I think I have found a buyer in Canada for the DSM. I will have to trailer it there for him. What is going to happen at customs? Will they let it in (its in a salvaged state right now) knowing that I am going to sell it to someone over there? What about when I come back into the states with an empty trailer, are they going to ask me how much I sold the car for and what not? Am I going to be subject to tax or anything like that?
Has anyone sold a car to anyone in Ontario before in a situation similiar to this?
your going to have to pay duty coming back, to take the car over there your going to have to fill out some forms and some other stuff.
Atleast thats how it use to be, I know you’ll have to pay duty on it tho.
I know when canadians come ehre and buy anything they have to pay 2 different taxes on it.
I sold some race cars to guys from canada, which they came and picked up.
Make the guy from canada come here and buy it.
First you want him to buy it before you take it over. That way if something goes wrong it’s his problem. A problem might be as simple as a form not filled out right, it can mean a long delay at the border or even going to jail. Not kidding here. The car can even be impounded. If it’s yours and on your trailer, both can be impounded. If it’s his and the trailer is yours, at least you get your trailer back.
If the car is over 15 yrs old and is never going to be registered it’s actually easy. The owner needs to fill out a form stating it isn’t going on the road and then showing PROOF of how much it cost, then paying the duty. They WILL question the proof, they are out to get every penny they can. Remember the going to jail bit? I almost got escorted away because they didn’t believe a rusted out 1982 Audi on 4 flat tires was only worth $500. They chased me down after customs with the lights flashing and all.
If it comes cross this way, he will never be able to register it. He won’t get the proper forms. But that may be ok for him.
If it’s newer than 15 yrs or will be registered, the website above will give you the details on how to do it and the forms to fill out. If the car is from the US, it’s not too bad.
And bringing the trailer back into the US is no big deal, no duties or anything as long as it’s yours. A couple things to be remembered. The guy buying it MUST be your friend. Get to know him, his address and how long you’ve known him and stuff like that. They don’t want you selling tihngs across the border making money or acting as a broker or transporter. You can sell it to go across the border, but you can’t be involved as part of the sale as a business. Brining it back is the same deal, you were simpy dropping off a car for a friend. They will see your first border crossing, so tell them exactly what you did. When you crossed and all that. So much for free trade.
I’ve doen this alot going both way’s and it’s never fun , nor is it ever the same. Some times it’s easy and I get through in a few minutes. Other times I’ve been there for hours.
They may still want some sort of proof of ownership. They shouldn’t but you’re dealing with the government. I brought one race car over and got hassled horribly by a supervisor. After a half hour he talked to one other agent then asked me if it indeed was a race car. I said yes, I said that right up front and said it was very obvious looking at it. Then the supervisor got pissed at the agent and told me to just go ahead and leave.
You might want to try that again.
After you read something.
You have to pay duty on Whatever your brining to canada to sell.
I couldnt remember if it was on the way there or back.
Ive sold several things to people who picked them up.
They always payed duty on the way back.
Is it possible to pay nothing if I make up a story stating that he is an old college friend, that went to school in the states, and left his car here after he crashed it. I am simply doing him a favor and bringing it back to him. Would that fly? The car is worth $2500 or less etc. How much would I have to pay if anything in this situation when crossing into Canada. On the way back to the states I will have an empty trailer and tell them the same.
just tell him if he wants it he has to come get it or at least have him in the car with you when you bring it across so he can tell them its his car wouldnt that work hed have to pay duties on it but just make it seem like your just a friend with a trailer helping him get a car he bought back to his house.
or what about having him register the car and getting plates for it then he can just drive it back and no one knows anything
I would tell him he needs to come get it. You are basically importing a car to Canada, which is a PITA. IIRC it may need to be left at the border and may have to have daytime running lights installed.
The boarder agents surprisingly know little about importing and exporting vehicles. My friend brought a car back to the US and it was a headache. He called customs and they referred him to a private importer because they were not sure what he needed to do. He then called back and verified the info with them and they said he was all set. He picks up the car, comes to the boarder, and then they tell him he does not have the right paperwork and tell him to turn around and bring the car back to Canada. After he argued that he did they checked with someone else and then said that he was good to go.
No no no no no! They deal with cars coming across every day. There is a procedure and you WILL follow it. And they can and will impound the car and arrest you if you try any screwball ideas.
He will come and get it(with you if you care) and he will take care of the paperwork. That is the proper and only way to do it.