Does anyone have any experience with buying a car or specifically a Viper from Ebay?
OR would you recommend just going to a car dealer. Does anyone recommend a general car dealer in the US that carries allott of new/used Vipers for good prices?
Reason for all the questions is because I'm in Canada and our Canadian dollar is very close to the US dollar, and some goods and services are MUCH MUCH cheaper then here, that I would actually save quite allot of money bringing a car over.
So here's another question, any Canadians here have any experience with bringing a car over? Specifically a Viper?
Thanks.
Hi CC - I pass through your vicinity every work day. Welcome to the board.
There aren't many Vipers for sale in Ontario that's for sure, you'll find what you're looking for in the US.
If the deal sounds to good to be true, there's a reason, regardless if it's on ebay or in the autotrader, etc.. If I were looking at a car in the US, definitely ask somebody here on the board for advice on getting it inspected. There are some good cars for sale in the classified section, this board is full of Viper expertise and helpful members.
To import the car, you can't avoid paying PST and GST.. Obviously if you can find a local private saler then you would only have to pay PST.
What model / year Viper are you looking for?
To import, it's best to do it yourself to avoid brokerage fees.
Steps to import are -
Fax the US title with a cover sheet (including the VIN) to the US Customs port you will bring it across at. I suggest the Ambassador bridge, not the Tunnel. You will need to clear the title and get it stamped by US Customs. This needs to be done 72 hours minimum to importing it, Canada Customs may ask to see the "stamped" title, they make a copy of it along with your id. See this site for more info -
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/export/export_docs/motor_vehicle.xml
You will be required to pay GST and the RIV fee at Canada Customs the day you bring the car over. PST will be collected when you get you new ownership / title at the Ministry of Transportation, after the RIV inspection is completed / approved.
Since you just paid the RIV fee in advance your next step is to bring it in for an RIV inspection (they provide you the approved RIV inspection locations), i.e. Canadian Tire. There is no cost of inspection, they get the copy of the RIV form that you received from Canada Customs (how they get paid for the inspection). You will have to pay for the necessary modifications they dictate is needed. i.e. daytime running lights if not equipped, bilingual stickers, passenger child tether hook, etc.. they'll let you know what is needed, but there typically isn't much needed for a Viper.
See the Registrar of Imported Vehicles
http://www.riv.ca/ for importing vehicle info.
Note on their admissibility list that the "1992 to 1996 Viper Roadster" cannot be imported into Canada.
Note that RIV / Canada Customs will not provide you an inspection form without a letter from the manufacturer that the car is up to date regarding recalls. You can get this letter from a Dodge dealer prior to importing it, get the VIN and ask them to run a recall check on the car and provide you a letter (requires the Dodge dealer letterhead / info) and the vehicle information / VIN. There are some hefty recalls on some Vipers, including the front and rear frame reinforcements or additional repair. Search the board for the 998 and 999 recalls.
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/recall_clearance.html
In the end of all the fees, taxes and effort, you wouldn't save much at all if you found a reasonably priced car (that's the hard part.. most are asking beyond market value comparable to the US) for sale in Ontario, especially a private sale.
I hope this helps,
Mike
