Comments on: Buying a Car from the U.S – The Pros/Cons and Process http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm Building Wealth through Saving and Investing Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:42:26 -0330 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Phil http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-123301 Phil Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:31:53 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-123301 I have a question if anyone can answer it Looking to purchase a Infiniti Corporate demo (title is on MSO) and hence does not appeared to be titled as of yet although the dealership says it is a 'used" vehicle as it has 9500 miles on the clock Do I need to first register the vehicle in USA to ensure warranty is transferable to Canada, or is there any way around this. Otherwise I end up paying local state taxes only to import to Canada within 24 hours Infiniti Canada states the vehicle needs to be registed in USA first of all I have a question if anyone can answer it

Looking to purchase a Infiniti Corporate demo (title is on MSO) and hence does not appeared to be titled as of yet although the dealership says it is a ‘used” vehicle as it has 9500 miles on the clock

Do I need to first register the vehicle in USA to ensure warranty is transferable to Canada, or is there any way around this. Otherwise I end up paying local state taxes only to import to Canada within 24 hours

Infiniti Canada states the vehicle needs to be registed in USA first of all

]]> By: Rob M http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-114579 Rob M Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:03:18 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-114579 Frugal Trader, In response to your query from over a year ago (sorry, didn't come back until just now)... Yes they dealt with customs, had the recall letters etc (they shipped to Canada on a regular basis), and delivered it right to the location requested (I didn't want it at my house). To top it off I paid $25 for CDN tire to inspect it on my location (instead of theirs) so I didn't have to move it around town. They covered the plate for the trip as well. As for the person that said that CDN Tire has a monopoly on the service, they don't. In Calgary I know that Stampede Lexus/Toyota also does the inspections, and you can have the "repairs" to enable the daytime running lights done anywhere, you just need to have the inspection done by a RIV certified shop, of which CDN Tire is the most prolific. Rob Frugal Trader,

In response to your query from over a year ago (sorry, didn’t come back until just now)…

Yes they dealt with customs, had the recall letters etc (they shipped to Canada on a regular basis), and delivered it right to the location requested (I didn’t want it at my house). To top it off I paid $25 for CDN tire to inspect it on my location (instead of theirs) so I didn’t have to move it around town. They covered the plate for the trip as well.

As for the person that said that CDN Tire has a monopoly on the service, they don’t. In Calgary I know that Stampede Lexus/Toyota also does the inspections, and you can have the “repairs” to enable the daytime running lights done anywhere, you just need to have the inspection done by a RIV certified shop, of which CDN Tire is the most prolific.

Rob

]]> By: CommonSenseAnUncommonVirtue http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-114496 CommonSenseAnUncommonVirtue Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:09:35 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-114496 Future Money-Bags, Buying a used vehicle from a reputable US or Provincial dealership and demanding they provide a 'Car-Fax' listing the history of the vehicle prevents the majority of these sorts of issues. Any decent salesperson will provide you with the car-fax on the vehicle once price has been agreed upon, often without your requesting it. It costs the dealership next to nothing and is figured into their in-house inspection and turn around costs. You can also take the vehicle for an independent inspection after signing it out of the dealership for an extended test drive (if your credit is good enough)...any decent mechanic will be able to make an inspection inside of an hour for glaring mechanical issues or body/frame issues. The cost for an hour of shop time is minimal, the potential savings in time and frustration alone...too large to measure. As for corrosion via salt...many States do not salt their roads...so you can always request that you are shown something that was taken in trade by the dealership, rather than something they purchased from an auction. Still get the car-fax, to make sure the car was not sold to the dealership after the former owner moved in from out of state. One comment on the thread itself...a truly wise Canadian looking for a used vehicle would be better served in doing a little more research, getting a listing of the same used car auctions that the US dealership personnel frequent and saving that much more money. You can order car fax's on vehicles you wish to bid on via your laptop w/ wifi...You'll have to pay for a shop to inspect the vehicle and fix any minor issues (assuming the vehicle as originally equipped is already up to Canadian smog and road safety standards)...As well as likely having to take it to a detail shop for thorough cleaning/touch up painting...but the savings are still an order of magnitude greater. As in much of life, the best 'deals' and the best 'luck' go to the harder and more intelligent worker. The lazy get gouged, regardless of which side of the border they live on. Future Money-Bags,

