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Import a 2008 Prius from Canada to US

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by wfz, Jul 21, 2011.

  1. wfz

    wfz Junior Member

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    I'm in the process of purchasing a used 2008 Prius from a relative, and plan to drive it back when I receive a certificate of conformation from Toyota Canada and a temporary registration (based on info at nhtsa.gov <slash> cars <slash> rules <slash> import [replace <slash> with a real slash]). I even talked to a US Customs officer with similar answers when I drove to Canada last time. I am not completely sure because there are pages with different requirements (e.g. documents for EPA, etc compliance) and the officer even told me no tariff needed (while most says you need to pay 2.5%). Any special documents needed for registration in my local state? Do I need to pay sales tax when registering?

    Can you share with your experience if you have done it before? Most info is about importing a car from US to Canada.

    THANKS!

    chanciusliu at yahoo.com
     
    #1 wfz, Jul 21, 2011
  2. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    If I were you I would ask the US customs and the RMV in my state directly to get definitive official answers (in e-mails and print them out). Good luck! :)
     
    #2 2009Prius, Jul 22, 2011
  3. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    The only issue you may have with the Canadian model is with the odometer and fuel used gauges. They will show 5 lters. per 100 kilometers And the odometer will read distance in Kilometers. The speed can be changed to MPH. Good luck. Lots of autos go from Canada to the US. But check with Customs because there are requirements on your part! Hal
     
    #3 Hal W, Jul 22, 2011
  4. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    Location:
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    And as a bonus you get daytime running lights!
     
    #4 BAllanJ, Jul 22, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  5. wfz

    wfz Junior Member

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    I've successfully imported and registered the car. A compliance letter from Toyota Canada, Proof of purchase, title (Canada permit) were all I needed to pass the US customs. No tariff at all. I am in PA and it's OK to have Odometer with KM on it. I found that info in guidelines for state inspection. I do need to pay PA tax. I was surprised that it went through so smoothly.
     
    #5 wfz, Aug 13, 2011
  6. wfz

    wfz Junior Member

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    You mean the light that is automatically on when you set it to auto? I didn't know it's only available on Canadian's model.

    What are the other differences? The compliance letter states that there are parts that are different that I may need to purchase them from Canada. Do you know what they're?

    From the manual, it appears that US model shows MPG while my car shows L/100KM.

    Thanks for the info!
     
    #6 wfz, Aug 13, 2011
  7. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    I believe they use a different head light bulb on US models. They burn out all the time! Hal
     
    #7 Hal W, Aug 13, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Our Canadian Touring Model has full auto headlights, ie: put the headlights in "auto" and they will come on at dusk, turn off at dawn, and shut off 30 seconds after parking and closing the last door. That said, I never use the function, don't like/trust it.

    Daytime running lights are reduced brightness headlights, that come on as soon as you start the car, and go off if you switch to parking lights or head lights. I believe it's the high beams that are used for this, but to be honest I haven't checked in a while. It's basically a safety feature, legislated, to make cars more visible on the road.

    That said, if you watch cars, of late it seems like maybe 1 in 10, 1 in 15 do not have daytime running lights, at least around here. Not sure why: some are older vehicles, some purchased in States, a few maybe someone pulled a fuse?

    My understanding is the liters per 100 km display of fuel efficiency on Canadian models cannot be changed to mpg, only the speedometer can be switched, between kilometers per hour and miles per hour. Have no idea why: seems like an oversight. I know the second Gen Honda Civic Hybrid does switch both speed and fuel consumption units. I'd guess any other Hondas that also display fuel economy are similar.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Aug 13, 2011
    1 person likes this.
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