Hi, We live in Alberta, Canada and are finding it frustrating to import from the US, that's were there seems to be more inventory. It is our plan to live aboard for a few years and would like to get one that is complete. If you have an older model that would import please let me know, or if you have a nice one anywhere in Canada please contact me with your bus information. We have the cash we just can't find the bus, and time is running out as we would like to be relocated before spring.
Thanks for helping.
cerise115@hotmail.com
I have a beautiful 1984 Eagle 10 for sale. We have had it for 13 years but just bought a Prevost. Contact me if you are interested.
dktracytracy@aol.com
I don't think you can import eagle's
I would double check first.
Lonnie
Sure send me info on your bus. Are you in the States??
cerise115@hotmail.com
You can import Eagles but they need to be pre 1971 model conversions,Eagle sold seated buses to Co's there in Canada,I don't know how he does it or gets away with it but a doctor friend of ours has a 1989 model 15 converted by Marathon he keeps there drives it in and out of Canada 3 or 4 times a year been doing it for years
good luck
I know of several Eagles in Canada. They were done by a reputable converter in the States and titled as Prevosts. Only had to put in the necessary French stickers.
The Canadian Customs folks don't know one from the other. They simply go by the Title.
I don't remember how old they have to be to be exempt.
Check with Dieter at Prairie Yacht Limited in LaCombe, AB.(403)782-5777. He converts buses. Mostly GMC's as I remember.
He is a CRAFTSMAN! and a great Guy.
Good Luck.
I know a guy who bought an Eagle in the U.S. and tried to import it. Refused entry into Canada. Lucky the seller gave him his money back.
A lot depends on your budget. I know of a beautiful Eagle which could be for sale here in B.C.
Iver.
Why can't an Eagle go into Canada? Just curious.
Quote from: Chopper Scott on January 26, 2011, 06:57:07 PM
Why can't an Eagle go into Canada? Just curious.
Because Transport Canada has whole buildings full of little pinhead dweebs who make stupid rules that impact Canadians in ways most people never realize exist let alone understand.
IOW - there's no reason - that's just the way it is.
Just thought I'd throw this in, there is a 1966 Eagle on the Kansas City, Mo. Craigslist for $5000 Looks like more of a fixer upper though.... Billy
Kind of sounds like the USA Bob!!!
Yup, that bus is certainly a fixer! I could possibly go look at it for somebody, for fuel money. However, that certainly does look rough.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/rvs/2181178836.html (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/rvs/2181178836.html)
FWIW
God bless,
John
He sent me some pictures of that bus last month and it looks very rusty.
Huh! And here i thought that we had a monopoly on little pinhead dweebs in government. ;D
while I like Bob's answer, I think the reason is that the manufacturer had to officially import the vehicles into Canada at some point so that they were inspected and approved for sale in Canada at some point. I don't think Eagles were ever really sold in Canada. My recommendation is look for an MCI or a Prevost, which were build in Canada, or a GM, or some one of the newer transits. I personally bought a bus that had already been imported into Canada and the conversion well underway. Paid way more than the same bus would have cost in the US, but I had a bus, with a title, that was usable as soon as I got licensed to drive it.
Brian
Quote from: bobofthenorth on January 26, 2011, 07:05:09 PM
Because Transport Canada has whole buildings full of little pinhead dweebs who make stupid rules that impact Canadians in ways most people never realize exist let alone understand.
IOW - there's no reason - that's just the way it is.
That is precisely why I enjoy beating them with there own rules :)
As mentioned numerous times above pre 1971 buses are in fact the easiest to import. ( not requiring RIV involvement )
Others require thinking and the proper paperwork, disclosures, long before appearing at the border crossing.
The inter provincial rules sometimes can be made to work to your advantage. ;D
Bob mentioned in another thread you are best to purchase a bus already converted and in Canada, since you want to be using your new purchase this spring you should listen to his good advise.
