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This unofficial site is by Joe Spitz and not authorized, sponsored, or supported in by Subaru of America or any dealership.
Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, Tribeca available from Joe Spitz 206.769.7821 Buying a used Subaru to import to Canada? I have late model, low mile, pre-owned Outback, Tribeca, Forester, Impreza. Contact Joe Spitz, internet sales manager, Carter Subaru, Seattle, Washington. Contact and price information is below. Unofficial page by Joe Spitz, who
is solely responsible for all content.
all text, photos © Joe Spitz, unauthorized
reproduction prohibited.
|
YES, I sell used Subarus into Canada, so
if you are interested in one in the Seattle area, please call me (Joe Spitz)
at 206 769-7821
All US models can be imported and have
a factory installed Immobilizer except for the 2008 Forester X, Premium,
LL Bean models built after September 08.
A few US dealers may continue to sell
new cars cross border but very few and Subaru is strongly discouraging
it.
March 13, 2008: Yes the 2009 U.S. Forester is admissable into Canada with "Presentation of the completed vehicle purchase agreement showing the vehicle identification number and indicating the presence of an electronic immobilizer or A letter from the manufacturer showing the vehicle identification number and indicating the presence of an electronic immobilizer OR Other type of information present on the vehicle or on the ignition key or fob allowing the positive identification of such a system"
Jan 3, 2008 The deadline arrives. SoA stops all rebates for Canadian customers and all incentives or bonuses for dealers on cross border sales but some (very few) dealers continue selling cross border."
Dec 22, 2007: RIV updates the Admissible list and includes 2008 Imprezas and Foresters! Imprezas and Forester XTs come standard with an Immobilizer and are ok. Forester X models (no factory immobilizer system) built after 9/1/07 will need one installed. See the RIV list. My forum has the official statement.
Dec 19, 2007: "The Government of Canada has amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to make it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from the United States built on or after September 1, 2007, that are already equipped with an electronic immobilization system or that can be fitted with one.... Final notice of adoption will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on December 26, 2007, at www.canadagazette.gc.ca."
Dec 4, 2007: Effective
January 3, 2008, there will be no rebates for buyers, or bonuses or any
incentives paid to dealers or salespeople on Canadian sales.
The statement says '..vehicle sales
made by US dealers outside of the continental US, are discouraged. This
includes exports or sales to Canada... (these) will no longer be
eligible for any SoA incentive payment programs such as vehicle incentives
(rebates), dealer sales volume bonuses, salesperson payouts..'.
Warranty remains the same with no change.
This means December is the last month
to take advantage of all the discounts available!
Dec 1: proposed changes http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2007/20071201/html/regle14-e.html
Nov 30: Update expected December 1. Read this.
All cars have a VIN plate with build date on the driver's door.
Immobilizer Key.
Effective September 1, 2007, all Canadian
passenger vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2007 (except
for walk-in vans and emergency vehicles) must be equipped with an Immobilization
System, ie an Immobilizer
Key. This is per riv.ca.
An immobilizer can be installed but the only models that would need it
are the 08 Forester X, Premium and LL Bean. All other 2008 US models have
a factory installed immobilizer system.
OLD
INFORMATION, NO LONGER VALID All 2008
Subarus meet this Ca. standard and have an Immobilizer Keyexcept for the
Forester X, X Sports, X Premium, and X LL Bean
which is why these specific 2008 Forester models cannot be imported into
Canada unless they were built prior to Sept 1st when this rule became effective.
All
other 2008 Subarus have a standard factory installed Immobilization System,
ie an Immobilizer Key.
OLD
INFORMATION, NO LONGER VALID It is ok
to import these Forester X models into Canada if they were built in August
2007 or earlier, prior to September 1, 2007.
The
Forester XT and XT Sports models, and all other 2008 Subarus, have a standard
Immobilizer Key and are acceptable in Canada.
updates
IMPORTANT
NOTES
all
info subject to change, correction, updating
December 22, 2007. RIV.ca
updates list and now includes Immobilizer information for Imprezas and
Foresters produced after 9/1/07. Imprezas are on the acceptable list as
they are, but the Forester X, Premium, LL Bean will require an aftermarket
Immobilizer system to be installed. The Forester XT is ok as is.
