Are you a current Michigan-based car shopper? A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/2 for details.
dont know for sure but i would wager all the same. The only wiring diff i have found between us & can ody (2007) is the light's for DTRL. I am certain immobilizer is same & that should be the only thing that affect remote start. That being said, all factory remote start systems suck (including the one on my new 08 gmc duramax), they are 1) all (to my knowledge) only 1 way systems so no feedback confirmation that the vehicle actually started unless you can physically see it & 2) crappy range. Only possible positive (depending on your view of this) is that the immobilizer system is not bypassed on factory system. To me the immobilizer is a bunch of garb anyways.
Well folks, I'm thinking of switching my import options. First I was set on importing a used BMW 335i. But now, with all the things I'm hearing from BMW and hearing how some people are getting nailed with upwards to $3000 in modifications/labour...I'm not sure I want to import a BMW anymore. I guess I could try the VWI and so forth - but I found out that in order to register your warranty, you must pay BMW $500. In order for that to happen, you must have your car inspected at a BMW dealership in Canada. You can get all the other modifications (DRL programmed) at other places but you know BMW Canada retailers won't let you get away with out finding something wrong (i.e. DRL intensity bull-%hi#) I guess living with out a warranty (and driving to the usa for it) is an option - but not really a good one for me. A lot of 3-series owners I know rely heavily on the warranty - even the extended warranty as well. A 335i with out warranty is subject to heavy maintenance costs in the future (IMHO.)
So I was wondering if anyone has imported an Infiniti. I found an Infiniti dealership that said they will even sell new G37s to Canadians. Has anyone had any experience importing new and/or used Infinitis?
Great to hear that things went smoothly for you. I'm hoping for the same. Do you have breakdown of the steps you took to ensure success? Or is there a step by step guideline you followed somewhere. I know this info may be somewhere on this site but I just joined and am trying to dig through everything.
Bob Lamb, the one who started the www.carswihtoutborders.com web site and was in the Montreal Gazette with his famous Honda Civic in the garage will be on the Chorus Network on Sunday. You may want to listen to this interesting interview that he gave to Zach Spencer - Radio Show - Driving.
$500 over invoice. $26149 US - which translated to just over $30k CDN with exchange, wire transfer, and tax. Add another $1000 for everything else like transportation, riv, registration, air tax, mvi, etc and I'm in for a little over $31k CDN. The local dealer qouted me $38.6k + tax or $43.6k. Net savings $12k+
Going quickly from memory.... 1. I found a vehicle that I wanted - 08 Sienna LE with an Aug mfg date. I did not want to get caught up in the immobilizer issue and the dealer had one Aug mfg'd vehicle that worked for me. I also wanted to get a toyota as they claim to honour the warranty. 1a. Called Toyota US with the VIN and asked for a recall letter and they faxed me a clear letter very quickly no questions asked. 2. I purchased the vehicle site unseen (aside from the Internet) from an authorized Toyota dealer. I wired them the money and they sent me the invoice, purchase contract, certificate of origin. My experience is that the certificicate of origin MUST be original but everything else can be fax/copy. 3. Faxed purchase contract to my insurance and recieved fax back the proof of insurance. 4. Drove one hour to the border and dropped off invoice, bill of sale, original certificate of origin and a copy of the certificate (they actually wanted and asked for an extra copy). This all must stay at the border for at least 72 hours. 5. Arranged shipping from dealer to border. I did not want to drive through states without a permit, especially one that does not allow temp permits. It cost $500 but I saved this in travel and headaches. 6. Purchased a $9 transit permit that would take me from the border to the local CanadianTire store. 7. Met the driver in a large parking lot at a truck stop near the border. Checked for any damage, checked the VIN to see that it matched the paperwork and checked the compliance sticker and MFG date. Signed the shipping paperwork and sent the driver on his way. 8. Drove two minutes to the border. Agent asked me for another copy of the certificate of origin as they use this to locate the original paperwork. Agent verified the vin and stamped my paperwork, only took a few minutes. 