Canadian Car Buying (for Canadian Consumers)

wma · January 2001

Did you ever compare the two price given by APA and carcostcanada? Do they match?? Also, what do you mean by advise??

Thank you for the reply ^o^

bcbob · January 2001

A dealer showed me his cost and both APA and Carcostcanada were bang on with base price and most options. They differed when it came to leather seats but I can't tell you who was more accurate because I wasn't interested in leather seats so the dealer didn't show me that cost. APA missed a $500 vehicle invoice credit. CCC didn't have a space to show the Ontario gas tax/credit but I didn't care since I'm not in Ontario. APA showed a $ figure for suggested mark up based on Toronto prices, which are pretty much the same as here. CCC gave only a % for national average mark-up, which was higher than I ended up paying. APA also listed $ for admin fee, GM marketing fee, and AC excise tax. APA data comes to you via e-mail the next business day after you put in your request, and only sends you data for the options you ask for so be sure to ask for them all. CCC has the advantage of giving you the data for all the options instantly, and you can play around with different option combo's. Both consider each model a separate info choice.

APA members can call the APA and talk to some pretty knowledgeable people about buying cars. They can give you info, tips, answers, etc over the phone. I had a lemon back in the 80's; they gave me good info and guidance that helped me get the automaker to fix some of the problems. Both APA and CCC are pretty receptive to e-mails and provide some pretty helpful info and advice. CCC is mainly a fledgling service for car buyers, APA is more consumer protection/advocacy oriented. I found both to be reliable and trustworthy (APA has a longstanding reputation in that regard) and the cost of using both was every loonie for the stress it saved when I went to buy.

Nowhere near the glitz and breadth the Americans have available. But they're both grassroots Canadian and we gotta start somewhere, eh?

wma · February 2001

wma · February 2001

let's say, now i buy three cars with same amount of money, one is Canadain car(GM, Oldsmoble, Pontiac..), one is Japanese(Acura,Subaru....)and one is German(Benz, BMW, volve), and i drive them up to 100000Km on each three cars. Which will i make a greater profit buy sell it? (Same price(buying price) and same km)

bcbob · February 2001

on the make, models, options, maybe even region? Got to remember that certain makes are taxed at a higher rate than others too, so there's a difference in value from the get go. Sounds like a question for the car dealers? Bet at least one of them will tell you a car is a poor investment. Why don't you try your question in one of the used car discussions?

im_brentwood · February 2001

As a rule, the European cars have the best resale, and the domestics the worst (But I am in America so the market could be a little different in Canada).

As a rule, America cars suffer heavy depreciation due to a number of factors, such as heavy rebates and subsidies/discounting, massive fleet sales, and a perceived lack of quality.

Japanese cars do a bit better, particularly Hondas.

German cars generally do pretty well, especially Mercedes-Benz and BMWs, but they have to be the right color with the right equipment.

But this is not a hard and fast rule. Some Japanese cars have lousy resale (Infinitis, Acura RL, some mitsubishis, especially the Diamante), Some American cars do pretty well (Oldsmobile Intrigue tho not for long!, Cadillac STS, some SUVs and most pickups). ANd some European cars do poorly, such as SAABs, Volvo S70s (V70s do ok), etc.

It all depends on the car. but that's a close generalization.

Bill

wma · February 2001

wma · February 2001

Where should i turn for a solid extended warranty company in Toronto Canada??? reply anyone ASAP, thank you...

wma · February 2001

In Toronto, car dealers do not expect the buyers to have the knowledge on the real dealer cost for the vehicles, nor the whole system. Therefore, if you do know the dealer cost, no dealers is willing to sell you the car at that price. Dealers are used not to be question by buyers. Also why should the dealer lower the price, when everybody is willing to pay what he says. Lots of Canadian are still unaware of how low the vehicles really cost dealers

saloveku · February 2001

Any suggestions on the appropriate markup from dealer cost in Canada. I'm particularly interested in Volvo and SAAB

CarMan@Edmunds · March 2001

I thought that those of you who are checking out this particular discussion might find the following press release from Mitsubishi interesting. Enjoy.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors to Enter Canadian Market With Full Range of Vehicles in 2003

Auto Maker's Success in United States Drives Growth Into Canada

TORONTO, Feb. 27 - Building on its extraordinary momentum and record US sales, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA), today announced its plans to enter the Canadian market through Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada. Through this subsidiary, Mitsubishi will now be able to offer Canadians a full line of stylish passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles that encourage Canadian consumers to "Wake Up and Drive(TM)."
"Canadians purchase approximately 1.5 million new vehicles a year, making this one of the world's top 10 automotive markets and a natural choice for Mitsubishi Motors' global expansion," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. "We are excited to offer Canadians our full line of vehicles and look forward to growing across this great country."

