I will be interested to know your dealer in North Carolina. My email address is jmlleung at yahoo dot com.
Also, how much do you pay for the 2008 Highlander in New Hampshire?
"As for the recall letter, it's real easy. You just call toyota USA and give them the vin and ask for a recall letter and they'll fax it that day no charge." Do you tell Toyota USA that you are importing a brand new 2008 Toyota vehicle into Canada?
What is worrisome about the policies of various manufacturers and the complicity of the Government is this: 1. Canadians by virtue of their citizenship are being denied the opportunity to purchase new vehicles in the US. If this does not concern our democratically elected Members of Parliament and the Minister of International Trade, I would be very concerned. 2. Canadians by virtue of their citizenship are being denied warranty in Canada on some new vehicles purchased in the US if they import the vehicle to Canada. A citizen from the US having purchased an identical vehicle in the US and who travels to Canada on business or while on a vacation is able to obtain warranty coverage in Canada. Notwithstanding this apparent inequity, I understand a US Citizen could purchase a new vehicle in Canada and import the vehicle to the US and receive warranty service without question although I believe the number of new vehicles being purchased at retail prices for export from Canada by US citizens is actually zero. Perhaps US citizens prefer to purchase vehicles in geographic locations where they can get the best price. 3. There is a significant price disparity based on geographic location for identical products that cannot be explained. Manufacturers are relying on the difficulties consumers are having with importation to prop up their pricing strategies. Without the impasse created by the Government with respect to importation, Canadian prices would fall significantly. This has nothing to do with pricing strategies developed by entrepreneurs and everything to do with importation restrictions and documentation requirements.
In summary, I do not agree the Government has not played a role in preserving the status quo for many manufacturers through restrictive importation requirements and regulations. If there were no barriers to the free movement of goods across the border, prices and standards would ultimately harmonize and successful manufacturers would develop competitive sales strategies to sell their products at prices that would not penalize a citizen for his or her citizenship. Clearly, the role of our elected Members of Parliament is to stand up for the rights of Canadians and take to task any organization operating in a country signatory to NAFTA that seeks to limit or deny access to products based on citizenship.
I posted message #2920 of 2929 Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Standard Tax $5.1 Billion which tries to explain how the difference between US and Canadian prices is costing us $5.1 BILLION each year.
The reply from Mr. Broadbent was just disgusting but I guess that is why he is in that job.
That thread brought up the issue of jobs in the auto industry which I am sure Mr. Broadbent is anxious to protect since the NDP campaigns are funded by the unions and presumably those in unions vote for the NDP.
An auto maker will open or close or lay off shifts at a plant no matter what country it is depending on optimization of the overall corporate production capacity. In any event, how far would the $5.1 BILLION PLUS per year that Canadian auto buyers pay would cover the buy-outs of those who became unemployed by the Canadian auto industry.
GM retains Earnscliffe Strategy Group as their lobbyist in Ottawa. Earnscliffe has many senior ex-HRDC employees on staff. Wonder how much GM is receiving in re-training, etc. as a result of the efforts of Earnscliffe. Maybe Earnscliffe represents the GM bogeyman for the government....letting them know that GM "might" close plants in Canada. Hell, they have been closing them anyways.
So what does our paying $5.1 BILLION a year guarantee as far as jobs go. Nothing. GM will make their decision to close a plant in Canada or anywhere else based on alot of factors other than Canadian car prices.
The manufacturers have been getting their $5.1BILLION PLUS premium each year for a long time. It has to come to an end.
Thanks for posting this one...too bad it doesn't get any airtime. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...ostcount=10800 Good reading: A CBC article by Neil Macdonald Want a cheaper car? Sorry, you're Canadian December 7, 2007
If the Conservatives don't harmonize motor vehicle safety standards, they are allowing $5.1 BILLION to be sucked out of voters pockets and dividended to foreign companies. There are approximately 1,700,000 new motor vehicles bought in Canada each year.
That means a significant number of votes, even if 50% haven't got a clue about saving money when buying a car.
That said, the thing you have to deal with here is that *you are Canadian!* That means U.S. laws are meaningles to you except as paperwork you have to grind through.
Step 1:Ask for the recall letter. Lie to them and claim you want to know if there are any outstanding issues that you might need to get looked at. How are they to know? They fax it to you before you even step foot on that showroom floor. This works fantastic with 2007 models/older stock as well - they just want to move it ASAP and people ask about older models and recalls all the time.
Step 2:Buy the car in a state that charges no sales tax(or as low as possible_. Why pay sales tax to another country that you aren't a citizen of? Feel no shame on this one.
Step 3 - buying as a non-citizen. Volume dealers are the key. You're just another face to a mega-chain. Registration varies, of course, but there are ways around it The main thing is that you need to be willing to get a trailer and tow it to the border off the lot if need be. Not impossible, though, considering the money being saved. Again, 2007 models are being blown out now and the manufacturer won't nerf the dealer for selling to you - it's old stock that they are offering silly money just ot move it off the lot.
You can also register it as non-operational for a very low fee - like $20. 99% of dealers won't want to do this, but if you explain it to them, it's not hard to find one that will help you. .note - paying them the profit they make off of this in doc fees goes a LONG way towards getting them to do this. They make money, you save money.
Or do the register in another state trick. Old stock they want to move and money in their hands makes it easy(probably the only business where bribing peope actually is legal - lol)
Either way, Canada doesn't care what the car was registered as once it hits the border. It's your possession - now it needs to comply.
