Today’s Jaunt and Impulse Purchase
Discussion
Today I picked up a rental trailer from here in Idaho and headed North to BC.
Today really started a little over a month ago when I saw a listing on collecting cars that seemed pretty good value…and cool to boot! I impulse bid and surprisingly, won. The only snag was that while I am in USA, my new car is in Canada (registered Canadian). It’s safe to say that I was in a bit over my head.
Anyway, heading North, given yesterday’s events, I fittingly passed through here:
Not long after, I found myself here:
Having read some concerning stories online about how much of a pain the Canadian customs guys can be, especially if you’re only going for a short time (me - 1.5 - 2 hours) and on your own (as I was). This was all unfounded in my circumstances - the customs guy couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful. About 3 minutes later, after confirming I’d left my firearms at home, I was here:
Before heading to my ultimate destination, I came across this cool building:
Anyway, after a few more minutes, I finally laid eyes on my prize. My driver (who brought it 1,900 miles across Canada) was waiting so without hesitation I got it loaded onto my rental trailer:
After picking up some local wine, I turned round and headed back south and stumbled across this beautiful river:
I have to say, this view in the rear view mirror did NOT get old!
A couple of hours later, my purchase is now tucked up in my garage. Importing the car was interesting but ultimately smooth.
I went for a quick rip down a local road and, well, it’s pretty quick! Tomorrow or Tuesday I’ll work on getting it road registered. Then it’ll need a detail, some premium gas and I’ll be good to go.
Every time I head north in this country and across the border into BC, I am always amazed at quite how beautiful this world can be and how lucky I am to live in this.
I spent a few minutes talking to regular joes on my trip when I stopped. Everyone was lovely, helpful when I needed it and pleasant. I know it’s against the current narrative, but the man on the street really is decent, welcoming and approachable in this country.
Today really started a little over a month ago when I saw a listing on collecting cars that seemed pretty good value…and cool to boot! I impulse bid and surprisingly, won. The only snag was that while I am in USA, my new car is in Canada (registered Canadian). It’s safe to say that I was in a bit over my head.
Anyway, heading North, given yesterday’s events, I fittingly passed through here:
Not long after, I found myself here:
Having read some concerning stories online about how much of a pain the Canadian customs guys can be, especially if you’re only going for a short time (me - 1.5 - 2 hours) and on your own (as I was). This was all unfounded in my circumstances - the customs guy couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful. About 3 minutes later, after confirming I’d left my firearms at home, I was here:
Before heading to my ultimate destination, I came across this cool building:
Anyway, after a few more minutes, I finally laid eyes on my prize. My driver (who brought it 1,900 miles across Canada) was waiting so without hesitation I got it loaded onto my rental trailer:
After picking up some local wine, I turned round and headed back south and stumbled across this beautiful river:
I have to say, this view in the rear view mirror did NOT get old!
A couple of hours later, my purchase is now tucked up in my garage. Importing the car was interesting but ultimately smooth.
I went for a quick rip down a local road and, well, it’s pretty quick! Tomorrow or Tuesday I’ll work on getting it road registered. Then it’ll need a detail, some premium gas and I’ll be good to go.
Every time I head north in this country and across the border into BC, I am always amazed at quite how beautiful this world can be and how lucky I am to live in this.
I spent a few minutes talking to regular joes on my trip when I stopped. Everyone was lovely, helpful when I needed it and pleasant. I know it’s against the current narrative, but the man on the street really is decent, welcoming and approachable in this country.
Great write up and superb pictures Moose. Some parts of the USA and Canada are stunningly beautiful, it’s the shear size and scale of it, that takes some comprehending.
Time for some dumb questions, is not possible to insure a car and fly up to Canada and drive it back? Do you have to pay import tax? For some reason I think cars would be more expensive in Canada, is that the case?
I think what a lot people fail see, America generally is a friendly place. New purchase looks great, have fun with it.
Time for some dumb questions, is not possible to insure a car and fly up to Canada and drive it back? Do you have to pay import tax? For some reason I think cars would be more expensive in Canada, is that the case?
I think what a lot people fail see, America generally is a friendly place. New purchase looks great, have fun with it.
daqinggregg said:
Great write up and superb pictures Moose. Some parts of the USA and Canada are stunningly beautiful, it’s the shear size and scale of it, that takes some comprehending.
Time for some dumb questions, is not possible to insure a car and fly up to Canada and drive it back? Do you have to pay import tax? For some reason I think cars would be more expensive in Canada, is that the case?
I think what a lot people fail see, America generally is a friendly place. New purchase looks great, have fun with it.
I don’t know if you’re drunk or I am (I basically don’t drink but bought some BC wine we like and had a glass this evening!) but I’ll do my best to answer your questions.Time for some dumb questions, is not possible to insure a car and fly up to Canada and drive it back? Do you have to pay import tax? For some reason I think cars would be more expensive in Canada, is that the case?
I think what a lot people fail see, America generally is a friendly place. New purchase looks great, have fun with it.
Yes - both countries are vast - my driver brought it nearly 2k miles…and it didn’t start in the far East of Canada…and didn’t end in the far West either!
My car insurance (which isn’t anything special) covers me in Canada as well as the US. I didn’t really fancy adding 2k miles to the clock (under 15k miles right now)…plus 2 weeks ago we just had a baby and I didn’t really want to leave my wife with 4 young kids for what would have been about a week. Plus, I don’t think it’ll make the best long distance cruiser…but time shall tell.
I did not have to pay import tax as the car was originally built and delivered in the US, only exported to Canada 15 years ago or so.
This seemed to be cheaper in Canada than US - even when paying my driver, plus going to get it etc. if nothing else, it makes for a fun story and a bit of an adventure which I always enjoy.
I really love America, but more importantly I love Americans. When I speak with my English friends on the phone, they remark how American I sound, yet as soon as I open my gob, I’m clearly an imposter here in rural Idaho…and yet I’m universally greeted warmly and kindly and with respect. We just had a baby and people in our local community that my wife and I have never met have brought us meals.
ferret50 said:
OT, OP, but what's the gut feeling regarding Mr Trump after the weekend's events. please?
I live in an interesting place - in one of the reddest states (Idaho) on the border of one of the blueest states (Washington). Universally people seem appalled about Saturday’s events…and also that it can’t help #45.daqinggregg said:
Not sure why my post comes across as drunk, I always wait until the sun goes down before attacking the hooch.
Anyway, thank you for replying, I always enjoy your post about life and cars in America.
I did say it was you or me (and probably me!!).Anyway, thank you for replying, I always enjoy your post about life and cars in America.
I think it was "I think what a lot people fail see" didn't make much sense to me last night...but I do of course get it now.
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