Warranty work in Canada on US cars!

jaydow11 · 09-05-2007, 01:16 PM

This question comes up so much that I thought I would start a new thread... I know the topic has been discussed before but there has been some recent changes to the Warranty agreement between SoA and SoC (AKA SCI - Subaru of Canada Inc.)

Here is the low down:

http://www.cars101.com/canada.html#warranty

IMPORTANT NOTES
August 1, 2007 Revised. All 2008 Foresters are on the RIV.ca authorized list until Sept 2007 production date. After September 07 production, only XT and XT Sports are on the authorized list because they are the only 08 US spec models with the Immobilizer (chipped) key.
June 21, 2007. Change of warranty policy for Canadian citizens purchasing a US Subaru. Important to read
June 25, 2007. June 25, 2007, all 2008 models can now be imported into Canada.
All US models are ok...except for 2008 Forester X, X Sports, X Premium and X LL Bean (only XT, XT Sports are ok). This is due to the Immobilizer Key that is not available on the US spec X, X Premium or X LL Bean models.

Warranty: June 21, 07. The SoA (Subaru of America) warranty arrangement on 2008 US spec models is now official in Canada. The warranty is through SoA. Canadians purchasing 2008 US models and registering them immediately in Ca have to either bring the car to US for warranty work or just pay their local Subaru dealer for warranty work and then get reimbursed by SoA. The refund is in US dollars and the amount normally paid to a US dealer for the job. SCI (Subaru Canada) will not handle or pay warranty claims on 08 models. Canadians can save on the car by buying in the states. the full warranty press release.
RIV.ca Authorized List

NOTE: NEW WARRANTY STATEMENT, June 21, 2007
from Subaru or America (SoA) and Subaru Canada Inc (SCI).

The statement basically says the US warranty is now recognized for Canadians purchasing US models, and that warranty work on 2008 and newer has to be done at either a US dealer, or if at a Canadian Subaru dealer, paid for by the customer and then reimbursement comes to the customer from SoA. This is not retroactive and 2007s and previous years should be billed by the Canadian dealer and the customer does not pay.

Reimbursement Note: Subaru of America warranty reimbursement comes in US dollars and at the US dollar amount that would normally be paid for the warranty work if done at a US dealership.
This is effective June 21, 2007 and applies to any year new 2008 U.S. spec Subaru purchased by a Canadian resident and immediately registered in Canada. It is not retroative. Previous models should continue to be serviced as they have been with no change.

the statement

June 21, 1007
Dear Subaru Dealer
Re: change of warranty reimbursement for Canadian citizens purchasing a Subaru
Subaru of America (SoA) has formalized a reciprocal warranty agreement with Subaru Canada Inc (SCI). There are important elements to this agreement which have changed that will impact the procedure for certain warranty claim reimbursements.

Procedure Change
If a Canadian citizen purchases a Subaru vehicle in the US with the intention of immediately registering the vehicle in Canada, they must be notified by the selling dealer that the Subaru Limited warranty specifically states, "Any and all repairs must be performed by an authorized Subaru Dealer in the United States." Therefore, Canadian residents who purchase a Subaru in the US, then registers the vehicle in Canada, will have 2 viable options for obtaining warranty repairs.

1. return the car to the US for all warranty repairs at an authorized Subaru dealer at no charge, or

2. Have the car repaired at an authorized Canadian Subaru dealer, pay for the repairs, then submit a copy of the repair order marked "Paid" for reimbursement to SoA through the CDS (customer dealer services), address Subaru of America, Inc, Subaru Plaza, PO Box 6000, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08034-6000, USA, phone 800 SUBARU3.

In the interest of full disclosure to the Canadian purchaser, please ensure that all sales personnel and aware of this warranty limitation and the requirement to notify the customer.

Procedures which did not change.
Subaru owners with a permanent US residence (address) who are owners visiting Canada or Canadian owners visiting the US will mutually be able to obtain warrantable repair in the country they are visiting under the terms of the respective warranty. This element is unchanged from previous agreements and has been in practice by both SoA and SCI for some time.

It is important to note that a Canadian citizen repatriating to Canada after purchasing a Subaru in the US and registering it at a US address may obtain warranty repairs at an authorized Subaru dealer in the US or Canada without having to pay for the repairs first. This also holds true for a US citizen relocating to Canada after having registered their Subaru in the US.
SoA has agreed to perform warranty repairs on all Canadian Subaru vehicles under terms of the Canadian warranty regardless of the customer's residency without requesting payment directly from the customer.

all information always subject to change and correction

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

BlackEddy · 09-05-2007, 02:02 PM

I will be watching this thread with interest.
I bought a 2008 Outback in the states just over a month ago. I went with a 2008 in large part to avoid warranty hassles, I don't mind paying for the work and I was assured that getting reimbursed from SoA would be no problem. I will be taking it to Docksteader (where I bought my WRX) in the next couple months, I am very curious to see how they will handle this.
Anyone taken a US car to DD?

jaydow11 · 09-05-2007, 03:05 PM

It's interesting to note that you will be paid in US dollars. The thing I would like to know is when you pay for warranty work at the Can dealer, how do you know you will be 100***37; reimbursed from SoA?

