Importing Fiat Spider to Canada

[rjkoop]

Does anyone have experience with importing a Fiat Spider to Canada? I'm not finding much for sale in Canada (too much rust and too much cost) and I'm thinking would be best to get a car from the States. I checked a Government of Canada site and they mentioned that Fiat Spiders cannot be imported into Canada. Could this be correct?

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safevehi ... 2/FIAT.htm

Also what sort of taxes/duties would be incurred?

Richard

[rlux4]

It looks to me like this section of the code allows the importation.

13. IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES (15) YEARS OLD OR OLDER AND BUSES MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1971 - Vehicles fifteen (15) years old or older, as determined by the month and year of manufacture, and buses manufactured before January 1, 1971, are no longer regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act by virtue of their age. While Transport Canada does not regulate the importation of these vehicles, it does not preclude the vehicles from having to meet provincial/territorial safety and licensing requirements. Importers of such vehicles are required to complete a Vehicle Import Form 1, at the time of importation, and present proof of ownership. Also, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for clearance requirements.

There are several Canadian owners at this site, maybe they can shed some light on the process.
Ron

[courtenay]

Ron's right, it is possible, and several others have done it. Chris (Narfire) may well chime in to this thread with his experience. Google "importing vehicles to Canada from US" and you will find all kinds of advice on the procedures.
Key is to make sure the vehicle is in good enough condition to pass a safety inspection. If it has rust holes either in the body or underbody, for example, it's not going to pass and you won't be able to register it in Canada.

[nibbes123]

Hi rjkoop where are you located? I live in Mississauga Ontario and have imported two Fiats in the last year, one I just brought back from Rochester Hills just 1 hour outside if Detroit, with no problems. Let me know if you are in Ontario and may be able to link you up with some info.
Nick

[rjkoop]

I do live in Ontario (Ottawa). I think I could get my best deal and least amount of rust buying a car from the southern or west coast of the US. There seems to be a lot more selection in the States. I'm just a little nervous about buying a car by only looking at the pictures. Maybe it would be good to get a local 'broker' (unclear of the term) to inspect the car for me. Also I'm unclear about the shipping costs and duty.

I'll have to do some reading for sure.

Richard

[courtenay]

There's been all kinds of instances where other Forum members have volunteered to take a look at a car for "remote" purchasers, so if you find something interesting, ask the Forum if there's anyone who would have a look for you. With respect to duty - there won't be any. Only GST - or HST in your case.
Good Luck!

[lesholmes]

Inported 1978 124 spider into BC from california July 2012. Piece a cake 15 mins max 5% sales tax and you are back on the road. homer

[81SPIDERMATT]

There's been all kinds of instances where other Forum members have volunteered to take a look at a car for "remote" purchasers, so if you find something interesting, ask the Forum if there's anyone who would have a look for you.
Good Luck!

X 2 ..... put it out there and if someone is close i would bet dollars to donuts they will help.... nice to have someone with fiat knowledge looking at a potential purchase for you also..... check out for sale on this site and maybe post under wanted section of what your hoping for

[nibbes123]

Yes you only pay the 5% at the border and the 8% when you registrar at the ministry of transport. No $100 fee for air conditioning unless it has it. Find out which border crossing you are coming thru and email them with the make, model, color,year and vin. they will email back and let you know if you can import that car, if yes you can do it after 72 hours of receiving the ok to import. When you go pickup the car will need a copy of the email they sent you, title of car in hand so when you come to the American border ,have to check in ,they will need the title so it can be stamped and email letter of confirmation of import this all that is needed on American side. The Canadian side you will fill out form 1, show bill of sale and title of car and pay 5% of purchase price ,once done you are free to go.Have Fun I did.
Nick

[dom]

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z422917019


This looks like a clean car for a fair price

[narfire]

There is one here in Penticton that was in good shape. I'll call the fellow and I could pop in on the way home frome work and have a closer look.
Thing is, if it is in good shape and well sorted you will be paying more than if it sort of runs and has body work issues.
I have had both and I would much rather spend the money on a sorted car and drive and add to it over time if things are needed or wanted.
Brad Artique had a well sorted car for sale a while back.
A $1000.00 special can cost a fair bit to get roadworthy after digging into it.
After all that, it is not difficult bringing a car into Canada, I brought mine in from Eugene OR. and a number of friends and relatives have bought brand new and newer because of the Can dollar and stupid high prices for comparable cars here.
You have to have the registration at the border crossing you are going to use for 72 hours I believe (US side) the border peoples will contact the local police where the car came from and do a search for liens and see if it was on a hot sheet. If good to go, they will give it a stamp of approval and you take that to the Can side and pay the man all the taxes due.
There was one in Kelowna that was in good shape but he had to move it quickly and sold for about $3800.00 but was drivable without anything having to be done.
Good luck
Chris

[rjkoop]

Wow! What a forum. You guys are making is easy for me to buy this car. Thanks for all the info.

[81SPIDERMATT]

wish i had the money for brads car.... definitley well sorted and great price

[1974MontrealSpider]

I bought a sweet 74 from Ottawa in June.