miataspeed1point6

iTrader: (1)

I'm going to Canada to pick up a hardtop on Saturday. I've been searching around for the laws/regulations, and the websites all say slightly different things. From what I understand I need my drivers license and a birth certificate to cross. I have read to be quick and straitforward when answering their questions. I will be telling them I'm going to the casino, when actually I'm going to Scarborough. I will be driving there and back in one day.

The car is blue, the hardtop will be red. If I return with the hardtop and I don't claim it, what are the odds they will notice?

I don't want to pay duty, because it's almost $100 for nothing. At the same time I don't want to be arrested or have the top taken away. Should I just fork over the $100 to be safe, or should I be able to skate by? I have never been to Canada so I'm sort of nervous about not being truthful, but everyone else I know says I will be fine.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Make sure you take your documentation, a Passport works wonders. There should be a shift change sometime while you are in Canada. Go through in the morning, leave at night. That way they have nothing to notice. Skating through shouldn't be difficult anyway, just don't act like a scared pansy that's smuggling dope.

miataspeed1point6

iTrader: (1)

I wish I had a passport. All I have for now is my birth certificate.

Another quick question. Is 93 octane gas easy to find there? When I went up north (in MI) I had a hard time finding it. If I can't find it in Canada I'm screwed.

Any recommendations on time killers between Sarnia and Scarborough?

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Umm, Last time I was in Canada the gas was soo shitty that my Flexfuel 3.0L V6 ranger would ping like a mother f'r and I was actually scared to put the engine under any load. That was driving through the yukon, never been into the part of canada you're going to. Might want to retard your timing a bit or atleast take the tools to do it. That or stay out of boost on the way.
What'd you get the hardtop for $ wise?

miataspeed1point6

iTrader: (1)

$700. I need it to replace my totally busted soft top. LONG story...but it leaks air and water and on the freeway it will slam open. I hate it.

Right now I'm running the car with the base timing at 8*. I'll fill up here before I cross and bring something to wire the wastegate open just in case.

Mach929

iTrader: (3)

just don't lay into the boost you'll be fine on **** gas

Atlanta93LE

iTrader: (5)

You shouldn't have too much problem getting decent-ish gas in the parts of Canada you'll be going to. Just prepare to pay more for it, especially with exchange rates (or lack thereof these days).

I've never understood the fear of crossing the border. I've done it dozens of times in my life and never been stopped. My grandfather was stopped once, though, because he was trying to bring a tree from his yard down to my folks in MI.

1redcanuck

iTrader: (1)

Where in Canada are you going. It is a rather large County, (even bigger than yours). I live in Ontario(Toronto) and Sunoco gas stations all have 93. All other stations have at least 91.

Atlanta93LE

iTrader: (5)

Looks like he's going to take the Bluewater Bridge into Sarnia

1redcanuck

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Atlanta, I missed that.

WOW a $700 red hardtop in Scarborough(1/2 hour away for me)I wish I knew about that. Rush hour traffic along the top of Toronto is killer if you are not used to it. Plan on crossing Toronto late morning, pick up hard top, and get back across Toronto berfore 3 and you'll have clean sailing. If for any reason you don't go ahead with the deal, please hook me up with the seller.

Loki047

iTrader: (6)

Went to canada over the summer and just need drivers license. The us border guards are idiots. He ask for our IDs we pass them to him (all six are IL divers license) he then ask if we are citizens, we say yes... then very coldy he says of what country.... I confusedly said the US. As we were leaving i said, thank god you didn't find our pillow case full of weed. Last time I go to Canada

drewbroo

iTrader: (2)

Your fine, you could even report it on a customs form as a gift. (As long as its not of monetary value of over 10000USD your good. (I've got my customs officer certification.) Just don't act nervous, and realize your not doing anything wrong. Don't take any drugs with you.

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

Yep 10K is the limit. I thought they passed the passport regs to leave the country not to long ago didn't they? Or was that just for mexico a passport is a must have for anyone though. Ussualy takes 50-60$ and 6-7 weeks to get one. FYI

Philip

No, it's a progressive thing. As of now you need a passport to fly in or out, you can still go in and out by ground with photo ID. Though there's a little flexability in those regs if you have a good officer with some understanding. In about another year or so a PP will be required 100%.

They've backed off on the whole deal a little because the PP offices can't keep up with the demand.


Oh and keep in mind CBP and immigration are two completely different offices usually

drewbroo

iTrader: (2)

takes 6-7 weeks, effective until July 2008, a certified Birth certificate, and a DL or other photo ID will suffice. (This is if customs is doing their Job.) For border to border travel usually your license and registration is good enough. (Depending on where you go)

1redcanuck

iTrader: (1)

Dude DO NOT GO TO CANADA. YOU WILL NOT LIKE IT.

Hook me up with the seller instead.lol

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

hmm good to know

Zabac

iTrader: (39)

haha, this so hurts....i wish it was only $50-$60, it will cost me close to $900
and i have to take a stupid exam to make sure i know how the three branches of government work and who my presidents were, my questions is why???

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

As little joke I'm going to call into the boarder crossing. Tell them that some guy in a blue Miata with a red hardtop will be smuggling drugs. Hope you like a finger in your ***!

Welcome to Canada.

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

Ok lemme rephrase if you are not slavik or ukrainean and in need of a citizenship deal. Then a passport is that much. Dont feel to bad my mom was Just a RA herself.