Visiting Halifax to pick up an imported car

[TDIMeister]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to introduce myself and let you know that I will be visiting Halifax in the near future (tentatively, early in the new year to be a little more precise). I just returned from a trip to Germany less than a week ago and while there I picked up a little something...

I'm just posting well in advance of my visit in case some members are up for a little meet and greet, especially if you happen to work either at the Port of Halifax, CBSA, CFIA or Ministry of Transportation to help smooth the importation of my car... (hey, it's worth a try to ask ). NS has a special place in my heart as my beloved Quicksilver was sold way back in 2005 to a buyer in Sydney, Cape Breton Island right before I moved to Germany for 4 years. I had not heard anything since the sale and trust the the car has been serving its owner well.

I'll look forward to meet you in person!

 

[TDIMeister]

Let's keep a dialogue going.

As soon as I get a date of the ship's ETA, I'll book a one-way flight out to YHZ. By all accounts I'll only be able to get a 24-hour transit tag for the car at the MoT (if anyone knows different, please let me know), so I'll have to rush home upon picking up the car. But until then, I'd love to get acquainted with the city and you members who are up to meet, and I am open to arrive a day or two early if someone would be so kind as to offer accommodations, ditto especially if there are unexpected delays with getting the car cleared .

I know a few things I need/want to do as soon as the car clears customs: I'd like to do the necessary vehicle inspection (at Canadian Tire) right away and also do an underbody rustproof coating on the car. Suggestions of good places to do both would be appreciated.

I'd also love to hear from anyone who has had the experience of importing a car from outside North America and experienced going through the entire process as this is all new to me. I'm a little anxious to say the least.


Thanks,
Dave

 

[deejaaa]

good luck with the transfer. give some details with the transaction to let others know what to expect.
hope you find someone to help out with accommodations.

 

[silverbox]

Meister,
Please feel free to contact (PM) me as you get closer to your trip.
I have no experience importing a car from Europe but would be glad to provide some hospitality during your visit.

 

[Rob_MacCara]

I can't remember when we had a GTG last, so this might be a good excuse for one!

 

[TDIMeister]

I agree! Current estimate is that my car will arrive during the first week of January. I'm targeting as close to new years day as possible as I can hardly wait to be without it a single day longer than it's already going to take - I wish I had the car now!

 

[thanatos]

I can't remember when we had a GTG last, so this might be a good excuse for one!

Cool idea! Hope this happens

 

[NSTDI]

I have exported a couple of cars, never imported one. Are you using a border broker?

I know when importing you have to provide a serial number so they can check specs to see that the car meets Cdn safety and emissions standards.

I shipped a 62 Chev to Helsinki for $2550 in its own 20 ft container, and a 63 vette to Amsterdam for $1550. You are probably using a ro ro service though?

There is a very good shipping agent in Hfx that I used for both cars, if you need another quote.

Do you still have a license plate in your name in your province, if yes, bring it. Otherwise you are supposed to get a temporary permit in each province you travel through.

Nice Audi BTW, what are the specs?

Don

 

[jonathantingley]

you can only import non-USA used vehicles if they are more than 15 years old
www.riv.ca is the link for the inspection and import process

 

[silverbox]

I believe the Audi Meister is buying is 15yrs old, looks great for 14+ years!

 

[TDIMeister]

Right, not going through the RIV, safety and emissions requirements are grandfathered. My main concern is that the car will be sufficiently clean and free of soil and insects to pass Canadian Food Inspection Agency checks upon arrival. Otherwise it's horrifically expensive for the cleaning.

 

[Rob_MacCara]

Hopefully the car hasn't been stored in an old barn on a farm, or recently gone cross country through farmer's fields!

 

[TDIMeister]

I don't think so but I'm worried having being told what sticklers the CFIA is.

 

[NSTDI]

I trust you are having it detailed inside and out before it leaves Europe? Including scrubbing those spare tires in the back?

Don

 

[dellwas]

RIV refers to importing from the U.S. market, if they were destined for the U.S.. However, you can modify those vehicles to meet Canadian standards. Any other vehicle CANNOT be modified to meet them, and it can only be imported if it is 15 yrs. or older. What year is it?

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-importation-other-than-index-446.htm

Right, not going through the RIV, safety and emissions requirements are grandfathered. My main concern is that the car will be sufficiently clean and free of soil and insects to pass Canadian Food Inspection Agency checks upon arrival. Otherwise it's horrifically expensive for the cleaning.

 

[Uncle Milty]

97 judging by the tail lights.
He's not importing blind guys!

 

[TDIMeister]

Right, I did a lot of research and homework before taking the plunge by ensuring that manufacture date is exactly at least 15 years to the month of importation.

 

[TDIMeister]

Well, I got a date - no, not that kind of date. I got an ETA for my car. It should arrive on January 7th; it's an estimate so I should allow for a delay of a day or so plus another day or so hold at port for inspection, etc.

Thinking about booking a flight out to Halifax on Saturday the 5th. Alternative date would be Thursday the 10th. Any thoughts of a GTG on either one of those two weekends?

Also looking for a place that does a good underbody rustproofing in the Halifax area for a reasonable price and a Canadian Tire with a good auto service department to do the requisite inspection.


Cheers,
-D.

 

[silverbox]

Meister, please PM me if you have time.

 

[TDIMeister]

Flight booked, arriving in Halifax on Jan. 9th. Thank you silverbox for the unbelievable kindness and hospitality offered. How about a little GTG at a brew pub on Friday, Jan. 11th +/- 1 day depending on how things go with taking possession of my car?

 

[thanatos]

Guessing you mean Jan 11? I'm in!!

 

[Uberhare]

 

[TDIMeister]

Thank you so much for the wealth of info, and very nice ride you picked up there!!! Where did you go to get your title translated - and from what language? Did you also get the bill of sale translated?

P.S.: I did years earlier consider importing an 525tds Touring. Nice cars! E39s started in 96 or so. I absolutely wanted mine to be AWD and DI.

 

[CrazyWJ242]

I was interested in getting together, but i just got word i will be flying out west for a few weeks of work on January 12th...

atleast i dont have to drive across the country this time

Heres hoping i can get a TDI for my rental... i make my money off the mileage
(im currently out in Ontario, 1360km's from home at $0.42/km )

 

[skenny]

I can most like make it for a beer in January to say hey to everyone, as long as you'll accept an ex-TDI'r

 

[silverbox]

skenny, as long as you bring your new GTI.
Are you happy with it?

 

[skenny]

It's awesome, I've got no complaints

 

[Rob_MacCara]

Happy New Year everyone! Any updates on a GTG?

 

[thanatos]

I'm still in...

 

[TDIMeister]

So far everything is a go. Flight is booked, car is for all I know already at the Port of Halifax. Crossing my fingers that everything will go smoothly and the car will clear customs and can be driven on Thursday. As for a GTG, this will be very much impromptu but I think Friday would be best for all. Mark that day on your calendars and I will update within the next 72 hours, likely earlier.