Looking to import from US

Cheech

When I was comparing prices between the US and Canada, I took into account the "hassle factor" and was willing to go an extra $5K just to keep my money in Canada, but the deal I found made it worth the extra work to go south.

The closest state to BC that doesn't have a sales tax is Oregon, but when I found a car in Washington and started negotiating with the dealership, they informed there is no sales tax if the car is being sold out of state, new or used. Not sure if that goes for all the states or not, but I believe it to be true for most.

I agree, you really have to compare the actual landing cost when shopping down south. For the deal I got it was well worth it. It was frustrating dealing with the dealerships in Canada. No one wanted to make it even close! A couple dealerships were trying to sell used Z's as new 'cause they were driven by Nissan execs. Big deal! Anything more than a 1000Km is used in my book (and that's being generous).

As far as the warranty goes, if you buy used, the warranty is void if you buy it within the first six months of the original purchase date. Wait six months and the warranty is fully transferable.

If you buy new, you must register the car to a US address with US plates. You can, the same day drive it back to Canada and re-register to your home address.

What will void the warranty on a new purchase is if you sell it within six months.

This warranty information was faxed to me directly from Nissan USA.

As far as re-sale value goes. I've never been a big fan of car salesmen telling me how good a car's re-sale value is. I drive 'em till they drop. So that wasn't a factor for me, but most likely is for the majority of new car buyers. Certainly something to consider.

In my case the total landed cost (OTD), taxes, RIV, inspection, & DRL mod was $39,600 - 2010 Touring 6MT Sport & Nav. Closest I could get in Canada was $42K + taxes (plus shipping from Ontario).

In my case it was worth it, but it took several months of searching, which my wife tells me was half the fun.... and if she tells me it was fun, it was fun.... I guess, maybe, OK OK, it was fun, now leave me alone! Man she never stops! j/k she's been great, loves the car too.

So if one has the time and patience, the deal is out there, and like you did, add up the costs and whether the hassle is worth it.

Cheers,
Cheech

Dizzy

If I could have found a car at that price point, I would have jumped at it too. Non of the dealers I spoke to down south were willing to do an out of state sale. They all insisted the car had to be sold and registered in their state. That despite my strongest arguements that they didn't need to do that.

Interesting news on the warrenty. When I called Nissan, the told me the exact opposite. If I bought the car new, or within the first 6 months of registering, I could not transfer or get a warrenty. If I bought it 6 months or later after the car was registered, then the warrenty was transferable.

As a matter of fact, if I could have gotten a Z at that price point, I would have taken my chances with the warrenty! Unfortunately, non of the dealers I spoke with where willing to do business north of the boarder.

Bottom line though, our buck is at par and has been damn close to parity for years. Why then is there that much difference? I actually know the answers to that question......but it still makes me sick!

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partsguy

It's because the population in Canada is one tenth of the USA. MUCH smaller market.... thus the higher prices. Also, taxes in Canada (to actually operate a business) are much higher than south of the border. Yet another reason why prices are much higher in Canada.

Sucks, but not really much we can do about it. Except, bartering with the salesman. Their mark-up has room to discount at least 10% off of MSRP. And at $46,000 (for example), that's around $4500 off.

FricFrac

Sorry but that information is just wrong. Yes our population is 1/10th but taxes are not much higher in Canada. In fact states like California have slightly higher sales taxes on vehicles than we do. If that were true explain the multitude of cars sold in both the USA and Canada that sell for the same price within a couple of hundred dollars?

You may be familiar with the insane markups from Ford, etc the Japanese vehicles don't have the same luxury of price spread. The total markup is 9% on a 370Z and the dealer needs to make something on the car. You would be hard pressed to get 5% off.....

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'09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

partsguy

If you think 9% is all the mark-up a dealer gets on a Z, you're dreaming.

Cheech

Funny the responses you get from each dealer. Guess some are hungrier than others. Glad I found one that was starving

Well, I think we've exhausted this topic..... think I'll go wash my Z now.

Cheers,
Pete