Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thinker]

Does anyone have any info on how much it would cost to export a car to Canada?

I'm looking at sending my beautiful beast back to Montreal. I have the G of C's info on importing a car. I need info on the container ship costs, and how much it costs to register( is it a hassle?) once it is back home and if insurance is crazy for an imported vehicle.

Thanks

[madoka]

Depending on the car, it may not be worth the hassles involved.

I wouldn't bother to import a Sonata, but a Bongo truck or a micro-van might be interesting.

[Solarian]

Canadian import laws are very specific, if the vehicle is over 15 years of age, it is allowed, if it is under 15 years of age, it is not. No exceptions, whatsoever.
Oh, look into some province specific laws too, because ALL Japanese cars are un-plateable and un-insureable in Quebec (recent ruling), but allowed in the rest of Canada. You want to make sure this doesn't apply to Korean cars as well. I'm not 100% sure if it's just because the Japanese ones are RHD, or if there's more to it.

[Xuanzang]

Most of the Hyundai and Kia cars can be found back home. If it's under 15 years then what stops you is that it doesn't conform to the automotive standards for Canada or the US. Basically only cars made for North American standards are allowed in. Doesn't matter if it's the same Genesis or Sonata as back home.

[thinker]

My Galloper is a '93 so it is allowed. Thing is there is no alternative at home to get a nice little 2door Jeep with 4WD and is a Diesel. Engine is solid and it's great on fuel...plus it's great for offroading. Besides the Volvo 244 I had before I moved here it is the only car I've called my own.

Read an article on CBC about the Japanese ban, it is due to RHD. I know it wouldn't be easy to do but just don't know the costs of shipping and insurance once it's there.

[Solarian]

It's generally not that bad, the Japanese ones were just as cheap to insure as Canadian cars, but the only kicker was the VIN. Japanese have shorter VIN numbers than Canadian cars. You either had to find a friendly insurance company, or get the car re-certified and have it issued a new, Canadian VIN.
Again, I have no clue on the length of a Korean VIN, and whether it matches up to Canadian ones.

[thinker]

Damn...exporting seems more and more tempting. All I need to know is the freight costs of moving it now to decide whether or not to do it.

[southernman]

I was always intending to take a car back home, actually checked out prices last year, close to 100% profit margin for the diesel 4 by 4 that a co-teacher had just brought

But another Korean co-teacher just told me this week that he was looking into importing a Hyundai from a western country because the safety standards accepted in Korea are considerably lax in comaparison to western safety standards,

He's not going to though, because he would still have to pay 100% duty for importing a foreign car (Hyundai)

[Solarian]

I took a look at the Hyundai Galloper, it seems to be a copy of a Mitsubishi Pajero, which is one of the best, most reliable and tough off roaders you can get. I'd seriously considering taking it with you.