If there’s one thing that eBay Motors Canada is terrific for, it’s finding Owners Manuals. These things can end up costing you an arm and a leg if you’re able to find them. Thankfully, eBay offers up most owners manuals for Ford Vehicles at terrific prices.
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Toyota to Recall 600K Sienna Mini-Vans
You’re probably not rushing out to purchase a Toyota Sienna in the United States for import into Canada, but there’s yet another recall that’ll require a note from Ma’
The Sienna’s manufacturer suggested retail price in the United States is $24,260 compared to $28,900 in Canada for a 2011 Model (2011 Model Years are NOT affected). The Toyota Sienna’s manufactured in Princeton, Indiana, for the North American Market so you’re free and clear of Import Duty.
Toyota’s Red Tag Days don’t apply to the Sienna, so there’s probably some instances where you can make the prices work to your advantage. As is generally the case, the higher the trim level, the greater the disparity between the Canadian and American prices.
On that note, I’m not going to lie, the Toyota Sienna commercials are some of the best commercials out there right now.
Anyways, if you’ve purchased an American Sienna from 1998-2010 model lines and driven the car in northern climates, this recall applies to you. Some 600K Sienna’s apparently have a ample room for road-salt to sneak up behind the spare-tire and eat away at the cable. Spare-tires falling off at highway speeds tends to be a problem.
The recall applies to 20 states — basically, if you get snow, you’re included — and owners are urged to bring their Siennas in for an inspection.
Check out the full Globe & Mail article here.
Child Tether Requirements For RIV Importation
Just as vehicles are required to have Daytime Running Lamps, they also need Child Tether Safety Restraints. In most cases, Child Tether Safety Harnesses aren’t a costly alteration.
As always, make sure you clear up a price with Canadian Tire before giving them the go-ahead. You’ll need it to pass the RIV Import Qualifications, but it’s honestly just a bolt and a catch.
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From Tranport Canada, the Child Tether Diagram
As of September 1st, 2002, Canadian vehicles must be equipped with the Child Tether Universal Anchorage Points.
Tips for Installing a Car-Seat using the Tether Anchorage points are available at the MTO and at Transport Canada.
Daytime Running Lamps/Lights In Canada Information
The United States of America currently recommends daytime running lights, but they won’t become mandatory until 2011. As it stands, most modern cars that you’ll import will have daytime running lamps, but occasionally you’ll have to get them done to pass the RIV inspection.
In Canada: Daytime Running Lamps
Canadian Tire, the standard RIV check-centre, will do the daytime running lights on most vehicles for between $250 and $300 Canadian. For some of the higher-end vehicles, prepare to give up your first born.
Anyways, here’s the Information regarding Daytime Running Lamps in Canada:
Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 requires Daytime Running Lamps on all new vehicles made or imported after January 1, 1990. After the auto-manufacturers got their panties in a knot, a reduced-voltage high beam headlamps producing up to 7,000 axial candelas, as well as permitting any light color from white to amber or selective yellow, fell under the umbrella of Daytime Running Lights.
This allowed automakers to implement a less-costly DRL, such as by connecting the high beam filaments in series to supply each filament with half its rated voltage, or by burning the front turn signals full time except when they are actually flashing as turn indicators. (–wikipedia.org)
If you’re interested in the Government Standards for Daytime Running Lamps in Canada, visit (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp13136-tr108-846.htm) CMVSS Section 108.
In the United States — What Cars Come with DRL?
General Motors, interested in reducing the build variations of cars for the North American market, began lobbying the DOT (United States Department of Transportation) to permit DRLs in the United States shortly after Canada required them. A prolonged regulatory battle was fought, with the DOT objecting on grounds of potential safety drawbacks and glare issues. Eventually, however, these objections were set aside and DRLs of the same types allowed in Canada (save for fog lamp DRLs) were legalized but not mandated effective with the 1995 model year. General Motors immediately equipped most (and, in following years, all) of its vehicles with DRLs beginning with the Chevrolet Corsica. Saab, Volkswagen, Volvo, Suzuki and Subaru gradually introduced DRLs in the U.S. market beginning in 1995. In recent years, Lexus has installed high-beam or turn signal based DRLs on US models. Some Toyota models come with DRLs as standard or optional equipment, and with a driver-controllable on/off switch. Starting in the 2006 model year, Honda began equipping their U.S. models with DRLs, mostly by reduced-intensity operation of the high beam headlamps.
