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Canadian Export FAQ

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Can I import a new Subaru into Canada?

Yes you can!  At Rimrock Subaru you can import BOTH new and pre-owned Subarus into Canada. Rimrock Subaru specializes in helping Canadians in importing a Subaru into Canada. We will help you understand the differences between the U.S. and Canadian models, allowing you to choose the right model to meet your needs.
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What Subaru vehicles meet import guidelines?

All 2011 and 2012 Subarus meet Transport Canada's List of Approved Vehicles Admissible from the United States. All 2011 and 2012 Subarus meet the EIS immobilizer requirement. The reference to EIS on their site only refers to how to get EIS if not installed on the car. That notation is listed on every brand whether they have EIS or not. All new Subarus have EIS as standard equipment. In addition, all Subarus have Daytime Running Lights (DRL). It's an important safety feature that comes standard on every Subaru. 
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How many times do I have to come down in order to get my Subaru?

Only once in order to pick your car up. The rest is handled over the phone and by email. You do NOT need to sign the paperwork we send to the border. Buying a Subaru from Rimrock Subaru is just as eay as buying your car locally!  And it's all just one phone call away. Give BJ Johnson a call at 866-979-1644 or email at bj@rimrockauto.com to find out how much you will save. We can even arrange to have the car delivered directly to your home!
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Can you deliver my Imported Subaru directly to my home?

Yes. Door to door delivery service is available through reliable, bonded and insured 3rd party transport companies. They would handle all of the import paperwork we provide them and deliver your vehicle directly to your home. Of course, it's more fun to pick your new car up in person - and it will save you money, too. Contact Tammy for further details.
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How does the US Subaru Warranty work in Canada?

This is the # 1 concern by many of our Canadian customers. Be assured that Subaru of America has reciprocity with Canadian Subaru dealers for warranty work. If you think about it, it makes sense, since so many Canadians travel to the states - especially in the winter months. Been to Florida in January lately? Your car may either be returned to the U.S. for warranty repairs or the owner can have the car repaired by a Subaru dealer in Canada, pay for it in full, and submit the bill to Subaru of America for reimbursement (in U.S. dollars). Please call Tammy Weisbeck for phone, fax, and contact information at Subaru of America.  Realistically, repayment takes about 6-8 weeks. The Certified Pre-Owned Warranty by Subaru Added Security is the ONLY extended warranty plan supported by Subaru. Nobody knows or will take care of your Subaru like Subaru.

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Will I have trouble getting my U.S. purchased Subaru serviced at a Canadian dealership?

No you won't!  The truth is that car dealerships make significantly more money with the long term servicing and maintenance of a vehicle than they do actually selling the car. The service department is usually a separate profit center at a dealership and will welcome your work with no reservation. Your money is just as good as the next person. As for warranty claims, the service departments actually get paid quicker working on U.S. purchased cars because you pay them before you leave.
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What if I can't find the car I am looking for in your inventory?

All of our  New, and  used Subaru are posted on our website and available for immediate delivery. Call Tammy Weisbeck at 866-979-1644 for details. If we don't have what you are looking for we can order it for you!
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What happens at the U.S./Canadian border?

Many of our Canadian customers are apprehensive about the import process. They may have heard stories about how difficult it is. Make no mistake, it can be difficult if the dealer doesn't know what they are doing. At Rimrock Subaru, we specialize in helping Canadians save money by Importing Subarus into Canada.  We know exactly what paperwork you need, and we will make the process simple and painless.
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What fees do I have to pay and how much savings can I expect? What Subarus require a duty?

A summary of taxes and fees required are discussed here. Compare the results with your local costs and see why importing a Subaru into Canada from the US with Rimrock Subaru makes sense. You will get a whole lot more car for a lot less cash!

Be aware that:

·         The same $100 air conditioning fee you pay when buying a vehicle with A/C in Canada will be levied on your imported Subaru.

 

·         The same 5% GST and Provincial PST (or HST) you would be expected to pay when purchasing/registering a vehicle purchased in Canada would be paid on your imported vehicle, only you will be paying based on the U.S. purchase price, not the Canadian price which means a significant savings!

 

·         Canada charges an Import Vehicle Fee of $195. This fee covers the Canadian Tire inspection, which is done at no additional cost to you.

 

Duty fees. There is NO DUTY under NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) on the Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca models as they are built in Lafayette, Indiana. A duty of 6.1% is required on Impreza and Forester models because they are built outside North America. Even with the duties, the savings on these Subarus far outweigh the added duty.
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I live in Alberta where my taxes are lower but plan on crossing back into Canada in Ontario. Will I have to pay the higher Ontario taxes?

