Save Your Money - Import Your New Car Into Canada Yourself Without The Need For A Broker

It is not difficult to import a new car into Canada by yourself. In the process you should save yourself a fair chunk of money. The steps are fairly simple and straightforward. It simply comes down to following the rules as laid down by the Canadian government agency – the Riv, which is the (Canadian Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles). The Riv publishes a list of “Motor Vehicles Admissible from the United States”. Follow this list, and in addition ensure that you have completed any additional requirements from your local Canadian province or territory (For example Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut). It’s no more complex than this procedure. It should be noted that to import a new car without the use of a professional auto import broker is relatively easy and straightforward. If you have a more exotic or challenging case then you may wish the services of an established, professional automotive broker and / or importer. If you are importing a used car, then it may not be as simple a matter of importing a new car, where everything is relatively new and standards and procedure have all been set and established by the government agencies. In such a case as well you should consider the services of a broker. In the end it may be an easier and less expensive route.

The main webpage of the Registrar can be found at the website: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html

The specific list of vehicles admissible to Canada can be found at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm

The list is available in simpler html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm

And a more elaborate html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm

Basically the list is composed of a few columns. Admissible vehicles, inadmissible vehicles and a column for “notes”. Simply put ensure that your vehicle that you wish to purchase and import is listed in the “admissible” section , not listed ( pay special and specific attention to year of manufacture) in the “inadmissible section” and lastly that there are no special notes referring to your vehicle of choice, in the area marked “notes”. If you are unsure or need clarification, it is always better in these situations to be safe rather than sorry. Call or email the registrar to confirm and clarify. A car stranded on the “other side” of the border is of no use to you. You will be left with no car to drive in Canada and a car that must be sold to a person residing in the United States. In such a case you will to go through the trouble and expense of having to sell the car to a willing American buyer – perhaps for ease of sale sold on eBay. Again the key is to do your homework as well as taking the time to check and verify. By doing so you should be able to easily import your new car, at less cost than you would pay otherwise, with little trouble and fuss.

If your vehicle that you plan to import into Canada is less than 15 years of age you will have to find out if it qualifies for importation under Transport Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV’s program is set up to ensure that qualifying models imported into Canada are modified , inspected and certified to meet Canadian standards, You can most easily visit the Riv site online at http://www.riv.ca/. Alternatively you can phone the toll free number, email or snail mail.

The key question to have answered on the Riv site or in direct communication with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that your car, truck or S.U.V. is admissible for importation into Canada according to the gold standard - “Transport Canada’s List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. Next it is essential totally that your vehicle is NOT on the Inadmissible List. This Transport Canada list is your bible for importation of your vehicle into Canada without a broker. Lastly ensure in the third column marked “notes” that there are no overriding further restriction in regards to your vehicle and that any modifications noted and insisted on in the column can be completed as well as accomplished within a cost factor within your choice and budget.

Assuming that you have accomplished all the above. Before your vehicle can leave the United Sates it must be cleared for export by U.S. Customs. Fax the bill of sale, title and relevant documents to the appropriate U.S. Customs office at least 72 hours prior to your arrival at U.S. / Canadian Border.

Your next process will be to clear Canadian authorities. Again if you have prepared the proper documentation – Bill of Sale , title , clearance letter from the U.S. Customs office and a recall clearance letter on official letterhead from the dealer or manufacturer of the vehicle stating that all recalls have been performed on the vehicle. You will be asked to pay approx $ 300 Riv fees at that time, GST (General Sales Tax) on the price of the vehicle. If your vehicle was manufactured in the NAFTA (North America Free Trade) areas of the United States, Canada or Mexico you will not pay additional import duties and taxes on the vehicle, which are generally about 6 %. Depending on your geography and jurisdiction you may or may not have to pay provincial sales tax at the time point or later when the car is registered and licensed. Lastly if your car has air conditioning installed you will be asked to pay an excise fee of $ 100.

You can now cross the border. You are almost home free. Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.

The Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.

