How is it in Vancouver?

[frdtns]

While I'm writing this, my girl has a talk with her boss about her relocation for the job. If everything works out properly, we'll gotta move to Vancouver pretty soon. Since we're not going to relocate our cars as well – they're not worth it and getting parts for classic Euro-Fords will be a pain in the neck I guess – a new chapter in our motorlife will start. As far as I figured out there's nothing like the german TÜV over there but probably there must be something like this.

Could you please get me some more informations about the car regulations in Canada, especially in Vancouver. What's possible and what's not. I've never been a friend of stock cars and I won't become one over there.

Second question. Is there a market for importing Euro-Classics? Since we both are deeply involved into the car-nuts-scene we've got all the perfect connections here in Germany to pick up cool cars in good (or any other wanted) conditions.

Would be great to get some answers. Thanks.

[Ollie]

From what I know Canada is pretty relaxed...

But I've been watching a lot of Trailer Park Boys so that's where I'm basing that on

[benz88]

Canada is really relaxed, But for importing Cars from outside of North America they have to be 15years old or older.

[PavelK313]

Roads in Vancouver are not the greatest. When I went there (May, 2010) we scraped everywhere. I once turned on some small street and almost had heart attack!!! The was 4 speed bumps about 6-8" high.
If you're into slammed cars it will be very difficult to satisfy your needs out there!

[frdtns]

Ollie: Well I've gotta move in a trailerpark than …
benz88: I wouldn't like newer cars anyway.
Pavel: Thanks for that warning.

[Dutchess]

Regulations regarding importing a vehicle into Canada

Other than that, Vancouver cops do like to give tickets.

[frdtns]

Perfect link. Thanks.

[dork]

Vancouver isn't that bad. We do have cops with bad attitudes though. Box 1 VI (Vehicle Inspection) is immediate removal of car from the road, they take your license plates and your insurance is void and the tow truck comes to get the car. Then you have to have a provincial inspection done to the car before it can be re-registered and insured.

I've had a couple Box 2 VI's - 30 days to complete provincial inspection, but the tow truck doesn't come to take the car.

I drive an older golf and I don't have any problems getting around town. I raised it a bit this year because the driveshafts were binding, but last year it was about 1/2" lower and I had no problems getting around town.

There are a few really low cars locally in Vancouver, the only problem we have is getting hassled by the cops.

Importing cars is pretty easy as long as they are 15 years old. My friend has 2 lancia delta integrale evo's and a ford cosworth escort. I've seen a ton of R32 skylines and we have had a few VW Golf Rallye's here before too.

You should be able to import your older car, and I believe if you are moving here from another country you are allowed to bring your personal possessions with you, including your car. We have a SEAT Ibiza from italy here, It's still plated as an Italian car though, so I'm not sure what the legalities with that are.

Call the MVA and ask them about the process for bringing your car here with you when you move. It might just be as simple as a different import document.

[frdtns]

Thanks for that answer. As far as figured out my cars can keep the german specs as long as I'm not officially "canadian" but a kind of longtime visitor. This changes after a couple of months and the cars have to be changed to US/Canada safety specs. Otherwise the car has to be destroyed … I'm gonna call the MVA when the contract is signed. Probably we don't bring our german classic Fords along anyway. Getting parts will be a pain in the neck I guess and there are plenty of cool cars around in North America.

When the move starts I'm gonna give you guys the chance to get some german/european parts if needed or wanted.

[Dutchess]

Good luck!

[frdtns]

thx.