Buying a used vehicle from a reputable US or Provincial dealership and demanding they provide a ‘Car-Fax’ listing the history of the vehicle prevents the majority of these sorts of issues. Any decent salesperson will provide you with the car-fax on the vehicle once price has been agreed upon, often without your requesting it. It costs the dealership next to nothing and is figured into their in-house inspection and turn around costs.

You can also take the vehicle for an independent inspection after signing it out of the dealership for an extended test drive (if your credit is good enough)…any decent mechanic will be able to make an inspection inside of an hour for glaring mechanical issues or body/frame issues. The cost for an hour of shop time is minimal, the potential savings in time and frustration alone…too large to measure.

As for corrosion via salt…many States do not salt their roads…so you can always request that you are shown something that was taken in trade by the dealership, rather than something they purchased from an auction. Still get the car-fax, to make sure the car was not sold to the dealership after the former owner moved in from out of state.

One comment on the thread itself…a truly wise Canadian looking for a used vehicle would be better served in doing a little more research, getting a listing of the same used car auctions that the US dealership personnel frequent and saving that much more money.

You can order car fax’s on vehicles you wish to bid on via your laptop w/ wifi…You’ll have to pay for a shop to inspect the vehicle and fix any minor issues (assuming the vehicle as originally equipped is already up to Canadian smog and road safety standards)…As well as likely having to take it to a detail shop for thorough cleaning/touch up painting…but the savings are still an order of magnitude greater.

As in much of life, the best ‘deals’ and the best ‘luck’ go to the harder and more intelligent worker. The lazy get gouged, regardless of which side of the border they live on.

]]> By: Future Money-Bags http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-114486 Future Money-Bags Sat, 31 Jul 2010 11:02:25 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-114486 When looking to buy a 2nd-hand car privately (or from dealer), I stay away from out-of-province or out of country cars. These have hidden problems that were not noticed by inspection and depending which province, could have a lot of rust and water damage. Sometimes cars have been in floods and driven through salty roads for years, and still do not show any damage, but one day it all comes out and costs you 1000's. I just read a post on Squawfox about buying used cars, its a great read and goes to show that anyone can benefit and learn something. When looking to buy a 2nd-hand car privately (or from dealer), I stay away from out-of-province or out of country cars. These have hidden problems that were not noticed by inspection and depending which province, could have a lot of rust and water damage.
Sometimes cars have been in floods and driven through salty roads for years, and still do not show any damage, but one day it all comes out and costs you 1000’s.
I just read a post on Squawfox about buying used cars, its a great read and goes to show that anyone can benefit and learn something.

]]> By: Ms Save Money http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94927 Ms Save Money Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:39:23 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94927 Bilbo Bloggins - if that was the case and the person drove the car up for you - just a teaser but are you going to drive the person down afterwards? haha Bilbo Bloggins – if that was the case and the person drove the car up for you – just a teaser but are you going to drive the person down afterwards? haha