4:Buy a vehicle that is made in Canada. There are a few auto makers that have plants in Canada. Yes, it means you won't be getting a most Japanese cars, but you will be saving the import tax. That, plus no sales tax, is a good 15% or more in your pocket if you do both. This could easily add up to a total savings of half of the car's value compared to the Canadian price.
If it's on that list, it's good to go(note - may require some vin hunting, as 90% of Civics in the U.S.are U.S. made). Also, made in Canada means it's only a few parts different than the U.S. version and a lot easier to get the process completed. Most are identical actually, as we've been reading here.. Ther's also the thing about buying Canadian made, which helps a bit as well with the paper-pushers (most tend to be conservative and like to support Canadian industry if possible, seeing tons of non-Canadian imports all the time). Every bit helps, after all.
Reinstall the Canadian bits back on and you're good to go. Yes, its a short list, but the cars do cover a wide range and there are a few surprises as well, like the Matrix and the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis($6000 in rebates right now, btw, on a 2007 model). $18K out the door, and some paperwork issues and so on and presto - loads cheaper than the Canadian price.
edit:A trailer is a good idea anyways as it makes it easier to get across the border(no issues of driving it without proper registration) Yes, I know it's only a few miles in most cases, but they're that anal about it.
Canada's ecoAUTO program of up to $2,000 refund for buying a new vehicle with low fuel consumption is not available for new imports. You have to buy from a Canadian dealer. Even though the objective of the program is to encourage more efficient vehicles, imports don't qualify. It may be worth lobbying for a change to this rule though the difficulty might be determining the efficiency of a vehicle not made for the Canadian market.
In many applications of the rebate, its effectivness is questionable. When a refund of say, $1,000 is available from Ottawa, manufacturers/dealers simple reduce their incentives by up to $1,000. No wonder some manufacturers are publicly praising the program.
The 2007 model of Honda's Fit failed to qualify but the competing Toyota Yaris did. So last year Honda met the competition by offering a $1,000 incentive. For 2008, Honda tweaked the Fit to get it to qualify for the Ottawa rebate. Guess what. Honda no longer offer that same incentive.
For Jeep's Compass and Patriot, only one trim level is eligible for the SUV ecoAUTO money. What Jeep does is simply price those other trim levels higher - just check the incentives offered for all the Jeep Compass and Patriot trim levels.
World Manufacturer’s Identification (WMI) The first character in the WMI sequence represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured. Countries like the United States (1 or 4), Canada (2) and Mexico (3) are represented by numbers while other countries such as Germany (W), Italy (Z) and Japan (J) are represented by letters.
The second character refers to the manufacturer. The characters can be either letters or numbers. For example: Jaguar (A), Dodge (B), Chrysler (C), Jeep (J), Buick (4), Cadillac (6) or Saturn (8).
The third character represents the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
Hi I am also planning to buy Highlander hybrid ( pre sep 2007) . I am planning to buy it from New hampshire, Please give me details of dealer and price at nadeemahmed1@rogers.com I want to know why you bought it from North Carolina when you registered it in New Hampshire. Is there any price difference or any other benefits. How did you carry your vehicle from North carolina to New Hampshire.
Yes i used my florida address to purchase my van, as far as the name on the mso it doesn't matter what name is on there. The US side just wants to make sure it's not stolen and the cdn side just wants your cdn licence to register it in Canada.
The North Carolina dealer like most of the dealers took two weeks to prepare the MSO, Why the New hampshire had it right away, might have been because it was a transfer from another dealer in Boston and therefore he already had the MSO or they just might do it differentely in NH.
As far as the florida licence is concerned,you have to be there in person because you have to pass a simple eye test. But someone mentionned in an earlier thread that they were able to purchase a van in NC with a cdn licence.
Good luck on finding a pre sept built highlander hybrid. From what I heard ( I may be wrong) Toyota only started building them in Sept. Because they're built in Japan, dealers only started getting them end of Oct.
Batlas I'd say you are over reacting just a bit with your statement "So, buyer beware. If you still want to save money impoting a Hyundai, better make arrangements to purchase a reputable aftermarket extended warranty because Hyundai has just left you up the proverbial creek".
Fact of the matter is that Hyundai US will still honor your warranty. You simply pay for the repairs at any Canadian dealer and submit the receipts to Hyundai US. I bought a Hyundai Veracruz in the US instead of a Honda, Acura or something else because it is a terrific vehicle and Hyundai is smart enough not to play the stupid games that some other manufacturers are. Recall letter was also a breeze. So settle down, nobody has been left up a creek.
Thanks. My dealer was cut off by Toyota on Nov 01 but is honouring all deals done before that . My deal was done mid October unfortunately the Sienna is a post Sept 01 vehicle so I'm still on hold
Furthermore the dealer tells me that Toyota has instructed them that factory incentives are not to be applied to Canadian deals.
When I asked for the current incentive the dealer said no and told me they would not pass on any factory incentives even if they were part of an already signed deal.
Doesn't apply to me but I'm not sure that would stand up to a legal challenge if the deal was already made with a deposit.
Hi, I am new here and have an address in the US along with ID. I am interested in getting a new Toyota but want to know How are you paying for the vehicle ( accepatable forms of payment accepted by the dealer) Will dealers accept certified cheque/ draft made out to their name in US$ by a canadian bank as form of payment?? also how can one get the dealer to give you an MSO right when you pick up the vehicle if you are out of stat
My dealer in North Carolina gave us the MSO immediately, as soon as we paid. Before we left Canada, he faxed it to us, so I could fax it to the border. This was very helpful.