November 26,
2007 No Forester or Impreza built after September 1st, 2007
can be imported into Canada. Stay tuned for updates (see Dec 22 update
above)
October 12, 2007 Acura stops a
US dealers from selling to Canada.
October 2, 2007 Canadian
dollar goes over $1US.
Total Subaru sales, September 2007: 1,575
total, +21.9% over September 06.
Sept 15, 2007 $1Ca was 97.30
US on 9/14/07. The last time the loonie was higher was 2/17/1977!
August 1, 2007
Revised. All 2008 Foresters are on the RIV.ca authorized list until
Sept 2007 production date. After September 07 production, only XT and XT
Sports are on the authorized list because they are the only 08 US spec
models with the Immobilizer (chipped) key.
June 25, 20072008
models can now be imported into Canada. All US
models are ok...except
for 2008 Forester X, X Sports, X Premium and X LL Bean (only
XT, XT Sports are ok) built after August 2007. This is due to the Immobilizer
Key that is not available on the US spec X, X Premium or X LL Bean models.
Built in August 2007 or before is ok.
June 21, 2007. Important to read.
Change
of warranty policy for Canadian citizens purchasing a US Subaru.
top
Take your Subaru
into Canada from the US
How to import a car into Canada
all info subject to change,
correction
The price difference between US and
Canadian models is due to features and marketing.
Vehicle pricing isn't done by dealerships
so it is important to treat your dealer with respect. Most people will
purchase from their local dealer.
Q: What models are allowed?
A: December 22, 2007. RIV.ca
updates list and includes Immobilizer information for Imprezas and Foresters
produced after 9/1/07. Imprezas and Forester XTs are ok because they have
a factory Immobilzer system. Forester X models (no factory Immobilzer)
will require an aftermarket Immobilizer system to be installed.
2008 Outback, Legacy and Tribeca and earlier models with normal factory equipment operating correctly are on the authorized list.
This has been superseded by the 12/22/07 RIV.ca update: Nov 26, 2007 No 2008 Forester or Impreza built after September 1st, 2007 can be imported into Canada. 2007 and before Forester and Impreza can be imported, again if built prior to 9/1/07
Q: Do US spec models meet Canadian
standards?
A: Yes, they do. 2008 US spec Outback,
Legacy and Tribeca models should pass the Canadian inspection just fine,
with no modifications required.
Yes, all US models have daytime running
lights. See riv.ca
All Impreza models and Forester XTs
will qualify with their Immobilzer system. Forester X models will need
an Immobilzer installed.
Q: Is the Subaru of America warranty
good in Canada (warranty
info page)
A: Yes, the warranty is good in Canada.
It is honored and backed by Subaru of America (SoA), not by Subaru Canada.
On 2008 and newer the Canadian buyer will
have to pay for the warranty work done at a Canadian Subaru dealer and
then submit the paid bill to SoA for reimbursement, or have the warranty
work done at a US dealer. This is effective June 21, 2007 and applies to
all Canadian owned and registered 2008 and newer US spec Subarus regardless
of purchase date that were immediately registered in Canada.
Notes:
1. The warranty reimbursement check
from SoA will the sent to the owner and address of record with SoA
regardless of whose name is on the repair bill according to my sources.
This means updating current owner name and address is crucial. Owners should
update records at my.subaru.com,
or by calling 1-800 SUBARU-3.
2. US resident Canadian citizens
living in the US and registering their US spec Subaru at their legal US
address at time of purchase will receive warranty repair work without having
to pay. SCI will bill SoA.
Q: Do I pay US sales taxes or fees?
A: There are NO Washington export
fees or any sales taxes at all. The only fee you might pay is $23.50
for a temporary 3 day Washington State trip permit or bring your own plate
and car registration paper.
top
Q: How do I get the car?
A: Come pick it and enjoy a road trip.
