USA - Canada Car Price Differences

[Commanderwiggin]

Okay I read a while back about this but I was wondering if there has been anything done about it.

Example: Priced Out a G35 -6mt package
Base Price: 33,800 US - 48,000 CDN

I mean technically it seems it would be cheaper to buy the car in the states and import it right?

It makes no sense right now, our dollar is coming up yet prices of cars are still staying the same.

Could someone fill me in on anything thats being done about this?

Well I also found this website...http://www.naata.org/ lots of info.

[RiCE-DaDDy]

this is what you need: www.riv.ca

[TrevorK]

Call up the manufacturer and ensure they will honour the warranty - I'm pretty sure Honda for instance doesn't, while Toyota does.

[IhateDomestic]

The dollar is not stable, they don't have to change the values... that's why it's smarter to just buy a car in the US and import it

[Crymson]

you'll need to tack on, i think, 6.1% duty and 6% GST + the 200$ some RIV fee, plus the 100$ A/C fee.

So 33,800 USD, @ 1.14 exchange = 43,194 cdn. Not bad, worth the trip to montana or seattle.

Probably get an amazing deal on a 04 or 05 out of seattle, by buying used.

[GreenLude]

Originally posted by TrevorK
Call up the manufacturer and ensure they will honour the warranty - I'm pretty sure Honda for instance doesn't, while Toyota does.

Most do, Subaru and Audi honor it. My buddy is a car broker and has imported tons. My brother just got a brand new 2006 STI from the states for less than what the guys in the market place are selling their 03's for.

[dezinr]

Yeah I had a friend go to Montana to buy his Seadoo....which is ridiculous considering they are made in Canada yet he saved well over 3000 after tax and duty than if he had of purchased it here. He did need an US address as they are not supposed to sell to Canadians for the reason that they are cheaper there.....

I have friends who have also been looking for cars and it does seem more economical to go through the US....personally I want to support CAN but savings like in the case of the Seadoo honestly make you question how supportive to be.

[USED1]

You don't pay duty on a brand new item due to the free trade act. The only hit you take is on exchange and gst.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by USED1
You don't pay duty on a brand new item due to the free trade act.

Really, you sure? lol

[Super_Geo]

Originally posted by Crymson
So 33,800 USD, @ 1.14 exchange = 43,194 cdn. Not bad, worth the trip to montana or seattle.

I think you should throw your calculator in the garbage. $33800 x 1.14= $38532

[bigboom]

Originally posted by Super_Geo


I think you should throw your calculator in the garbage. $33800 x 1.14= $38532

he included the 6.1% duty and 6% gst which you didnt do.

[Super_Geo]

Nice catch, I stand corrected.

[Crymson]

Yah i factored in the 12.1% duty, but it's not quite right because the Duty is applied first, then the GST is applied to that number, or vice versa, can't remeber, the difference is negligable though.

[GreenLude]

Originally posted by USED1
You don't pay duty on a brand new item due to the free trade act. The only hit you take is on exchange and gst.

You don't pay duty on things made in the US, so most import cars you have to pay. The X5 is an exception cause it's made in a southern state if i remember correctly.

[Crymson]

I knwo you don't pay duty on any car assembed in the US. But i didn't know about the new cars not having duty either, i don't know if i beleive that or not. Do you have a link to back that up?

[Weapon_R]

Yes, the X5 is duty exempt and so are a couple other imported makes. A friend of mine just bought an 04 X5 for the same price as many are selling their 00 and 01 models.

[USED1]

sorry, i forgot to add that vehicles manufactured in the US.

[spyce]

after reading this thread...makes me wish I went to the states and picked up a G35C.
Coulda saved myself a decent amount of coin!

[Crymson]

I can't think of a car you wouldn't find in both better condition, and cheaper, than in canada -- not to mention the savings alone would pay for a helluva vacation at the same time.

Fly to california, see the sights, get your car, drive back -- boom, car + free vacation. Seems like a deal and a half!

[GreenLude]

Originally posted by Crymson
I knwo you don't pay duty on any car assembed in the US. But i didn't know about the new cars not having duty either, i don't know if i beleive that or not. Do you have a link to back that up?

Customs duty is generally based on the price paid for the vehicle at the point of it crossing over into Canada. From all i have read the duty is based on the price of the car so i doesn't matter if it's new or used. There is some info in this PDF from RIV link

Originally posted by Crymson
I can't think of a car you wouldn't find in both better condition, and cheaper, than in canada -- not to mention the savings alone would pay for a helluva vacation at the same time.

Fly to california, see the sights, get your car, drive back -- boom, car + free vacation. Seems like a deal and a half!

You just need to do your research most new MB's in the US have only MPH on the speedo so you would need to chance that cause there isn't even a KPH as the secondary. Also some MB's require a bumper change (a few grand from the dealer).

Also remember if you buy from a state like Cali or Texas the car may not have a block heater for those sweet Alberta winters