9. Went to the Canadian side with my paperwork and recall letter. They filled out a form 1, I had to help, needed to know the l/100k fuel consumption. Paid the 5% tax plus $100 air tax and they faxed my form 1 to RIV. They incorrectly told me that we did not have to fax the recall letter (this was a Sat). They asked about the compliance sticker and mfg date and I told them but they did not go outside and check. This gets checked at CT later anyway. 10. As soon as I returned home, I paid my $200 riv fee online with the info from my form 1. 11. On Monday morning I faxed the recall letter to RIV with the VIN and the case # (the J number on form 1) in large bold on the letter. That same afternoon they faxed me my form 2. 12. Installed a fuse so my DRL would work so I could pass inspection. 13. Called Canadiantire and booked an appt to get my federal form 2 inspection and my provincial mvi inspection completed. CT stamped form 1 for me and kept form 2 which they fax to riv. 14. Took all the paperwork (stamped form 1, proof of insurance, certificate of origin, tax receipt from the border, purchase contract, etc) down to the gov't licensing and recieved my plates. In general, it's a good idea to keep a folder of all your paperwork as you go through the process as different agencies require different paperwork. For axample, I didn't relize that when they calculated my 8% provicial tax when I went to get my plates that they would need and use the tax receipt from the border agent.
That's a quick list from memory. Do not assume this is a complete list, please take responsibility and do your own research. Do not assume that the dealer, border agent, CT, licensing will do this correctly - know the process. In my case, the border agent made at least three mistakes 1. Tried to charge me a $4000 green levy because he mistakenly took mpg for l/100kms 2. Told me I did not have to fax the recall letter 3. Did not initial his stamp on form 1 and forgot to tick off several boxes which caused me some headaches when I went to get my plates.
How long is it taking for RIV to send out the compliance sticker after the inspection has been completed? Got CT inspection done a couple of weeks ago and still no sticker.
When you pop the fuse box and look at the Sienna from the license plate side, there is an empty slot closest to you and the license plate on the left side (beside the battery). Pop a fuse (mini) or a jumper in there and you should be good. It worked for me perfectly with no known side effects but I'm no mechanic so proceed at your own risk.
I've just started to seriously look into this. I've read some bad things about Honda and if they aren't going to cooperate then I'd rather take my business elsewhere.
Did you speak to a local dealer about the warranty? I take it the immobilizer issue is no issue with vehicles built after Aug.07?
So far I'm interested in the Highlander Hybrid. I'm in Calgary, Alberta, so if anyone has any tips on importing this vehicle please reply. I hear the Highlander is built in Japan an I will have to pay a 6.1% tax. Does anyone know if I'd have to do the fuse swap for the Highlander and if so is it as easy as with the Sienna?
I just spoke with my Neighbor and he was considering an Odyssey purchase in the next couple of months. I was able to steer him into looking at the Sienna in the States. He couldn't believe that you could save $12K. I just sent him the links to this website as well as cars without borders and car burner. Just one of many people I'm telling about Honda's dirty politics and charging the Canadian consumer extra.
Just doing my part to take customers away from Honda, we consumers can really make an impact on Honda. Please do your part and speak up against Honda. It will take a while but once the ball is rolling we can pick up a lot of inertia.
Robert Lamb, the one who co-founded the www.carswithoutborders.com web site and was in the Montreal Gazette with his famous Honda Civic in the garage will be on the Chorus Network on Sunday 1:00 P.M. est.
Zack Spencer hosts a weekly national radio show called Driving which is heard across Canada on the Corus Radio Network on the following radio stations.
Driving airs live at 10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, Noon Central and 1pm Eastern time. All of the previous broadcasts are available on this website for you to listen to them again.