If you pay the dealer in Can dollars, and then SoA pays you in US dollars, exchange rates come into play. Might work out for the better, but as well, might not???

I'm interested to know the details....

I guess a call to both SIC (SoC) and SoA would answer that.

Jay

jaydow11 · 09-05-2007, 03:07 PM

If a dealer EVER denied warranty because of where I purchased the car I would have the telephone number for both SoC and SoA with me to call on the spot.

I bet as soon as you say "well lets call head office and see what they say!" the dealers attitude would change real quick!

Penphoe · 09-05-2007, 08:07 PM

Thanks jaydow11. Good to know this stuff. Time to attach it to the importation section of the FAQ!

LaterZ!
Darren!!

brendan_mac · 09-05-2007, 08:13 PM

Just fyi, if anyone is considering a U.S. Nissan, the car must have been registered previously in the U.S. for a full 6 months before a transfer of ownership or a Canadian reg. If the rule is followed, you get essentially full warranty.

jaydow11 · 09-06-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendan_mac

Just fyi, if anyone is considering a U.S. Nissan, the car must have been registered previously in the U.S. for a full 6 months before a transfer of ownership or a Canadian reg. If the rule is followed, you get essentially full warranty.

I think that actually goes for ANY Brand New car in the US. It ether has to be held in the US for at least 6 months (at the dealer) or have had been registered (bought) by someone.

For example, you could buy a car with 100 miles on it 1 month after it's been in the US and still receive full warranty as long as someone else has registered it... Technically one might call that a Used car then....(?)

Hope that helps!

Jay

brendan_mac · 09-06-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaydow11

I think that actually goes for ANY Brand New car in the US. It ether has to be held in the US for at least 6 months (at the dealer) or have had been registered (bought) by someone.

For example, you could buy a car with 100 miles on it 1 month after it's been in the US and still receive full warranty as long as someone else has registered it... Technically one might call that a Used car then....(?)

Hope that helps!

Jay

Every Manufacturer is a little different. IIRC, GM products have to be regi'd in Canada for a full year before warranty kicks in.

Also, for what you're describing, the new Nissan or Infiniti product would have NO WARRANTY in Canada. For warranty to be maintained, the car must be in the original purchaser's name for a full 6 months. Most commonly, US cars brought up here are ex-rental.

jaydow11 · 09-06-2007, 09:18 PM

Ya, it's all a little unclear... My brother-in-law is thinking about buying a car in the US and what I discribed is what he was told....

brendan_mac · 09-06-2007, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaydow11

Ya, it's all a little unclear... My brother-in-law is thinking about buying a car in the US and what I discribed is what he was told....

Don't believe everything you hear...

fukamoto · 09-06-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendan_mac

Just fyi, if anyone is considering a U.S. Nissan, the car must have been registered previously in the U.S. for a full 6 months before a transfer of ownership or a Canadian reg. If the rule is followed, you get essentially full warranty.

My brother in law is a sales manager at Nissan and this rings true specifically for Nissan.

brendan_mac · 09-06-2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fukamoto

My brother in law is a sales manager at Nissan and this rings true specifically for Nissan.

Oh yeah, which Nissan? Locally?

jaydow11 · 09-06-2007, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendan_mac

Don't believe everything you hear...

So I guess I shouldn't believe you then hey! haha jK

steve · 09-07-2007, 10:22 AM

So basically, the time it would have taken to alter exchange rates to reflect the 95 cents US value of our dollar, the MFR's instead used that time to draft these new rules?

Way to spend your time guys, well done.
Have they forgotten that no more than 6 years ago, they were hungry and begging for our business?

brendan_mac · 09-07-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaydow11

So I guess I shouldn't believe you then hey! haha jK

probably not, I need to buy some suspension bits...

dsmtowrx · 09-07-2007, 06:25 PM

What about maintenance? If you buy a Tribeca here, you get 3 years of free maintenance. Does the same apply to US bought vehicles?

6th gear · 09-07-2007, 07:08 PM

The Tribeca No-Charge Scheduled Maintenance Plan is included on "Canadian" vehicles only.

