ldsau93

I’ve read some of the other threads on this (thanks to Siouxie for the info) but not sure they quite covered my situation and would appreciate the collective thoughts of the Forum members, especially from those that have a recent experience/knowledge of it.

I am potentially moving from the UK to Halifax (NS) in Q2 2019 for a work opportunity. I would be coming over on a 2 year TWP. I’m doing the research on this now while I have the time (and to avoid costly mistakes later..)

Preferably, I would like to bring my beloved manual transmission Saab 9-3 convertible. It was bought and has been maintained as a ‘keeper’. I am being pragmatic about this, if the numbers don’t add up it will be sold and something will be bought locally.

The issues and solutions as I understand it:

1. Issue: It is a 2006 model, as such less than 15 years old
Solution: Bringing it in as a temporary import that will be taken back at the end of the 2 years. Should I choose to stay after the 2 years, it will by then be 15 years old and eligible for permanent importation.

2. Issue: Saab is defunct as such I cannot get a manufacturer recall clearance letter
Solution: From my research, the recall letter is only required for a permanent import. I may be able to get something from the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).Also I believe there were no recalls on my car.

3. Issue: Insurance/Right Hand Drive)
Solution: I have found a broker that does RHD insurance, this does require the vehicle to be registered locally. I’m waiting on the quote for this.

4. Issue: Headlights, daytime running lights
Solution: There is a Saab specialist in Dartmouth NS that can resolve this

I am aware of the need to have it forensically cleaned beforehand.I’ve looked at buying a Saab soft top in Canada but they appear to be few and far between, not cheap, usually an automatic and (at my price point) often ravaged by the salt, strengthening my resolve to bring mine over (for dry weather use).

Putting my car into (paid) covered storage doesn’t make sense financially and it’s not worth that much (<£2k) if I were to sell it.

If there is anything I’ve missed or have misinformed myself about I’d appreciate some pointers/corrections.
Thanks in advance

scilly

You say your car is worth less than <£2,000

How much would it cost to clean it thoroughly, have the updating done, the insurance etc etc???

I don't think it's cost effective!

Former Lancastrian

I also think not cost effective and its not like you are married to the car.

Shipping costs have you been given an estimate?
As mentioned cleaning as per CFIA regulations and if not met on entry you might need to have it cleaned again. True can be brought in under temporary status so the 15 yr doesn't come into play.
Modification costs to vehicle.
Insurance could be high due to vehicle and you might even find it costs more to insure than if buying a 2nd hand vehicle in Canada. Insurance rate won't be cheap anyway think $1500 plus per year.

Your choice in the end.

dbd33

You could import one from the US. That'd have the steering on the easier side and, depending on the State, might be rust free. Here's a few: https://bringatrailer.com/saab/900/

J-A-UK

Wow - Can really see that this would be a serious consideration.......... Not for me anyhow - Shipping a piece of steel to which there is an absolute equivalent in Canada..... And with the intention of only staying 2 years.

Buy a Mustang Convertible when you get here - At least if it breaks anyone can fix it !

ldsau93

many thanks for all of the thoughts above. Insurance quote has come in at $3500... so that kind of decides it!.
bring a trailer - wow! just what I need, ANOTHER car web site to idle away time on.....

plasticcanuck

ldsau93

Which is the best state to source a car from? Guessing California or Florida - dry but not too sunny? Always imagined an Arizona or Texas car would have more UV damage.

Former Lancastrian

Quick paint job would for that out. With the exchange rate and taxes and fees to import a vehicle very few Canadians are now importing US vehicles although there are still some deals on higher end certain models.

dbd33

It's the dashboard that gets fried in the desert, they'll often be cracked They're expensive to replace. But your second comment seems to relate to new cars and they don't have these problems.

I'd look at southern States.

Gozit

...or just go with the easiest option and buy a vehicle here. Why bother importing something from the US and doing paperwork etc to leave after 2 years?

scilly

Curious ...................

why are you so determined to import a car from outside Canada???

We do have car dealers here.

We are able to buy foreign cars here

There is a good second-hand market, either from a dealer or private ........ though I understand you have to be very careful when dealing privately that you get all the correct information from the seller. Buyer beware comes to mind.

ldsau93

I thought it would make sense financially but have been put right on that!

Plus sentimental reasons, however I have realised that it would be an utter folly. I'll have enough challenges on my plate to contend with regarding the move & new job, without needing to add further red-tape car-wise.

I've become fascinated by the completely random selection of sub $2k 'snotters' coming through the O'Regans Wholesale Direct.

OrangeMango

I have gone through the process of bringing cars from Canada to Europe, and from Europe to Canada. Both times it wasn't the same car. In the end, it's not worth it, not if the car is just an average Saab and not for the time you've outlined. You'd be spending too much time reading government guidelines, regulations and going through bureaucracy with a legal framework which was never really designed to work. And that doesn't even include hunting for a halfway acceptable insurance deal.

My advice, unless ist's a classic Mercedes Benz or a Porsche model, forget about it.

ldsau93

@OrangeManago, thankyou, that's reassuring to get that point of view which reaffirms my conclusion.
I'm thinking about potential family wagon purchase right now. Currently drawn to a Saab 9-4 (production numbers 738) or its close sibling the Cadillac SRX (661,873 made). Fair idea which will be easier to find