FAQ - I have been hearing that some US cars are lemon law cars?
The United States has a law that protects the consumer from new vehicle lemons, (basically bad new cars). This law states that if a particular vehicle experiences the same problem three times and the manufacturer is unable to rectify the problem, the manufacturer must take the vehicle back.
Subsequently the manufacturer sells the vehicle at auction at a substantially discounted price.
A simple Carfax check will reveal if the vehicle you are considering is a Lemon Law buyback vehicle.
Carfax usually will tell you what the alleged problem was. Please note that percentage-wise the same number of problem Canadian cars exist, (remember that they come out of the same factory)
Canada does not have a lemon law program. Which means that those bad Canadian cars just get passed from person to person.
FAQ - I just purchased a vehicle from the US and now I am being told I can't bring it into Canada.
This problem usually arises from people attempting to do their own importing.
Individuals that frequent the US on shopping trips unfortunately think that bringing a vehicle back from the US is just like bringing a pair of jeans they purchased at the outlet mall back into Canada. There are procedures that are required before the day of importation occurs. And just as many after the day of importation.
Use a reputable broker that has experience working with US export, Canada Customs and RIV. When challenges arise, and they often do, an experienced broker will know what to do and who to call.
Most importantly contact your broker before you purchase the vehicle and make sure it is admissible into Canada.
FAQ - I purchased a vehicle from the US and drove into Canada without going through the export, import procedure.
This unfortunately occurs on a daily basis and could be a very costly error.
US Department of Homeland Security takes this offense very seriously. It begins with a $5000.00 USD fine. If you are in this situation, immediately get in contact with an experienced US to Canada vehicle broker.
FAQ - I purchased a vehicle from the US and now I am unable to obtain a recall letter from the Manufacturer.
Recall letters can be one of the more challenging aspects of the importation process. If you purchased the vehicle from a franchise dealer go back and request one from them.
If you purchased your vehicle from a private party then chances are good that you will have to pay for the recall letter. In some other cases the manufacturer will outright refuse. If you are in this situation, a experience broker should have the right contacts to get you the recall letter.
Lesson learned the hard way -----> Vehicle transportation
Never, Never, Never randomly hire a transport company to transport your car! As in any service industry there are the good, bad and the ugly! Always go with the reputable companies, check the Better Business Bureau or ask the dealer to recommend a trucking company that they do long term business with. With bad transport, you vehicle will take much longer than they promised, you may lose contact with the company for days or weeks at a time, leaving you wondering where your vehicle is. Your vehicle may show up with scratches, broken windows, cracked windshields or they may decide to drive your vehicle without your permission. Or the worst is that they may hold your car ransom until you pay them more money. Furthermore because you gave them authorization to pick up your vehicle, the police will not file a stolen car report. It is deemed a civil matter and you have to sue the trucking company to get your vehicle back. Truly a nightmare!!! Unfortunately I have experience all the aforemention scenarios. We have found a few reliable companies and we stick with them.