We wired the money down three days before we flew down. This was a leap of faith, paying before we saw the vehicle, but we had talked in length to the sales manager and felt we were dealing with a reliable company. You can bring a bank draft with you, but I don't know if there are delays in processing it. Someone actually brought cash, but I wouldn't do that.
Again, I repeat, we did NOT need a US driver's license. I told them upfront we were Canadian; they said, "Y'all welcome."
That really sucks about the Toyota rebates, I wonder if it's true that Toyota isn't issuing them or is it more like the dealer wants to keep it for himself. I have friends in the US that are amazed that these cdns are coming down and paying MSRP. It's just unheard of for them to pay MSRP. I guess it comes down to being so happy a dealer is willing to sell to them that they don't negotiate. So I guess even if you find a dealer that'll sell to you as a cdn you would still save around $3,000. If you had some US id. I Know I'm lucky to have a florida ID I would just hate to have to pay too much for a car. On my Highlander limited the MSRP is $38763. and the invoice is $34,790. I ended up paying $34,400. out the door dealer fees included. You can check the invoice prices of any cars at www.carsdirect.com . I don't think I would have had a chance at that price If went in as a cdn.
The payment has been a bit of a pain for me. All the finacial institutes in Canada only issue bank drafts and all the dealers I have spoken to don't have much respect for the bank draft, Some say they would have to hold it for 2 weeks and others want nothing at all to do with it, my way around this problem (and i'm sure there is other ways) has been to open a acct at a US bank. As a canadian you are allowed.I then deposit my bank draft in that acct. There is still a hold on the funds (about 5 days) but after that you can get a cashier check or certified check . with that you can walk in to the dealer and drive out right away. Just to make sure, I always fax the dealer a copy of my check before heading down. It makes things easier when you get there, everbody on the same wave length and it cuts down on the turn around time. When I picked up my highlander I faxed them and told them I would be in a bit of a rush because of my long drive. When I got there all the papers were done and I was out in 15min. ( I skipped the whole car walk through).
Have you called the dealer since your purchase to see if he is still selling to canadians? I am just curious if there any dealers still selling or if they are all feeling the pressure from toyota. If they are still selling maybe you can share the dealers name with the forum
The dealer from which I purchased accepted a U.S. draft. I brought it with me when I picked up the vehicle. I also had the option of sending a cheque by wire. The MSO was given to me when I picked up the vehicle, just ask for it ahead of time. I had to purchase a temporary insurance permit from MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) while I was at the dealership. We faxed papers back and forth. Some dealerships are still selling to Canadians, you just have to find them. If you get refused by one salesman, I would phone again and speak to another salesman until you've tried them all. Some just don't like Canadians, others are rookies and don't want to bother with it or are easily scared away because of stories they've heard. Regardless, be upfront and keep trying, they are in the business of selling and some are suffering sales wise and they will eventually come around. P.S. my 2008 Sienna is still in limbo, sitting in my garage. Missed the manufacture date by one month. Good luck.
I'm a snowbird in Florida who plans on buying a 2008 caddy and having it taken to the Buffalo border by a vehicle carrier. Taking an unregisterd vehicle to Buffalo saves me the Florida sales tax. In Buffalo I plan on taking the vehicle across to Canada as an import. My question is, what kind of plates/tags do I need to get the caddy across the border to my home town of Toronto? Will NYS issue me 30 day temp tags even though the vehicle is from Florida and just "passing" through? I would really appreciate help in this matter
Hi I am planning to buy one of the two vehicles in the next 6 months. I had tried to get information from both dealers and also from RIV and Transport Canada but non of the are helpful at all. I just stumbled upon this website and am so thrilled and happy about it ! Could some one guide me in detail about the taxes and duties and best way to save some money. I agree with the feelings of all us Canadians that Dealers are taking us for a ride and this is happening in full protection or agreement with the federal government (RIV & Transport Canada) and I have no doubt in this. The dealers just dont want to disclose and thing to Canadians and the government has given them the power to issue letters of admissibility and letter for Recall. It is as if you are telling a thief to be a judge ! Please assist me and guide me in this regard. Sincerely. An under privileged Canadian citizen. :mad:
Weather is fantastic. We really hate to go back to TO for Christmas Florida dealer WILL give 30 day temp tag BUT I have to pay the sales tax!!. and that is quite a bit on a 40K vehicle. Then I have to pay the ontario PST and GSt on that amount again, when I register in Ontario. The purpose of the carrier is NOT to pay the tax twice. The vehiicle is not registered until it gets to Canada. So how do I drive it on a temp basis in Canada. Will Ont. dept give me a temp permit??
I was in the same boat, so I went to North Carolina where they didn't collect the sales tax but did give me temp. tag.( if you use your florida licence) this also applies to georgia and south carolina.
The other option is just to get in towed on the ONT side, I believe if you get CAA PLUS they give you 160km towing for free.
I find this very interesting. I understand that all U-Haul vehicles are registered in Arizona, and are rented out to Canadians in all provinces without being registered in Canada. They have a reputation for operating poorly maintained vehicles - see CBC report back 3-6 months ago. How do they get around these rules?
Don't assume that the FIRST dealer is right on state sales tax .... you will hear many conflicting stories -- keep looking until you find one that sells it tax exempt. If they want to sell it BADLY ENOUGH -they find a way --- I asked my THIRD Michigan dealer ( fully thinking that I was going back to NY state ) and - guess what -- they found a way .... they can deliver it to me at Canada Customs .... ok --I can live with that ...:-)
This is car # 2 ---I think I am done for a while
BTW --look at this web site -- I am very impressed with it ....