You are now cleared, almost at the successful completion of importing your new car into Canada, without a broker. The final step is to register and license your new vehicle in your local provincial or territorial area. You have imported your new vehicle – all without a professional import car broker. It is all a process, which is carefully outlined. Follow the steps. If you are unsure – call or email. In the process you will have your new vehicle and saved a lot of your hard earned money. credit:Robert C.C. Lamb

Big Advantage Feature of Hybrid Cars

Is it any surprise that thousands of people have begun contemplating the advantages of hybrid cars? Gas prices are forcing drivers to consider whether or not they should buy a hybrid.

With the continuing rise is oil and gas prices the hybrid car advantages are hard to ignore. Here's the problem... As with any new technology there will be a lot of rumors and myths going around and the hybrid vehicle is no exception.

So how do hybrid cars compare to their conventional counterparts and what are the truths behind these myths.

Hybrids Are Slow?

It has been commonly thought that hybrids are unable to go fast enough for freeway travel. Well that may have been true of the earlier models where the weight of the battery played a significant issue in the cars ability to generate rapid starts and fast speeds. Not any more.

With the advancements in battery technology, so too have the hybrids advanced. They are now quite able to compete with the speeds reached by their conventional counterparts. As hybrid vehicles become more mainstream and technology advances they will continue their upward advancement in achievable speeds.

Hybrids Cost Too Much!

Are Hybrid cars really too expensive. Although the initial outlay can be expensive ( what car isn't?) they quickly make up for their cost in the money you save on fuel. Is there any doubt that the way the gas prices are going, a hybrid vehicle will become more and more of a bargain to own.

Not to mention the fact that it has been announced that you will soon be able to purchase kits to convert your car to an electrical hybrid, or if money is really tight and you are ready to convert right away you can also invest in a water conversion kit to create a your own water hybrid.

No excessive money spent there. Only about $150 to purchase the instruction book and all required parts.

Hybrid Plug Ins?

Another common myth is that all hybrids need to be plugged in. Well this is true of the original electric hybrid vehicles. Now there are electrical hybrids that have a battery on board that is charged as you drive.

So you are still gaining the advantage of saving on the cost of fuel, without the problem of having to plug in every few hours. Research is continuing and that will result in an even better version which will combine the best of both worlds.

A electrical hybrid that would run on the plug in power for the first part of the trip and then switch to the charged battery power for the reminder of the trip. Imagine having to fill your gas but tank once or twice a month, while your hybrid creates the rest of the need power.

There are many advantages to hybrid cars, and as technology advances the advantages will too. If you are looking for a great fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle, think hybrid vehicle.

Forget the myths, learn the truth and soon you can be driving a hybrid too. credit:Mark Walters

Honda Accord : Continues ‘Honda’ Legacy

The Honda Accord Coupe made its debut in the United States for the 1988 model year. Throughout the years the popular coupe has built upon the reputation of being fuel-efficient and intelligently engineered vehicle.

Often criticized for being too conservative with its designs, Honda took a sporty turn with the new 2008 Accord Coupe. The 2008 Honda Accord coupe were officially unveiled on August 20, 2007. It is a 2-door, 5-passenger family coupe, or sports coupe, available in 12 trims, ranging from the LX-S 5-Spd MT to the EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System.

"The LX-S 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 190-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 268-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard." This coupe has had many improvements to its chassis, power train, and running gear since its last release.

The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe looks edgy and alluring and it wasn’t so surprising for it to attract so many curious customers and get compliments from them. The other thing you'll notice upon the first is that it looks really big. It is actually made by an illusion perpetrated by the taller, longer nose of the new model.

Its wheelbase and overall length grow by about 3 inches. It's wider by an inch and a half and taller by half an inch.

The 2008 Accord Coupe continues Honda's tradition for having a high-class interior and car parts. It still offers an unexpectedly roomy and comfortable interior. Cloth upholstery is standard; however EX-L models feature leather seats and a leather-covered steering wheel. All Accords have an AM/FM six-disc in-dash stereo, speed-sensitive volume control, a radio data system and MP3 capability. It has an admirable 11.9 cubic feet, and is both larger and more sensibly shaped that the previous model.

