Warning about importing vehicles from the U.S.

EDMONTON - The Alberta government, as well as the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, is putting out a warning about importing vehicles from the United States.

During Hurricane Sandy, hundreds of thousands of vehicles sustained water damage, and there's concern these vehicles could be sold to unsuspecting Canadian consumers.

"May look just fine when you get it, but it doesn't take long before it starts to smell or rust or electrical problems," says John Bachinski with the AMVIC.

He explains that many electrical components can easily be destroyed by salt water. And if there is evidence the vehicle was submerged in water at or above the bottom of the dash, the vehicle will be considered non-repairable and it cannot be licensed in the province.

Bachinski adds that AMVIC cannot investigate complaints or enforce regulations when you import a vehicle on your own or buy from a private seller.

When searching online ads for vehicles in the U.S., you should also exercise some caution - as one Alberta auto dealership recently learned the hard way.

Despite the serial numbers on the vehicles being sold checking out, when staff flew down to check out the vehicles at the dealership, all they found was an empty field.

"He knows what he's doing in regards to Canadians purchasing vehicles from him, but he obviously he doesn't have any vehicles and doesn't exist," says Mike Lowe.

The fake dealership's website is gone, and so are its ads on Kijiji, Craigslist and other websites.

Warnings have also gone out across Canada, after consumers and dealers were asked to give personal information or money upfront.

In addition to making sure a vehicle's VIN number checks out, Alberta Motor Vehicle Council suggests making sure there are no liens on it, and that you are able to physically see the vehicle.

Also, it should be noted that not every vehicle in the U.S. can be imported into Canada.

Consumers can check Transport Canada's website for a list of eligible vehicles that can be imported.

Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles' website also offers information on fees, forms, and federal inspection requirements. From there, consumers can build their own importation checklist.

Buyers can research the title history of a U.S. vehicle by:

• checking the U.S. National Vehicle Title Information System for title fraud involving the vehicle;
• checking the Canadian Police Information Centre website for Canadian stolen vehicle information; and
• purchasing a CarProof or CARFAX vehicle history report for information on prior registrations and insurance claims.

Vehicles brought into Alberta must pass an out-of-province inspection at a licensed inspection facility. For more information on that, click here.

For more information on buying and selling vehicles in Alberta, visit the AMVIC website.

With files from Julie Matthews, Global News