When we bought our Sienna on Nov. 28 in North Carolina, we got a $1500 Toyota rebate, no problem. By the way, the dealer gave us 30-day temporary plates, so returning to Canada was no problem. The salesman left a message yesterday asking how the Sienna was running. I'll call him back tomorrow and ask him if they are still selling to Canadians. I'll post it on here if they are, and my e-mail address. I would never just put the name on such a public forum. (Such is the paranoia I've developed about Toyota .) I don't think the problem is finding a dealer that will sell to Canadians provided you're willing to travel. I think the problem is finding pre-Sept. 1 vehicles. Surely the supply must have dried up by now? Someone told me (and I think this may be pure gossip) that the Toyota dealers in the Deep South are outside the regular Toyota organization, that they operate more independently.
Thanks everyone. IF I have it righht then this is how it should work. I will open an US account and get money wired into it from Canada. Get the certified check made from the US account to US dealer as well as fax it before I head down( 2-3 days). Ask them to have the MSO ready. Get temp Insurance permit from here before I leave and ask for 30 day tag / permit from the dealer and drive back to the border with bill of sale , MSO . Fax to US border 72 hrs before I intend to cross it. Let me know if this would work????????
Close,first you need to find a dealer and then he'll tell you what method of payment he'll accept. It may be that they'll accept a bank draft from a cdn bank. Also you have to call your border crossing and see if they'll accept a fax or only the original documents. Good luck
I am now considering importing a Lexus RX 350. They are listed as made in Canada, so presumeably there should be no 6.1% import duty. When this saving is taken into account the pricing is close to a Highlander. Are my facts correct?
Welcome to the club. The BMW/MB mafia is currently in full control and I do not see anything changing anytime soon. I tried to figure out a way of this monopoly but I guess the power is not with the little people. NAFTA, right...Works only for big business, not for the consumer
I'm in total agreement with you on the rediculous recall letters and having to go to the 'authorized dealers only' for modifications. I'm in the process of importing an MB and the necessary modifications will cost me around the $4000-6000 range not to mention $750 of it is 'admin fees', where as if I went to a german specific shop it would only cost me at most $2000. MB is just taking away part of the savings I should be receiving.
I'm not a law person or anyone who knows exactly what rights I have or what right the manufacture has to implement this BS rule, but it just seems odd that any other car manufacture doesn't have these restrictions. If you as me, sounds like MB has it good with TC. Unless enough noise is made by the considers I really don't think this will change.
But regarding your question, if the car is built in north america you don't have to pay duty, and here in BC, we have to pay GST at the border, and PST when we register our insurance. Oh, don't forget the gas guzzler tax. Depending on the liters per 100km's, u could be paying anywhere from $1000-4000 more at the border too.
No duty, but Lexus has $8500 off right now in Canada on the 2008 RX 350 for cash purchases. So, factor that it to your US/Canada price comparison. I am sure that the US is still cheaper but how much diff??? Ok, So fully loaded US RX 350 = 46000 Fully loaded Canadian RX350 = 58000 less 8500 =49500
So, $3500 diff probably not worth it for a new 2008. You could get a better spread on used vs used.
Hi I agree with you that combined effort is needed to put an end to the day light robbery in which our government is equally a partner. We can ask questions in the letters to the editor as I have started doing and also in our next election this can be made one of the several issue. If you are importing MB could you have asked the US dealer to make those modifications there in USA as an added option. In that way you could have saved lot of money. Or this was not an option for you or you were denied this option by MB. Also could you please tell me what are the necessary modifications being done and which MB vehicle are you importing. Also how did you get the VIN for your vehicle as it is needed by the Canadian MB dealer to issue the admissibility letter for which they are charging a fee. I knw for sure you can get the recall information from a US department of motor vehicle for free and Canadian MB is charging $ 500.00 for it. GL320CDi is mostly made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama so there should not be any Import duty of 6.1% according to NAFTA agreement. AS for GST, PST, Air Con,, Gas Guzzler Tax, every one has to pay but if we can avoid the import duty of 6.1% that will make a huge difference.
The Following is................................a summary of the discussions on Dec 4 and 5th. Readers please note we have submitted these minutes on the basis of the input we received from....................
Consultation Session 3 – Wednesday December 6, 2008 11:00am-1:00pm
...................... 7. Kash (Transport Canada) made a comment re: harmonization that we are mostly already harmonized except in certain specific areas. TC strongly believes that there is further room for harmonization where safety is not at risk. Manufacturers strongly believe in increased harmonization which would facilitate cross-border trade. [B][U]Although there are certain areas that TC will not harmonize with.[/U][/B] Glad that Canadians and our group have supported the benefits of immobilizers. Update: large number of comments received from stakeholders from across Canada, over 100-200 statements. Kash’s team will consolidate for presentation to senior management.
That a position could be taken by someone who obviously has little interest or understanding of the economics of this.. "Althoughthere are certain areas that TC will not harmonize with."
The cost of that position of since 2002 is over $5 BILLION a year. Want a cheaper car, move to the U.S.
Our rebate was on a 2008 Sienna. To the person transferring the money to the US, why are you opening an account in the US? Your bank in Canada can wire the money directly to the dealer's bank in the US. It takes 3 business days. Re Lexus: I was told that Lexus won't sell to Canadians, period.
