I've recently started thinking about getting a Mini Cooper. The prospect of having a street legal go-kart that is not only fast, but good on gas is pretty awesome.

I've been looking at getting a used MINI Cooper S from Washington and importing it to Vancouver. I've done some searches on google and this website, and it seems that Mini Canada has been pretty reluctant to help people do this importation process.

I've imported my current car from the US, so I'm aware of the general steps, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on Mini dealerships in the GVRD who would be helpful in making the necessary modifications/providing the recall letter.

Thanks in advance!

 

If you are moving to Vancouver from the US, it is not a problem. Pick any of the 3 dealerships in the Vancouver area and they are more than happy to help you.

However, MINI Canada and MINI USA have a reciprocal agreement that they will not cross sell new or newish vehicles against each other.

When I bought my car back in 2005, I had to sign an agreement that I would not sell my car, particularly to the someone in the US until after my 2nd year of ownership of the car. Otherwise, the dealership had first dibs on buying my car back from me.

If you are just going to the US, buying a car and then bringing it back, yes, they will make it more difficult for you, but they will do the recertification and necessary modification for you .... at of price, of course. One of the reasons MINIs are more expensive in Canada, is because Canada, being a smaller market, have fewer customization of spec, and most of the cars in Canada come with extra "mandatory options".

Good luck with it.