Yes, it's fine to drive a car home. Or pay a shipper to come get it. I
have a small list of shippers who will pick the car up at the dealership
and take it into Canada. Either the owner or a Canadian customs broker
is usually required to be at the border to sign the documents and pay the
fees. Shipping costs varies with fuel and etc, but to BC is app $4-600
Ca, to Calgary app $900-1100 Ca. You pay the shipper directly.
Q: Do I pay duties or fees at the
Canadian border?
A: You'll pay your normal GST. The Canadian
Border Services says, "You will have to pay import assessments which may
include duty, excise tax, and the 6% Goods and Services Tax. Provincial
or territorial sales tax may apply when you license your vehicle.... Generally,
you do not have to pay duty on an imported vehicle that was manufactured
in the United States, Canada or Mexico;" from pg 9 on http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4140/rc4140-05e.pdf
July 1, 2006: Please note that effective
July 1st 2006 The GST rate will be reduced from 7% to 6%.
It will apply to goods that are either imported on or after July 1, 2006,
or released from Customs' control on or after July 1, 2006. from
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/news_alert.html
So there are no duties under NAFTA
(North
American Free Trade Agreement) on US built Legacy, Outback,
Tribeca and Baja because they are built in Lafayette, Indiana. (Baja
discontinued after the 06 model)
There are Duties of 6.1% on Impreza
and Forester because they are built in Japan.
Paperwork to cross the US and Canadian
borders
all info subject to update,
change, correction
For US Customs you'll need
1. Title with your name
filled in. Not a copy of the title, you'll need the real one. A new car's
title is also known as the MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) or
COO (Certificate of Origin).
2. Purchase Order (PO) from with
your name and VIN on it. Price and any other fees should be clearly marked.
3. US Border Worksheet that you
Fax to the US border at the same time as the Title and PO.
4. These 3 documents need to be faxed
for pre-approval to the applicable US border where you will cross at least
3 working days prior to crossing.
Fax the front and back of the title, the
PO, and the Worksheet to the US Border you want to cross at least 72 weekday
hours in advance.
If your paperwork was correctly sent in
advance and is in order, the US customs process and any vehicle inspection
should be pretty quick.
Note: not all US customs offices are open
nights and/or weekends for vehicle export.
US Customs export to Canada through Blaine, Washington Fax (360) 332-2639, Monday-Friday 8-3:30
For Canadian Border Services
Summary: You get Form 1 from Canadian
Border Services when you cross after paying your fees (see below).
You Fax or mail Form 1 along with your
Recall Clearance letter to RIV.
RIV then sends you Form 2, which you take
Canadian Tire for the required inspection. When Form 2 has been stamped
by Canadian Tire, RIV will issue registration. This process can take a
few weeks depending on demand.
When you cross the Canadian border
all info subject to change,
correction, updating. all info from riv.ca
The car has to be on the authorized List
1. They may check for a door VIN plate on the car. All Subarus have a driver's door VIN plate stating the model year, build date, VIN and that it was built to US specifications see image below.
2. You'll want to have with you the Title and Purchase order when you cross the Canadian border.
Canada Border Services Agency will collect a nonrefundable RIV fee of $195.00 + GST in all provinces except Quebec where it is $195.00 + GST and QST. Ways to pay: Online payment at www.riv.ca may be fastest, or mail a check and your Form 1 to Registrar of Imported Vehicles, 405 The West Mall, Ste 500, Toronto, On, M9C 5K7. Checks held for ten business days. Debit or cash may be used at the RIV office.3. You'll get a Form 1 from the Border services. After payment, Form 1 and the Recall Clearance letter have been received by the RIV, an Inspection
4. When you pass the inspection,
the inspection center will stamp your Form 1, that you will have to present
to the provincial or territorial licensing authority.
Within approximately one week of passing
the federal inspection, we will send you a new Canadian Certification label
with instructions on where to affix it to your vehicle.
'How to do it' from RIV
(Canada Registar of Imported Vehicles) http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
RIV Phones 888-848-8240, Fax 888-346-8235;
Hours Mon to Fri: 7:00am - 12:00 midnight (EST), Sat, Sun: 7:00am to 5:00pm
(EST)
Canadian Customs and Fees from
Ca. Border Information Service (BIS) http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4140/rc4140-05e.pdf,
800-461-9999
Q: How do I get the the Certificate
of Recall Clearance letter from Subaru?