Safety features include six standard airbags, including side-impact air bags for front seats and side curtain air bags. Four-wheel disc, antilock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Brake Assist and active front head restraints also come standard.

The new Honda Accord Coupe has everything that consumers have come to expect from the Accord name. Its sporty style and sophisticated road dynamics help it earn great reviews. credit:articlebiz

Volvo S40 - What's news for 2008?

S40: Volvo's smallest sedan gets a minor facelift plus some interior improvements, including a redesigned center console with a storage bin now large enough for ten CDs. A tire pressure monitoring system is now standard, as is an auxiliary input jack for the stereo (guess you won't need to lug around those ten CDs after all). Volvo's Blind Spot Information System is available as a standalone option. T5 models see horsepower increased from 218 to 227 as well as additional standard equipment. credit:carabout

Mitsubishi I For Lady!!!

Please see MITSUBISHI I FOR LADY!! inside, outside and beside for your decision.

Audi A2-A Super Mini Car

This vehicle is better-known as a supermini vehicle which was ahead of its time, the car was manufactured by the German automaker Audi and it was mostly made of aluminum, it was first showcased in 1997 at the Frankfurt motor show however, seeing that the features and the design were not that favorable to consumers.

The Audi A2 started production back in 1997 and the last vehicle left the fabric in 2005 this is mostly due to the fact that the consumer acceptance that it had was not that great and it was also clearly reflecting in the sales of this vehicle. Compared to its rival the Mercedes-Benz A-class the sales of the A2 were a lot lower than expected, the Mercedes-Benz vehicle sold nearly one million units while the Audi sold nearly 175,000 units which as you can tell is nearly 1/5 of the numbers achieved by their competitors.

The sales failure was somewhat impressive and to so many people by surprise due to the fact that this model was elected to do a lot better taking consideration all of the features that it had at the time. The A2 was the first of five door vehicle on sale in Europe which had an impressive return on miles per gallon, the fuel efficiency was of nearly 94 miles per gallon which is still impressive given today's standards and gas prices.

The fuel efficiency numbers mentioned above refers to the special version "3L" diesel engine which worked better in a model which had installed narrow tires. Because of the dynamic chassis and the fact that this vehicle only weights 1000 kg or nearly 2000 pounds, it was considered to be one of the prime vehicles when it came to fuel efficiency.


Some people may argue that the reason this vehicle did not reach the expected sales numbers needed in order to stay competitive with other manufacturers and models is that its design was a somewhat odd, it's like the mixture from a minivan with a mini, its interior construction is also referred to as the sandwich-type which provided good space bug was not very popular among consumers. credit:1888articles

Sedan with a Great Performance

Just introduced last year, the new Yaris Sedan is essentially identical to last year's model. It is a carryover from 2007. It manages to combine a roomy interior, with decent performance and a fuel efficient engine. Plus, the new Yaris still won't cost you too much.

The 2008 Yaris is a 3- or 4-door, 5-passenger family coupe, or family sedan, available in 8 trims, ranging from the Lift back 5-Spd MT to the Sedan S 4-Spd AT.

"The Liftback 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 106-horsepower engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 36-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Sedan S 4-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 106-horsepower engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard." The Yaris is a budget car, so performance expectations shouldn't be those of a sport sedan.

Yaris’ exterior auto body parts design makes a very expressive statement. Though, the entire exterior appears in only one color, it is highlighted by its large halogen headlamps, a creased hood and T-shaped front grille. Standard models are just basic, with 14-inch steel wheels, intermittent windshield wipers and an antenna located on the roof. While the Remote keyless entry, fog lamps and rear spoilers are offered as a purchase option.

Its interior is well designed and practical. Although at one point, reviewers have a negative comment about the front instrument panel. The driver has to look up and to the right to scan the gauges, which simply takes too long. It will certainly pull the drivers eyes away from the road. But Toyota says that one does get used to it pretty quickly and need not to look at the panel to take control of it.

The Toyota Yaris' lift back and sedan have an available option for an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability. The player also features an LCD display screen. Music lovers will definitely enjoy staying in this car.

