Question about cross-border purchase.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
'03 C32
Question about cross-border purchase.
Hey guys!!..I've been reading about the C55s from this forum and decided it's about time i got one for myself. However, i've run into a snag, they BARELY exist where im from(vancouver, canada) so im forced into buying one from the states. The thing is, i've never done this in the past so im looking for people with past experiences purchasing from the states to share their thoughts. Also, after some research i've found some information regarding vehicle imports but it just seems really complicated. Is it a good idea to hire a customs broker to do the paper work instead??? Another problem is actually brining the car into the states. I was thinking about driving the car home but i thought that would really hurt the milage since i'd have to bring it up from San Francisco. I'm left with the choice of either a flatbed or making it fly. Which is the better choice??..price and safety??
I've also found a 2005 fully loaded black C55 with around 8000k miles selling for $46900. Even though that price is a steal compared to what you'd find in canada, i read another thread which indicated that $40000 is the most i should pay for a C55. What do you guys think??
Thanks in advance and i really mean it!!!!
I've also found a 2005 fully loaded black C55 with around 8000k miles selling for $46900. Even though that price is a steal compared to what you'd find in canada, i read another thread which indicated that $40000 is the most i should pay for a C55. What do you guys think??
Thanks in advance and i really mean it!!!!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
05 CL65AMG / 00 BMW M5
Mercedes is the most difficult and biggest hassel car to import into Canada. You have to get written confirmation from MB Canada that the vehicle you are bringing in is acceptable and can be converted to Canadian standards. MB is also very tight lipped about what mods you will need to meet the Canadian Standards and they are the only ones who are allowed to do the mods. In some cases I have heard that people had to pay $300-$700 dollars just to find out what mods needed to be done and how much they would cost. I had to wait for 3 weeks for a silly piece of foam to come from Germany to go behind the rear bumper. In addition MB Canada will honor the current warranty but will not honor any US star certified warranty or allow you to purchase any extended warranty.
By no means am I trying to discourage your purchase. Just thought you should know before hand. Buy any other car and you can just check the list. If its on it you just bring it straight accross, licence and drive.
Using a customs broker and a car carrier makes everything so much easier. You give the broker all the purchase info and they create an invoice including all the taxes. You pay them all the fees and the taxes (Cars made outside Can/US/Mexico 6.1% Duty) and they take care of the rest.
PM me and I can email you a excel spred sheet you can use to calculate if its worth your while to do the import. In some cases you can still save a boat load of money buying in the USA.
All information for importation to Canada can be found at...
riv.ca
By no means am I trying to discourage your purchase. Just thought you should know before hand. Buy any other car and you can just check the list. If its on it you just bring it straight accross, licence and drive.
Using a customs broker and a car carrier makes everything so much easier. You give the broker all the purchase info and they create an invoice including all the taxes. You pay them all the fees and the taxes (Cars made outside Can/US/Mexico 6.1% Duty) and they take care of the rest.
PM me and I can email you a excel spred sheet you can use to calculate if its worth your while to do the import. In some cases you can still save a boat load of money buying in the USA.
All information for importation to Canada can be found at...
riv.ca
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 1
First off, all you need to know starts with http://www.riv.ca.
Once you figure all that out, get a quote from a local dealer in Vancouver to find out how much its going to cost to have it converted from American spec to Canadian spec. Probably about $4500.
Then consider that you're going to have to pay a 6% duty when you bring it to Canada because the car was not manufactured in America.
Still worth it? Could be. Its a lot of math and a lot of work. See my attempt here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/168502-modifying-us-c230-meet-canadian-standards.html
Once you figure all that out, get a quote from a local dealer in Vancouver to find out how much its going to cost to have it converted from American spec to Canadian spec. Probably about $4500.
Then consider that you're going to have to pay a 6% duty when you bring it to Canada because the car was not manufactured in America.
Still worth it? Could be. Its a lot of math and a lot of work. See my attempt here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/168502-modifying-us-c230-meet-canadian-standards.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, B.C. Canada
05 C55
Before i purchased mine i was thinking the same thing. even though it is a bit of a hassel i think it is worth it in the end. if you have the patience for it, then go for it! i think you can save a lot!
these cars are rare in vancouver which makes it even more tempting. did you check ebay? i think you can get it for less than 40k.
good luck
these cars are rare in vancouver which makes it even more tempting. did you check ebay? i think you can get it for less than 40k.
good luck
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
'03 C32
Mercedes is the most difficult and biggest hassel car to import into Canada. You have to get written confirmation from MB Canada that the vehicle you are bringing in is acceptable and can be converted to Canadian standards. MB is also very tight lipped about what mods you will need to meet the Canadian Standards and they are the only ones who are allowed to do the mods. In some cases I have heard that people had to pay $300-$700 dollars just to find out what mods needed to be done and how much they would cost. I had to wait for 3 weeks for a silly piece of foam to come from Germany to go behind the rear bumper. In addition MB Canada will honor the current warranty but will not honor any US star certified warranty or allow you to purchase any extended warranty.
By no means am I trying to discourage your purchase. Just thought you should know before hand. Buy any other car and you can just check the list. If its on it you just bring it straight accross, licence and drive.
Using a customs broker and a car carrier makes everything so much easier. You give the broker all the purchase info and they create an invoice including all the taxes. You pay them all the fees and the taxes (Cars made outside Can/US/Mexico 6.1% Duty) and they take care of the rest.
PM me and I can email you a excel spred sheet you can use to calculate if its worth your while to do the import. In some cases you can still save a boat load of money buying in the USA.
All information for importation to Canada can be found at...
riv.ca
By no means am I trying to discourage your purchase. Just thought you should know before hand. Buy any other car and you can just check the list. If its on it you just bring it straight accross, licence and drive.
Using a customs broker and a car carrier makes everything so much easier. You give the broker all the purchase info and they create an invoice including all the taxes. You pay them all the fees and the taxes (Cars made outside Can/US/Mexico 6.1% Duty) and they take care of the rest.
PM me and I can email you a excel spred sheet you can use to calculate if its worth your while to do the import. In some cases you can still save a boat load of money buying in the USA.
All information for importation to Canada can be found at...
riv.ca
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
'03 C32
Before i purchased mine i was thinking the same thing. even though it is a bit of a hassel i think it is worth it in the end. if you have the patience for it, then go for it! i think you can save a lot!
these cars are rare in vancouver which makes it even more tempting. did you check ebay? i think you can get it for less than 40k.
good luck
these cars are rare in vancouver which makes it even more tempting. did you check ebay? i think you can get it for less than 40k.
good luck
