New here, glad to see this section on the forum!

I've been reading quite a bit about the S2000, good/bad, what to look for, etc. I am not ready to buy now, but looking at best options for when the time is right (Fall/Winter). Anyway, to the question:

Anyone imported their S from the States? How was it? Or would someone know a broker that does it?

I am not familiar with the terminolgies (English not my first language), but in short someone who does the work on your behalf. That being said I understand the exchange rate is not in our favor, but seeing the S2000 prices in Ontario kinda lead me to look outside the Province/Country.

Mods: I've tried to look in the section for a similar question, but haven't found anything (still getting used to the forum though). Please close/delete if not appropriate.

Thanks in advance for the inputs!

 

Try Googling "Import car from US to Canada" for starters. Not sure you're gonna find much legit experience here.

Exchange rate is not great. CN$100 gets you less than US$80 today.

Very few bargains here these days. S2000s are advertised at high prices here as well. US$30K for example will cost ya about CN$38K. Plus expenses like excise tax, mandatory inspections, and just getting the car there.

-- Chuck

 

Not really worth importing a US car at the moment and you can't even cross the border to get it, things will likely change by the fall though. Good luck with your decision.

 

Fair. Thanks all!

Hoping the S2000 market cools down a bit in Fall/Winter then.

 

I imported my first s2000 from the US. I bought it on eBay from a dealer, sent the money, flew into Montgomery, AL, drove the car to the local Honda dealership for fluid change, then drove to the dragon.
The dollar was equal at the time.

Currently if the car is $20,000 USD, expect you'll be in for $30,000 CAN- about 50% more than selling price after exchange and taxes (13%) and import duty (6.5%). you'll pay the federal tax and import tax as you cross the border into Canada. You'll pay the provincial portion when you go to plate it at the MTO. Provided the car is newer than 15 years, you'll be going thru the RIV process.
You'll convert the car to DRL's if its a 2000-2003 (as I believe AP2 have DRL's already), safety it in Canada and the car can't have a salvage title for Ontario (unless that rule has changed).
You'll need to have proof that you sent/faxed the title transfer copy to the US border where you're crossing- the title transfer has to be faxed to the USBP at least 72 hours prior to when you cross- literally, you need the printout off the fax to prove you sent it- I did. You need to stop at the USBP before crossing.

I'd do it again in a flash if the dollar was equal and deal was worthy.
darcy

 

I've been watching US and CAN prices your not saving much. With borders closed it makes things even more difficult.

Be patient maybe one will appear for sale in Canada. Esp if your willing to travel country wide. Prices are high everywhere esp if your looking for one in decent shape.

 

Thanks for the insight! Obviously does not make sense to do it right now. Although more complex, I do not mind this option if the dollar gets closer in the upcoming months.


Thanks for the response! Yes the border re-opening is indeed needed for this to work. I'll keep my search to the Country only for now.

 

US 2006 and later S2000s have DRLs standard which should make Canadian compliance easier. These are the DBW models. Not sure if the "DRL module" in the Canadian models will plug into earlier US wired cars. DRLs are the high beams at reduced voltage, about 6vDC, in both the US and Canada versions.

With the shorter "roadster" season in Canada and the Northern US some prices should drop as the season nears ending. In Ohio my S2000 went in the barn the first week of November and came out around Easter. Caveat is to avoid northern and seacoast cars used as daily drivers due to salt on the roads and in the air. (Actually I'd avoid any cars used as daily drivers.) Southern US cars away from the seacoasts are often rust free but apt to have high mileage and consequent paint and interior issues just 'cuz they can be driven all year.

Regarding short seasons, if either of the S2000s in Alberta come up for sale they'll be worth looking at.

-- Chuck

 

oh yes, one other thing. If its older than 20 years, you'll need to have an appraisal done in Ontario for taxation valuation at the MTO. I found this out with my EM1 I sold last year.

darcy'

 

I imported my '07 silverstone in 2010. darcyw has all the facts right! You need to go through the RIV process. You can find all the steps online. My most important learning from the entire experience is that Americans don't trust a certified cheque from a Canadian bank, even one of the BIG banks. They have no clue about our banks. Took a lot of convincing to get them to accept the cheque as payment and hand over the title. No way would I ever wire money to a seller in advance.