]]> By: fifi http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94715 fifi Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:23:36 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94715 Bought a new Nissan Pathfinder in 07, dollar at par at the time. I made sure that it was made in North America first, since I was told that some Nissans are made in the US, others are imported. Picked it up in Great Falls, MT, live in Calgary. No sales tax in Montana, saving some hassle. After all expenses, and of course negotiating over the phone over a few phone calls, ended up saving $14,000. I did a lot of reasearch myself to make sure I knew what I was getting in to (mostly w/ RIV), but the dealership in Montana was very used to doing these transactions with Canadians, and basically held my hand as I walked through the process, and basically just handed me an envelope to give at the border when I am crossing back. Find a dealership that has experience with cross-boder sales, and hopefully, like in my experience, they'll be happy to walk you through it all for the sale. Bought a new Nissan Pathfinder in 07, dollar at par at the time. I made sure that it was made in North America first, since I was told that some Nissans are made in the US, others are imported.
Picked it up in Great Falls, MT, live in Calgary. No sales tax in Montana, saving some hassle. After all expenses, and of course negotiating over the phone over a few phone calls, ended up saving $14,000. I did a lot of reasearch myself to make sure I knew what I was getting in to (mostly w/ RIV), but the dealership in Montana was very used to doing these transactions with Canadians, and basically held my hand as I walked through the process, and basically just handed me an envelope to give at the border when I am crossing back.
Find a dealership that has experience with cross-boder sales, and hopefully, like in my experience, they’ll be happy to walk you through it all for the sale.

]]> By: Jordan http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94656 Jordan Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:07:37 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94656 I bought a used Acura MDX from the US and saved at least $6k compared to a used vehicle hear. The the more important savings is our used MDX was was less then 50% the cost of a new model here. So don't fool or rationalize yourself into buying a new vehicle just because it's cheaper in the US then here, the used vehicles are cheaper still. We bought our vehicle on eBay, for this make sure you buy from a seller with good feedback, make sure it's covered by eBay's vehicle buyers' protection warranty. Because of the warranty I think eBay is the only place to buy a used vehicle online. Our vehicle shipped up from Texas. Make sure you shop around a lot, there are a lot of shipping companies and the prices vary hugely. We paid $800 but got quotes up to $2000 for exactly the same service. Try dealing with an actual shipper, ask that they have their own trucks, otherwise you are most likely dealing with a broker who won't really be able to guarantee delivery times. Also make sure the shipper has full cargo insurance. I'd recommend avoiding paying a company to import the vehicle for you, the process isn't very hard and the company's charge at least $1k to do it. Regarding a recall clearance letter Honda/Acura and some other manufacturer's will also refuse to issue one to a Canadian customer! It is disgusting to me that they are abusing a safety policy just to try maintaining high prices in Canada. So you need the seller to obtain this for you before you get to the border. I also recall seeing an online company that would do this for you for a fee, but can't recall at the moment. Also make sure you check with your border crossing ahead of time, because some borders are designated for vehicle imports, and others are not. Also be aware there is a $1000-$4000 "Gas guzzler tax", I mean "Green Levy Tax" you have to pay when importing larger vehicles like SUVs that don't get a minimum MPG. Like Wealth Manager said you need to get a temporary permit to drive the vehicle in Canada. In BC atleast you can get this ahead of picking up the vehicle with a copy of the vehicle's title. The quirk is a temporary permit is only allowed to be used for a single trip, so we needed one to drive the vehicle into Canada. Then had to walk to the insurance office again for a 2nd permit a few days later to drive it to Canadian Tire for the inspection. Another thing to know is not all US vehicles are equipped with day time running lights, so when you get to step 2 of the RIV form where the vehicle is inspected at Canadian Tire they might fail you unless you have them hard wire the lights to stay on. Canadian Tire has a monopoly on this service so they really stick it to you, we got hit with a $300 bill. I bought a used Acura MDX from the US and saved at least $6k compared to a used vehicle hear. The the more important savings is our used MDX was was less then 50% the cost of a new model here. So don’t fool or rationalize yourself into buying a new vehicle just because it’s cheaper in the US then here, the used vehicles are cheaper still.

We bought our vehicle on eBay, for this make sure you buy from a seller with good feedback, make sure it’s covered by eBay’s vehicle buyers’ protection warranty. Because of the warranty I think eBay is the only place to buy a used vehicle online.

