Importing Delica From Canada

Riley Pugh

New Member
Hi everyone,

I am from Portland OR and I want to drive up to Canada to buy a Delica and then bring it back and register it in the USA. I should mention I am looking at 1989-93 diesels. I am curious if there is anyone who has experience this from Oregon or anywhere else in the US. The main thing I am worried about is getting it through the DEQ and getting the necessary paperwork from the border (saying it meets the US requirements for EPA ect.).
 
Hey hey.
Live in Portland, and import Delicas. Make sure they're under 25 years old and pay extra attention to the month of the make. For example, come January, 1993 Delicas can be imported and registered in the USA, but ONLY IF that model was created in Jan 1993. You can find the month out by digging into the VIN a bit. 25 years old means it doesn't need to pass any federal safety or EPA standards :)

I've registered 3 Delicas in Portland myself.. DEQ is a breeze as well as other registration if you get the right paperwork. Can take up to 3 months to get the title which is the bitch part...

Any particular reason why you're going up to Canada to buy?
 
It seems like there is a lot of them up there and they seem to be way cheaper. I don’t want to pay 15k for something I could get up there for a lot less.

I talked to the DMV and they told me all I need to register is the proof of purchase, the Canadian title, the border paperwork and maybe an extra form that I forgot the number of. What is the necessary paperwork that you have had to get? And what makes the title such a hassle?

Thanks so much for the reply I’m glad I got to hear from someone. I’m sure I’ve seen you driving around and drooled over your van!
 
It seems like there is a lot of them up there and they seem to be way cheaper. I don’t want to pay 15k for something I could get up there for a lot less.

I talked to the DMV and they told me all I need to register is the proof of purchase, the Canadian title, the border paperwork and maybe an extra form that I forgot the number of. What is the necessary paperwork that you have had to get? And what makes the title such a hassle?

Thanks so much for the reply I’m glad I got to hear from someone. I’m sure I’ve seen you driving around and drooled over your van!

Ah for sure. Sounds like the DMV got you covered on the necessary paperwork. Don't forget to stop at customs because they'll need to verify the VIN and stamp your paperwork. It's possible my process is a little different than yours because I get them from the port straight from Japan. It takes 3 months because we send in all our documentation to the DMV and they look everything over and yeah.. Not sure why it takes forever but they eventually send the title to your address.

Here's our latest keeper but will probably sell her in the next couple months as we've got a better one coming over. Delicas are the best <3

6lDfQOL.jpg
 
So any news on this import thread? 2018 is finally here and it's time for the 93's I am hoping to do this same route.
 
I’ve brought a Delica back from Ontario,to Minnesota. it was not a big deal. I had know idea where the vin number plate was on the van...it’s under a carpet flap on drivers side. Also had to pay import taxes. Border officers had all necessary paperwork
Good luck
 
I’ve brought a Delica back from Ontario,to Minnesota. it was not a big deal. I had know idea where the vin number plate was on the van...it’s under a carpet flap on drivers side. Also had to pay import taxes. Border officers had all necessary paperwork
Good luck

There's some optimism!
What was your cost of machine and taxes, if it's not too rude to ask?
 
There's some optimism!
What was your cost of machine and taxes, if it's not too rude to ask?

You have to pay 2.5% duty of sale value of van, less any shipping or transport costs. That's where you need a good bill of sale.

K
 
Ah for sure. Sounds like the DMV got you covered on the necessary paperwork. Don't forget to stop at customs because they'll need to verify the VIN and stamp your paperwork. It's possible my process is a little different than yours because I get them from the port straight from Japan. It takes 3 months because we send in all our documentation to the DMV and they look everything over and yeah.. Not sure why it takes forever but they eventually send the title to your address.

Here's our latest keeper but will probably sell her in the next couple months as we've got a better one coming over. Delicas are the best <3

6lDfQOL.jpg

This picture is epic
 
You have to pay 2.5% duty of sale value of van, less any shipping or transport costs. That's where you need a good bill of sale.
K
I assume you just found a bill of sale form and printed it off to fill out, or is there a specific one you would advise using? Also would you say it would be wise to show actual price paid or would fibbing the numbers a bit to get a lower duty of sale tax?

Thanks again for the advise.
 
I assume you just found a bill of sale form and printed it off to fill out, or is there a specific one you would advise using? Also would you say it would be wise to show actual price paid or would fibbing the numbers a bit to get a lower duty of sale tax?

Thanks again for the advise.

When I buy my vans, I get a invoice from Japan that clearly shows the costs involved. This is what I use for customs. However, it will be different for you if you are buying one from a private seller in Canada or from a Dealer. If it's a private seller, maybe he can write the bill of sale for 5k usd and save you some money! I would in no way attempt to fabricate a bill of sale after it has been created. . Just make sure that the bill of sale provided by the seller has proper price breakdowns so you don't have to pay any more than needed.

K
 
Sorry, I didn't mean to fabricate one after the sale, I ment do you print out an "official" bill of sale or do you just right one up when buying it. How about insurance? Are you able to call up a company Ang get it covered for the drive home if it's in another country?
 
Sorry, I didn't mean to fabricate one after the sale, I ment do you print out an "official" bill of sale or do you just right one up when buying it. How about insurance? Are you able to call up a company Ang get it covered for the drive home if it's in another country?

Yeah, don't see why that would matter. Just get the VIN, etc., and call your insurance company before you drive it home.
 
Hey hey.
Live in Portland, and import Delicas. Make sure they're under 25 years old and pay extra attention to the month of the make. For example, come January, 1993 Delicas can be imported and registered in the USA, but ONLY IF that model was created in Jan 1993. You can find the month out by digging into the VIN a bit. 25 years old means it doesn't need to pass any federal safety or EPA standards :)

I've registered 3 Delicas in Portland myself.. DEQ is a breeze as well as other registration if you get the right paperwork. Can take up to 3 months to get the title which is the bitch part...

Any particular reason why you're going up to Canada to buy?
How do you get proof that it meets US emissions standards?
 
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