Mitsubishi Motors anticipates it will begin selling cars in Canada early in 2003, with a goal of opening 51 dealerships in the first year, growing to 150 dealerships within five years. At that level, the dealer network would result in the creation of approximately 6,400 new jobs.

The company projects sales in Canada of 38,000 new vehicles annually by the end of 2007, giving Mitsubishi an estimated two-percent share of the Canadian new vehicle market. Canada is the only major global automotive market in which Mitsubishi Motors does not currently sell vehicles.

"For any major auto company like Mitsubishi Motors, the Canadian market is an important place to do business. Canada has a world-class retail dealer environment and a growing population of savvy consumers," added Gagnon.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada plans to sell and distribute the same models sold in the United States (eight models in 2003).

In 2002, Mitsubishi Motors product line will also include an all-new compact to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April 2001, and an exciting new sport-utility vehicle based on the ASX concept car Mitsubishi Motors showed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Randy Sears is being appointed senior vice president and general manager of Canadian operations. Sears will be responsible for establishing Mitsubishi Motors in the Canadian marketplace. Currently, Sears is MMSA's regional director for the North Central region. Sears' career includes 20 years with General Motors of Canada Ltd. and two years as general manager for Saturn, Saab, Isuzu of Victoria Ltd., located in Victoria, British Columbia.

"We will offer Canadian consumers value through competitive pricing, as well as quality, reliability and style. We're confident the Mitsubishi Motors brand will connect with Canadian consumers just as it has with consumers in the United States," said Sears.

COO Gagnon and MMSA Senior Vice President and General Manager Greg O'Neill, will lead the company's senior management team. Gagnon and O'Neill are both native Canadians and veterans of the Canadian automobile industry.

Dealers interested in more information about a Mitsubishi Motors Canadian franchise should call 1-877-386-1530 and speak with Glenn Frantz to get an application form.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of more than 550 dealers in the U.S. For more information about Mitsubishi Motors, including digital images, please visit the web site at www.mitsubishicars.com and www.mitsubishicars.com/canada.

Car_Man
Host
Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards

im_brentwood · March 2001

You mean you cant buy a mitsubishi in Canada???

Bill

wma · March 2001

Which model of Volvo are you interesting? Which part of Canada are you in? Since mark-up is differ from region to region. I'm driving a 850 myself, find it very costly in repair, I would recommend you think hard b4 buying a Volvo.

saloveku · March 2001

I'm Toronto based but weekly travel north and accordingly I'm looking at the V70 XC. It's also the only one I fit in comfortably. Where are you located? I know it will be more expensive than my current Japanese car but after warranty there are independents in Toronto who are genereally less expensive than the dealers.

wma · March 2001

I'm in Northeast of GTA. My opinion on the Volvo is never ever get into an accicedent, however if you do. Take the car back to the dealer or to a VERY TRUSTED garage. The problem with Volvo is, if it is proper fix after the accicdents then you are fine. If not......^0^.. Also, Volvo can last quite long time if it's proper maintain.

kelf · March 2001

I previously experienced some head aches when you purchased car in canada with km and then in the US it had to be converted to miles, etc. However the new cars---such as MBenz--- swich easily via computer back and forth. Does this mean that such cars do not have to go through a formal conversion when brought into the US????

im_brentwood · March 2001

Generally the odometer and the speedometer must be changed out.

Legally the car has to be sold as "TMU" (True Miles Unknown)

Bill

kelf · March 2001

But the new mercedes works either on miles or kilometers! why change and what?

98monte_ls · March 2001

Is it cheaper to buy in Canada? Also, will I still get any rebates offered? Also, I am eligible for the GM Supplier Discount. Will this apply as well? (4% over dealer cost)

I looked up the prices of the car I want on the GMCanada website. Then I converted the cost into USD for the MSRP cost. Can You believe that on a Chevy Camaro V6 the Canadian MSRP converted into USD is $2000 cheaper than buying the car here in the US? is this true?

Are there any other kinds of fees involved in buying and importing into the U.S.? Taxes?

I'd appreciate any info anyone can give!!!
Thanks

Bruce

lookintobuy · April 2001

If you happen to see this - which dealer did you get your Acura TL from as per your post last October? U can email me@Camfella4@aol.com. My search hasn't been as,um, successful as yours.
Thanks in advance.

tajcat · May 2001

I'm wanting to find a VW Canadian dealership that will play ball with a statesider - preferably 1 close to the border. Also trying to confirm that the 24/24 warranty will be honored in the US, and that I'll still get the free maintenance...