Our vehicle shipped up from Texas. Make sure you shop around a lot, there are a lot of shipping companies and the prices vary hugely. We paid $800 but got quotes up to $2000 for exactly the same service. Try dealing with an actual shipper, ask that they have their own trucks, otherwise you are most likely dealing with a broker who won’t really be able to guarantee delivery times. Also make sure the shipper has full cargo insurance.

I’d recommend avoiding paying a company to import the vehicle for you, the process isn’t very hard and the company’s charge at least $1k to do it.

Regarding a recall clearance letter Honda/Acura and some other manufacturer’s will also refuse to issue one to a Canadian customer! It is disgusting to me that they are abusing a safety policy just to try maintaining high prices in Canada. So you need the seller to obtain this for you before you get to the border. I also recall seeing an online company that would do this for you for a fee, but can’t recall at the moment.

Also make sure you check with your border crossing ahead of time, because some borders are designated for vehicle imports, and others are not.

Also be aware there is a $1000-$4000 “Gas guzzler tax”, I mean “Green Levy Tax” you have to pay when importing larger vehicles like SUVs that don’t get a minimum MPG.

Like Wealth Manager said you need to get a temporary permit to drive the vehicle in Canada. In BC atleast you can get this ahead of picking up the vehicle with a copy of the vehicle’s title. The quirk is a temporary permit is only allowed to be used for a single trip, so we needed one to drive the vehicle into Canada. Then had to walk to the insurance office again for a 2nd permit a few days later to drive it to Canadian Tire for the inspection.

Another thing to know is not all US vehicles are equipped with day time running lights, so when you get to step 2 of the RIV form where the vehicle is inspected at Canadian Tire they might fail you unless you have them hard wire the lights to stay on. Canadian Tire has a monopoly on this service so they really stick it to you, we got hit with a $300 bill.

]]> By: Bilbo Bloggins http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94580 Bilbo Bloggins Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:51:48 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94580 Is the process simpler if you purchase a car from a private US citizen and the seller is willing to drive the car across the border to you? Is the process simpler if you purchase a car from a private US citizen and the seller is willing to drive the car across the border to you?

]]> By: RB @ RichBy30RetireBy40 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94382 RB @ RichBy30RetireBy40 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:04:24 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94382 Hey Guys & Frugal Trader, for what it's worth, I've bought 8 cars over the past 10 years online here in the US on Craigslist. All in all, 15 transactions. I wrote about my experience on my blog here. http://www.richby30retireby40.com/2009/07/7-cars-in-10-years.html Best of luck! RB Rich By 30 Retire By 40 Hey Guys & Frugal Trader, for what it’s worth, I’ve bought 8 cars over the past 10 years online here in the US on Craigslist. All in all, 15 transactions. I wrote about my experience on my blog here. http://www.richby30retireby40.com/2009/07/7-cars-in-10-years.html

Best of luck!

RB

Rich By 30 Retire By 40

]]> By: Phi http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94350 Phi Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:29:21 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94350 If the amount of money you save is high enough, you should definitely buy it. You can always get a third-party repair warranty, and the parts won't be much for cars like Honda's. You probably won't need many parts anyways. If the amount of money you save is high enough, you should definitely buy it. You can always get a third-party repair warranty, and the parts won’t be much for cars like Honda’s. You probably won’t need many parts anyways.

]]> By: Ms Save Money http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94299 Ms Save Money Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:25:39 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94299 I just got my car over the weekend - 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5S. It's Great I'm really excited about it. By the way - friend says you can buy a car in Oregon state for very low because there is no sales tax :) I just got my car over the weekend – 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5S.

It’s Great I’m really excited about it.

