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The Canadian dollar has appreciated more than 70% over the past few years but automobile prices in Canada have gone down only slightly. Automobile manufacturers in Canada are adding millions of dollars to their bottom line at the expense of Canadian consumers. Many models that are listed at $50,000 or more in Canada can be bought in the US for up to $20,000 less. The auto makers are not willing to reduce their prices because lowering their prices on new vehicles to match US levels would result in similar reductions on used vehicles. If that was to happen, the leasing companies owned by the auto makers would lose millions of dollars in assets.
Anyone can import a vehicle from the US and thousands of Canadians have already done so. However, Canadian regulations are somewhat different than those in the US and the importer must ensure that the vehicle being imported can legally be brought into Canada or else it will have to be removed from the country.
Don't miss the opportunity as the Canadian dollar may retreat and the savings would not be as significant.
Most auto makers are using various tactics to prevent Canadians from purchasing US vehicles. Some of these tactics are the following:
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Some manufacturers have declared that they would not honour the warranty for vehicles imported into Canada. Others are placing certain restrictions on the warranty. (We will notify you about the status of the warranty on your chosen model.)
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Certain manufacturers have forbidden their American dealers to sell to Canadians and imposed hefty fines on dealers that do not comply.
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Many manufacurers have self-declared that their 2008 models do not comply with Canadian regulations and are therefore ineligible for import. These auto makers have indicated to Transport Canada that the electronic immobilization system (anti-theft device) on their 2008 vehicles fo not comply with CMVSS 114, even though the system installed on these vehicles is identical to the one installed on their 2007 models, which were deemed compliant. After much uproar from consumers, Transport Canada has intervened and agreed to accept many of these vehicles.
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Certain manufacturers are charging up to $500 to provide the recall clearance letter that is required by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. |