A: The letter comes from Subaru of America
(SoA). SoA will require proof the car is in your name, usually a Faxed
copy of the title (front and back) and/or purchase order. It can
take from 1-5 days to get the recall letter. Call 1-800-SUBARU-3 (800-782-2783),
the same folks you call to warranty reimbursement.
RIV Recall Clearance statement
RIV says "... we are unable to release
the Inspection Form until such time as we receive a confirmation that there
are no Outstanding recalls for your vehicle...
A recall clearance letter is a document
issued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of your vehicle that
states whether or not there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle...
The letter must come from the OEM's head
office and be written on official company letterhead, duly signed with
the name and position of the official at the OEM clearly visible. If the
manufacturer's logo is not on the letter it will not be accepted....
In some cases, we will also accept a printout
from an authorized American dealer"
To get this letter, please contact SoA
at 800 782-2783 (800 SUBARU3) once the vehicle has been reported sold in
your name which your dealer will do. SoA will mail, fax or email
these documents to your house, this can take 7-10 days. BC residents will
need an inspection, AB residents don't.
FAX the recall clearance letter to 888-642-9899.
Driver Door VIN plate from
2006 Outback 2.5i built at SIA in Lafayette, Indiana. All cars will have
a very similar plate
Build Date is in the upper
right corner. The vehicle 'conforming to applicable standards' statement
is in the center.
Border Crossing Wait Times
Washington
State Traffic Camera (Blaine)
US
Crossing Times
top
letters
| Joe,
Just wanted to send a note to say thanks for all the help in procuring our new Tribeca. Through the use of your extensive web site and personal instructions things have gone very smoothly and our vehicle is registered, licensed and driving us around. At the border and insurance agent I met a couple of people who were not as fortunate in receiving accurate and detailed instructions from their vendors and who were having troubles or delays with the rigmarole of importing. I was able to offer a friendly hint based on your advice to us. Love the vehicle and look forward to many years of care free driving. Love comments like ‘it’s gorgeous! I want one’ – referred to you of course. Have a great Christmas! Chuck and Jennifer B, BC, Ca (Dec. 4, 07) |
| Dear Joe
Just to let you know that I have my car and it looks really good. I drove back from Toronto yesterday. It is a comfortable car to drive and it is the right size: it corners very well and has lots of pick up and go. In short a happy customer. The shipping and customs stuff went without a hitch and was relatively inexpensive. Regards, Tom H., Forester X (Oct 2007) |
| July 1, 2007
"I just got through with importing a new 2007 Subaru Forester into Canada and I was really happy with the results so I thought I would share my experience. Granted, I think I got somewhat lucky and hit it at the right time (the 2008 Forester's are being sold in the US now so they are clearing out 2007's plus I hit on a $2000 factory rebate). In the end, after every last expense I had to pay to get the car imported, inspected and insured, I saved literally 25% (everything converted to Cdn) off the price of buying the same new vehicle from a dealership here in Vancouver. Ridiculous but true. Of course, this percentage hinges a lot on the current strength of the Cdn dollar so keep that in mind. I was quite skeptical going in but ended up very happy with the result. My starting point was a website I found at http://www.cars101.com/, which has an entire section on how to import to Canada that is quite up-to-date and accurate. The site is run by a guy named Joe Spitz, who works at Carter Subaru in Seattle. He's the guy I dealt with directly. Joe was quite a breath of fresh air to deal with. If you look around on the website he has a ton of detailed information about all Subaru vehicles including the invoice prices that the dealer themselves pay. I called him up on the phone, he told me which 2007 Forester's he had available and gave me a price that, having looked around, was lower than anything else I'd seen. And that was it. No negotiating or back and forth or "let me talk to my manager" or anything like that. It was just "here's what I have and here's what it costs", period. The way it should be. Joe's website has a lot of details but it doesn't talk about things like insurance and the specifics of the taxes. Here is a line by line break down of every expense I incurred during this process: Price of vehicle plus a 3 day test-drive
permit for about $23 provided by dealership all converted from US to Cdn
at the going rate.