Any leads are appreciated - I'd like to contact any1 who's bought Canadian recently for help. Thanks!

lookintobuy · May 2001

FIRST...call VW of America at 800 822 8987 and ask if they cover cars from Canada in the US. My understanding is all manufacturers EXCEPT Honda and Acura will honor the warranty in the US. Then ask if they will provide a letter necessary for you to bring the car into the US. (It's called a safety and emissions letter - it states that the car meets US regs.) If they do not, don't worry.
Then get a list of all VW dealers in your target area - I'm sure VW Canada has a website with this info. You said "near the border" - the border is 3000 miles long LOL!(Vancouver and Toronto/lower Ontario are generally the most competitive.)Contact some of them to verify how much you'll save by buying there - in other words, negotiate. You needn't say where you're from. Try a fax-attack or email. See other Edmunds boards on how to fax-attack. Carcostcanada.com will provide facts and figures.
Then email me about the actual buying process.
With a little ingenuity it can be done.

tajcat · May 2001

Yes, I called VW of America - they needed a VIN before confirming that they would cover the car. The USA powertrain warranty is 10yrs/100k - and only 1/2 that in Canada - I think the warranty for me would be halved.

I have faxed / called dealers - and they don't seem to think cross-border buying of a new car is condoned - located 1 possible way - but it's kinda back doorish- and am considering the risks and hassles of it.

These VW TDi engines get close to 50mpg on diesel - and they are pretty peppy w/ torque. May just get another color closer to home - thanks for the reply and congrats on your good deal!

lookintobuy · May 2001

Scroll to #33 and email me. I'll tell u what to do. Going through Customs etc is fairly easy but certain things have to be done beforehand. If VW says they'll give you a letter there should be no problem. Where in US are you?

wma · May 2001

sysop · May 2001

lookintobuy · May 2001

Looking at carcostcanda.com, the MSRP for a TDI 1.9 with only auto trans. as an option, I came up with 26,055 CDN. That's about 17,000 US. And that's MSRP - you could probably get it for a tad less. Using Edmunds as a guide, multiply that figure by .94 for the approximate dealer cost. Depending on where that car is built, you may have to add duty of 2.5% to that figure. (VIN numbers that begin with 1,2,3,4,or 5 are duty-free.) Now add the fact that you say there is a color (isotope??lol)
that is only available in Canada. Let me know when you're leaving. It's awfully nice in the summer up there.

larryj · July 2004

I'm shopping for a new car and the Altama is my probable choice. My local nissan dealer has several 05's on the lot and no more 04's. However the dealer does have two new 03 models that haven't sold from over stock. They are both 2.5s. automatics. One has the convenience package and both have under 1000 kms. Can any one give me a suggest price to offer the dealer for a car that is two model years old yet still new for warranty purposes? I don't want to find out too late that I've paid too much for a "new" car that has already depreciated two years. Also I wouldn't be suprized if the fluids in the engine are also two years old! If I buy either car what fluids should I have the dealer change?

carnut2 · November 2004

I'm trying to get a good deal for a new Odyssey in southern Ontario. Just a quick update on these suggested websites:
AUTOBYTEL.Ca is a US site only
CHARIOTS.COM defaults to AutoTrader (used cars only)
CARPOINT.CA defaults to Sympatico/MSN for list prices only.
CARS4U.Com is the only good site that gives discounted quotes.
Are there any Canucks out there that either got a good Honda deal or can recommend Canadian websites?

mbagrad · June 2005

I am looking to buy a cheap used car from Canada (under $1000). I am wondering if the customs fees will outweigh the car cost. What needs to happen when buying a car in Canada when I'm from the U.S.?

jlawrence01 · June 2005

I have been in Canada a couple times this year. While NEW cars are significantly cheaper than in the US (and most Canadian dealers do NOT sell to US residents), I have seen used car prices that seemed much higher than you could land the vehicle in the US for (and I AM accounting for the 0.79 exchange rate that is currently in place).

Another snag is that you will find that some cars marketed in Canada, cannot be imported as they do not meet US safety and pollutions standards. That is not generally a problem with the American makes.

Personally, unless you have some "sweetheart" deal with a friend or a relative, I'd forget about it.

mazda6iguy · June 2005

Casino Windsor is running a promotion where you could win a Smart car. We do not have these in the US, so I was wondering if a US resident wins the car, what happens when he brings it back to the US? Are those cars federalized?

