Has anyone done this?
Just based on face value there is money to be saved the way the exchange rate is.

But things like financing/lease and warranty seem like they might be issues, I'm not quite sure about those.

Bringing the car over there is the usual sales tax to be paid and some fees i am assuming.

If anyone has info on this it would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

There are different companies in Canada that specialize in doing that. The place I go to in Alberta is: www.envisionauto.com which does alot of this type of thing.

Off the top of my head it is a quite a pain, duty + inspection + needing gauges and lights, and then you need an 'in transit' pass and an out-of-province inspection as well. My car is a US car originally, but it's been a long time.

 

do all those changes (gauges, lights, etc.) apply to a brand new car?

i'm just trying to see the benefit vs. hassle here. there are some significant differences in cost depending on the car, so it may be worth it...

 

well the RIV site is always useful.
going off the required steps here: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html

it doesn't seem too bad. there is added fees that need to be paid to the RIV, and duties for customs. there are also a bunch of customs forms to fill out but the procedure seems to be fully listed there.
now the biggest cost could be duty fees if the car is manufactured outside of North America, but i have no idea how much "duty" would actually be.

and i am assuming brand new cars that are sold both in Canada and the US shouldn't require any modifications. the list is here:
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/mod_i...uirements.html

so really any unknowns happen at the actual dealership, in terms of them selling you the car (i don't see why they wouldn't sell to a Canadian) and payment method...

 

Accually, alot of dealers are not selling to canadians because the manufacturer feels that if they do sell for less, than they will revoke their dealer liscence for that particular manufacturer. Its based on us getting gouged for pricing, and them making millions.

No Joke, infact a few people got together and are sueing the auto industry. I found out about this through a boss of mine that tried to buy a Corvette in the states. They said

"We dont sell to canadians."

This was a dealer in Seatte. I gather this is probably in the news. Fact is, I dont watch TV.

 

Well I just picked up a 07 Santa Fe and it was easy.

As far as dealers not selling, yes if you call them they are going to say no. But the honest truth is if you show them the money you won't have a problem. Toyota will be the most difficult.

riv.ca is your best friend.

I purchased from a dealer in Buffalo and on there website they say they can only sell new to us. Residents. But when I sent them a message through ebay, asking if it was worth my while to come and see them. They bent over backwards to help me out and made the sale a breeze. If you send me a pm I can tell you who they are, they are dealers for many makers.

As far as warranties go. Chrysler, Honda and Acura do not warrant in Canada. Most others do, worst case scenario you may have to pay out of pocket and get reimburse from the u.s. I have a feeling this will change as it is not fair.

When I was at the border there were many other vehicles being imported, so it's obvious that they will sell to Canadians. Don't believe everything you hear in the media.

In my case I got limited AWD leather loaded Santa Fe for $26,807 with daytime running lights. Retail here is about $36,000 with freight and pdi. I figure I saved about $8,000. I also got TPMS that we don't get in Canada. And a colour that we can't get here.

If anyone has any specific questions on the process or dealers please send me a pm.

Adam

 

thanks Adam, PM sent...

 

Don't throw your money away by dealing with these crooks (companies that "specialize" in importing cars)!

First stop is www.riv.ca you'll see that is costs 200$ to import a car, no more, unless it's not a NAFTA made car (if it's asian or european - not Canada/US/Mexico - made you'll pay 6.1% duties on top of that). Then, at the border you'll pay taxes, which you would still have to pay obviously if you bought the car in Canada.

Then, check with AAA or find a thread on www.redflagdeals.com in the hot deals forum, you'll find lots of info/testimonials and you'll find Honda, although their cars are made in Canada, do not honor their warranty on US exported cars, while Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda will (under certain conditions).

Happy saving!

PS I should of read the previous post lol. Sorry for repeating myself.

Although, I recommend www.redflagdeals.com it will ease your mind as far as how SIMPLE, CHEAP, EASY and how MANY PEOPLE have succesfully imported cars from the US.

Oh yeah and as far as brand new cars, there is no provincial inspection required. RIV will send you at Crappy Tires for the importation safety check which is included in the 200$ RIV fee.

 

thanks for that.
i'm looking at it and even with the 6.1% fee on some cars you are saving.

 

Here's a story on CBC this week about this subject.

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/200...to-broker.html

Basically they are skirting some of the manufacturer issues by bringing in 'USED' cars (with only a couple hundred km on them).