You can't buy new Lexus for export. The vehicle must me registered in the US first. I brought back 2 RXs this way and saved about 15K each (before the current rebate in Canada). Most people get their US family/friends to do the initial purchase because you need valid US resident/driver license/insurance to take delivery of the car from the dealer. Then make a bill of sales to yourself and import it to Canada.
The answer here is very simple. Mercedes, or any other automaker has a right to charge whatever they think the market will bear. As a consumer, you vote with your pocketbook. Mercedes is under no obligation to sell you car. You have to OPTION to buy one from them,or from someone else. If enough people buy different cars, then Mercedes may re-think their pricing policies. in the meantime, you have plenty of other options.
Nice analysis to show in total how much we are being gouged here in Canada. (Although it is conservative i.e. we pay more than double for PDI)
The biggest beneficiary of this gouging is GM Canada. They had 25.5% of the 2006 Light Vehicle market share.
It goes to show how GM Canada has consistently been profitable while in the USA, they loose money and they are only in business to pay the pensions of the past employees.
Here's what I did step by step: 1) made the down payment (credit card) by phone to secure the vehicle 2) had the dealer fax to me the bill of sale and clearance recall letter (you can get that letter from the manufacturer also) 3) I faxed these papers to border - 72 hours prior to pick up - with a cover letter explaining what I was planning on doing (simply explaining the day and approximately when I would be crossing the border - this isn't necessary, I just did it out of courtesy) 4) went to the dealer, paid the balance with a cheque (you are sending payment ahead of time which is probably what your dealer requires) 5) Manitoba Public Insurance suggested that I fax them from the dealer to get a temporary permit, which I did (if you can do that ahead of time, it will save you time) 6) the dealer gave me the MSO and I took it with me to the border 7) when I arrived at the border I went in to the American side and had the MSO stamped 8) then go to the Canadian gates, pay your GST and other fees and you should be on your way * If you can do it this way, everything can be done in one trip. 9) after you have accomplished this, drive straight home, open a bottle of whatever you prefer and have a drink for all of us who are still waiting to be allowed to put plates on our vehicles. At step 9 above, I was refused entry due to the manufacture date and the nightmare began. 10)Good luck to you.
Volvomax you hit the nail right on the head. You cannot blame manufacturers for charging whatever people will pay, that is the way most business is done. There is absolutely nothing illegal or even unethical about this. When explaining why prices are higher in Canada, most manufactures provide vague statements to the effect that they charge based on "market conditions". Well the market condition that they refer to is simply the willingness of the average Canadian to put up with this nonsense. No wonder we have a reputation for being so nice and friendly. Perhaps we should add gullible to that list? Buying a new vehicle in the US and bringing it back into Canada is not difficult, depending of course on the vehicle. If the average Canuck stopped buying vehicles from manufacturers that are jerking us around, this behaviour would stop real quick.
You fax the MSO to the border. On a covering sheet, put "Att'n: Vehicle Export", and the VIN in big letters. Write in big letters at the bottom of the MSO, the VIN again (it just makes the clerk's job a bit easier). Call 2 hours later to check they have received the fax. You may have to leave a message, but they will call you back the next day. Keep the fax confirmation, in case they mis-file your MSO. You don't need to fax the recall letter. And check their hours of operation. At Lewiston in Buffalo it is 8 to 4, I think. Leave time for a line-up.
My wife is after a new Highlander Sport or Limited as well, so I'd be interested in your NC dealer info and any insight on the purchase you're willing to share. ajpatersonatrsvfxdotcom (at=@, dot=.) Thanks.
yep. wasnt even a letter. just a printout from GM vehicle inquiry system. didnt have dealer letter head, gm letter head or anything like that. 2 page print out showing options & one section showing "no outstanding campaigns"
Comments
I will be interested to know your dealer in North Carolina. My email address is jmlleung at yahoo dot com.
Also, how much do you pay for the 2008 Highlander in New Hampshire?
"As for the recall letter, it's real easy. You just call toyota USA and give them the vin and ask for a recall letter and they'll fax it that day no charge."
Do you tell Toyota USA that you are importing a brand new 2008 Toyota vehicle into Canada?
Thanks a lot.
Are you using your US address when you purchase. If so does the bill of sale with your US address cause any problems at either the US or CDN border.
On the NC deal did they have the MSO immediately available.
Do you have to apply for the Florida licence in person?
Thanks for all the great info you are providing.
1. Canadians by virtue of their citizenship are being denied the opportunity to purchase new vehicles in the US. If this does not concern our democratically elected Members of Parliament and the Minister of International Trade, I would be very concerned.
2. Canadians by virtue of their citizenship are being denied warranty in Canada on some new vehicles purchased in the US if they import the vehicle to Canada. A citizen from the US having purchased an identical vehicle in the US and who travels to Canada on business or while on a vacation is able to obtain warranty coverage in Canada. Notwithstanding this apparent inequity, I understand a US Citizen could purchase a new vehicle in Canada and import the vehicle to the US and receive warranty service without question although I believe the number of new vehicles being purchased at retail prices for export from Canada by US citizens is actually zero. Perhaps US citizens prefer to purchase vehicles in geographic locations where they can get the best price.
3. There is a significant price disparity based on geographic location for identical products that cannot be explained. Manufacturers are relying on the difficulties consumers are having with importation to prop up their pricing strategies. Without the impasse created by the Government with respect to importation, Canadian prices would fall significantly. This has nothing to do with pricing strategies developed by entrepreneurs and everything to do with importation restrictions and documentation requirements.