It's a great question. Tax rates do vary by Provence. Some have GST only while others have GST/PST or HST.  When a Subaru is imported into Canada you would pay the 5% GST at whatever border crossing you select. This can be paid by credit card. The remainder of taxes (if applicable) are paid when you register the vehicle. Cars are exempt from the combined HST at the border. In provinces with HST, you would pay the 5% GST at the border and the balance when you register the car, just like provinces with GST/PST. You can learn more by contacting Canada Border Services Agency.
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Are there any hidden fees?

No!  The final price that Tammy Weisbeck quotes will be the drive-away cost. Also, there is no sales tax in the state of Montana.  Rimrock Subaru will provide you with a FREE 20 day temporary license plate to allow ample time for you to return home.
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Am I eligible for US factory rebates and incentives?

Subaru of America does not permit Canadian customers to take advantage of U.S. rebates and incentives.  However, your savings are so significant you will still benefit from purchasing your Subaru from Rimrock Subaru. You can save even more with a quality, low-mileage  Pre-Owned Subaru. Rimrock Subaru has a large selection of these as well. Call BJ at 866-979-1644 to price out the perfect Subaru for you.
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Can you provide financing?

We are unable to finance cars being imported into Canada. Many of our Canadian customers are either self-financed or seek financing through Canadian financial institutions. This would be similar to finding your own financing for a vehicle purchased in Canada.  We provide your lending institution and your insurance company with the VIN number and any other important information they may need.  When the vehicle is picked up payment is due in full by a certified bank draft (in U.S. dollars) or by wire transfer.
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I ordered a new Subaru. Are you able to give me a firm delivery date?

Vehicles that are ordered can take between 8-12 weeks to arrive depending on where the car is made (U.S. or Japan) and the dealer allocation it gets assigned to. Unfortunately, ordering a Subaru is not like tracking a UPS package where you can see where your order is at all times. We never know exactly where your car is until it hits the distribution point. Once there, we have a few days' notice before your Subaru is delivered.
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Can I change the instrument cluster to metric?

There are no modifications that are required when importing a Subaru into Canada. The speedometer reflects both MPH and KPH. Most of our Canadian customers ask if they can either order the car with the Canadian (metric) instrument cluster or have it changed afterword?  Unfortunately, you can't flip a switch to change from one system to another. It is actually hard coded into the instrument cluster.  It would have to be done in Canada as we do not have access to Canadian instrument clusters.  IF the instrument cluster is changed, it would NOT void the warranty. The change is documented both on the car and in the records.
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Does Subaru's free roadside assistance and toll-free number work in Canada?

Yes it does!
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What paperwork is required to import my Subaru into Canada? Do I have to stay in the US for 3 days?

We will prepare and provide you with all the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction at the border. When you buy a Subaru from Rimrock Subaru, we guarantee that you will NOT have to park your $25k+ new Subaru at the border because the paperwork is screwed up. We are very experienced with the process and will prepare the Recall Clearance Certificate and other required documents for you. All you have to do is pick up your car and drive home - or we can even arrange to have your Subaru shipped to you in Canada. You do NOT have to spend 3 days in the US when picking up your car. The 3 business-day day requirement is for your paperwork to be at the border before you cross back into Canada. We Priority Mail the paperwork to the border long before you get here and will not allow you to pick your car up until the 3 day requirement has been met unless you specifically request to.
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Which border crossing should I use?

Click here for a list of U.S. / Canada border crossing points. Be aware that the paperwork we prepare MUST arrive at the border crossing of your choice and be logged in at least three business days before you cross. Again, we take care of that for you. Based on our experience and contacts, we may recommend one border over another based on volume, ease of use, and other factors.
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Do I need a passport to cross the border?

Effective June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all citizens of the United States and Canada to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or depart the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. For Canadian citizens, a passport issued by the Government of Canada, a valid trusted traveler program card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI), or an EDL. U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 will be able to present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. 
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Where can I get more information about importing a Subaru into Canada?

The BEST site to obtain up-to-date information is directly from the Canadian Government - Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles, an entire organization created to assist Canadians in importing cars back into Canada.When we have questions, we call the RIV directly at 1-888-848-8240. Also, check out Canada Border Services Agency on importing a car into Canada. We have found both agencies to be very friendly and helpful when making inquiries. Transport Canada has a great FAQ about importing a car from the US.
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How do I get started?

The most important step is understanding the differences between U.S. and Canadian vehicles. There are many more choices in the US than in Canada. For example, there are 19 different models of Outback and 17 for the Forester. If you have questions about the differences or importing a Subaru into Canada, contact BJ Johnson here at Rimrock Subaru; just call 866-979-1644 or email him directly bj@rimrockauto.com

 


Have additional questions?  Call BJ Johnson at 866-979-1644, or email him at bj@rimrockauto.com

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