Bringing a California Rogue over to Canada

[maverick_rogue]

I have a 2009 Nissan Rogue FWD SL bought in California.

I need details regarding shifting car from California to GTA area (ie Toronto suburbs).

1. What is the process for transfering vehicles from USA to Canada?

2. Do I need to make any mods (ie DRL, heated mirrors etc)

3. What are the tests / certificates that I would need.

4. Are there any mods that are not mandatory but are nice to have while shifting from Southern California (No snow) to Toronto (lot of nice beautiful snow)?

Would you share your experience / information on this?

Thanks for help

[ImStricken06]

DON'T DO IT lol
first make sure if its a California emissions or federal. California has THREE catalytic converters versus the federal standard of 2.
it will also have a California emissions ECU which if it burns out, will be extremely hard to find to replace- forcing you to buy a new one from the dealer which is about $1,000 alone.

[kerrton]

Hi there,

This is a very in-depth topic with a lot of important detailed documentation you'll need to research on your own to make sure this is a smooth process. The place to start is the Transport Canada (Federal Government Agency) web site. They have a very well organized web site where you can download the documentation and forms you need, and the supporting information you need such as FAQ which is probably the best place to start.

Generally speaking you will have to make modifications to your vehicle, in particular the addition of day time running lights. This can be done in Canada, I believe you have a window of time to have this completed and once the shop helps you fill out the appropriate forms you can go and get the car registered. Another thing you must check (Transport Canada web site) is the warranty information - many manufacturers will not honor the US warranty in Canada and I know Nissan is one of them when it comes to new vehicles but I'm not sure about used.

The point about the unique California emissions equipment is something to consider. Cars in California have differences such as additional catalytic converters and who knows what else, the parts may be hard to find in the future but I wouldn't think it would be impossible, probably it would just add some wait time for ordered parts.

Start doing some research and if you have specific questions we can definitely try to help. I live in Southern AB and I know many people who have imported US vehicles and they've all said it was no big deal as long as you know what you're doing and are very familiar with the paper work requirements and details of the process. Good luck!

[ImStricken06]

do it if its a regular federal emissions car. please stay away from a california emissions car. my friend here in the US bought a used car in NJ that was california emissions and is suffering at 120k on the speedometer with the extra catalytic converters, ecu, etc. he cant find used parts, and anything new is an arm & a leg

[maverick_rogue]

Thanks for the information. I will keep the group posted once I decide.

[TrevorK]

4. Are there any mods that are not mandatory but are nice to have while shifting from Southern California (No snow) to Toronto (lot of nice beautiful snow)?

I'm not in Toronto but assume it gets cold enough you should install a block heater. You would also want to make sure you have the appropriate windshield washer fluid installed for winter time so it doesn't freeze and burst your lines (as I'm assuming in Cali you just use the summer fluid year round).