Zack also Hosts Driving Television seen every week across Canada on the Global Television Network. You can catch his shows on his Web site at www.motormouth.ca
Yes, but at the moment it appears that people are having better success at importing toyota than Honda. Several posts over the last few weeks indicate that Toyota's are coming in. I haven't many Honda success stories. That's why I'm spreading the news to buy Toyota. Honda cars are great, the way Honda is dealing with it's customers is terrible.
Yes to (good bye Honda and Acura )I'm disappointed in them for pulling the warranty after free trade was brought in.So I was going to buy an Acura TL,S-type NOW I'm buying a LexusIS350 with more horses and I keep MY Warranty that I'VE payed for in the first place.Honda and Acura have lost my business and my grandsons as well for not standing behind there product.Thank you sr123
You're in the same boat as me, rather not be screwed by BMW and looking at the Infiniti G35/G37 as a better, cheaper, more reliable vehicle.
I called 2 dealers, Autoplace and Dorschel and both were willing and knowledgable about importing to Canada. They have exported many vehicles and they know the process inside out and will take care of the details to make it dead easy to do.
It's quite different than BMW's $350 letter of admissability, $2000 instrument cluster change and $500 20 day wait for a recall letter. I think it's clear that BMW doesn't want your business.
If I buy a car that was produced in Japan and sold to me as new, with the MSO, in the US then export it to Canada, can I apply for the US import duties that were paid. ( I know that I have to pay 6.1% duty on importing the Highland Hybrid Ltd to Canada as it was produced in Japan and not covered under NAFTA.)
Soooooo, since the car is being re-exported, should I not be able to apply for the import duties that were paid when it entered the US?
You might be able to but I believe that the US tax is less than 2.5% & I think you would need Toyota to support the application or at least provide documentation that it was paid. Good Luck
Can anyone out there help me with a Texas sales tax question on a new honda V6 EXL coupe with Navi I bought in Houston Texas at Goodson Honda North. I had it driven by an associate direct to Florida for Xmas and licensing as a Florida resident. (Canadian Snowbird) The car will live in Florida for my use 5 or 6 months of the year. The dealership charged me a road bridge fee of $11.50, a license fee ($60.80), a $33.00 tittle fee and a 6 1/4 % Texas sales tax as well as a $50.00 dealer documentary fee. They also charged a Dealers inventory tax of $81.68 and a $5.00 full service Deputy fee as well as a $39.50 vehicle inspection fee. I contacted the sales tax people in Texas and it seems they should all be fired! Here is their reply!
Thank you for contacting the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Your request for information has been received and will be assigned to an analyst for a response. Inquiries are responded to in the order that they are received. Our goal is to respond to your request within 7 - 10 working days. However, depending on the complexity of the requests received and number of requests that are pending, the response time may be longer. We appreciate your patience.
I agree that BMW is the worst fo Canadians. But MB is a step ahead. They have advised their US Dealers to obtain a signed letter from every US buyer that they will not export the vehicle from USA. If they sell it to a second buyer, then it is their responsibility to get the same letter signed again from the second buyer. Failing to do so will result in heavy fines. Also the dealer will be fined too and their quota of vehicles will be reduced up to 5 vehicle. How smart is that by MB in preventing Canadians from getting their vehicles from USA by HOOK or CROOK ??? The Canadians should just STOP BUYING BMW and MB in Canada for one month as a token gesture ij my view. They are not learning the lesson or getting the message from Canadians only because our Govt. (TC) is allowing them and giving BMW, MB and other high end automakers free hand and leaving the Canadians at their total mercy. Shame on (TC) !
I would have thought that it would have been easier to simply announce that no US spec MB is admissable to Canada. So they won´t sell to Canadians, I wonder if they´ll sell to blacks. And our politicians think that this is just fine. I wonder if the US Dept. of Justice would be impressed. Martha Stewart learned that they don´t play around. It´s obvious that these foreign multinational corporations have no intention of becoming good Canadian corporate citizens on their own. The only real solution is to open the floodgates and for the govt to announce the end of import restrictions on automobiles. As Canadian prices come down, the dealerships will be flooded with business. Everybody will make money, though of course at a lower profit margin per unit. Isn´t that how Walmart made millions---high volume and low profit margin?
