When I was in full pursuit of locating a Peugeot, prior to buying my 86 505
STI, I started looking south of the border into Washington. There is a very
useful Auto Trader publication that is available in the States that is
published in three separate price ranges. So, dropping down to Point
Roberts, WA (look it up), I picked up the $2995-$7,000 version. I found an
86 505 Turbo, located at a car lot in Seattle, for about $3,200 US.
So, with the picture advertisement circled, I stopped at Canadian customs
on the way back. I enquired what it would cost me in total $CDN to get this
car legally into my driveway, assuming I paid the full asking price.
"First, let's check the list to see if you can import that year," said the
customs guy, and pulled out a stack of paper. I was informed that 86 and
older U.S.-imported Peugeots did not meet Canadian regulations for the year
of manufacture. Upon asking why, I was told that he didn't really know but
it was probably due to the bumpers not meeting Canadian impact
specifications or possibly seat belt anchoring methods. Apparently, 1987
and newer models were OK to import according to his list.
"But," said I, "it would be perfectly OK to bring in a vintage Morgan with
NO seatbelts and decoration bumpers?"
"Yep," was the reply.
I checked another car with him: a 1980 Mercedes 450. That was OK to import,
according to the list.
So, once again, thank you government for protecting me from myself. I was
just dying to bring that Peugeot home and immediately drive it into a brick
wall to see if that extra 2 kph protection really worked!
I'll get over it.
Steve C