Aug 05
Now Both Honda and Transport Canada Confuse Canadians!
So with the latest version of the RIV list hot off the press, we decided to buy a Honda Pilot 2009 in the U.S.
So we checked out ebaymotors, and went through a list of 4 possible candidates.
Then as per Transport Canada Directions on the RIV list for 2009 models, we called the manufacturer to to find out the exact nature of the modifications required. (if any)
We called Honda Canada at 1-888-946-6329 and talked to Rene, we walked through the RIV list with her and she stated that they had no such information and that we needed to call Honda U.S.
So we called Honda U.S. We talked at length with Alex Perez 1-800-999-1009 option 3, with the import/export department. He indicated that Honda U.S. can not provide the information. We asked if their policy had changed since the same information was provided to the Canadian Government for the 2008 models. He indicated that he was not aware of this, there were no policy changes and that Honda U.S. would not provide any information.
When we indicated that the information was provided in 2007 and how come Honda would not do it for the 2008, Mr. Perez indicated that he was not aware of this, and that the policy now was that they could not provide the information because no one knew what the Safety laws in Canada were. Their cars were built to meet U.S. Safety Standards.
The RIV lists clearly states that for the 2009 Model we call the Manufacturer. So we called The RIV to find out what was going on.
Their response was, “the listing indicates the 2009 Vehicles are admissible if they meet the safety standards as indicated on the front sheet… ie.. immobilizer, day time running lights programmed to stay on while the car is running, child teather straps…etc..
So if you purchase the U.S vehicle and it comes equipped with the equipment indicated then you don’t really need to call the manufacturer.
When we asked why Transport Canada is putting in a clause that is misleading we did not get a response, other than a re-statement that the Vehicles are admissible if they meet the criteria spelled out on the first page of the RIV Listing.
We then called M. Pierre Tremblay, at Transport Canada, he admitted that the clause was there because several manufacturers had not provided the information, or were refusing to provide the information requested. M. Tremblay admitted that the clause could be misleading and told us that over the next few weeks that the clause will be re-written to indicate —-” if you can not obtain the information from the Manufacturer, that the RIV will only be inspecting the vehicle to ensure that the regulations as outlined on the first sheet are followed—”.
Writer’s overall thought are: Transport Canada is trying to make everyone happy. If they leave the clause in then “first timers” or hard working Canadians that want to do it by themselves will be frustrated by the process and give up. Honda Canada will be happy! Only those folks, really hard working Canadians, that refuse to give up and persevere will find out the real story, and they will be happy!
And of course, all the Canadian Brokers that know the real story will be very happy to solve all your issues for you.
So the bottom line is …. are all the manufacturers doing this to Canadians or is it just Honda…… stay tuned…
On another note, why do you want to buy a Honda, they don’t honor the warranty and treat Canadians with disrespect!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Honda is doing the same on their Goldwing 1800 motorcycles and other bikes. Harley just took out a brand new OEM trike[three wheel motorcycle] for 30,000.00 dollars here in Canada. Honda wants 35,000.00 dollars plus for their 2009 Goldwing which is two wheel. Harley has adjusted their prices on motorcycles to reflect the high Canadian dollar several times where Honda refuses to do the same. This also reflects on their automobiles. OH, by the way, after you convert a goldwing 1800 bike to a trike by purchasing a trike kit from a trike kit mfg. it will cost you around 48,000.00 dollars plus. Guess where and from whomm I will purchase my next trike from???????? Another Goldwing Rider lost to Honda. I am not the only one going to do this. Roger
August 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Honda has always been frustrating to deal with; however, one of the things we do is check with the US seller to ensure that the daytime running lights are activated, the child tether/restraint kits are in place and that there is an immobilizer on the vehicle. You can check this also by signing up on the Honda OwnerLink website, registering the VIN of the vehicle, and reading all the vehicle specs. With these items checked off, we have not yet had any difficulties importing Pilot’s, CRV’s, or MDX’s (Acura) because, for the most part, SUV’s have all these Transport Canada requirements already met.
We have also had great information passed on to us by the good folks at Canadian Tire who inspect these vehicles for Transport Canada. If you telephone the service manager of your local Canadian Tire and describe the vehicle make, model etc., they can tell you if you should expect any surprises as they’ve seen just about every make and model in there, and talk to importers all day long. They are a great resource for importers.
NOTE: BMW, Jaguar and MB are exceptions to this generalization. You must call their Canadian dealership, and have them quote you for the modifications expected. Our clients get very clear quotes for the work before they complete their importations.
I look forward to better wording on the RIV website for the sake of all importers.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
As a former Goldwing owner in the mid 80’s, I can say problems with warranties on Goldwings happened at that time. Honda would replace stators on American bikes, but Canadian dealers would not, without an okay from Honda Canada. The okay did not happen often. This left owners with the choice of a huge bill or attempting the repair themselves.
I owned two Goldwings and a smaller bikes, all Hondas.
After my experiences with Honda over the last Goldwing, I will never buy another Honda product, nor will I ever encourage anyone to do so.
It doesn’t surprise me that Honda is still “doing it” to Canadians.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I ended up purchasing a Toyota product after weighing the Honda/Acura Canadian warranty issue. I loved my 1990 Honda Accord, but I will not forget how Honda is treating Canadians. Honda has lost me as a potential customer for a long time, if not forever. I guess in their eyes one does not really matter.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
My father just leased a brand new EX35, for pretty much the same price as the US version. He was debating the EX35 vs the Acura RDX, but I told him about Honda’s treatment of Canadians and that was what tipped the scales towards Infiniti (which BTW: seems to be more reasonable with their pricing and warranty over the border).
Hopefully more people start to screw Honda back!