My dealer asked me to provide a US address. Do you think it could be a problem at customs when my id address(Canada) is not matched with the address(US) on the document? The name will be the same anyway. Much appreciate for any input.
I was worried about this as well my first time through... In my experience they dont even look at it at either border station. If for some reason they ask you could explain you have a mailing address or bus address in the US???
I'm in Vancouver currently looking into importing a used 2007 Veracruz. I was looking at the Canadian Border Services Agency web site: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html and read that... "You will have to pay additional excise taxes if your vehicle weighs more than 2,007 kilograms or 4,425 pounds." Hyundai USA lists on their web site that the curb weight of all trim levels is 4,431 lbs. Did you have to pay this tax and if so, how much was it?
I'm in Vancouver currently looking into importing a used 2007 Veracruz. I was looking at the Canadian Border Services Agency web site: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html and read that... "You will have to pay additional excise taxes if your vehicle weighs more than 2,007 kilograms or 4,425 pounds." Hyundai USA lists on their web site that the curb weight of all trim levels is 4,431 lbs. Did you have to pay this tax and if so, how much was it?
On purchasing a new car for immediate transfer out of state with no use in Texas other than to drive / transport it out of state,the dealerCAN ave you, the purchaser, fill out a "Texas Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for Vehicles Taken Out of State". The formstates it is a FELONY to lie and provides for a possible 2 to 5 year jail term and / or a fine up to $1,000.00 OR BOTH. Merely modifying the form before signing, to declare transfer (not to another state) to show the vehicle is going to Canada would void all penalties. My guess is that the Honda Dealers have been briefed / told to refuse such a sale by H.O.! In my case, I really was taking it to Florida for use there (Canadian Snowbird) and will register / leave it in Florida for at least 6 months, maybe for years!
With all the BUZZ on this site about Honda's interferrence in free cross border trade, I am today making the very conscious decision - NO MORE HONDAS FOR ME or MY FAMILY OR MY COMPANIES - EVER!!! I,m going to look at a new G37 Infiniti Coupe today, with a discount, it coss about the same as the Honda and warranty applies in both the USA and Canada. I had purchased new Hondas for the past 31 years - but no more!!
P.S. Goodson Honda North DID refund the extra fees they charged me including the Texas sales tax - no problems there!
It is only for the MB dealers selling new and used cars to US buyers. If you buy from a private party a used car (not the recently sold by the MB dealer recently) to that party, I guess it should be OK, but I am not sure if MB has any other underhand deal with the US and Canadian boarder agencies ? Bottom line is that the Canadians have to get the Admissibility letter and Recall letter from MB of Canada and they are extremely un-helpful. The only way is to stop buying BMW nad MB in Canada for one month only, starting from now to get the message through.
This is the same message I have been spreading about HONDA to everyone I discuss cars with, and let me tell you that's all I talk about is cars, MY WIFE, will vouch for that. I was Honda's biggest fan and I made sure everyone knew it. Lately people can't believe what I am saying about Honda Motor Car Company.
NO MORE HONDA! (meant to be capitalized). A co worker just purchased a SONATA and he did test drive the 2008 Accord. He was able to purchase a SONATA in the USA and saved thousands of dollars and still has a full warranty.
Honda you are going to loose big time.
Why would I purchase a Honda Accord in Canada when I can purchase the Lexus 350 In the USA for the same money.
Would you rather be driving an Accord EXL purchased in Canada or a LEXUS ES350 purchased in the USA for the same money.
Why does Acura make the MDX in Canada and sell it in the USA for $15,000 less than in Canada when the dollar is at par?
Honda, Wake up. The people are not stupid, ignorant and won’t stand for your shady business ways!
If you are interested in some of the audios from the talk shows that Bob Lamb did on National Radio with the Roy Green Show and this week-end with Zack Spencer on car imports - RIV problems etc. Enjoy the audios.