By the way – friend says you can buy a car in Oregon state for very low because there is no sales tax :)

]]> By: Henry http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94267 Henry Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:39:17 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94267 Tyler and Frugal Trader: I find Blah Blah Blah's written in an offensive way. However, Blah Blah Blah's point of leverage as another form risk is quite on the spot. I think Frugal Trader did the right thing of selling his investment property so he is less concentrated in real estate. Leverage is very dangerous unless there is some way of mitigating the downside risk. I highly recommend looking at this study for an idea of mitigating downside risk in the stock market by using SMA200. Simple and straightforward. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=962461 There are other ways as well such collared positions, but I like SMA200 the best. Tyler and Frugal Trader: I find Blah Blah Blah’s written in an offensive way. However, Blah Blah Blah’s point of leverage as another form risk is quite on the spot. I think Frugal Trader did the right thing of selling his investment property so he is less concentrated in real estate.

Leverage is very dangerous unless there is some way of mitigating the downside risk. I highly recommend looking at this study for an idea of mitigating downside risk in the stock market by using SMA200. Simple and straightforward. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=962461
There are other ways as well such collared positions, but I like SMA200 the best.

]]> By: Tyler http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94198 Tyler Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:28:52 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94198 lol @ Blah Blah Blah Jealousy is awesome. Go short some stocks. FT, Good main post. Everyone else, Great followups. This site is exceptional and full of valuable information. It's made me more financially conscience at my young age. lol @ Blah Blah Blah
Jealousy is awesome. Go short some stocks.

FT,
Good main post.

Everyone else,
Great followups.

This site is exceptional and full of valuable information. It’s made me more financially conscience at my young age.

]]> By: Sampson http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94168 Sampson Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:54:12 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94168 Wow! All the critics are coming out of the wood work. All that for deciding to buy a car?!? Can I have my horoscope read also please? Can some one see what lies ahead for me? Wow! All the critics are coming out of the wood work. All that for deciding to buy a car?!?

Can I have my horoscope read also please? Can some one see what lies ahead for me?

]]> By: Blah Blah Blah http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94162 Blah Blah Blah Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:41:37 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94162 I was flipping through your old postings after stumbling upon this site. Unfortunately, you are far from "rich". You have a ton of debt of various flavors that will eat your "assets" pretty fast in the coming downturn. I have seen it. You are way more leveraged than most of the people I knew at your age (4 years ago). It's funny to see how much Canadian's attitudes have changed toward money - it's almost like a mass mania now. Canada has always been sort of broke - maybe solid middle class at best. Funny to see everyone on "millionaire" journeys now! Ha! I was flipping through your old postings after stumbling upon this site. Unfortunately, you are far from “rich”. You have a ton of debt of various flavors that will eat your “assets” pretty fast in the coming downturn. I have seen it. You are way more leveraged than most of the people I knew at your age (4 years ago).

It’s funny to see how much Canadian’s attitudes have changed toward money – it’s almost like a mass mania now. Canada has always been sort of broke – maybe solid middle class at best. Funny to see everyone on “millionaire” journeys now! Ha!

]]> By: SilverEggplant http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94139 SilverEggplant Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:42:39 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94139 Does anyone know what the resale value on a US vehicle is? Are there less people willing to purchase a second hand vehicle brought over from the US? This should probably be factored into the decision as well. Does anyone know what the resale value on a US vehicle is? Are there less people willing to purchase a second hand vehicle brought over from the US? This should probably be factored into the decision as well.

]]> By: Jacqueline http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94137 Jacqueline Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:12:58 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94137 I purchased a brand new Winnebago Aspect motorhome 2 years ago from a dealer in Vermont (I tested it out at a dealer at home first) and brought it back in to Alberta. It was very easy to do and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy another vehicle (or motorhome) down in the US. I had to get a letter for no recalls just for the Ford chassis. Looking at purely the dealer sticker pricing compared to Canada, I saved about $30k+ including the 6% GST I paid (rate hadn't gone down to 5% yet) and the exchange rate. I purchased a brand new Winnebago Aspect motorhome 2 years ago from a dealer in Vermont (I tested it out at a dealer at home first) and brought it back in to Alberta. It was very easy to do and I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to buy another vehicle (or motorhome) down in the US. I had to get a letter for no recalls just for the Ford chassis.

