Question
Car Import from Canada to Spain: I’m currently in Canada, but I plan to move back to Spain next year and bring my car with me. It’s a 2023 Lexus ES 300 hybrid, are there any modifications required by Spanish law? Which freight company did you work with to deliver your car from Canada to Spain? Thanks!
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“A little trick an importer told me is that it’s significantly cheaper to have the engine and gearbox removed and freight the body and driveline in two separate shipments as ‘car parts’ then have it reassembled at the destination.
It’s a bit of an F around but still saves thousands with the import fees… That’s with ICEs that he does, might be a bit harder basket with the hybrid side of things.”
“Do it, I did so I am speaking from real experience and not from …friends quotes. Long term it’s worth doing it. You’ll have to change the tail lamps…maybe cut off some front lateral ones as we have too many vs Europe.
Mine was a Mercedes bought as new driven 45k km here it would have cost me 30k EUROS. Cars are expensive and 2nd hand not trustable w well over 100k depends on your budget.”
“Don’t bring your car. Just not a smart move nor necessary nor economical. It’s just not advisable.”
“I’m doing the same and I found a lot of people in comments usually have no idea and are very negative. But the cost of shipping is around $2-3k USD, plus there is some (small) fee for import I believe (less than 1k) + the needed modifications to the car (can be a none, can be a few thousands depending on the model).
All in all given that similar cars are more expensive in Spain than in the US, it is cheaper to import your car than to buy a new one there. But only if you are moving your residence.”
“There is a EU number for all cars sold in EU. You must get number. Many things will have to be changed on your car before registration. 1,000’s to retrofit. I sold my Subaru before leaving US and it was only 6 months old.”
“I’m not sure all the negativity you are receiving about shipping your car to Spain is true. I noticed you are in Edmonton, I am in Seattle. (My kids and grandchildren live in Vancouver BC). I’m shipping my Mercedes to Bremerhaven Germany via “West Coast Shipping”.
The lady I’ve been in contact with, will handle all the paperwork. Let me know if you want her contact information. Then a importer in town right by the port will meet me or pick up the car for me and do the inspection and necessary modifications.
The name of the shop is Kalkofen in Bremerhaven Germany. auto-kalkofen.de
Since your car already has the speedometer in kilometers you’re one step ahead, plus I think your Lexus has orange/amber rear blinkers so you are another step ahead.
I’m pretty sure everything the German shop will check will be what’s needed on your car to pass in Spain including the silly useless rear fog light.
When you’re on their website there is a form to fill out to get a quote of what’s needed to be done on your lexus. Based on my experience I’m willing to bet it won’t cost more than $1,500 US as long as your headlights are for EU standards and there’s nothing wrong with your car and you have new tires.
The cost of shipping my car off-season is about $1,500 and during high season it’s $2,500 from Richmond east of San Francisco. There’s also another option that you can do, I know the owner of mycarturf.com
They can register your car for you no matter what country you decide to live in Europe. Since you are in Spain he will handle the registration, the address, and the insurance. Your car will be blessed with German plates and probably stricter inspection. After a year register the car in Spain.
On his website on the very top go in the tab “CONTACT”, scroll down past the map, go to frequently asked questions, click on “what is CarTurf”, watch the youtube video, then go to his YouTube channel click on video “list” and watch all the videos and it’ll get you prepared.
By the way I filled out the “estimate” on Kalkofen website form see what has to done to my Mercedes and my estimate was $2,100 but $750 of it was for European tail light lenses with Orange/Amber rear blinkers. I just got done installing my own European tail lights with orange Amber LED blinkers. So I just saved $750.
My wife and I are moving to Spain also but after we s”SOFT” travel Germany Austria Italy to Spain.”
Conclusion
Importing a car from Canada to Spain involves several considerations, including potential modifications to meet EU standards, costs of shipping and reassembly, and the practicality of such an endeavor.
While some expatriates have successfully imported their vehicles, the process can be complex and costly. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the expenses and logistical challenges, and to consult with experts who can provide specific advice based on the type of vehicle and individual circumstances.
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