Guys look.........here's the deal with MB and all the other manuf. regarding exporting.
Because of the low USD people from everywhere in the world are trying to buy cars from the US. Even people in Germany will try to buy MB's and BMW's here in the US. Why? Because they are 1/2 the price here. So what you say? Well if MB allowed exports to Canada how long would a Canadian MB dealer survive? A few weeks? Maybe a month?
The car manufacturers are simply trying to protect their non-US dealers from getting killed. That simple.
I think you have that backward. With the devalued dollar it takes twice as many of them to get that BMW into the U.S. There is definitely an exchange rate advantage (outside the U.S.) if the vehicle is made in the U.S. It's not a stirct 2 to 1 ratio, however, because parts come from all over the world to dilute the effects of exchange rate disparities along with other market considerations. E.g., the size of the U.S. market compared with the Canadian market keeps prices south of the border a little lower which gives Canadians some additional advantage with their favorable exchange rate.
The German customer will see no advantage in buying a German made car from the U.S. due to exchange rates because the U.S. dealer has to pay a lot more dollars upfront for that car. In effect, the German customer is paying half the Marks for twice the Dollars. That is, unless there is a significant devaluation in the USD between the time the U.S. dealer buys the car and the German customer buys it.
My aurgument or position is not soley based on exchange rates. It is the low USD in combination with what a new MB in Germany or Korea or China for that matter sells for. The fact is a new MB in the US is at least 1/2 the price compared to many other countries in the world.........because of taxes, greedy dealerships etc. You would be shocked to know what a new S550 sells for in Korea or China.
Ivica you are absolutely correct, but we should all try to resist the temptation of getting sucked into these discussions / debates with people who clearly have no facts or data to support their points, or in the case of timekey, just bad logic. It just gives them a reason to keep posting ridiculous messages on this forum. I think many of these folks work in the Canadian auto industry (salesmen, owners and managers of dealerships, etc.) and instead of investing time and energy here, they should be focusing their efforts on getting the manufactures they represent in Canada to start acting in a more ethical manner. Honestly, I feel bad for Canadian car dealers, this isn't their fault but they are certainly feeling the pain.
'I feel bad for Canadian car dealers, this isn't their fault but they are certainly feeling the pain.'
I'll second that. If the manufactures were genuinely concern for the welfare of their Canadian dealers, they would lower Canadian MSRPs. That being said, I think the Canadian dealers could be a little more aggressive and pro-active in trying to lobby for price adjustments.
By the way, has anyone read the message on bmw.ca addressing the issue of the US/Canada price difference? Let me tell you, what a load of Bavarian corporate crap! Makes me puke!
That's easy. The dealer in Canada simply charges more for the car than the same dealer does in the US. For every one car that sells in Canada there are 15-20 sold in the US. The business model is affected greatly when your volume is small. You need to make much more profit per sale in that case.
I don't think so. I think that the profit margin is actually smaller for Canadian dealers vs. their US counterpart. It is not a case of the Canadian dealers charging more --- the manufacturers are simply pricing the cars higher for the Canadian market.
Comments
So I was wondering if anyone has imported an Infiniti. I found an Infiniti dealership that said they will even sell new G37s to Canadians. Has anyone had any experience importing new and/or used Infinitis?
anyfeed back would be much appreciated. thanks.
Thanks.
Can you send me your deal price for siena LE.I will apprciate you help.
here is my e-mail:- kumarcan2008@yahoo.com
Thankyou.
Going quickly from memory....
1. I found a vehicle that I wanted - 08 Sienna LE with an Aug mfg date. I did not want to get caught up in the immobilizer issue and the dealer had one Aug mfg'd vehicle that worked for me. I also wanted to get a toyota as they claim to honour the warranty.
1a. Called Toyota US with the VIN and asked for a recall letter and they faxed me a clear letter very quickly no questions asked.