I have driven across the border crossing with the proper paper work a fully converted bus that had a classification # 8702.10.00 and a exemption # 9804.10 paying the dweebs $200.00 exemption fee and the GST.
Why can't an Eagle go into Canada? Just curious.
Trailways never operated in Canada. They were Eagles main customers.
Having no market in Canada, Eagle never applied for an Import Certificate. It's as simple as that!
Greyhound is very active in Canada. They use MCIs. MCIs are made in Canada, then shipped to the US for assembly. Mutual Import Certificates.
Prevost comes south pretty easy.
I think Canada is being pretty anal about imports from the US. Probably they are over protective of Canadian companies. It could be that those Hoseheads in Ottawa are inbred with the Qs.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Joe,Greyhound ran a few Eagles in Canada when Greyhound owned Eagle some were sold there I know the Model 15's with the S/S siding that went to Ontario came back a few years later you see those for sale some times Don Johnson's 15 was one it just sold
good luck
Not to get too far off topic, but Trailways did run in Western Canada (BC) Not sure about other places. Here are pics of three Eagles I bought in 2006 when their "carrier" here went out of business. ....(Wish I still had them)
You could just move down here and the problem would be completely solved.
So much for the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Quote from: Chopper Scott on January 27, 2011, 10:19:13 AM
So much for the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Does look kinda one sided dont it. We can get theirs, they wont allow ours.
I sent you an email
Cerise, at the risk of sticking my nose in (beyond the information PM I sent you earlier), let me suggest another approach. We bought our 4107 not long after we started looking. While we got a good deal, bought it from a reputable dealer, did our due dilligence, had all the necessary repairs/maintenance done before we picked it up, we are now selling the coach. My wife and I have both agreed that it was a good idea at the time, but in retrospect, we would have been better off keeping it on the future wish list.
Your inital post that indicated you have some time pressure worries me. Many times that I've been under time pressure (especially self-induced), the result was not wonderful. There's a saying that "The Good is the Enemy of the Best."
Perhaps I look at it this way because we (on the board) have seen quite a few folks buy buses, then get into trouble. A couple of years ago, a guy bought a bus near Dallas, Texas, and was driving it back to Oregon. He and his family were going to live in it (If I recall correctly), as he'd just become unemployed. As it turns out, the bus had a major defect (someone had replaced the original engine fan with small electrics), and he broke down all the way across Texas, finally abandoning the bus (and the dream?) in El Paso. I don't know what became of him, but I sure hope he survived that.
I'd sure hate to see anyone else end up in a hole because of time/money/other pressure.
As Russ would say "FWIW/HTH".
Arthur
Luvrbus, Clifford, I knew Greyhound kept some if not all of the 15s they got during the transition. I knew they operated some of them in Western Canada. I don't know how they did it. Possibly they made an agreement with the frustrating nit pickers. Maybe it was a short term deal pending request from the manufacturer. Trailways had run Eagle into the ground and there was no "manufacturer" to request the Import Certificate.
It's almost midnight and I better stop before I offend someone.
So, can a MCI be imported to Canada? Do you like blue, I have a 83 MCI 9 for sale in Florida.
Kwajdiverbill@gmail.com
Bill
I have a '57 MCI Courier 96 for sale in Invermere, BC, really close to you. It is listed on Kijiji, Calgary. Look it up. Email me if you can't find it. jcalacoque at yahoo.com. 250-342-53 zero three.
JC
Cerise,
I have a 4905 GMC converted has a 871 with 4 speed it has abt 65000 on a complete out of frame rebuild by Detroit Diesel. I have been using this the last 4 years and runs excellent average mpg is 8 mpg.
I have just started cancer treatment and it don't look good I would rather see this go to another bus nut instead of my kids trying to sell it after I'm gone from this world.
I only know of one problem and the onan gen runs but no output and was going to have dealer look at it it's a 5.5 marqui low profile and the rear roof top needs replaced. all else quite functional and usable I can take photo to send to you if any interest and it is the bus in my profile.
