zerocool

has anyone here done this read up on a few things regarding this. i have a nissan 300zx iv spent about 20k on it and would really want to take it asi know i wouldnt get much for it if i sold it here. how hard is it to do are the very strict on what cars they allow? mine is on there aloowed list but i understand they are not very keen on right hand drives. would be hrder to leave it behind than saying good bye to everyone lol

montreal mike

why bother?

who would want a motor car with the steering wheel on the wrong side?

zerocool

car is my pride and joy spent alot of time and money on it just want to wiegh up the pros and cons of taking it. however im thinking of just starting againon one when i get over

scrubbedexpat074

Well, I quite enjoy my 41 year old MG with "the steering wheel on the wrong side" and my neighbours quite like driving it too. But that's by the by...

In a nutshell, if your car is more than 15 years old you should be able to import it without too much trouble.

If it's "younger, then there are a myriad of tests to go through.... If you car is obviously "younger" I apologise, not being car-ish and all...

;-)

Bill_S

Yes, they are very strict. "They" being the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. Unless that car is over 15 years old it cannot be imported to Canada, end of story. Read the rules here. Even if it is old enough to be imported it hardly seems worth the trouble. As Mike noted, with RHD you will be on the "wrong" side for toll booths, parking ramps, drive-through services, speeding tickets, etc.

zerocool

the car is 14 years old the now so by the time i moved it would be over 15got plentytime to decide just trying to do as much research on everthing i can

Rob4BC

I shipped my '93 Golf Cabrio over last year. It was just on 15 years old, but a USA model originally from Atlanta. No problems from the RIV, passed the inspection and have happily been driving it here for the last year.

The shipping on the other hand was a nightmare! All in all cost me about £2500 with shipping costs and a whole load of hidden costs like rip off cleaning and transportation charges by customs inspectors.

I love my car, but had I known what extras and hassles I was in for, I could have saved myself a few more grey hairs and saved the money and added it to what I could sell it for in the UK and buy something here.

I suggest you start trying to sell your car for the best price you can and take a look at Autotrader Canada to start dreaming about what you'll buy here.

Rob.

dinger24

I live in Germany and there is no problem here with the wrong side steering wheel!
Any way where can I find out details about getting my friends car over. His wife is in Lethbridge, he is on operational tour in Iraq. He has a German made BMW, which he wants to take out there next year can anyone let me know how to go about it?
Thank you

dbd33

It's not likely that he can bring it. Check the list of acceptable vehicles here:

http://www.riv.ca/

Steve_P

Vehicle must be 15 years old or older.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impxus_e.htm

dinger24

Ha ha ha
Gents bang on the button with the info! I will forward those links to him, it will break his heart.
Personally I am chuffed it is a black M sport BMW with tan colored leather it is horrible, but he likes it
Again thank you very much for the speedy and useful information.

Posidrive

Ooh, I feel for you. I had to leave my 2 beloved 300ZX twin turbos behind when we came here. Even more pissed because we're going back. I should have stored them instead of selling them

Once it is 15 years old you won't have any problems. I don't think that the RHD will be much of an issue, apart from higher insurance. I've seen a a few Japanese imports being driven around Calgary

dbd33

How come? Has something gone wrong?

scrubbedexpat074

What trouble exactly?

Mine went in the container with all my other stuff. All the other things you mention are minor apart from speeding tickets where the policeman gets to stand in a safer position on the shoulder.

Alberta_Rose

I missed this too, but here it is .... http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=550560

So sorry to hear this Posidrive!!