BlackEddy · 09-07-2007, 07:43 PM

Hey 6th Gear, has Specialty taken an "official" stance on servicing US cars? Would this be including 08's in which the warranty work would be paid by the owner then reimbursed by SoA?
Thanks.

buster · 09-08-2007, 10:43 AM

For the cash difference on new or slightly used cars it is still better value to by out of the US. And I'd love to see a dealer try and deny a credible warranty claim because the car was a US vehicle. The law is in the consumers favour here.

09-05-2007, 01:16 PM	#1
jaydow11 Scooby Specialist Member#: 138952 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Kelowna, BC Vehicle: 2011 STI Hatch Pearl White	Warranty work in Canada on US cars! This question comes up so much that I thought I would start a new thread... I know the topic has been discussed before but there has been some recent changes to the Warranty agreement between SoA and SoC (AKA SCI - Subaru of Canada Inc.) Here is the low down: http://www.cars101.com/canada.html#warranty IMPORTANT NOTES August 1, 2007 Revised. All 2008 Foresters are on the RIV.ca authorized list until Sept 2007 production date. After September 07 production, only XT and XT Sports are on the authorized list because they are the only 08 US spec models with the Immobilizer (chipped) key. June 21, 2007. Change of warranty policy for Canadian citizens purchasing a US Subaru. Important to read June 25, 2007. June 25, 2007, all 2008 models can now be imported into Canada. All US models are ok...except for 2008 Forester X, X Sports, X Premium and X LL Bean (only XT, XT Sports are ok). This is due to the Immobilizer Key that is not available on the US spec X, X Premium or X LL Bean models. Warranty: June 21, 07. The SoA (Subaru of America) warranty arrangement on 2008 US spec models is now official in Canada. The warranty is through SoA. Canadians purchasing 2008 US models and registering them immediately in Ca have to either bring the car to US for warranty work or just pay their local Subaru dealer for warranty work and then get reimbursed by SoA. The refund is in US dollars and the amount normally paid to a US dealer for the job. SCI (Subaru Canada) will not handle or pay warranty claims on 08 models. Canadians can save on the car by buying in the states. the full warranty press release. RIV.ca Authorized List NOTE: NEW WARRANTY STATEMENT, June 21, 2007 from Subaru or America (SoA) and Subaru Canada Inc (SCI). The statement basically says the US warranty is now recognized for Canadians purchasing US models, and that warranty work on 2008 and newer has to be done at either a US dealer, or if at a Canadian Subaru dealer, paid for by the customer and then reimbursement comes to the customer from SoA. This is not retroactive and 2007s and previous years should be billed by the Canadian dealer and the customer does not pay. Reimbursement Note: Subaru of America warranty reimbursement comes in US dollars and at the US dollar amount that would normally be paid for the warranty work if done at a US dealership. This is effective June 21, 2007 and applies to any year new 2008 U.S. spec Subaru purchased by a Canadian resident and immediately registered in Canada. It is not retroative. Previous models should continue to be serviced as they have been with no change. the statement June 21, 1007 Dear Subaru Dealer Re: change of warranty reimbursement for Canadian citizens purchasing a Subaru Subaru of America (SoA) has formalized a reciprocal warranty agreement with Subaru Canada Inc (SCI). There are important elements to this agreement which have changed that will impact the procedure for certain warranty claim reimbursements. Procedure Change If a Canadian citizen purchases a Subaru vehicle in the US with the intention of immediately registering the vehicle in Canada, they must be notified by the selling dealer that the Subaru Limited warranty specifically states, "Any and all repairs must be performed by an authorized Subaru Dealer in the United States." Therefore, Canadian residents who purchase a Subaru in the US, then registers the vehicle in Canada, will have 2 viable options for obtaining warranty repairs. 1. return the car to the US for all warranty repairs at an authorized Subaru dealer at no charge, or 2. Have the car repaired at an authorized Canadian Subaru dealer, pay for the repairs, then submit a copy of the repair order marked "Paid" for reimbursement to SoA through the CDS (customer dealer services), address Subaru of America, Inc, Subaru Plaza, PO Box 6000, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08034-6000, USA, phone 800 SUBARU3. In the interest of full disclosure to the Canadian purchaser, please ensure that all sales personnel and aware of this warranty limitation and the requirement to notify the customer. Procedures which did not change. Subaru owners with a permanent US residence (address) who are owners visiting Canada or Canadian owners visiting the US will mutually be able to obtain warrantable repair in the country they are visiting under the terms of the respective warranty. This element is unchanged from previous agreements and has been in practice by both SoA and SCI for some time. It is important to note that a Canadian citizen repatriating to Canada after purchasing a Subaru in the US and registering it at a US address may obtain warranty repairs at an authorized Subaru dealer in the US or Canada without having to pay for the repairs first. This also holds true for a US citizen relocating to Canada after having registered their Subaru in the US. SoA has agreed to perform warranty repairs on all Canadian Subaru vehicles under terms of the Canadian warranty regardless of the customer's residency without requesting payment directly from the customer. all information always subject to change and correction * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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09-05-2007, 02:02 PM	#2
BlackEddy Scooby Newbie Member#: 108100 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Squamish Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon WRB '67 Datsun Fairlady 1600	I will be watching this thread with interest. I bought a 2008 Outback in the states just over a month ago. I went with a 2008 in large part to avoid warranty hassles, I don't mind paying for the work and I was assured that getting reimbursed from SoA would be no problem. I will be taking it to Docksteader (where I bought my WRX) in the next couple months, I am very curious to see how they will handle this. Anyone taken a US car to DD?

