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As reported earlier on Our site, from the RIV figures we received, 70,308 Canadians personally imported vehicles in the first 6 months of 2008. 

 Here is the story of a B.C. Man that just completed the process and saved $6,147.  It was originally reported on the popular Redflagdeals thread  “Auto - Wow — New Cars from the US up to 30% cheaper. “ 

Please note that the process documented here is specific for B.C. and could change slightly depending on your home Province.

 Quote:

Hi Gents,

Been following the thread diligently for 6 months, and just want to give everyone a quick report of the process and timelines I went through in terms of importing my Subaru Forester 2009.

I spent a few month on the qualifying round in terms of choosing the right vehicle, time may vary for everyone obviously. However, I had a pleasant experience going through various test drive session with all the Canadian car dealers here. My wife and I eventually settled on a 2009 Subaru Forester.

Day 0: Decision on purchase made on Victoria Day (I am based in BC), May 19, 2009.
1. I called a few locations in Seattle for car purchase, the gentlemen at cars101.com, Joe, told me that as of 48 before, he no longer sells to Canadian, as we are a cheap and difficult bunch, always looking for the best deals and try to haggle (Gents, keep in mind and don’t ruin it for the rest of us). I finally found a place in Bellvue that continues to sell to Canadians.
2. Found from dealer that Vehicle is in high demand and need to be factory ordered. Gave my full name, address and my credit card to put in a 500$ USD deposit (refunded immediately) to put in the factory order
3. Wait.
4. While waiting, I ordered the accessories for the vehicle (it’s also much much cheaper in the US)

Day 37 (June 25, 2008)
1. informed that the vehicle has arrived
2. provide full address in Vancouver
3. obtain wire information for funds
4. request dealer arrange for temp plates
5. obtain vehicle VIN

Day 39 (June 27, 2008)
1. wire the full amount to Dealer

Day 42 (June 30, 2008)
1. dealer receive funds
2. dealer fax front and back MSO, work order, purchase order to US customs at Pacific crossing
3. obtain 10 day binder for insurance specific to pick up vehicle (Need Vin)
4. lost drivers license at insurance broker

Day 45 (July 2, 2008)
1. obtain temp drivers license
2. found drivers license at insurance broker
3. dealer followed up with US customs and confirm receipts of MSO

Day 46 (July 3, 2008)
1. left Vancouver at 5AM, reached dealer at 9AM
2. signed a lot of paperwork (purchase order & transfer title/update MSO)
3. obtained original MSO
4. got WA temp plates
5. leave dealer at 1030AM, arrive at US customs at 1245AM at Pacific crossing
6. park car at US side, go to US customs (follow big sign saying, export vehicles go here), with real MSO, US customs stamps and make fun of my forester
7. Back to vehicle drive past Canadian customs, explain to them car is for import to Canada, obtain a special form
8. At 130PM walk into Canadian customs, follow sign and take number under the sign that says ‘vehicle import please take a number’
9. wait until number is called, showed up with my stamped MSO, purchase order + Canadian custom form, got charged excise tax, custom tax (Vehicle is made in Japan) of 6.1% + GST on top of everything, paid with CC, obtain RIV form1
10. leave Canadian customs at 2pm, gawking at the lineup of over 40 cars waiting to be imported all this time

Day 47 (July 4, 2008)
1. pay RIV fee online
2. fax RIV form1 + MSO (Both sides) to RIV 18883468235

Day 50 (July 7, 2008)
1. called Subaru USA, obtain recall letter via email
2. fax recall letter to RIV 18886429899

Day 51 (July 8, 2008)
1. called RIV, confirm receipt of MSO, form1 & recall letter, ask them to send Form 2 to me via email
2. received in 5 hours form2 via email

Day 52 (July 9, 20008)
1. go to insurance broker, got temp plate for the 10 day binder (it’s insurance, but not plate)
2. 10 minute inspection, federal inspection is free, but paid for provincial inspection
3. go back to broker, pay PST + ICBC cost (show custom receipt for GST)
4. obtain plate
5. drink beer

Done, cost to me is (Subaru Dealer invoice (25,331$) + Dealer take (750$) + 3 day trip permit WA (33$) + dealer documentation fee ($50) + AC(100$) )x exchange as of July 3(1.0129) x (GST ( 1406.45$)+ PST (1969.11$) + 6.1% custom fees(1611.46) ) + RIV (204.75$) + Provincial Inspection (100$) + gas = 32,019.29$ << 38,166.84$ (all inclusive Canada), total saving is 6,147.55$ or 16%. Thanks to this thread + carburner.com in detailed instructions.

Good luck everyone! With the money I saved, I will contribute it back to the Canadian economy, either towards to wacky Vancouver real estate market (now wackier with the removal of 40 year mortgages), reducing inflation, by forcing car manufacturers in reducing prices, or spending it on oil from the Alberta oil sands. Who says buying American aren’t patriotic?

Cheers,