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Used “Canadian” trucks

Fish_mojo
Explorer
Explorer
Been looking at a few used newer model year used heavy duty pick ups. Some I have seen here in the Pacific NW are having Canadian window stickers from new that say “Not for Sale in US”. Dealers are not openly disclosing these are built for Canada ????.

Any potential issues? The one I test drove 2020 Ford F-350 seemed fine and I didn’t realize until I left and did deeper research. I didn’t seem to notice the speedo reading in km. Funny, the dealer said it was the owner’s previous truck from new. Liars.
46 REPLIES 46

4x4ord
Explorer III
Explorer III
gmckenzie wrote:
So, is it hard to sell a Canadian vehicle into the US? Been looking at pricing and it seems mine (2015 GMC Sierra with max trailering) would fetch about the same dollars south of the border, just they'd be USD so 25% more cash in my pocket.


I don’t know if any way for us to bring our trucks south and sell them in the US. It is easy if we find a US buyer who wants to import a Canadian vehicle. A US citizen is permitted to import, I believe, one vehicle per year for his own use and it’s easy for him to import so long as he drives it across the border. (He needs to look after a bit of other paperwork before hand)
2023 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
B&W Companion
2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
Years ago a guy that hauled for same company I did bought a used class 8 in Canada. It took him near a month to get the paperwork so he could us the truck. It might of been him, might not apply to light duty stuff, but it happened.

Not as far back, guessing about '03, company was clearing snow in a lot where Ford stored vehicles before loading on a train. Loader tire got into bed of a little truck. Enough damage to total the truck, but the owner of the snow removal co also had a package delivery service. He wanted to put his custom bed on a new truck but because that truck was built for export he could not just pay what the dealer would for it. might of been Ford knew that one was sold, wanted to sell another. Ins paid for 1, Toyota sold another

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
DRL's are a non-issue as they are all switchable via a scanner.
And there isn't a spot of rust on the frame or body my buddy's Ford.

gmckenzie
Explorer
Explorer
So, is it hard to sell a Canadian vehicle into the US? Been looking at pricing and it seems mine (2015 GMC Sierra with max trailering) would fetch about the same dollars south of the border, just they'd be USD so 25% more cash in my pocket.
2015 GMC Sierra 4x4 CC SB Max Trailer
2010 Cougar 30RKS

4x4ord
Explorer III
Explorer III
ktmrfs wrote:
there are a few difference due to canadian requirements vs. U.S. but AFAIK canadian versions are ok in the U.S. but NOT the other way around. For example candian vehicles have different DRL requirements that few if any U.S. vehicles have. Importing one to Canada can be a real hassle when trying to register it since that is one thing that will be checked.

The canadian version of course meets the canadian requirements. Dash warning icons are different for U.S. and Canadian versions as well.

And in some cases the nomenclature may be slightly different than the U.S. version, along with a few different std. vs. optional accy.

As an example our 2019 Acura MDX hybrid is U.S. version but the Canadian version in addition to the DRL requirement has a couple of features not on U.S. models and some of the warning icons are different between U.S. and Canadian models, along with Metric readout (which can be changed)

Sale in the U.S. as a NEW vehicle may be an issue, but as a used vehicle it is likely entirely different.



I imported a new Superfuty from the US to Canada in 2011. I had to learn proper procedure but once I did my homework it was a simple process. The 2011 US Super Duty was exactly the same as the Canadian model other than the speedo. The Canadian version had the km marked large and miles small where as US version is Km small and miles large. A person could easily change the gauge face if he wanted.
2023 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
B&W Companion
2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
When we were looking for a new to us used Ram, used the Ram VIN tool that provided the build sheet with all options installed and delivery location and whether is was US or Canadian.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

ktmrfs
Explorer
Explorer
there are a few difference due to canadian requirements vs. U.S. but AFAIK canadian versions are ok in the U.S. but NOT the other way around. For example candian vehicles have different DRL requirements that few if any U.S. vehicles have. Importing one to Canada can be a real hassle when trying to register it since that is one thing that will be checked.

The canadian version of course meets the canadian requirements. Dash warning icons are different for U.S. and Canadian versions as well.

And in some cases the nomenclature may be slightly different than the U.S. version, along with a few different std. vs. optional accy.

As an example our 2019 Acura MDX hybrid is U.S. version but the Canadian version in addition to the DRL requirement has a couple of features not on U.S. models and some of the warning icons are different between U.S. and Canadian models, along with Metric readout (which can be changed)

Sale in the U.S. as a NEW vehicle may be an issue, but as a used vehicle it is likely entirely different.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

LVJJJ
Explorer
Explorer
I live next to the Canadian border here in Blaine, so we have dozens, maybe hundreds of Canadian vehicles stored in lots around the area. When I was looking for a Suburban I looked at several and everyone of them had a lot of rust, dirty trans fluid and dirty oil and lots of miles. I guess they get them from northern British Columbia where it snows a lot and use a lot of salt. I wouldn't touch them. Finally found a local creme puff one owner always garaged 94 K1500 GMC with clean underside. the 350 engine from that year wouldn't do the towing job so now have a 383 stroker with dual exhausts. Go as fast as I want now (no faster than 65 tho).
1994 GMC Suburban K1500
2005 Trail Cruiser TC26QBC
1965 CHEVY VAN, 292 "Big Block 6" (will still tow)
2008 HHR
L(Larry)V(Vicki)J(Jennifer)J(Jesse)J(Jason)

Fish_mojo
Explorer
Explorer
Is there a Maple Syrup dispenser on the Canuck models?

bikendan
Explorer
Explorer
Yep,because of the weaker Canadian dollar, US dealers are buying up off-lease Canadian vehicles.
I bought a used 2014 Canadian F150 XTR a few years ago, from a Washington State dealer. XTR is the Canadian version of the XLT. Only thing I couldn't change was the day/month/year format.
Dan- Firefighter, Retired:C, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur:W, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever(RIP:(), 2014 Ford F150 3.5 EcoboostMax Tow pkg, 2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255 w/4pt Equalizer and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
On the newer trucks, just a button on the dash changes all the readouts from Metric to SAE.

blt2ski
Moderator
Moderator
I saw canadian rigs for sale frequently over that last two three years. My new to 2014 iirc looking, has a metric vs sae reading for odometer etc. Seen them at NEW dealerships selling them as used, along with used only dealerships.

Other than warranty, assuming vehicle is within factory time,mileage etc, not sure I would worry about it.

Marty
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
2014 Chevy 1500 Dual cab 4x4
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Explorer II
some manuf wont allow warranty work on a Canadian vehicle in the US and vice versa. im sure if you were on vacation and a quick call will change that. but for permanent use in another country that normally a no go.
Wife Kim
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4x4ord
Explorer III
Explorer III
They are identical.... the Super Duties, at least, are assembled at Kentucky Truck Plant and I’m quite sure the only difference is the door sticker. Some option packages are unique to Canadian trucks .... ie I think you might be able to buy a 2wd Platinum in the US but all Canadian Platinums come with 4wd. I sold one of my trucks directly to a fellow from South Carolina. There are certain things that must be done prior, but, overall it was a very easy process for him to import it into the US so long as he drove it across the line. Ford warranty transfers 100%. GM has a slight delay and Ram warranty is not transferable across the line.
2023 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
B&W Companion
2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5

Mfan
Explorer
Explorer
My daughter bought a Canadian acadia. Dealer reset the odometer to miles vs kilometers. Maybe, they don't meet us emissions?