Haunz

iTrader: (3)

So I keep hearing that its significantly less expensive to buy vehicles in the USA then it is here in Canada at the moment...

Since I live on the boarder I was thinking about the possibility of buying a yankee vehicle... then import it into Canada...


Anyone ever done this or know what is involved ???

Drew

iTrader: (1)

Family just did it this week. Check out warranty transferability, and get it in writing. Subaru said either Canada will cover it, or have it repaired and send the bill to Subaru USA. Also, some makes will not sell to Canadians. We had the dealer meet us close to the border in MT.

Check this list to make sure the vehicle is admissable: http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf

There is a bit of paperwork that you need to have in order, including some that needs to be faxed to the border 72 hours before you import the vehicle.

You will pay GST, PST if applicable and 6.1% duty at the border (duty only paid if the vehicle wasn't made in the US). It needs to be paid in full before they will let the vehicle cross. The border crossing can be a PITA...took us around 1 hour to fill out paperwork and stuff. Could be much worse.

Some lenders will be wary when lending to purchase a US vehicle.

After you bring it over you will have 45 or 90 days...not sure to get it inspected at Canadian Tire.

Our Subaru came over for around 25k CAD all in, and the best price the dealer here could do was just under 42K CAD.

So yes, it was worth it. The difference really depends on the make of the vehicle.

I probably left some stuff out, but that is what I remember now.

starboy869

iTrader: (6)

I have a friend looking to do this also. However her research found it's only really worth it on the higher end models. If your looking to buy a CIVIC from the US sure you might save a couple g's however your warranty is bye bye.

CanadianBronco

A few days ago on the radio, I heard that the auto makers are telling the American dealers to not sell to Canadians, and no warranties.

Pretty BS considering the dollar to dollar ratio right now.

Back-2-Bassiks

Lots of American dealers have clauses they make you sign that state that the car has to be in the country of purchase for 12 months and if its not the warranty is voided, the same clause is on the Canadian purchase agreement(it was on the one for my new truck and i had to sign it)

I know Toyota USA has said it will void all warranties if the car or truck is take out of the states. Just ask when you decide to buy they will let you know everything up front.

SUX 2BU

iTrader: (1)

Very interesting. What year and model of Suby did you buy? I know a savings can be had but almost 1/2? The skeptic in me says too good to be true. You were comparing a brand new, no mileage 08 vs. a brand new, no mileage 08? Or you know what I mean. Like comparing a lease return 07 is obvioulsy going to be scads cheaper than the same model and trim, new off the lot 08 kinda thing.

A coworker bought an 07 Infinity G35 sedan earlier this year and brought it up from the US. MSRP there he said was 33k US and here it was 47k CDN. I believe he said all told it cost him 40k CDN to have it up here. He had to get the DRL's installed also. 7k CDN is a nice savings, but he could have easily negotiated a price of 44k for the car up here, so 4k is a much smaller savings but still a savings no less.

Drew

iTrader: (1)

The only one they had in stock at the dealer up here was an Outback limited. We didn't want the leather anyway. With tax they wanted 41xxx. I think the equivalent to what we got would have been around 36k. We called up a dealer in MT first looking for a Forrester, but for some reason they are on the inadmissibility list, so we went with an Outback. The dealer gave us a price of 20xxxUSD which I ended up getting a certified cheque for 20800CAD.

The dealer made sure the vehicle would pass safety...put french stickers on it and everything. The car came equipped with DRLs. They were also a lot more willing to move on the price.

After paying 6% and 5% tax, and a 100$ A/C tax, we were at around just over 23k. I don't remember what the inspection cost was, but it was negligible.

We were comparing the exact same thing. 08, no mileage. I think there was around 100 miles on the clock when we got it, and the dealer drove around 40 miles to meet us. Funny thing is that he sold 4 Subys to Canadians at the same time.

Prolifik

iTrader: (7)

i wonder how much cheaper american cars are in the states than here?

Haunz

iTrader: (3)

To be a little more specific I would be buying a used car... so any warranty I might loose probably wouldn't amount to much... More then likley Ill be looking for private listings or be looking to buy from a public car auction anyway.....



Thanks for the link Drew... that was most informative