Can a Canadian working in the United States for one year purchase a car while there and then bring it back? ?

Question

I am moving to the United States (Chicago) for one year...I was thinking of purchasing a car while I'm down there, using it for a portion of my time there (6-9 months) and then driving it back to Canada when my year in Chicago ends. At that point, I'd come back to Canada...would I have to pay gst/pst/duty upon my return or could I just drive through essentially? I understand I would have to pay to have it registered and complete whatever appropriate modifications were needed.

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Some cars aren't capable of being modified to meet Canadian standards.

Check the links below.  Before you purchase your vehicle in the US, you would be best to contact Canada Customs to ensure that your vehicle is on the list of vehciles that can be modified to meet CDN regulations.

Also, you would have to do paperwork with US Customs prior to "permantly" exporting the vehicle from the United States, so you wouldn't be able to finance it as it can't have any leins on it when it leaves the USA