And, yes, after all of that I still ended up saving 25% over the best price I could find in Canada (even having talked to an auto-broker who did a search for me). Joe was great. I highly recommend dealing directly with him if you're in Western Canada. He even picked me up from the bus station in Everett himself. I was super-skeptical buying something I'd never seen but the car is perfect -- brand new and even came with some extras I would have had to pay for in Canada. Everything Joe told me was 100% accurate and true. There were no surprises or hidden costs or anything like that. As for what you need to do, the RIV website itself is pretty good. It covers all of the instructions except for the insurance you need (which I describe above). When you talk to Joe he also faxes a package to you telling you exactly what you need to do to import that car. You need to give 72 hours notice to the US border that you're coming, for example. The whole process from my first phone call until the time I picked up the car took me exactly 7 days (although technically it could have been done in less). You'll need to talk to Subaru of America for a "recall clearance letter" and you can confirm for yourself that the warranty is transferable to Canada. When I talked to them they assured me that it was. Subaru is one of the very few that is this flexible with their warranty across the border. So that's a big advantage also. All in all the only downside I can see is that I'm left with a speedometer that has km/h as a secondary reading and an odometer in mi/h. But for a 25% savings on a purchase of this size, I think I can learn to love converting. Good luck and hope you have as good an
experience as I did.
read the original posting on redflagdeals |
| May 2007
"I've got a lot of Private Messages regarding where I bought my new 2007 Outback, so I'm going to post here to help all those considering a Subaru that are living in Alberta and BC. I bought my car from Carter Subaru in Seattle. I dealt with the internet sales manager Joe Spitz, he has a website that is the most comprehensive Subaru information website that I know... www.cars101.com Here he provides all invoice prices, rebates etc... and all features and changes of each model, if you are considering a Subaru, definitely check that site out. Joe evens gives you a step by step guide on importing a vehicle to Canada. Joe was super easy to deal with and he is a straight shooter, you do not get any BS from him. Carter Subaru also have a one price no haggle policy. But believe me, their price is more than fair. When I call Joe to get a quote on my car, the price that I got beat my expectation by more than $700, this was without any negotiation or haggling. I did all my pricing research on www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com. Joe Spitz and Carter Subaru definitely has lots of experiences in selling to Canadians so it was a zero hassle experience for me. It was definitely the easiest new car purchase I've ever made. The importation process is super easy as long as you follow the instructions and have all your paperwork ready when crossing the border....." read the full posting on redflagdeals.com, message #2196 |
********************************************
|
December 2005 "Hi, everybody,
I would like to thank Joe Spitz from Carter Subaru in Seattle (see http://www.cars101.com) for his assistance. Joe made this experience enjoyable -- no playing games -- it was pure business. We have decided to import our new 2006 OB VDC because the BC dealers did not really want to negotiate much -- it was mostly take it or leave it option. We have sensed that the US dealers are more flexible and we could save some major $$$. The first step was to contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (http://www.riv.ca). They have a web page with a step by step process what you have to do. The 2006 models are NOT listed as importable, however after several phone calls we have received a letter from the RIV which we were to present on the border and they certified the 2006 Outbacks as importable. An interesting note: don't get discouraged if you speak with the first rep at RIV and they tell you a car is not importable. I learned by experience that there are some better and worse reps there. If you can't get anywhere, ask to leave a voicemail to Natasha (I can't remember her last name) or Gary Moriarty. Make sure you phone Canada Customs and verify the import duty you will have to pay for the car. If the car is made in the US and it contains at least 50% of US/Canadian parts, then there is NO duty. It must also have a sticker MADE IN US and it must comply with all applicable US federal standards. THIS IS THE MOST CRUCIAL STEP in the whole process. DO YOUR DUE DILLIGENCE ON THIS (sorry for screaming, but you must do it). Based on my experience there's no duty on legacy/outbacks. It might be on other subaru cars if they don't fall under NAFTA. With the RIV letter in hand I emailed a request for a quote to 4 or 5 dealerships in Washington