09-05-2007, 03:05 PM	#3
jaydow11 Scooby Specialist Member#: 138952 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Kelowna, BC Vehicle: 2011 STI Hatch Pearl White	It's interesting to note that you will be paid in US dollars. The thing I would like to know is when you pay for warranty work at the Can dealer, how do you know you will be 100***37; reimbursed from SoA? If you pay the dealer in Can dollars, and then SoA pays you in US dollars, exchange rates come into play. Might work out for the better, but as well, might not??? I'm interested to know the details.... I guess a call to both SIC (SoC) and SoA would answer that. Jay

09-05-2007, 03:07 PM	#4
jaydow11 Scooby Specialist Member#: 138952 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Kelowna, BC Vehicle: 2011 STI Hatch Pearl White	If a dealer EVER denied warranty because of where I purchased the car I would have the telephone number for both SoC and SoA with me to call on the spot. I bet as soon as you say "well lets call head office and see what they say!" the dealers attitude would change real quick!

09-05-2007, 08:07 PM	#5
Penphoe Friendly Neighbourhood Moderator Member#: 269 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Burnaby, B.C., Canada Vehicle: 2005 ABP LGT LTD BP6 00 Impreza RS GM6 RIP	Thanks jaydow11. Good to know this stuff. Time to attach it to the importation section of the FAQ! LaterZ! Darren!!

09-05-2007, 08:13 PM	#6
brendan_mac Scooby Specialist Member#: 125055 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: North Vancouver Vehicle: 12 STI hatch	Just fyi, if anyone is considering a U.S. Nissan, the car must have been registered previously in the U.S. for a full 6 months before a transfer of ownership or a Canadian reg. If the rule is followed, you get essentially full warranty.

09-06-2007, 09:18 PM	#9
jaydow11 Scooby Specialist Member#: 138952 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Kelowna, BC Vehicle: 2011 STI Hatch Pearl White	Ya, it's all a little unclear... My brother-in-law is thinking about buying a car in the US and what I discribed is what he was told....

09-07-2007, 10:22 AM	#14
steve Scooby Guru Member#: 4718 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Location : Location Vehicle: I gotz a Subaru again	So basically, the time it would have taken to alter exchange rates to reflect the 95 cents US value of our dollar, the MFR's instead used that time to draft these new rules? Way to spend your time guys, well done. Have they forgotten that no more than 6 years ago, they were hungry and begging for our business?

09-07-2007, 06:25 PM	#16
dsmtowrx Scooby Specialist Member#: 48879 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Salmon Arm, BC Vehicle: 2010 STi 2.5xtr hsf6 Grey Stocker	What about maintenance? If you buy a Tribeca here, you get 3 years of free maintenance. Does the same apply to US bought vehicles?

09-07-2007, 07:08 PM	#17
6th gear Scooby Specialist Member#: 126860 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: North Vancouver Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White 1971 Corolla Racecar	The Tribeca No-Charge Scheduled Maintenance Plan is included on "Canadian" vehicles only.

09-07-2007, 07:43 PM	#18
BlackEddy Scooby Newbie Member#: 108100 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Squamish Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon WRB '67 Datsun Fairlady 1600	Hey 6th Gear, has Specialty taken an "official" stance on servicing US cars? Would this be including 08's in which the warranty work would be paid by the owner then reimbursed by SoA? Thanks.

09-08-2007, 10:43 AM	#19
buster Scooby Specialist Member#: 41811 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Sidney, BC Vehicle: 02 WRX White	For the cash difference on new or slightly used cars it is still better value to by out of the US. And I'd love to see a dealer try and deny a credible warranty claim because the car was a US vehicle. The law is in the consumers favour here.