REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

itsTh0m · 03-01-2018, 06:06 PM

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here. I'm originally from Calgary, and was active on the Beyond.ca forums, so I've known about revscene.net for a long time. But first time for everything, I guess.

I've been living in the states for the last few years, but will be moving to Vancouver this summer. I currently have a 2007 Mazda 3, it's a US car and I'm planning to import it into Canada when I move. As I understand it, I'll have to pay 5% GST as well as a 6.1% duty (although I've owned the car for 7 years and I'm unsure if the GST applies only to a new purchase?). I know I'll also have to pay ~$400 for A/C and RIV fees. The Kelly Blue Book is around $5700 USD, so it's likely cheaper to sell the car in the US and buy a new one in Canada, but I'm mainly interested in convenience and I can handle paying the import fees for the convenience. I would, however, appreciate any advice anyone has on the importing process.

At any rate, my main question is whether anyone can recommend a good garage for installing a daytime running light kit on this car. I called the Mazda dealer here in the states, and they basically told me they would charge over $1k, and to have another garage install an aftermarket kit. I've seen the Alpina kit that Crappy Tire sells (Daytime Running Light Kit | Canadian Tire), and I could probably install it myself, but I'd rather just pay someone to do it. I want it done properly, however, and I'm not super comfortable with having it done at Canadian Tire.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good shop that could install a DRL kit in my car? Looking for reasonable price but also a shop that does good work. Many thanks in advance!

SSM_DC5 · 03-01-2018, 06:30 PM

Drl sounds like a job Soundsgood Auto can do for you. They are a revscene sponsor. But didn't your car come with drl's from the factory? 2007 was right around the time that US started having drl as standard features on their cars.

There should be a thread somewhere on the import process.

coneZONE · 03-01-2018, 09:18 PM

As i've previously worked at a CTC, I don't actually recommend using the DRL module kits they sell, as they actually have quite a high failure rate. The one i worked at actually stopped using the modules in favour of Bosch relays.

And i agree with having the built-in DRLs for a 2007 car. Try doing some research. Some makes are already prepared to have DRLs enabled, for example just needing to have a relay and fuse installed in the correct slots.

StanleyR · 03-01-2018, 09:37 PM

As I've also previously worked at CTC, I don't recommend using ANYTHING automotive related from CT, aside from the oils on sale.

itsTh0m · 03-01-2018, 09:47 PM

Thanks guys. I have done research on this car (07 Mazda 3), I have found several DIY approaches but I'd rather have a mechanic do this than do it myself. Does anyone know if there are high quality aftermarket kits (not the act ones)?

twitchyzero · 03-01-2018, 09:49 PM

it's an 11-12 year old car that you've only had for a few years
not worth the hassle, just sell and re-buy

I would recommend you check the craigslist good-buy thread, tons of decent choices for $7k

itsTh0m · 03-01-2018, 09:56 PM

^yeah, I've thought about it and while that seems reasonable, I've got way too much going on with work, and I don't want to deal with trying to sell a car, move to van, and then buy a new car while trying to sort everything else out including starting a new job. I've also got extra set of snow tires and wheels, expensive rack and box, etc and where I live (SW USA) it will be hard to sell the vehicle with all these items for what it's worth. I'd prefer to keep the car and get DRL working.

Thanks KS for the heads up I. The good deals thread though, gonna check that either way!

itsTh0m · 04-10-2018, 02:42 PM

Hey guys,

I'm bumping this thread with a new question. I've been reading online that some RIV inspectors have accidentally overlooked the daytime running lights during the RIV inspection. Does anyone happen to know if there are any shops near Vancouver that are more likely to overlook the daytime running lights during RIV inspection? This would be the easiest solution for me. thanks!

moefoe81 · 04-11-2018, 12:08 AM

I am pretty sure because you already own the car you wont have to pay 5% GST on it. I am sure it would be a settlers effect.

Ernie

itsTh0m · 04-11-2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moefoe81

I am pretty sure because you already own the car you wont have to pay 5% GST on it. I am sure it would be a settlers effect.

Ernie

Yeah in reading more about it, it seems taxes will only apply on value greater than $10k. This is just a 2007 Mazda 3 worth about $6k USD, so it looks like I'll be able to import it tax free.

CharlesInCharge · 04-11-2018, 03:29 PM

I opened up my stereo, used a 12v light up pen to verify the power wire which was suggested on my van models, forum.

I hacked that and ran the wire to the front where I was able to wire hack and replace one of my corner light bulbs for an LED one to work.

I was originally going to drill these Canadian Tire signal lights in but found out that its not just the lens thats red... the actual LEDs were too.

Replacing the bulb came out really clean.