On a related subject, what if a US resident wants to buy an Acura EL (not offered in USA) just to be unique. What are the pitfalls? Can he have it serviced by US Acura dealers? Just wondering....

moeb · July 2005

I would like to know if it's a good idea to pay for fabric protection when you have a baby. Moreover, I would like to know if that make a difference to pay for the paint sealant and the undercoating? Let me know if I will just waste my money or if it's a good idea?

grandtotal · July 2005

While NEW cars are significantly cheaper than in the US

That may have been true when the exchange rate was C$1.40 to the US$, but now that it's more like C$1.25 I don't think there are many cars that are significantly cheaper in Canada if you compare like with like.

jlawrence01 · July 2005

**I don't think there are many cars that are significantly cheaper in Canada if you compare like with like. ***

Back in September, when the exchange rate was something close to C$1.23, I bought five Ford F250s that were identically equipped. Three went to Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton and two went to the midwesterm states. There was about a $1500 difference in the price that I paid taking into account currency exchange. I bought them through the same leasing company and took advantage of all available incentive programs from Ford.

For the most part, it is a moot point since the overwhelming majority of Canadian dealers will not sell to residents of the United States and visa versa.

mikeb2 · July 2005

My daughter is a student at a university in the US. We live in Toronto. I'm planning to get a car for her, and am wondering about the pros and cons of buying one in Canada and having her use it in the US, versus buying one in the US. This is not an issue of price (I'll deal with that separately), but I am concerned about possible licencing, insurance or other issues.

Does anyone have any views on this topic?

ykim1 · December 2005

Dear Mbagrad

Can you tell me which cars are not imported to USA?

jlawrence01 · December 2005

Over the years, the following cars were marketed in Canada but not sold in the US. This is an "off the top of my head" list, not a complete one.

Nissan Micra
Innocenti
Mercedes Smart Car
Lada
Skoda
Dacia
Hyundai Pony (pre Excel)
certain Peugeot models

I am sure that others can give you a more specific list.

mazda6iguy · January 2006

Also add...

Acura EL and CSX
Asuna
Optima

There is a good list of cars marketed in Canada but not U.S. at Wikipedia.

richmtl2 · February 2006

I did some comparatives on pricing (using vendor websites), and either the US is getting great deals on most models or Canadians are taking it up the ... ever since the dollar has climbed.

Subaru is the worse with 20% premium on the WRX and Honda has a 13% additional markup on an SI with Aero and 18" wheels.

At Audi Canadians pay a 14% premium for 4WD compared to an 8% premium for 2WD

Generally speaking across the Toyota lineup we're paying between 10% and 20% more than the US after factoring in the current exchange rate.

The new VW GTI gap starts at 14% for the base but when you add some extras it drops to 7%

Given the free trade laws I think it's at the point where it might cost less to import the car from the US rather than buying at a Canadian dealership.

PS - don't give me the line about supply and demand. This is the corporate machine exploiting the under informed consumer.

dmander · March 2006

Subaru is the worse with 20% premium on the WRX and Honda has a 13% additional markup on an SI with Aero and 18" wheels.
Especially since the Honda I was looking at is made in Allison, Ontario. Excluding taxes it is cheaper to buy it in Portland Oregon than in Ontario. Ford too is up to this game offering little more than about 15% more on the MSRP and Canadians don't get the $3000 USD discount the Americans in the many parts of the US are getting for a F-150.
Because the material costs are largely based on USD then Canadians should find vehicle prices coming down. Obviously car manufacturers think Canadians are stupid.
I imported my last Canadian built car from the US and will like do the same again.
RIV has info in this but do your research.

thecableguy · December 2006

Folks,
I am shopping for a Subaru B9 Tribeca. Any canadians want to share their experience buying a Subaru B9. I read some posts which said that buyers in US can buy one B9 $2000 below invoice. Can we Canadians get the similar discount or close a deal below invoice now?
Any suggestion are welcome.
BTW, I have the Carcostcanada reports in hand already.
Thx in advance.

cwru32 · May 2007

Hi
I have no experience about canadian market. I would like to know how much you have paid for a new Honda crv. did you use any online service? do you know a good dealer? what options did you order on your car?
finally, do you think new 2008 will arrive in september?
thanks for your help.

isellhondas · August 2007

Please be advised that U.S. dealers are NOT permitted to sell new Hondas destined for Canada! I must get six requests a day! You really need to deal with your local dealers!!

grandtotal · August 2007

I'm surprised that some enterprising Honda dealers have not found a way around this.