In summary, I do not agree the Government has not played a role in preserving the status quo for many manufacturers through restrictive importation requirements and regulations. If there were no barriers to the free movement of goods across the border, prices and standards would ultimately harmonize and successful manufacturers would develop competitive sales strategies to sell their products at prices that would not penalize a citizen for his or her citizenship. Clearly, the role of our elected Members of Parliament is to stand up for the rights of Canadians and take to task any organization operating in a country signatory to NAFTA that seeks to limit or deny access to products based on citizenship.
#2920 of 2929
Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Standard Tax $5.1 Billion
which tries to explain how the difference between US and Canadian prices is costing us $5.1 BILLION each year.
then I saw the thread:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...ostcount=10801
Competition Bureau reply notably from the son of Ed Broadbent
The reply from Mr. Broadbent was just disgusting but I guess that is why he is in that job.
That thread brought up the issue of jobs in the auto industry which I am sure Mr. Broadbent is anxious to protect since the NDP campaigns are funded by the unions and presumably those in unions vote for the NDP.
An auto maker will open or close or lay off shifts at a plant no matter what country it is depending on optimization of the overall corporate production capacity.
In any event, how far would the $5.1 BILLION PLUS per year that Canadian auto buyers pay would cover the buy-outs of those who became unemployed by the Canadian auto industry.
GM retains Earnscliffe Strategy Group as their lobbyist in Ottawa. Earnscliffe has many senior ex-HRDC employees on staff. Wonder how much GM is receiving in re-training, etc. as a result of the efforts of Earnscliffe. Maybe Earnscliffe represents the GM bogeyman for the government....letting them know that GM "might" close plants in Canada. Hell, they have been closing them anyways.
So what does our paying $5.1 BILLION a year guarantee as far as jobs go. Nothing.
GM will make their decision to close a plant in Canada or anywhere else based on alot of factors other than Canadian car prices.
The manufacturers have been getting their $5.1BILLION PLUS premium each year for a long time. It has to come to an end.
Thanks for posting this one...too bad it doesn't get any airtime.
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...ostcount=10800
Good reading: A CBC article by Neil Macdonald
Want a cheaper car? Sorry, you're Canadian
December 7, 2007
If the Conservatives don't harmonize motor vehicle safety standards, they are allowing $5.1 BILLION to be sucked out of voters pockets and dividended to foreign companies. There are approximately 1,700,000 new motor vehicles bought in Canada each year.
That means a significant number of votes, even if 50% haven't got a clue about saving money when buying a car.
That said, the thing you have to deal with here is that *you are Canadian!* That means U.S. laws are meaningles to you except as paperwork you have to grind through.
Step 1:Ask for the recall letter. Lie to them and claim you want to know if there are any outstanding issues that you might need to get looked at. How are they to know? They fax it to you before you even step foot on that showroom floor. This works fantastic with 2007 models/older stock as well - they just want to move it ASAP and people ask about older models and recalls all the time.
Step 2:Buy the car in a state that charges no sales tax(or as low as possible_. Why pay sales tax to another country that you aren't a citizen of? Feel no shame on this one.
Step 3 - buying as a non-citizen. Volume dealers are the key. You're just another face to a mega-chain. Registration varies, of course, but there are ways around it The main thing is that you need to be willing to get a trailer and tow it to the border off the lot if need be. Not impossible, though, considering the money being saved. Again, 2007 models are being blown out now and the manufacturer won't nerf the dealer for selling to you - it's old stock that they are offering silly money just ot move it off the lot.
You can also register it as non-operational for a very low fee - like $20. 99% of dealers won't want to do this, but if you explain it to them, it's not hard to find one that will help you. .note - paying them the profit they make off of this in doc fees goes a LONG way towards getting them to do this. They make money, you save money.
Or do the register in another state trick. Old stock they want to move and money in their hands makes it easy(probably the only business where bribing peope actually is legal - lol)
Either way, Canada doesn't care what the car was registered as once it hits the border. It's your possession - now it needs to comply.
4:Buy a vehicle that is made in Canada. There are a few auto makers that have plants in Canada. Yes, it means you won't be getting a most Japanese cars, but you will be saving the import tax. That, plus no sales tax, is a good 15% or more in your pocket if you do both. This could easily add up to a total savings of half of the car's value compared to the Canadian price.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/auto-auto.nsf/en/am00767e.html
If it's on that list, it's good to go(note - may require some vin hunting, as 90% of Civics in the U.S.are U.S. made). Also, made in Canada means it's only a few parts different than the U.S. version and a lot easier to get the process completed. Most are identical actually, as we've been reading here.. Ther's also the thing about buying Canadian made, which helps a bit as well with the paper-pushers (most tend to be conservative and like to support Canadian industry if possible, seeing tons of non-Canadian imports all the time). Every bit helps, after all.
Reinstall the Canadian bits back on and you're good to go. Yes, its a short list, but the cars do cover a wide range and there are a few surprises as well, like the Matrix and the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis($6000 in rebates right now, btw, on a 2007 model). $18K out the door, and some paperwork issues and so on and presto - loads cheaper than the Canadian price.
edit:A trailer is a good idea anyways as it makes it easier to get across the border(no issues of driving it without proper registration) Yes, I know it's only a few miles in most cases, but they're that anal about it.
In many applications of the rebate, its effectivness is questionable. When a refund of say, $1,000 is available from Ottawa, manufacturers/dealers simple reduce their incentives by up to $1,000. No wonder some manufacturers are publicly praising the program.