The sound system will no way be neglected in this car. It features XM radio, am/fm, CD player, MP3 capability, input jack and six speakers, the audio is truly outstanding.

Its safety features include driver- and front-passenger air bags as well as an Advanced Airbag

With this features, any budget minded person will be truly satisfied.
Credit:articlebiz

Toyota vows plug-in hybrid by 2010

Toyota is introducing a plug-in hybrid with next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe by 2010, under a widespread green strategy outlined Wednesday.

A 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid is shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2006.

The ecological gas-electric vehicles, which can be recharged from a home electrical outlet, will target leasing customers, Toyota Motor Corp. said. Such plug-in hybrids can run longer as an electric vehicle than regular hybrids, and are cleaner.

Lithium-ion batteries, now common in laptops, produce more power and are smaller than nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrids now.

The joint venture that Toyota set up with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which makes Panasonic products, will begin producing lithium-ion batteries in 2009 and move into full-scale production in 2010, Toyota said.
Toyata also said it's setting up a battery research department later this month to develop an innovative battery that can outperform even that lithium-ion battery.

Japan's top automaker, which leads the industry in gas-electric hybrids, has said it will rev up hybrid sales to 1 million a year sometime after 2010.

Hybrids reduce pollution and emissions that are linked to global warming by switching between a gas engine and an electric motor to deliver better mileage than comparable standard cars. Their popularity is growing amid soaring oil prices and worries about global warming. Credit:edition.cnn.com

HHO Gas - Alternative For Your Car

Seeking for alternative fuel for your car seems like the ideal thing to do at this moment as gas prices increase. We heard of HHO Gas Car Conversion Kits. Does it work? Can your car run on water?

Unfortunately, installing the HHO Gas Car Conversion Kit will not enable your car to run on water alone. That’s alright; we are not expecting any miracles here for less than $100! HHO gas is used as a supplement to gasoline to increase your car’s fuel efficiency. The production of HHO is initiated by electrolysis, which divide the elements of water, oxygen and hydrogen, to form HHO or Oxyhydrogen. HHO gas is fed into the engine and burnt with gasoline to boost your car’s performance and thus increases mileage.

The fact that this HHO gas car conversion system is an add-on device, it does not require major modifications to your car’s engine. This conversion kit, when installed in your car, is completely reversible and alterable. You can remove the kit as conveniently as you put it in. Be rest assured that it won’t affect your car manufacturer’s warranty either.

To top that, do you know that by burning water as fuel, in supplemental to gasoline, will result in a cleaner emission for your car? Yes! Not only will you save money on gas, you save the earth too. We could all breathe a little easier! Do your bit, will ya?

To HHO Gas or to not HHO Gas? The choice is yours. Sit and watch the gas prices go up or take some action and experiment on HHO Gas Car Conversion Kit. Nothing to lose, the system is safe to you and your car. Anything to gain? Well, just a humble increase in your car’s performance, some cases reported up to double the gas mileage! I don’t know about you but I certainly consider that commendable.

Again, the choice is yours. The technology is available NOW. The rest is up to you.
Credit:articlebiz

Hybrid Car Reviews - Doing Your Research Before Making A Purchase

Fuel prices have continued to rise consistently since 2005 and they have now reached historic high peaks. What was considered a car with a moderate fuel consumption a few years ago can now be seen as a thirsty model. Clients are not looking for powerful cars anymore. Instead, they are looking for smart cars, cars that will provide them with an optimum fuel consumption while providing similar power. Car manufacturers have seen this trend in customer behavior and they have begun to offer more and more hybrid models to the market. Of course this means more hybrid car reviews from the journalists at the motoring magazines as demand increases. Hybrids are beginning to be seen more and more on the streets nowadays as they offer a brand new technology that allows for significant fuel savings. Together with hybrids, car makers are also looking for other technologies that will offer an even better economy: cars powered by methane gas are already on the market and full electric cars are close to being produced.

