Can't import 2008 Prius into Canada - why

[beach247]

I successfully imported my 2008 Prius from the US to Canada. No problem with the engine immobilizer. I took it to Canadian Tire for the federal inspection and safety check. There was no need for an emissions check since it's a hybrid. I got my Ontario plates within a week.

[Prius 07]

Hi Beach247,

Glad you made it to Canada with your Prius. Welcome! ... now see if you can get the Ontario sales tax rebate. (did you pay duty and taxes?)

[beach247]

Thank you for the welcome banner!

I didn't pay duty and taxes. So, I guess I have nothing to claim for the rebate. Is my understanding correct?

If you see a Silver Pine Mica with California plates, that's probably me! Is there a GTA Prius greet and meet?

[orenf]

Beach247: I'm a bit confused... how can you import a vehicle to Canada without paying duty + GST (and PST where applicable)?

RIV won't provide you with paperwork unless they receive paperwork attesting to GST/duty paid.

and how come you still have California plates? Importing a vehicle means you have local plates...

Originally Posted by beach247

Thank you for the welcome banner!

I didn't pay duty and taxes. So, I guess I have nothing to claim for the rebate. Is my understanding correct?

If you see a Silver Pine Mica with California plates, that's probably me! Is there a GTA Prius greet and meet?

[Lloyd9]

I imported my '08 Prius from AZ late March 08. Manufacture date after Sept 07.
No issues registering. recieved Provincal ECO rebate, initially rejected for FED rebate due to paper work issue, still waiting on re-submission.
I have a broker if you need assistnace.

[beach247]

As a first time "landed" immigrant/settler, I was exempt from duty and taxes. I only paid the RIV fee of $204.75 ($195 + GST), safety inspection at Canadian Tire for $90.30 and car registration at the Ministry of Transportation for $112.50 (good for 14 months).

Other incidental expenses I paid were the DRLs at an aftermarket store for $197.75 and my Ontario driver's licence for $75 (good for 5 years).

I already received my Ontario license plates last week. But, I'm still driving with California plates.

Originally Posted by orenf

Beach247: I'm a bit confused... how can you import a vehicle to Canada without paying duty + GST (and PST where applicable)?

RIV won't provide you with paperwork unless they receive paperwork attesting to GST/duty paid.

and how come you still have California plates? Importing a vehicle means you have local plates...

[Prius 07]

Originally Posted by beach247

Thank you for the welcome banner!

I didn't pay duty and taxes. So, I guess I have nothing to claim for the rebate. Is my understanding correct?

If you see a Silver Pine Mica with California plates, that's probably me! Is there a GTA Prius greet and meet?

Hi Beach247,

Your understanding is correct about no rebate if you didn't have to pay the tax. I'll watch out for the silver pine mica w/ Ca plates. Which part of the GTA are you in?

GTA Prius meet-up group (from a prior search): http://prius.meetup.com/7/

Gabe

[orenf]

Thanks for clarifying.

Too bad I hadn't thought about importing a vehicle after moving to Canada...

Originally Posted by beach247

As a first time "landed" immigrant/settler, I was exempt from duty and taxes.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by beach247

...Other incidental expenses I paid were the DRLs at an aftermarket store for $197.75...

How are the DRLs set up? Are these add-on lights or are existing lights used? If existing, are the fog lights used for this purpose?

[beach247]

Prius 07, I'm in Ajax. But, been driving all over the GTA - downtown, Scarborough, North York, etc. Where are you? I'll check out the link you gave me.

Orenf, it was a great deal. However, if I sell my car within a year from my landing date, I would have to pay for all the duty and taxes that were originally waived.