Washington Sate Sales Taxes: Importing A Car
Much like New York State, Washington Sales Tax will differ by county. However, Washington provides a terrific little bonus for Canadians — Well, CERTAIN Canadians.
If you live in a Canadian Province with less than 3% Provincial Sales Tax, you qualify for Non-Resident Exemption Status. Considering that we’re dealing with Washington, it’s basically Alberta or bust. If you’re driving down from any of the territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) you’ll also be exempt.
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Currently, as far as I understand, the Atlantic Provinces that impose a harmonized sales tax also qualify for the exemption.
So — If the Price is right, maybe you’ve got yourself a buddy from Alberta that can lend a hand.
| Location | County | Local Rate | State Rate | Combined Sales Tax |
| Aberdeen | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Adams County Unincorp. Areas | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Airway Heights | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Albion | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Algona | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Almira | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Anacortes | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Arlington | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Asotin (City) | Asotin | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Asotin County Unincorp. Areas | Asotin | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Auburn in King County | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Auburn in King County Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Auburn in Pierce County | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Bainbridge Island | Kitsap | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Battle Ground | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Beaux Arts Village | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Bellevue | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Bellevue Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Bellingham | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Benton City | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Benton Co. Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Benton County Unincorp. Areas | Benton | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Bingen | Klickitat | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Black Diamond | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Blaine | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Bonney Lake | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Bonney Lake Non-RTA | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Bothell in King County | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Bothell in Snohomish County | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Bremerton | Kitsap | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Brewster | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Bridgeport | Douglas | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Brier | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Buckley | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Bucoda | Thurston | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Burien | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Burlington | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Camas | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Carbonado | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Carnation | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Cashmere | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Castle Rock | Cowlitz | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Cathlamet | Wahkiakum | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Centralia | Lewis | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Chehalis | Lewis | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Chelan (City) | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Chelan County Unincorp. Areas | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Cheney | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Chewelah | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Clallam County Unincorp. Areas | Clallam | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Clark County Unincorp. Areas | Clark | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Clark County Unincorp. P.T.B.A* | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Clarkston | Asotin | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Cle Elum | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Clyde Hill | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Colfax | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| College Place | Walla Walla | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Colton | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Columbia County Unincorp. Areas | Columbia | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Colville | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Conconully | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Concrete | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Connell | Franklin | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Cosmopolis | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Coulee City | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Coulee Dam | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Coupeville | Island | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Covington | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Cowlitz County Unincorp. Areas | Cowlitz | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Creston | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Cusick | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Darrington | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Davenport | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Dayton | Columbia | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Deer Park | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Des Moines | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Douglas County Unincorp. Areas | Douglas | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Douglas County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Douglas | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| DuPont | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Duvall | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| East Wenatchee | Douglas | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Eatonville | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Edgewood | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Edmonds | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Electric City | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Ellensburg | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Elma | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Elmer City | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Endicott | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Entiat | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Enumclaw | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Ephrata | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Everett | Snohomish | 2.70% | 6.50% | 9.20% |
