Yesterday I finally took the plunge and decided to buy my new Lexus RX 350 from my local dealer.
The following bullets explain my rational:
- As a Canadian citizen, I was being refused my right to purchase a new Lexus in the U.S., (I wonder what the Americans would do if the reverse was true! )
- In the case of a Canadian broker; a couple were able to find the car I wanted, but with brokerage and transportation fees the savings deteriorated quite significantly. They both admitted to me that because the dealer knew the car was going to go to Canada, he was not willing to offer any further discounts. (Remember as well that there appears to be a shortage of these cars right now) . One Canadian broker told me he could obtain a discount from his U.S. partner,, but them went about calling me a liar for telling the public that I had negotiated over a $5,000.00 discount from the Canadian dealer. He indicated that this is not possible and I should be “ashamed of myself for lying to the public” People like this we really want to stay away from!
- I contacted an American broker through the help of some of my friends out West, this deal was a bit more attractive but again the savings were not significant enough for me exercise this option.
- Remember, I wanted a new car, not used.
- My local dealer found the car I wanted and was prepared to trade with another dealer in Quebec. The car would be ready for me on Monday!
- Another major factor was the re-sale value. Most Brokers and dealers tell me that when selling a U.S. used car in Canada, I should expect a lower price!
- Finally, I asked the dealer to install a hitch. It advertised on the Canadian site for $855 plus tax and on the U.S. site for $650 plus tax. He offered $700 plus Tax and I took the offer.
So in summary the difference , by my calculations and estimations was $3,500 and not enough to justify a buy in the U.S. decision. But if you are hunting for a new or used car you need to do your due diligence, and feel comfortable with the decision. You might come to a different conclusion. 
Well I did the numbers a few times and I knew exactly how much I wanted off my new Highlander Hybrid 2011 - Limited - fully loaded - leather - sunroof - AWD - navigation System - Satelllite radio and much more. I got pricing from Ottawa Toyota, Cornwall Toyota and a US Toyota dealer (they would not sell to me but that can be arranged if the price is right). Armed with all of this $ information and having a local reputation of buying in the US if I have to. I negotiated a deal in my home town and I am happy to encourage the local gang. In summary, my 2011 Highlander Hybrid was paid $57,013 all taxes included. The US import all included would have cost me $56,223, for a small difference of $790.00 The US rate at the time was $0.97 - today it hovering around $1.00. I have attached the excel sheet that shows the calculations. But in summary for this vehicle (built in Japan) - the 6.1% duty of $2, 818 plus the Trade-in tax credit of $1,495 made this vehicle a good purchase in Canada. CarsWithoutBorders is not about buying all cars in the USA - it is about getting fair pricing - equivalent pricing - and in this case I bought my car right here in Canada.![]()
Highlander Hybrid 2011 US - Can comparaison
Well talk about taking advantage ( some people call that screwing!) the same people that subsidize and feed you!
Canadian Pricing Summary Details
U.S. Pricing Details
So we just couldn’t resist taking a look at some of the recent vehicle prices. We wanted to see if some Canadian Car Companies were adjusting to the new “Par” dollar or just quite simply doing nothing…. for we all know most Canadians don’t care if they pay thousands of dollars more for the same vehicle driven down south by their American cousins.
But Serge and I do. Keep following this site daily as we both go about attempting to purchase a new automobile at a fair price. Over the course of the next few weeks we will explore and visit showrooms in Canada and the U.S., we will even attempt to obtain quotes from the APA’s recommended Brokers.
We will highlight the process, the roadblocks put up by the industry and our Government to keep Canadians paying substantially higher prices. Better to give all our hard earned money to Multi- national companies, than to keep it in our pockets. Why would we want to improve our standard of living? Just ask all the ex Nortel Pensioners (12,000Plus) how they feel about our Government, The Bond traders, Major Banks and the current Bankruptcy Act that will cost them and Canadian Taxpayers millions of dollars!
Well, we are afraid to tell you folks that that is the way our Government and the Multinational Companies work. Together they manage to make hard working Canadians pay more than their American Cousins.
Stay tuned!
In case you were wondering what kind of cars are being the most imported into Canada. Well here is a list of 6 companies and how the 2010 1st Quarter imports compare to the 1st Quarter 2009. It’s going up boys and girls - going up even with all those hurdles.
Serge just competed a study on the Toyota Camry XLE 2010. He identified a 9.63% difference. Take a look at this one!
camry-2010-xle-v6comparison-july-30-20091.pdf
We have to assume that once the dollar approaches par that many thousands of Canadians will head south… a par dollar would generate over 17% savings. Canadian Companies better start sharpening their pencils or maybe they will just pump more money into their lobbying fund to entice our “Consumer Supporting” (sic ) Polititians to put up more roadblocks for hard working Canadians.
If you can’t beat them, just change the rules of the game!
My wife Sylvie and I were in Toronto at the Auto Show and we were invited to a sneak preview of the Toyota 3rd generation 2010 Prius. The car is quite impressive with all the new technology. Sylvie and I were on camera giving our impressions.
The video in French is at www.prius.ca/fr and the video in English is at www.prius.ca/en
It feels pretty strange to be on the Prius main site talking about Prius products when we know the fights we had with the car companies just a year ago on imports.
Serge Bergeron www.CarsWithoutBorders.com and www.Prius.ca
The Prius and Toyota are very good products BUT we also want good and fair pricing.
CarsWithoutBorders is pleased to welcome Toyota of Keene New Hampshire as one of our Canadian Friendly Dealers.
Call or email Scott Mictchell at 1-800-421-0909 or smitchell@fentonautosales.com
Toyota of Keene will prepare and provide you with all the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction at the border.
All 2009 Toyota’s contain the required immobilizer Key. You must also have daytime running lights. No Additional modifications are required!
And The Warranty is Honored in Canada!!!!!
Make sure you mention CarsWithoutBorders when Purchasing your Vehicle and receive a $50 gas card!
