer is located from the US-Canada border the more willing they are to sell to Canadian buyers - something to consider. You also need to be mindful of the new electronic immobilizer standard for all MY2008 vehicles built after September 30, 2007. Most higher end vehicles comply with the standard but not all. I have also heard that Toyota/Lexus have been prickly about honoring warranty claims on new imported vehicles (I'm sure someone has more information on this). Make a few calls to fill in the blanks.

 

I personally wouldn't do it myself.For one reason I just do not have the time to do it(Time off work).
The time it would take to drive or fly to go see the car only to find out it that it wasn't as expected would be an expensive venture IMO.I guess you have to weigh the savings(pro's and con's).You can only tell so much from a pic before you need to see it first hand.I understand if it was just a cheap car no biggie but for me buying the car I bought,I couldn't consider buying without seeing it.Then trusting the fact that the individual had a loan on the car and didn't have title in hand would be a lot of sleepless night for this guy waiting for that to be sent,LOL !
All the power to those who can do it themselves though.Save some money.

 

My partner at work picked up an 04 Mamba edition Viper SRT-10 for $45,000.00 and an 07 Cadillac STS-V for $52,000. He saved over $20,000.00 each car, I guess for him it was easily worth the trip and PITA of dealing with RIV. However for me, I usually buy older cars and there just isn't enough of a price difference, I guess if I one day I could get the 930 I want it would probably be worth it.

Also as far as warranty is concerned, when you're saving $20,000.00 you have to think how much warranty is actually worth.

 

In addition, the warranty on something like a 04 Viper is almost up anyways (if not already gone)... you could always have any issues taken care of in the US before it comes up.

 

The warranty recall letter required to import a Porsche is not issued by Porsche Canada. RIV's requirement is for the importer to produce a letter issued by Porsche USA or alternatively by any of its authorized dealers on their letterhead. This is not an expensive item, I was charged $25.

 

For the price of a 2007 Escalade bought in the Canada, I could bring 1 up from the USA, stroke it, add a 3.3L Whipple supercharger, add Methanol Injection and stregthen the transmition, for approximately the same price.

Seems like a no brainer. The problem, as stated above, is having a means of finding 1, checking it out and then getting it here.

 

Don't forget, on vehicles not built in the US you pay 6% duty too.

 

So far imported 1 Land Rover Discovery, 1 Mazda Miata, 2 Porsche 997S

Will do it again, I have learned a little every time I do it. I will buy a car from any Province or State as long as it has a good history and the inspection checks out.

 

I imported this 2005 911 last November from Dallas.
Great car and saved around $20000.

 

Will definitely import. If you don't want the hassle, there are people that will do it for you, and have the car delivered to your door (in Vancouver). At the end of the day, you're still saving some $$.

 

I recently talked to the dealer in Bellingham, WA and they will sell a Canadian a new one but they would have to charge the WA state tax. Not good.
I'll probably be looking for a lightly used 06 or 07 S this fall.