If I were in the market for a new Honda and chose to buy it from the US I would be happy to buy a 'one week old, previously registered, used car with, let's say, 6 miles on the odometer'. I'd be happy to pay a price which relected the going rate for such a car plus delivery, doc fees etc., in fact the sort of price that I might be able to negotiate on a new car of the same specification.

dhermil · August 2007

I am a Hyundai-Mitsubishi dealer in the Detroit metro area. We deliver cars to Canadian customers in Canada.
We arrange all the necessary paperwork including financing if required. As an example, I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa FE SE that we can sell for $21,500 Canadian. I believe that the comparable vehicle in Canada would be priced closer to $30,000 Canadian.

I would be happy to explain how the process works in detail.

Canadians buying vehicles in the US, and importing / registering vehicles in Canada, the procedure is relatively straightforward. First, vehicles under 15 years must qualify for import and be on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)approved list (riv.ca). The list also indicates expected modifications required to register the vehicle. Expect daytime running lights and child safety seat anchors at a minimum. Avoid cars requiring bumper modifications and Mercedes Benz vehicles in this regard specifically as only the dealer ($$$$) can modify the vehicle to comply with RIV. Kit cars under 15 years are not admissible. Good news: vehicles ( except buses) over 15 years ( based on month /year of manufacture ) all are admissible without requiring RIV inpections. Cars over 25 years are antiques, no duty applies. Motorcycles, trucks (light and heavy ) and SUVS are all admissible. Having found an admissible vehicle, the title for any "self propelled land vehicle" must be faxed to US Customs at the border crossing for approval: each port has slightly different hours and rules. Some border crossings do not process vehicles. Three full business days later, the vehicle with original title can cross and be stamped by US Customs. The vehicle must then be admitted by Canada Customs. Expect to pay 6% GST, $100 air conditioning excise tax, $206 RIV fee ( under 15 years old ) and possible duty if not made in North America. Example: German vehicles 6%. I always fax the RIV form 1 myself to RIV, the next day call them and they will email you form 2, listing what has to be modified. If you do not call, form 2 will be mailed in about 10 days. After completing modifications, you take form 1 &2, the vehicle and a letter from the manufacturer stating " no outstanding recalls" to Canadian Tire for inspection, they stamp the forms and you can go to a licence office, pay the PST ( on actual price paid, not book value ), turn in the US ownership, and obtain a Canadian title to the vehicle. As always, you need a safety inpection and possibly an emission test. Be warned no original US title in hand and the vehicle cannot cross into Canada

terrylau · September 2007

I live in Toronto, Ontario and am looking at purchasing a 2007 Nissan Quest minivan which is made in the USA and is an allowable vehicle to bring over to Canada duty free(slightly used preferred). Please advise if you have a dealer connections/or yourselves whom may sell to me...I can pickup car from you as well in the Detroit area or across the border in Canada. I have read the process to bring a vehicle over but would rather pay alittle extra to have all this work done for me if it can be arranged.

Regards, Terry

screwedbybmw · September 2007

I purchased a used 2007 328XI from a BMW dealer in a different city (USA) than I live. The car recently developed an transmission leak. I took it in for warranty work (at Edmonton BMW) and they told me it is leaking in three places (pan, where wire probes enter, frost plug). I was told work had been done on the car and they would not cover fixing it under warranty. I said the car is almost new with two registered owners (other BMW dealership and myself). Only work would have been performed by BMW. BMW records show no work was ever done. They still refuse to do the warranty. They told me they can tell when the pan was dropped by the screws. Even in the highly unlikely event that someone did work on the pan (1) it would have been by BMW and (2) how come the other leaks are not covered.

This does not make sense to me as to why this car would not be covered under warranty - its crazy. By the way, Edmonton BMW says they have to replace the entire transmission because the "frost plug" is not a part available from BMW - it will cost me $14,000.

I was wondering if any others have had leaking transmissions in 2007 328XI (Automatic Trans)? Also has anyone ever heard about the frost plug leaking? Has anyone else had warranty issues denied by BMW?

Thanks
Darryl

I have posted this in the BMW 3 Series forum (and others in different site). Sorry for the cross post but I thought it might be interesting here.

Kirstie_H · October 2007

A television reporter is looking to talk to consumers who live in Edmonton, AB that needed a repair to be done on their vehicle which should have been covered by warranty, but for whatever reason the dealer or manufacturer is refusing. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, October 9, 2007 with your daytime contact info.

Canadian Car Buying (for Canadian Consumers)

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