The 2007 model of Honda's Fit failed to qualify but the competing Toyota Yaris did. So last year Honda met the competition by offering a $1,000 incentive. For 2008, Honda tweaked the Fit to get it to qualify for the Ottawa rebate. Guess what. Honda no longer offer that same incentive.
For Jeep's Compass and Patriot, only one trim level is eligible for the SUV ecoAUTO money. What Jeep does is simply price those other trim levels higher - just check the incentives offered for all the Jeep Compass and Patriot trim levels.
The first character in the WMI sequence represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured. Countries like the United States (1 or 4), Canada (2) and Mexico (3) are represented by numbers while other countries such as Germany (W), Italy (Z) and Japan (J) are represented by letters.
The second character refers to the manufacturer. The characters can be either letters or numbers. For example: Jaguar (A), Dodge (B), Chrysler (C), Jeep (J), Buick (4), Cadillac (6) or Saturn (8).
The third character represents the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
I am also planning to buy Highlander hybrid ( pre sep 2007) . I am planning to buy it from New hampshire, Please give me details of dealer and price at nadeemahmed1@rogers.com
I want to know why you bought it from North Carolina when you registered it in New Hampshire. Is there any price difference or any other benefits. How did you carry your vehicle from North carolina to New Hampshire.
The North Carolina dealer like most of the dealers took two weeks to prepare the MSO, Why the New hampshire had it right away, might have been because it was a transfer from another dealer in Boston and therefore he already had the MSO or they just might do it differentely in NH.
As far as the florida licence is concerned,you have to be there in person because you have to pass a simple eye test. But someone mentionned in an earlier thread that they were able to purchase a van in NC with a cdn licence.
Fact of the matter is that Hyundai US will still honor your warranty. You simply pay for the repairs at any Canadian dealer and submit the receipts to Hyundai US. I bought a Hyundai Veracruz in the US instead of a Honda, Acura or something else because it is a terrific vehicle and Hyundai is smart enough not to play the stupid games that some other manufacturers are. Recall letter was also a breeze. So settle down, nobody has been left up a creek.
Thanks. My dealer was cut off by Toyota on Nov 01 but is honouring all deals done before that . My deal was done mid October unfortunately the Sienna is a post Sept 01 vehicle so I'm still on hold
Furthermore the dealer tells me that Toyota has instructed them that factory incentives are not to be applied to Canadian deals.
When I asked for the current incentive the dealer said no and told me they would not pass on any factory incentives even if they were part of an already signed deal.
Doesn't apply to me but I'm not sure that would stand up to a legal challenge if the deal was already made with a deposit.
I am new here and have an address in the US along with ID. I am interested in getting a new Toyota but want to know How are you paying for the vehicle
( accepatable forms of payment accepted by the dealer)
Will dealers accept certified cheque/ draft made out to their name in US$ by a canadian bank as form of payment?? also how can one get the dealer to give you an MSO right when you pick up the vehicle if you are out of stat
We wired the money down three days before we flew down. This was a leap of faith, paying before we saw the vehicle, but we had talked in length to the sales manager and felt we were dealing with a reliable company. You can bring a bank draft with you, but I don't know if there are delays in processing it. Someone actually brought cash, but I wouldn't do that.
Again, I repeat, we did NOT need a US driver's license. I told them upfront we were Canadian; they said, "Y'all welcome."
P.S. my 2008 Sienna is still in limbo, sitting in my garage. Missed the manufacture date by one month. Good luck.
I would really appreciate help in this matter
By the way how's the weather down there? I'm heading down on thursday.
I am planning to buy one of the two vehicles in the next 6 months.
I had tried to get information from both dealers and also from RIV and Transport Canada but non of the are helpful at all.
I just stumbled upon this website and am so thrilled and happy about it !
Could some one guide me in detail about the taxes and duties and best way to save some money.
I agree with the feelings of all us Canadians that Dealers are taking us for a ride and this is happening in full protection or agreement with the federal government (RIV & Transport Canada) and I have no doubt in this.
The dealers just dont want to disclose and thing to Canadians and the government has given them the power to issue letters of admissibility and letter for Recall.
It is as if you are telling a thief to be a judge !
Please assist me and guide me in this regard.
Sincerely.
An under privileged Canadian citizen.
:mad:
Florida dealer WILL give 30 day temp tag BUT I have to pay the sales tax!!. and that is quite a bit on a 40K vehicle. Then I have to pay the ontario PST and GSt on that amount again, when I register in Ontario. The purpose of the carrier is NOT to pay the tax twice. The vehiicle is not registered until it gets to Canada.
So how do I drive it on a temp basis in Canada. Will Ont. dept give me a temp permit??
The other option is just to get in towed on the ONT side, I believe if you get CAA PLUS they give you 160km towing for free.
This is car # 2 ---I think I am done for a while
BTW --look at this web site -- I am very impressed with it ....
http://www.carburner.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
and since it is a wiki ( think wikipedia.org ) you can update data as you find it needs to be ....
Greg
By the way, the dealer gave us 30-day temporary plates, so returning to Canada was no problem.
The salesman left a message yesterday asking how the Sienna was running. I'll call him back tomorrow and ask him if they are still selling to Canadians. I'll post it on here if they are, and my e-mail address. I would never just put the name on such a public forum. (Such is the paranoia I've developed about Toyota .)