2. I purchased the vehicle site unseen (aside from the Internet) from an authorized Toyota dealer. I wired them the money and they sent me the invoice, purchase contract, certificate of origin. My experience is that the certificicate of origin MUST be original but everything else can be fax/copy.
3. Faxed purchase contract to my insurance and recieved fax back the proof of insurance.
4. Drove one hour to the border and dropped off invoice, bill of sale, original certificate of origin and a copy of the certificate (they actually wanted and asked for an extra copy). This all must stay at the border for at least 72 hours.
5. Arranged shipping from dealer to border. I did not want to drive through states without a permit, especially one that does not allow temp permits. It cost $500 but I saved this in travel and headaches.
6. Purchased a $9 transit permit that would take me from the border to the local CanadianTire store.
7. Met the driver in a large parking lot at a truck stop near the border. Checked for any damage, checked the VIN to see that it matched the paperwork and checked the compliance sticker and MFG date. Signed the shipping paperwork and sent the driver on his way.
8. Drove two minutes to the border. Agent asked me for another copy of the certificate of origin as they use this to locate the original paperwork. Agent verified the vin and stamped my paperwork, only took a few minutes.
9. Went to the Canadian side with my paperwork and recall letter. They filled out a form 1, I had to help, needed to know the l/100k fuel consumption. Paid the 5% tax plus $100 air tax and they faxed my form 1 to RIV. They incorrectly told me that we did not have to fax the recall letter (this was a Sat). They asked about the compliance sticker and mfg date and I told them but they did not go outside and check. This gets checked at CT later anyway.
10. As soon as I returned home, I paid my $200 riv fee online with the info from my form 1.
11. On Monday morning I faxed the recall letter to RIV with the VIN and the case # (the J number on form 1) in large bold on the letter. That same afternoon they faxed me my form 2.
12. Installed a fuse so my DRL would work so I could pass inspection.
13. Called Canadiantire and booked an appt to get my federal form 2 inspection and my provincial mvi inspection completed. CT stamped form 1 for me and kept form 2 which they fax to riv.
14. Took all the paperwork (stamped form 1, proof of insurance, certificate of origin, tax receipt from the border, purchase contract, etc) down to the gov't licensing and recieved my plates. In general, it's a good idea to keep a folder of all your paperwork as you go through the process as different agencies require different paperwork. For axample, I didn't relize that when they calculated my 8% provicial tax when I went to get my plates that they would need and use the tax receipt from the border agent.
That's a quick list from memory. Do not assume this is a complete list, please take responsibility and do your own research. Do not assume that the dealer, border agent, CT, licensing will do this correctly - know the process. In my case, the border agent made at least three mistakes 1. Tried to charge me a $4000 green levy because he mistakenly took mpg for l/100kms 2. Told me I did not have to fax the recall letter 3. Did not initial his stamp on form 1 and forgot to tick off several boxes which caused me some headaches when I went to get my plates.
Regards
I've just started to seriously look into this. I've read some bad things about Honda and if they aren't going to cooperate then I'd rather take my business elsewhere.
Did you speak to a local dealer about the warranty? I take it the immobilizer issue is no issue with vehicles built after Aug.07?
So far I'm interested in the Highlander Hybrid. I'm in Calgary, Alberta, so if anyone has any tips on importing this vehicle please reply. I hear the Highlander is built in Japan an I will have to pay a 6.1% tax. Does anyone know if I'd have to do the fuse swap for the Highlander and if so is it as easy as with the Sienna?
olivben, thanks again.
Or check out other news today on the CWB home page, concerning a Canadian Toyota dealer selling US market cars...
My post was actually an offer to share the information with immediately previous poster.
Just doing my part to take customers away from Honda, we consumers can really make an impact on Honda. Please do your part and speak up against Honda. It will take a while but once the ball is rolling we can pick up a lot of inertia.
By the way, Kudos to Toyota.
