Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Procedures for Buying Used Westie in Canada?
From:tellis
Date:Tue, 7 Oct 1997 22:48:02 -0500

Hello Chris:  I am still trying to import an 94 EV Westfalia from Canada.
You need to make sure from the owner that the vehicle meets EPA standards
(look in engine compartment; sometimes on drivers door or door post) and
Department of Transportation safety standards (usually on the drivers door
post).  In my case this requires a letter from VW certifying that it does
meet USA DOT standards.  The letter has been long in coming and may require
alterations - light; speedometer changed from km/hr to mph.

The DOT has a helpful web page specifically on vehicle importing from
Canada.  It is "http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/can0797.html".

Once I have more answers I will post to the vanagan mailing list.

Good luck.

Tim Ellis

At 7:51 PM 10/7/97, Chris Paquette wrote:
>Hi all. I live in Los Angeles, and am possibly interested in a '91 Westie
>for sale in Canada. I've read here on this list about problems importing a
>new Canadian Eurovan into the U.S. due to smog laws, etc., and am wondering
>if I'll face the same problems with this used Westie.
>
>The scenario would be that I fly into Canada, buy the Westie, and drive it
>back home from there. Are there any kind of "duty charges" imposed at the
>Canadian border for something like this? Any other complications to be
>aware of? Or is it just a simple matter of "pay the man, then cruise home
>hassle free"?
>
>Any pointers of advice would be most welcome.
>
>Chris
>--
>Send replies to cp@ix.netcom.com
>Chris Paquette