There is not a huge difference between the values of the US dollar and the Canadian dollar, but people often ignore this seemingly minute difference and end up making a trade at a loss. The US Dollar stands at the upper hand by being a step ahead of the Canadian Dollar. This upper hand makes the purchase of classic cars from Canada more attractive for car enthusiasts because it feels cheaper to buy a classic vehicle in Canada using your US Dollar.
But do you know what car model falls in the list of classic vehicles in Canada? Well, according to some sources, if your car was manufactured or built before 1979, you can call it a classic car. However, did you give thought to why people outside of Canada are interested in buying classic cars from the Canadian classic car market?
Well, one reason behind it is that Canadian buyers have to pay the hefty taxes imposed by the state, so there are fewer native buyers. This gives the chance to neighboring buyers to buy the classic cars left in Canada on easier tax terms.
If you are from the US, you have the edge here! You have the chance to purchase a classic vehicle from Canada from some online automotive marketplaces and get it shipped through the US Canada Auto Transport.
How to do it? Read on!
Online Platforms To Purchase A Classic Vehicle From Canada
First of all, you will need to research the online platforms providing online car purchase services in Canada. You can compare the car prices and the services these platforms are providing. If you find them right you can purchase your classic car from them and leave the rest on us.
AutoTrader.ca
This company is famous for selling new and used cars in Canada. They advertise cars from sellers, while buyers can use this platform as a search engine to find their desired classic car. Here, classic car lovers from the US can find the right car deal that goes with their budget and goals.
Kijiji Autos
Kijiji Autos claims to have an inventory of thousands of different cars. We are sure that you will find your classic car on this platform and make the purchase online. In fact, this company provides information like the safety ratings, features, and specifications of the cars, making the decision to purchase them easier for you.
Carpages.ca
This is another dealership company where you can be either a buyer or a seller. In our case, you are the buyer, and you will visit this company to buy you a classic car. Teh company was started in 2004, and since then, it has been a safe haven for car enthusiasts in Canada.
Clutch.ca
You might have heard the name Clutch before, but it is a famous car dealership in Canada. The company provides financing options for buying cars and also has a reputation for featuring thousands of cars from trusted sellers. This company also takes orders from US buyers, so you can get your classic car from this Canadian marketplace.
Hemmings
Hemmings cherish every wheel, whether vintage or modern. In fact, they even have this Muscle Palooza, an event where they celebrate every kind of car based on their muscle. The company claims that they are Canada’s largest antique, classic, and even modern automotive marketplace. So, there is no way you won’t get your classic car here!
Regulatory Agencies in the USA
Before you make the purchase, make sure your plan aligns with the law of car buying in Canada from the US. In order to be sure, you can get help from the regulatory agencies in the in United States. The following are the major regulatory bodies that make or take the ruling on overseas car purchase or importation.
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
They make sure that the vehicle imported complies with the US theft and safety standards. The NHTSA takes charge of the road rules and guarantees the safety of vehicles on American roads. Their rules say that if a vehicle is 25 years old or even more than that you can comfortably get it imported, but if your vehicle is new, it will need a little tweaking to meet the safety standards set by authorities.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
EPA is another regulatory body that ensures the cars running on the American road meet the emission standards. They check the cars being imported if they meet the emissions standards and if they are aligned with the environmental regulations. For Canadian imported cars, the EPA checks if the vehicle has a compliance label or not.
Exemptions and Entry Requirements
Not every car is allowed in the US, and there are a few exemptions for importing cars from Canada into the US. Read to learn more about these:
- Age-Based Exemptions—The vehicle’s age should be 25 or more to be exempt from the NHTSA and EPA rules. That’s why classic cars are easier to import.
- Customs Brokerage—The worst fear people have when they are about to import a car from Canada is the customs. But US Customs and Border Protection is a little easier, as it only asks that the customs broker file an entry for the vehicle at the time of importing. You don’t have to worry because we can assist you with arranging the brokerage and clearance.
- Import Fees—This is another concern, but let us tell you, if your vehicle is made outside of the NAFTA area, you will have to pay the import duty, processing fees, and an entry bond. Around 4% of the vehicle’s value. If it is made in Canada, then rest free because you don’t have to pay the import duty and processing fees.
Gray market and salvage vehicles are not admissible in the USA.
Document Requirements for Vehicle Importation
1. Form 7501 or Certified Copy
Upon crossing the border, you will receive either a stamped Form 7501 if the officer has stamped it, or you will receive a certified copy of the form by mail a week or so after the vehicle’s entry into the USA.
This document is crucial for titling and registering your vehicle in your state.
2. Canadian Registration and Bill of Sale
You will also need the Canadian registration and the Bill of Sale for the vehicle.
Original copies of these documents are not required for clearing into the USA. We recommend having the seller courier these documents to you or placing them in the glove box.
3. HS-7 Requirement in Certain States
- Some states, such as Texas and Virginia, have not updated their title requirements for imported vehicles. They still require a customs-stamped HS-7.
- We provide an unstamped HS-7, as US Customs and Border Protection no longer stamps paper HS-7 forms due to electronic data submission requirements.
- To ensure the car complies with your state’s specific requirements, it’s advisable to check with your state’s DMV before purchasing a vehicle in Canada.
Final Thoughts
Our company US Canada Auto Transport has extensive experience in shipping vehicles across the border and is well-versed in the necessary formalities. You can trust us, your auto transport company, to assist you throughout the importation process. You can get a free car shipping quote from us and estimate the total cost.