Zack Spencer hosts a weekly national radio show called Driving which is heard across Canada on the Corus Radio Network on the following radio stations.
CKNW-Vancouver 980 AM, CFAX-Victoria 1070 AM, CHNL-Kamloops 610 AM, CKOV-Kelowna 63o AM, CKOR-Penticton 800 AM, CJOR-Oliver, CHED-Edmonton 630 AM, CHQR-Calgary 770 AM, CKOM-Saskatoon, CJME-Regina, CJOB-Winnipeg 680 AM, CFPL-London 980 AM, CHML-Hamilton 900AM, CFMJ-Toronto 640AM, and CINW-Montreal 940AM.
Driving airs live at 10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, Noon Central and 1pm Eastern time. All of the previous broadcasts are available on this website for you to listen to them again.
Zack also Hosts Driving Television seen every week across Canada on the Global Television Network. You can catch his shows on his Web site at www.motormouth.ca
Good bye Honda!
I called 2 dealers, Autoplace and Dorschel and both were willing and knowledgable about importing to Canada. They have exported many vehicles and they know the process inside out and will take care of the details to make it dead easy to do.
It's quite different than BMW's $350 letter of admissability, $2000 instrument cluster change and $500 20 day wait for a recall letter. I think it's clear that BMW doesn't want your business.
Soooooo, since the car is being re-exported, should I not be able to apply for the import duties that were paid when it entered the US?
Any suggestions would be grateful.
(Canadian Snowbird) The car will live in Florida for my use 5 or 6 months of the year.
The dealership charged me a road bridge fee of $11.50, a license fee ($60.80), a $33.00 tittle fee and a 6 1/4 % Texas sales tax as well as a $50.00 dealer documentary fee. They also charged a Dealers inventory tax of $81.68 and a $5.00 full service Deputy fee as well as a $39.50 vehicle inspection fee.
I contacted the sales tax people in Texas and it seems they should all be fired! Here is their reply!
Thank you for contacting the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Your request for information has been received and will be assigned to an analyst for a response. Inquiries are responded to in the order that they are received. Our goal is to respond to your request within 7 - 10 working days. However, depending on the complexity of the requests received and number of requests that are pending, the response time may be longer. We appreciate your patience.
But MB is a step ahead.
They have advised their US Dealers to obtain a signed letter from every US buyer that they will not export the vehicle from USA. If they sell it to a second buyer, then it is their responsibility to get the same letter signed again from the second buyer. Failing to do so will result in heavy fines.
Also the dealer will be fined too and their quota of vehicles will be reduced up to 5 vehicle.
How smart is that by MB in preventing Canadians from getting their vehicles from USA by HOOK or CROOK ???
The Canadians should just STOP BUYING BMW and MB in Canada for one month as a token gesture ij my view.
They are not learning the lesson or getting the message from Canadians only because our Govt. (TC) is allowing them and giving BMW, MB and other high end automakers free hand and leaving the Canadians at their total mercy.
Shame on (TC) !
It´s obvious that these foreign multinational corporations have no intention of becoming good Canadian corporate citizens on their own. The only real solution is to open the floodgates and for the govt to announce the end of import restrictions on automobiles. As Canadian prices come down, the dealerships will be flooded with business. Everybody will make money, though of course at a lower profit margin per unit. Isn´t that how Walmart made millions---high volume and low profit margin?
My dealer asked me to provide a US address. Do you think it could be a problem at customs when my id address(Canada) is not matched with the address(US) on the document? The name will be the same anyway.
Much appreciate for any input.
mike.w5678@yahoo.com
Good luck
I was worried about this as well my first time through... In my experience they dont even look at it at either border station. If for some reason they ask you could explain you have a mailing address or bus address in the US???
I havent had a problem yet.
For a free car import guide see Import Car to Canada Free Guide
Thank you very much!
Mike
Thanks
rugzy
Thanks
rugzy
The formstates it is a FELONY to lie and provides for a possible 2 to 5 year jail term and / or a fine up to $1,000.00 OR BOTH.