Sincerely
Larry Higuera
Quartzsite Arizona
Quote from: Paso One on January 27, 2011, 06:44:12 AM
Quote from: bobofthenorth on January 26, 2011, 07:05:09 PM
Because Transport Canada has whole buildings full of little pinhead dweebs who make stupid rules that impact Canadians in ways most people never realize exist let alone understand.
IOW - there's no reason - that's just the way it is.
That is precisely why I enjoy beating them with there own rules :)
As mentioned numerous times above pre 1971 buses are in fact the easiest to import. ( not requiring RIV involvement )
Others require thinking and the proper paperwork, disclosures, long before appearing at the border crossing.
The inter provincial rules sometimes can be made to work to your advantage. ;D
Bob mentioned in another thread you are best to purchase a bus already converted and in Canada, since you want to be using your new purchase this spring you should listen to his good advise.
I have driven across the border crossing with the proper paper work a fully converted bus that had a classification # 8702.10.00 and a exemption # 9804.10 paying the dweebs $200.00 exemption fee and the GST.
To the above posts...
I`m glad you made it over with your Converted Coach. Here is what is making me hesitate. Yes I am considering a converted coach also but it seems that a seated bus is easier to import as long as it passes Safety Inspections.
After numerous in person discussions at my Canadian Border crossing location. (Sumas WA) and a return phone call from the customs office in Ottawa after a e mail inquiry I was officially informed that...a 1971 and prior converted coach MUST also have PROOF that the conversion was ALSO done in 1971 from a existing professional converter. that means that the VIN # has to show RV or motorhome not BUS. The Customs official told me with a smile that he felt it was almost impossible to provide this proof. He claimed the reason for this rule was to stop " HOMEMADE camper buses" that were slapped together in someone`s yard from entering Canada and creating safety issues. The gentleman stated that it did not matter if the owner had registered the bus as an RV in the US.The Vin # had to originally as a Motorhome.
I mentioned that there were many converted coaches in BC and how did they manage to do it if it was impossible? He seriously advised me that it is possible to claim a bus conversion as a class A motor home and if it was registered as a motor home in the USA the employee at the border may not know the difference and allow it through. He advised that although this happens it is not legal. The legal responsibility is with the importer who must abide by the RIV import rules. The RIV chart says 1971 BUS! not CONVERTED Bus but if proof of conversion shows 1971 then it is admissible. So. if you tell the border employee you are importing a 1971 GMC Class a motorhome diesel pusher and he/she lets you through you have just falsified the classification of your Bus. Because that is what it is a Bus.
This also effects your insurance registration. My ICBC agent told me there was no listing in the books for...GMC 4104 or Converted Bus. It had to be on the list. ie. Jaco,Winnebago ect. I`m going to stop here because I have discussed this on other boards and was told ... LOOK!!! Don`t say the word BUS. Just say you have a class A RV and keep your big mouth closed. You are giving them too much info.
That`s fine but I want to buy ,import and insure a converted coach legally and like another poster said... I don1t want Transport Canada giving me 30 days to remove the bus from Canada or they pick it up. And if I am involved in an accident I want the adjuster to be able to find my exact converted coach model in a list that includes converted buses so that I am legally covered.
You NEVER beat the Government at their own game because they MAKE and can CHANGE the rules. abacusblack
This information is all available through the RIV program and by calling Customs Canada and Transport Canada. The problem is that it is not clear.
Satchkatchewan Transportation ran new M-15's with SS sides. Nice Eagles.
Hi Cerise -
Just a heads up - sent you a PM tonite re: the US-Canadian debacle and possible solution.
Nellie
It is very unfortunate that you feel under pressure to buy quickly. My wife and I were amped up and ready to go the minute we decided we wanted a bus. That was about a year and a half ago and we are still looking today... and NOT because we are indecisive or gun shy, believe me. We have had 3 deals fall through and 2 or 3 offers turned down.
That being said, I hate to admit this, but must... I have actually needed all of the time I have had to look, to learn, and discern what kind of bus we really want, need, and can afford; not only from a purchase standpoint, but from a maintenance and upgrade standpoint.