Hybrid cars have several significant benefits compared to traditional cars. They have two types of engine: a gasoline or a diesel one and an electric motor. The gasoline engine is more powerful and it is used to drive the car outside of town and on highways. The electric engine combined with the batteries onboard are used to power the vehicle at slow speeds and across town. The hybrid helps you the most when driving across busy town centers and when idling on the highways, as only the electric motor is used and the car is virtually pollutant free. Most cars have the highest fuel consumption when driving in town (a large V-8 SUV can reach as low as 20 mpg around town) and hybrids are the solution for this problem. When the driver needs more power or goes beyond a certain speed (30 or 40 mph), the gasoline engine starts to deliver power. If you are using your hybrid car mostly around town, you will save significant amounts of money. This is especially useful considering that hybrid cars have slightly higher prices than gasoline cars. However, most car dealers will show you the benefits of the hybrid technology if you ask them and will show you several hybrid cars.

The Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid are recommended if you use them around town. They are medium size cars that can carry up to five adults in complete comfort and safety. Their hybrid technology allows for a significant mileage that is unachievable by traditional gasoline powered cars. When they need more power, they will use the gasoline engine in combination with the electric one to offer you the best compromise between power and economy.

The Japanese carmakers were among the first to introduce hybrid cars on the market. Toyota, Lexus and Honda all have several hybrid models available and more to come. Reading about hybrid car reviews is recommended before you make your final decision of purchasing a new car as such a model can save you a lot of money. You will soon be able to buy hybrid SUVs as both American and Asian carmakers are finalizing their hybrid models and are preparing them for launch.
Credit:articlebiz

The Importance and Benefits of High Fuel Economy

With crude oil reaching US$134 and rising, people are looking for solutions to save fuel and increase fuel efficiency. Why is this important?

Gas prices continue to increase, with no end in sight. This trend further accentuates the need for every human to purchase more fuel efficient cars. Having an automobile with good fuel economy is not only helpful in saving money, but it is also an integral part of repairing the environment.

The official definition of fuel economy is how much gas is needed to move a certain distance. In the United States, fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon, while in the rest of the world, it is mostly calculated in liters per one hundred kilometers. These measuring systems vary greatly; a higher number in the US system is optimal, while a lower number is desired in the metric system (the lower the number, the lower the amount of fuel needed to travel one hundred kilometers).

Governments are taking notice of the importance of fuel economy, and are establishing guidelines which will regulate efficiency in the future. The European Union has decided that, starting in 2012, gasoline cars must have at least a 47mpg rating, and diesel cars must have at least a 52mpg rating. The United States currently taxes vehicles that do not adhere to environmental standards, as a means of discouraging their production. These taxes and penalties are expected to increase drastically within the next few years.

Engineers are constantly working to find ways to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles. Several factors affect fuel economy, so it is a matter of altering those factors to produce better efficiency. The weight of a car is one of the biggest factors in fuel economy, so engineers are always trying to make cars lighter.

This can be done through replacing traditional materials, such as iron, with alternative options like carbon fiber. Wind resistance and drag require cars to exert energy to overcome them, so vehicles that are designed to experience these factors minimally have better fuel economies. Anything that can increase or save energy is beneficial. For example, shutting off the engine while the car is stopped saves energy.

Improving the efficiency of engine combustion is a key factor. Most engines only exploit 10-20% of the energy released from burning fuel; the rest is lost to heat and other forms of energy. Fuel cells are so desirable because up to 80% of their produced energy can be directly utilized. Different types of combustion, such as lean burn and HCCI combustion are being tested to identify what method is most efficient.

Average consumers can play their part in increasing the fuel economy of their vehicles. Fuel efficiency increasing products are popular in the market right now, but most of them do not actually improve efficiency at all. Simple things, like keeping the air pressure in tires high, and slowly accelerating and decelerating, can expand a vehicle's rating a fair degree.

Hybrid cars are the best option currently for those who want speed and great fuel economy. These models combine electrical and gasoline engine components to create something which does not feel like an electric car at all. Hybrid vehicles recapture wasted energy during breaking, shut off gasoline power during idle periods, and utilize gas and electric power simultaneously to reduce the total amount of fuel consumed. All of these factors combined result in fuel ratings of over 50mpg, as well as lower emissions.
Credit:1888articles