Looking at purely the dealer sticker pricing compared to Canada, I saved about $30k+ including the 6% GST I paid (rate hadn’t gone down to 5% yet) and the exchange rate.

]]> By: Craig http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94126 Craig Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:33:57 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94126 Both myself and my brother in law bought 1 year old higher end used cars in New York a couple of years ago, and saved about $12,000 on each car. Both Audi and Volvo honoured their warranties and in the case of the Audi no charge service was included to 80,000 klms (honoured in Canada). Temporary plates were on the cars when we picked them up, we were in transit so didn't need to pay any New York tax. We're both very happy with our cars and savings. Wouldn't think of buying a car without checking US web sites. We also buy our tires in the states (savings are huge), try tirerack.com, you'll be shocked at the price difference. Both myself and my brother in law bought 1 year old higher end used cars in New York a couple of years ago, and saved about $12,000 on each car. Both Audi and Volvo honoured their warranties and in the case of the Audi no charge service was included to 80,000 klms (honoured in Canada). Temporary plates were on the cars when we picked them up, we were in transit so didn’t need to pay any New York tax. We’re both very happy with our cars and savings. Wouldn’t think of buying a car without checking US web sites.
We also buy our tires in the states (savings are huge), try tirerack.com, you’ll be shocked at the price difference.

]]> By: charles http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94125 charles Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:29:38 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94125 I bought a Lancer evolution in the US. Saved about 8500 even including a night's hotel and gas to go and get it. This makes it off warranty, which I'm ok with. I think I would only go the US route for saving greater than 5K. It does take some time to get everything prepared. And it is worth being very detailed to avoid and problems when bringing the car back. Also, the savings tend to be greater for higher priced vehicles. I bought a Lancer evolution in the US. Saved about 8500 even including a night’s hotel and gas to go and get it. This makes it off warranty, which I’m ok with.

I think I would only go the US route for saving greater than 5K. It does take some time to get everything prepared. And it is worth being very detailed to avoid and problems when bringing the car back.

Also, the savings tend to be greater for higher priced vehicles.

]]> By: Henry http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/buying-a-car-from-the-us-the-proscons-and-process.htm/comment-page-1#comment-94120 Henry Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:50:31 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=937#comment-94120 Here is my experience and my comparison about vehicles not made in North America: Mazda3 is made in Japan. It is either cheaper or cost the same to buy Mazda3 in Canada instead of US due Mazda's competitive pricing in Canada and 6.2% tariff on cars made outside of North America. From my experience, Toyota overcharges its Canadian customers. My uncle bought a 2008 RAV4 brand new with the third row package in April 2008 for 20,000US!!! I have no idea how he negotiated the deal. In the case of Mazda3, it only makes to buy it in US if the Canadian dollar actually stronger than the US dollar where 1 Canadian = 1 US or more. Just due to the hassle or exchange rate issues, I would say buying Mazda3 in Canada is the way to go most of the time. Try to negotiate a better deal in Canada is probably the key thing in terms of buying a Mazda3. Here is my experience and my comparison about vehicles not made in North America:

Mazda3 is made in Japan. It is either cheaper or cost the same to buy Mazda3 in Canada instead of US due Mazda’s competitive pricing in Canada and 6.2% tariff on cars made outside of North America.

From my experience, Toyota overcharges its Canadian customers. My uncle bought a 2008 RAV4 brand new with the third row package in April 2008 for 20,000US!!! I have no idea how he negotiated the deal.

In the case of Mazda3, it only makes to buy it in US if the Canadian dollar actually stronger than the US dollar where 1 Canadian = 1 US or more. Just due to the hassle or exchange rate issues, I would say buying Mazda3 in Canada is the way to go most of the time. Try to negotiate a better deal in Canada is probably the key thing in terms of buying a Mazda3.

]]>