A Question about Importation

[Canadian Turbo]

With a very strong dollar currently buying a car in the US has become very attractive. So, are there any limits to say buying a brand new car, such as an Audi A6 or S4 and bringing it up to Canada as there is a huge potential savings. When a car is both available in the 2 countries then there is no restrictions I think just meeting Canadian regulations (DRLs etc.)

Any insight into this ???

For consideration

2006 Audi S4 Canadian MSRP $68,950
2006 Audi S4 US MSRP $46,400 @ 1.14 exchange is $52,896 Cdn

That is a price variance of $16,054 which is huge and seems to be a bit unfair for us Canucks.

[Khyron]

Re: A Question about Importation

You'll still need to pay duty and GST when you come back though don't you? That will take a big bite out of the savings. But at some point it must become worth it as the US used to import trucks off our dealers and still saved a bundle. My brother-in-law bought an older Caprice from US ebay and it was only about 300 bucks for the drl/inspection. Not sure about the duty, and no GST since it wasn't new.

Khyron

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: A Question about Importation

Well you will pay GST regardless whether you buy it here or there so it actually is even more savings if you pay 7% on $52,896 versus $68,950 (savings of $1,123.78 in the S4 numbers), so duty is the only question which is often at a 6% rate.

Therefore with the example even if you paid $7,000 (thats 13%) in duty and inspection fees you would still be $10,000 ahead, but I would be surprised if it cost that much.

[Dubs]

Re: A Question about Importation

Yeah i don’t think there is anything stopping you .. There was just a class action suit from a few car dealers against a couple major car manufactures because they refused to sell them cars in-order to import them to the states, because of lower pricing and great exchange rate at the time. Car dealers won. If you pull the details of the case might give you some info.

Guese you wouldnt be able to finance the car through the dealership without a american address.


William

[MrHeavyFoot]

Re: A Question about Importation

I think as long as the car isn't on the restricted list you can do it. Here's a break down from someone who just bought a WRX in the states:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=994914

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: A Question about Importation

Thanks Pat that is great info and confirms most of my research, I think the only remaining concern is the warranty.

[bart]

Re: A Question about Importation

i'm pretty sure you get whatever warranty the car came with. i asked this at vw back in europe, they said if i bought a car here and brought it there i get the 4 years no matter what vw dealer i go to, if i bought it there and bring here only 2 because thats all they offer there. but if the vw dealer here didnt know that, you can trick these guys here maybe into saying its 4 years

[Silverstoned]

Re: A Question about Importation

One thing to double check, is the changes that have to be made before insuring in Canada. My friend's wife had an A4 wagon (not sure of year or specific model) and wasn't able to bring it to Canada. I can't remember if it was on the 'inadmissable' list or what ever it's called, or if the cost of the changes were too great. It may fall in the same bucket as the R32 due to emissions or bumper differences between the two countries.

Good luck, looks like you can probably save some cash if the car is OK for Canadian laws.

Jeff

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: A Question about Importation

Most of those things are covered on the list of admissable/inadmissable cars , but there is mention of special insurance for imported vehicles.

[R_Ethug]

Re: A Question about Importation

blair the 52cdn you posted on teh S4 is the cost of a A4 here LOL.. i'd def visit montana or washington and pick one up

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: A Question about Importation

Yeah I would love to seems to be a big bargin over buying here but the info is more for my Dad as he is looking to get a new A6 Avant.