| Everett Non-RTA | Snohomish | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Everson | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Fairfield | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Farmington | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Federal Way | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Ferndale | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Ferry County Unincorp. Areas | Ferry | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Fife | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Fircrest | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Forks | Clallam | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Franklin County Unincorp. Areas | Franklin | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Franklin County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Franklin | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Friday Harbor | San Juan | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Garfield (City) | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Garfield County Unincorp. Areas | Garfield | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| George | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Gig Harbor | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Gig Harbor HBZ ± | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Gold Bar | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Goldendale | Klickitat | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Grand Coulee | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Grandview | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Granger | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Granite Falls | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Grant County Unincorp. Areas | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Grays Harbor County Unincorp. Areas | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Hamilton | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Harrah | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Harrington | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Hartline | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Hatton | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Hoquiam | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Hunts Point | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Ilwaco | Pacific | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Index | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Ione | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Island County Unincorp. Areas | Island | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Issaquah | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Issaquah Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Jefferson County Unincorp. Areas | Jefferson | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Kahlotus | Franklin | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Kalama | Cowlitz | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Kelso | Cowlitz | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Kenmore | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Kennewick | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Kent | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Kent Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Kettle Falls | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| King County Unincorp. Areas | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| King County Unincorp. Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Kirkland | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Kitsap County Unincorp. Areas | Kitsap | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Kittitas City | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Kittitas County Unincorp. Areas | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Klickitat County Unincorp. Areas | Klickitat | 0.50% | 6.50% | 7.00% |
| Krupp | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| La Center | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| La Conner | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| La Crosse | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Lacey | Thurston | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Lake Forest Park | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Lake Stevens | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Lakewood | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Lamont | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Langley | Island | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Latah | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Leavenworth | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Lewis County Unincorp. Areas | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Liberty Lake | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Lincoln County Unincorp. Areas | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Lind | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Long Beach | Pacific | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Longview | Cowlitz | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Lyman | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Lynden | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Lynnwood | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Mabton | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Malden | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Mansfield | Douglas | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Maple Valley | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Marcus | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Marysville | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Mason County Unincorp. Areas | Mason | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Mattawa | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| McCleary | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Medical Lake | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Medina | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Mercer Island | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Mesa | Franklin | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Metaline | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Metaline Falls | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Mill Creek | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Millwood | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Milton in King County | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Milton in Pierce County | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Monroe | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Montesano | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Morton | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Moses Lake | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Mossyrock | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Mount Vernon | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Mountlake Terrace | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Moxee City | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Mukilteo | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Naches | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Napavine | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Nespelem | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Newcastle | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Newport | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Nooksack | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Normandy Park | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| North Bend | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| North Bonneville | Skamania | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Northport | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Oak Harbor | Island | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Oakesdale | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Oakville | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Ocean Shores | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Odessa | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Okanogan (City) | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Okanogan County Unincorp. Areas | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Olympia | Thurston | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Omak | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Oroville | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Orting | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Othello | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Pacific County Unincorp. Areas | Pacific | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Pacific in King County | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Pacific in Pierce County | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Palouse | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Pasco | Franklin | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Pateros | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Pe Ell | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Pend Oreille County Unincorp. Areas | Pend Oreille | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Pierce County Unincorp. Areas | Pierce | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Pierce County Unincorp. Areas Non-RTA | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* HBZ ± | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* Non-RTA | Pierce | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Pomeroy | Garfield | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Port Angeles | Clallam | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Port Orchard | Kitsap | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Port Townsend | Jefferson | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Poulsbo | Kitsap | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Prescott | Walla Walla | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Prosser | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Pullman | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Puyallup | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Quincy | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Rainier | Thurston | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Raymond | Pacific | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Reardan | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Redmond | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Redmond Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Renton | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Renton Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Republic | Ferry | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Richland | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Ridgefield | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Ridgefield TBD | Clark | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Ritzville | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Riverside | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Rock Island | Douglas | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Rockford | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Rosalia | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Roslyn | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Roy | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Royal City | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Ruston | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Sammamish | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Sammamish Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| San Juan County Unincorp. Areas | San Juan | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| SeaTac | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Seattle | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Sedro Woolley | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Selah | Yakima | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Sequim TBD** | Clallam | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Shelton | Mason | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Shoreline | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Skagit County Unincorp. Areas | Skagit | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Skagit County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Skagit | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Skamania County Unincorp. Areas | Skamania | 0.50% | 6.50% | 7.00% |
| Skykomish | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Snohomish (City) | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Snohomish County Unincorp. Areas | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Snohomish County Unincorp. Areas Non-RTA | Snohomish | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Snohomish County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Snohomish County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* Non-RTA | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Snoqualmie | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Soap Lake | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| South Bend | Pacific | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| South Cle Elum | Kittitas | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| South Prairie | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Spangle | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Spokane (City) | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Spokane County Unincorp. Areas | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Spokane County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Spokane Valley | Spokane | 2.20% | 6.50% | 8.70% |
| Sprague | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Springdale | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| St. John | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Stanwood | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Starbuck | Columbia | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Steilacoom | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Stevens County Unincorp. Areas | Stevens | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Stevenson | Skamania | 0.50% | 6.50% | 7.00% |
| Sultan | Snohomish | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Sumas | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Sumner | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Sunnyside | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Tacoma | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Tekoa | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Tenino | Thurston | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Thurston County Unincorp. Areas | Thurston | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Thurston County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Thurston | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Tieton | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Toledo | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Tonasket | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Toppenish | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Tukwila | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Tumwater | Thurston | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Twisp | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Union Gap | Yakima | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Uniontown | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| University Place | Pierce | 2.80% | 6.50% | 9.30% |
| Vader | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Vancouver | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Wahkiakum County Unincorp. Areas | Wahkiakum | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Waitsburg | Walla Walla | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Walla Walla (City) | Walla Walla | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Walla Walla County Unincorp. Areas | Walla Walla | 1.50% | 6.50% | 8.00% |
| Walla Walla County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Walla Walla | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Wapato | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Warden | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Washougal | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Washtucna | Adams | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Waterville | Douglas | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Waverly | Spokane | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| Wenatchee | Chelan | 1.60% | 6.50% | 8.10% |
| West Richland | Benton | 1.80% | 6.50% | 8.30% |
| Westport | Grays Harbor | 1.90% | 6.50% | 8.40% |
| Whatcom County Unincorp. Areas | Whatcom | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Whatcom County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* | Whatcom | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| White Salmon | Klickitat | 1.00% | 6.50% | 7.50% |
| Whitman County Unincorp. Areas | Whitman | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Wilbur | Lincoln | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Wilkeson | Pierce | 1.30% | 6.50% | 7.80% |
| Wilson Creek | Grant | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Winlock | Lewis | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Winthrop | Okanogan | 1.20% | 6.50% | 7.70% |
| Woodinville | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Woodinville Non-RTA | King | 2.10% | 6.50% | 8.60% |
| Woodland | Cowlitz | 1.10% | 6.50% | 7.60% |
| Woodway | Snohomish | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Yacolt | Clark | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Yakima (City) | Yakima | 1.70% | 6.50% | 8.20% |
| Yakima County Unincorp. Areas | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
| Yarrow Point | King | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Yelm | Thurston | 2.00% | 6.50% | 8.50% |
| Zillah | Yakima | 1.40% | 6.50% | 7.90% |
New York State Sales Taxes: Importing A Car
The difference between 6.5% and 8.5% in New York State on a new car can amount to a good chunk of change. On a $50,000 car, you’re paying an extra $1000 up front. Upon entering Canada, you’ll then be taxed again on that $500 that you could’ve saved. You’ve basically thrown away a potential $1100 (or more) worth of profit by shopping in the wrong county.