Merely modifying the form before signing, to declare transfer (not to another state) to show the vehicle is going to Canada would void all penalties. My guess is that the Honda Dealers have been briefed / told to refuse such a sale by H.O.!
In my case, I really was taking it to Florida for use there (Canadian Snowbird) and will register / leave it in Florida for at least 6 months, maybe for years!
With all the BUZZ on this site about Honda's interferrence in free cross border trade, I am today making the very conscious decision - NO MORE HONDAS FOR ME or MY FAMILY OR MY COMPANIES - EVER!!!
I,m going to look at a new G37 Infiniti Coupe today, with a discount, it coss about the same as the Honda and warranty applies in both the USA and Canada.
I had purchased new Hondas for the past 31 years - but no more!!
P.S. Goodson Honda North DID refund the extra fees they charged me including the Texas sales tax - no problems there!
If you buy from a private party a used car (not the recently sold by the MB dealer recently) to that party, I guess it should be OK, but I am not sure if MB has any other underhand deal with the US and Canadian boarder agencies ?
Bottom line is that the Canadians have to get the Admissibility letter and Recall letter from MB of Canada and they are extremely un-helpful.
The only way is to stop buying BMW nad MB in Canada for one month only, starting from now to get the message through.
NO MORE HONDA! (meant to be capitalized). A co worker just purchased a SONATA and he did test drive the 2008 Accord. He was able to purchase a SONATA in the USA and saved thousands of dollars and still has a full warranty.
Honda you are going to loose big time.
Why would I purchase a Honda Accord in Canada when I can purchase the Lexus 350 In the USA for the same money.
Would you rather be driving an Accord EXL purchased in Canada or a LEXUS ES350 purchased in the USA for the same money.
Why does Acura make the MDX in Canada and sell it in the USA for $15,000 less than in Canada when the dollar is at par?
Honda, Wake up. The people are not stupid, ignorant and won’t stand for your shady business ways!
rugzy
http://vudyo.com/search_result.php?search_id=carswithoutborders&search_typ=searc- h_audio
Because of the low USD people from everywhere in the world are trying to buy cars from the US. Even people in Germany will try to buy MB's and BMW's here in the US. Why? Because they are 1/2 the price here. So what you say? Well if MB allowed exports to Canada how long would a Canadian MB dealer survive? A few weeks? Maybe a month?
The car manufacturers are simply trying to protect their non-US dealers from getting killed. That simple.
I think you have that backward. With the devalued dollar it takes twice as many of them to get that BMW into the U.S. There is definitely an exchange rate advantage (outside the U.S.) if the vehicle is made in the U.S. It's not a stirct 2 to 1 ratio, however, because parts come from all over the world to dilute the effects of exchange rate disparities along with other market considerations. E.g., the size of the U.S. market compared with the Canadian market keeps prices south of the border a little lower which gives Canadians some additional advantage with their favorable exchange rate.
The German customer will see no advantage in buying a German made car from the U.S. due to exchange rates because the U.S. dealer has to pay a lot more dollars upfront for that car. In effect, the German customer is paying half the Marks for twice the Dollars. That is, unless there is a significant devaluation in the USD between the time the U.S. dealer buys the car and the German customer buys it.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
You would be shocked to know what a new S550 sells for in Korea or China.
The car is manufactured in Candada shipped to the USA, purchased for by US dollars. (Canadian dollar at par with US dollar), your story doesn't hold.
Sorry.
Simply put if you are Canadian you are being screwed.
I'll second that. If the manufactures were genuinely concern for the welfare of their Canadian dealers, they would lower Canadian MSRPs. That being said, I think the Canadian dealers could be a little more aggressive and pro-active in trying to lobby for price adjustments.
By the way, has anyone read the message on bmw.ca addressing the issue of the US/Canada price difference? Let me tell you, what a load of Bavarian corporate crap! Makes me puke!