Hi,

I'm new to the site, and first off, this is a great forum dedicated to the RX8 ! I'm not sure if this is the proper place to ask, but if not, I'm sure someone will move it accordingly. I'm hoping I can get some advice or suggestions for buying a used RX8 in the US and bringing it back into Canada. I researched and found that it is admissable through Customs, I'm just wondering about all the red tape and other things involved. Does anyone know if US warranty is applicable here in Canada ? Also, what other things should I expect once the car is picked up in the US and delivered to me ? Last, if someone can recommend a good shipping/trucking company that will deliver to Canada, please let me know, I'd appreciate your help ! Thanks, Dave

 

If I might ask, why do you need to buy a car in the US? I would think that you could find a used RX-8's in Canada if you look hard. I suspect that the hassle involved in shipping and then "making it legal" in Canada and possibly paying duty, would not be worth the effort or any savings you might realize initially. For example, the US cars are not set up for Daytime Running Lights, so I would expect that is something you will have to add before registering it in Canada.

 

Well, the US RX8 is admissable according to Customs, so I assume that means no mods are needed, but I'm not quite sure. As far as savings go, with the current exchange rate, it should be worth while. I realize that shipping is expensive, but used 04's and 05's range between 28 grand and 35 grand plus tax here in Canada. My local dealer only has one GT left in dark silver, 36 grand plus tax. I did find many used ones on canadatrader, but it's almost worth while to buy new considering their asking prices for used. Also, I have a WTB ad on this site, but with no replies. I really don't have to buy in the US, it's just that I have found better deals in the US and the ones I've been looking at haven't been driven in climates like ours, with snow, salt, sand, BIG bumps etc., plus I am particular, I want a WB MT GT. So, does anyone have any helpful information I can use, I'd really appreciate it !

 

i personally like the canadian model better than the US model, at least in pictures. US always have to have something changed beacuse of some group of people protesting about stuff, thats how come we never goin to see great cars that europe and japan have here.

 

I didn't know there was any difference ! Can someone tell me exactly what the differences are, besides the obvious mph/kmh on the guage ?

 

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/menu.htm

http://www.riv.ca/

for the differences, open up a internet window with the US mazda site, and open up a window with the Canadian mazda site, then compare them.

 

Interesting theory, if not for the fact that Canada genearlly requires more changes than the US, and so we get even less cars than you.

 

I believe you need to retrofit DRL and child seat anchor when importing into Canada. I looked at an US-import car when shopping for the RX-8 but decided to pass on it because concern with re-saleability. I ended up buying a low mileage GT from a Mazda dealership for $25k CDN. You should not have to pay a cent more than $25k CDN for a 2004 these days.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I had already checked with Canada Customs online, and the car is admissable, however, I didn't know DRL's and the child anchor restraint had to be in place, thanks for the heads-up climacus. As for pricing, $25 grand CDN for an 04 sounds pretty good, but I haven't found one that low as of yet. I keep reminding myself that I can get a new 06 WB MT GT for $36 grand CDN, and that's without talking price ! Hard to believe, 5 grand off all leftovers at my local dealer, but the 07's will be in next month, so I guess they want to make room and clear out the 06's. So, what would you say an 05 WB MT GT should go for with 25,000 Km's in Canada ?

 

Canada Customs DOES NOT determine if a car is admissible in Canada. You need to contact the Register of Imported Vehicles... unfortunately I don't have their number in front of me. They will tell you want needs to be done to the car if anything. The car is manufactured in Japan so you will have to pay duty....I forget but I think its 6%. Canada Customs will also collect GST on the US value converted in to CDN. You have to complete another document called a "Form 1" and pay the Register of Imported Vehicles (Transport Canada) $206. They will send you a copy of the form 1 with a letter indicating whether or not you need have adjustments made to the vehicle. Once all the proper stamps are on the form, you can register it with your Motor Vehicle branch and pay them provincial sales tax. If you go through a broker it will cost you dearly! Also US Customs must have the paper work for the car 48 hours before you cross into Canada...I believe they check on the title.

Good luck