I don't think the problem is finding a dealer that will sell to Canadians provided you're willing to travel. I think the problem is finding pre-Sept. 1 vehicles. Surely the supply must have dried up by now?
Someone told me (and I think this may be pure gossip) that the Toyota dealers in the Deep South are outside the regular Toyota organization, that they operate more independently.
Let me know if this would work????????
And has anybody out there imported a Lexus.
NAFTA, right...Works only for big business, not for the consumer
I'm not a law person or anyone who knows exactly what rights I have or what right the manufacture has to implement this BS rule, but it just seems odd that any other car manufacture doesn't have these restrictions. If you as me, sounds like MB has it good with TC. Unless enough noise is made by the considers I really don't think this will change.
But regarding your question, if the car is built in north america you don't have to pay duty, and here in BC, we have to pay GST at the border, and PST when we register our insurance. Oh, don't forget the gas guzzler tax. Depending on the liters per 100km's, u could be paying anywhere from $1000-4000 more at the border too.
Ok, So fully loaded US RX 350 = 46000
Fully loaded Canadian RX350 = 58000 less 8500 =49500
So, $3500 diff probably not worth it for a new 2008. You could get a better spread on used vs used.
http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/tactical_prov.jsp
I agree with you that combined effort is needed to put an end to the day light robbery in which our government is equally a partner.
We can ask questions in the letters to the editor as I have started doing and also in our next election this can be made one of the several issue.
If you are importing MB could you have asked the US dealer to make those modifications there in USA as an added option. In that way you could have saved lot of money. Or this was not an option for you or you were denied this option by MB.
Also could you please tell me what are the necessary modifications being done and which MB vehicle are you importing.
Also how did you get the VIN for your vehicle as it is needed by the Canadian MB dealer to issue the admissibility letter for which they are charging a fee.
I knw for sure you can get the recall information from a US department of motor vehicle for free and Canadian MB is charging $ 500.00 for it.
GL320CDi is mostly made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama so there should not be any Import duty of 6.1% according to NAFTA agreement.
AS for GST, PST, Air Con,, Gas Guzzler Tax, every one has to pay but if we can avoid the import duty of 6.1% that will make a huge difference.
Isn't this great:
From [URL="http://www.carswithoutborders.com"]http://www.carswithoutborders.com[/URL]-
The Following is................................a summary of the discussions on Dec 4 and 5th. Readers please
note we have submitted these minutes on the basis of the input we received from....................
Consultation Session 3 – Wednesday December 6, 2008 11:00am-1:00pm
......................
7. Kash (Transport Canada) made a comment re: harmonization that we are mostly already harmonized except in certain specific areas. TC strongly believes that there is further room for harmonization where safety is not at risk. Manufacturers strongly believe in increased harmonization which would facilitate cross-border trade. [B][U]Although there are certain areas that TC will not harmonize with.[/U][/B] Glad that Canadians and our group have supported the benefits of immobilizers. Update: large number of comments received from stakeholders from across Canada, over 100-200 statements. Kash’s team will consolidate for presentation to senior management.
That a position could be taken by someone who obviously has little interest or understanding of the economics of this..
"Althoughthere are certain areas that TC will not harmonize with."
The cost of that position of since 2002 is over $5 BILLION a year. Want a cheaper car, move to the U.S.
To the person transferring the money to the US, why are you opening an account in the US? Your bank in Canada can wire the money directly to the dealer's bank in the US. It takes 3 business days.
Re Lexus: I was told that Lexus won't sell to Canadians, period.
The average saving on new RX 350 cash purchase is CAD 15-20K depending on exchange rate. The financing option is not that much better.
Mercedes, or any other automaker has a right to charge whatever they think the market will bear.
As a consumer, you vote with your pocketbook.
Mercedes is under no obligation to sell you car.
You have to OPTION to buy one from them,or from someone else.
If enough people buy different cars, then Mercedes may re-think their pricing policies.
in the meantime, you have plenty of other options.
(Although it is conservative i.e. we pay more than double for PDI)
The biggest beneficiary of this gouging is GM Canada.
They had 25.5% of the 2006 Light Vehicle market share.
It goes to show how GM Canada has consistently been profitable while in the USA, they loose money and they are only in business to pay the pensions of the past employees.
1) made the down payment (credit card) by phone to secure the vehicle
2) had the dealer fax to me the bill of sale and clearance recall letter (you can get that letter from the manufacturer also)
3) I faxed these papers to border - 72 hours prior to pick up - with a cover letter explaining what I was planning on doing (simply explaining the day and approximately when I would be crossing the border - this isn't necessary, I just did it out of courtesy)
4) went to the dealer, paid the balance with a cheque (you are sending payment ahead of time which is probably what your dealer requires)
5) Manitoba Public Insurance suggested that I fax them from the dealer to get a temporary permit, which I did (if you can do that ahead of time, it will save you time)
6) the dealer gave me the MSO and I took it with me to the border
7) when I arrived at the border I went in to the American side and had the MSO stamped
8) then go to the Canadian gates, pay your GST and other fees and you should be on your way
* If you can do it this way, everything can be done in one trip.
9) after you have accomplished this, drive straight home, open a bottle of whatever you prefer and have a drink for all of us who are still waiting to be allowed to put plates on our vehicles. At step 9 above, I was refused entry due to the manufacture date and the nightmare began.
10)Good luck to you.
My wife is after a new Highlander Sport or Limited as well, so I'd be interested in your NC dealer info and any insight on the purchase you're willing to share. ajpatersonatrsvfxdotcom (at=@, dot=.) Thanks.