We also have been able to get a much better feel for the true value of a bus in today's market. Believe me, it is easy to have your perspective skewed by ridiculously high asking prices for buses on websites that are 3, 4, 5+ years old and by cheap buses that will cost many times the purchase price to get back on the road. Like others have said, there are plenty of buses out there and many more people selling than buying.
I can't speak to your importing issues, and don't know how that affects your mindset, but just thought I should offer my opinion.
Hi Jumpsuitman -
Read your post and couldn't help reflecting on my bus search. Hot to trot and dumber 'n sheep sh*t... but by the grace of God, the fates and pure dumb luck, my hell-bent race to disaster was periodically scuttled . Like you, took over a year but well worth it. Learned a lot just by getting (I thought then) screwed... sometimes the worst thing is the best thing.
My case? Decided on a 5C - latest bus in the single axle series, next to zero rust, no electronics or d**n tag axle (and all that entails). Yeah, sometimes that extra 5 feet looks good, but the maneuvarability and mileage way makes up for it. Always a trade-off, I guess... wanna race, anyone? ;D
Just my two cents.
Nellie
Quote from: Boomer on January 29, 2011, 08:46:36 PM
Saskatchewan Transportation ran new M-15's with SS sides. Nice Eagles.
Yes that is correct I remember it causing quite a controversy back then as I believe some of our pollutions were bribed :)
Can you believe that :)
Spell check changed politicians to pollutions I think I like it better :)
Quote from: Cerise on January 26, 2011, 01:52:06 PM
Hi, We live in Alberta, Canada and are finding it frustrating to import from the US, that's were there seems to be more inventory. It is our plan to live aboard for a few years and would like to get one that is complete. If you have an older model that would import please let me know, or if you have a nice one anywhere in Canada please contact me with your bus information. We have the cash we just can't find the bus, and time is running out as we would like to be relocated before spring.
Thanks for helping.
cerise115@hotmail.com
Hi Cerise,
Just wondering what you have found out. This seems to have been a hot topic, you must have got 100 emails by now.
Just curious
Gary
If you find out if you can import an Eagle, I know of a 1972 model 05 8V71/4 speed with power steering, bus air, new tires, and new Martin 15KW generator.
It is an entertainer so some bunks would need to be pulled. It does have a bathroom and shower though. If you can find any rust on it, I'll eat it ;)
Bus is full of fuel and ready to drive anywhere.
(Sure hope I am not breaking the rules by posting this info)
Contact info in my profile.
Best,
Justin
For the right price there are a lot of nice rides for sale around here!
Quote from: Chopper Scott on January 30, 2011, 06:13:02 PM
For the right price there are a lot of nice rides for sale around here!
It is surely a buyers market right now. To avoid any confusion, the bus I mentioned for sale is not mine. (I have driven it for years though)
Good Luck. I hope you find something that works for you. I am near Austin and would be happy to go look at anything you find in this area if it helps.
Nellie, bus races, cool! Maybe we could do a segment for Top Gear UK.......ummm, maybe not. Those guys are a little hard on a lot of the vehicles on that show. ;D
I have wanted to see some timed drag races for buses at the Arcadia rally for years! Must be an local airport runway or something close! No trailered rigs allowed haha.
Prevost is made in Canada, maybe with a Prevost it won't be as hard. You might check with Prevost directly and the DMV.
look at my bus at craigslist yuma az. We are fulltimers and don't need two busses. will deal
Ed & Dave - Imagine how sloooooow we'd be coming off the mark? I can barely spin one tire (and that's only in snow). But it would be great fun (I'm guessing 40 mph in 1/4 mile). Without some serious bumpin' (and who'd risk that) probably not a great TV attraction.
Hey, this thread got way off-track (unusual :). Anyone heard from the poster (Cerise)?
Nellie
BeBack -
Which one is yours? There are several listed?
GM, MCI, Eagle?
??? ???