state. We knew the exact model, colour, etc. we wanted. They all responded with quotes. After some haggling back and forth for about a week we have chosen to deal with Joe from Carter Subaru. He prepared all paperwork and faxed it over for us to check it. I acknowledged the order by email. Our car was a factory order and the car arrived on time as promised by Joe. Joe is a straight shooter and he never over-promised anything. Again, the paperwork was faxed to us, we wired the money after it was delivered to the dealership. US Customs: the US Vehicle Export Team requires the title and invoice to be faxed at least 3 business days before the car is exported. Phone them and they will fax you an information package that has all instructions. You have to phone them after you faxed the documents again to make sure all paperwork is legible and OK before you show up on the border. They responded in precisely 74 hours (3 days and 2 hours ) after we faxed the papers. Car pickup: The car was ready for us when we showed up at the dealership. Also, all paperwork was ready. If we didn't have kids with us, it would take us about an hour to go through the car and papers and we'd be gone. No hassle whatsoever cudos to Joe who also made sure that one minor thing got fixed on the spot. US Border: once we showed up on the border, it was a 2 min process to rubber stamp the title with the border stamp in order to mark it as legally exported. Canadian Border and Customs: the customs agent knew exactly what to do and what forms to fill out. He also phoned the RIV and arranged for the payment of our RIV fee so we didn't have to do it VIP treatment all the way -- nothing to complain about. We paid the GST and the AC tax, no customs duty because the Outbacks are made in Indiana. We received the Form 1 (which describes the vehicle). After that we drove home and parked our car. Now the waiting happens -- you have to receive FORM 2 from the RIV. Phone the RIV a couple of days after you import the car and verify that they have received a copy of the FORM 1. Our form 1 was not legible when it came through the fax from the customs. The RIV is going to ask you for a case number -- this is the red number on the right top corner of your form 1. This process can take 10 days so be patient I had to phone the SoA as well to get the
"recall clearance letter" which is required for the federal inspection.
The last step was to get the insurance and license plates. Find a knowledgeable insurance broker and ask him/her if he's registered imported cars before. They get a copy of almost every paper you have, you pay the insurance and the PST, license plate fee, etc. And you are DONE. OK, how much did all cost:
Did it make sense? Yes in our case -- just be patient. The only minus are the odometer in miles (speedometer has both miles/hr and km/hr) and the paperwork / lengthy process" |
| Joe, For your information I've got inspection
notice ( Form 2) yesterday via e-mail, only three days after border crossing,
and I sent my wife to Canadian tire today
for inspection. My insurance agent came to my house to do the paper work. All done and I've completed the process. Thanks, DK, September 07 |
Import into the US
all info subject to change,
correction
US
govt rules about importing a car from overseas
***************************************
| Q. How do you price your cars if I want to get one from you? |
A: While this is a fully independent non-sponsored information website, I am Internet-Fleet Sales Manager at Carter Subaru and discount all models.
You need to know the US spec model
you want, and I can easily price it over the phone.
Not sure what you want? This site
should help you.
Everything is fully disclosed.
It's easy and upfront.
Please do not involve anyone else at
the dealership if you want my special pricing.
Once you decide to proceed, I fax a
complete package including Purchase Order with price details and VIN,
the Title with your name filled in, information on US borders with hours
and contact info, information on the Recall Clearance letter, warranty,
and finally the dealership's bank and account information.
References from previous buyers are available.
Contact me for prices best is 206 769-7821. If you
really want to email, check my contact page.
You can either pick
the car up at the dealership or use a shipper.
If you pick up at the dealership I can
help with transportation to the dealership once you're in the Seattle area.
I also have alist of shippers
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
Contact Joe Spitz at Carter Subaru
in Seattle to purchase a new or used vehicle 206 769-7821.
Please know the US model you want and
we'll go over the colors available and price and do not involve anyone
else at the dealership if you want my special pricing.
I have everything set up for Canadians,
all the paperwork.
If you pick up at the dealership I can
help with local transportation to the dealership once you're in the Seattle
area. Or help arrange shipping the car shipping to you.
Joe Spitz
the end