Here’s the list of counties and corresponding Sales Taxes in New York State:
| Area | Rate |
| New York State | 4.000 |
| Albany | 8.000 |
| Allegany | 8.500 |
| *Bronx | 8.875 |
| *Brooklyn | 8.875 |
| Broome | 8.000 |
| Cattaraugus | 8.000 |
| Cayuga | 8.000 |
| Chautauqua | 7.750 |
| Chemung | 8.000 |
| Chenango | 8.000 |
| Clinton | 8.000 |
| Columbia | 8.000 |
| Cortland | 8.000 |
| Delaware | 8.000 |
| *Dutchess | 8.125 |
| Erie | 8.750 |
| Essex | 7.750 |
| Franklin | 8.000 |
| Fulton | 8.000 |
| Genesee | 8.000 |
| Greene | 8.000 |
| Hamilton | 7.000 |
| Herkimer | 8.250 |
| Jefferson | 7.750 |
| *Kings (Brooklyn) | 8.875 |
| Lewis | 7.750 |
| Livingston | 8.000 |
| Madison | 8.000 |
| *Manhattan | 8.875 |
| Monroe | 8.000 |
| Montgomery | 8.000 |
| *Nassau | 8.625 |
| *New York (Manhattan) | 8.875 |
| *New York City | 8.875 |
| Niagara | 8.000 |
| Oneida | 8.750 |
| Onondaga | 8.000 |
| Ontario | 7.500 |
| *Orange | 8.125 |
| Orleans | 8.000 |
| Oswego | 8.000 |
| Otsego | 8.000 |
| *Putnam | 8.375 |
| *Queens | 8.875 |
| Rensselaer | 8.000 |
| *Richmond (Staten Island) | 8.875 |
| *Rockland | 8.375 |
| St. Lawrence | 7.000 |
| Saratoga | 7.000 |
| Schenectady | 8.000 |
| Schoharie | 8.000 |
| Schuyler | 8.000 |
| Seneca | 8.000 |
| *Staten Island | 8.875 |
| Steuben | 8.000 |
| *Suffolk | 8.625 |
| Sullivan | 8.000 |
| Tioga | 8.000 |
| Tompkins | 8.000 |
| Ulster | 8.000 |
| Warren | 7.000 |
| Washington | 7.000 |
| Wayne | 8.000 |
| *Westchester (except see below) | 7.375 |
| *Westchester, Mount Vernon (city) | 8.375 |
| *Westchester, New Rochelle (city) | 8.375 |
| *Westchester, White Plains (city) | 8.125 |
| *Westchester, Yonkers (city) | 8.375 |
| Wyoming | 8.000 |
| Yates | 8.000 |
Importing A Car Into Canada: A State-By-State Sales Tax Index
Honestly, whether or not you’ll have to pay sales tax when you buy a car in the United States is one of the biggest headaches around. Most people like to at least do a preliminary budget prior to purchasing a car in the USA for importation into Canada. There are some cases with higher value cars that you’re going to save money regardless, so the budget and sales tax aren’t huge priorities, but they’re still a pain in the butt.
Unlike Canada, Sales taxes are not only a state issue, but in most cases, also a county issue. A State Sales Tax of 4% isn’t always four percent, as many counties also levy an additional percentage on top of the State Sales Tax.
Alabama
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10%
Alaska
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
Arizona
STATE WIDE: 5.6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10.6%
Arkansas
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
California
STATE WIDE 8.75% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10.25%
Colorado
STATE WIDE: 2.9% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%
Connecticut
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Delaware
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%
District of Columbia
Florida
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.5%
Georgia
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%
Hawaii
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 4.712%
Idaho
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): %
Illinois
STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 11.5%
Indiana
STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%
Iowa
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
Kansas
STATE WIDE: 5.3% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.65%
Kentucky
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Louisiana
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%
Maine
STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%
Maryland
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Massachusetts
STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6.25%
Michigan
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Minnesota
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.5%
Mississippi
STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%
Missouri
STATE WIDE: 4.225% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.241%
Montana
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 3%
Nebraska
STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
Nevada
STATE WIDE: 6.85% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 13%
New Hampshire
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%
New Jersey
STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
New Mexico
STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.5625%
New York
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.875%
COUNTY BY COUNTY SALES TAX LEVY
North Carolina
STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.25%
North Dakota
STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): %
Ohio
STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.75%
Oklahoma
STATE WIDE: 4.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%
Oregon
STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%
Pennsylvania
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%
Rhode Island
STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
South Carolina
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%
South Dakota
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Tennessee
STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.75%
Texas
STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.25%
Utah
STATE WIDE: 4.75% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.35%
Vermont
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
Virginia
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%
Washington
STATE WIDE: 6.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.5%
Certain Canadians are Exempt From Washington State Taxes – Please Check the Entire List of Washington State Sales taxes as well as the exemptions for Canadians.
Wisconsin
STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5.6%
Wyoming
STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%
West Virginia
STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%
Price Comparison: The Ten Best Selling Trucks In North America
A bit of a different ball-game when it comes to trucks. The price difference in the top selling cars in North America isn’t all that substantial, but with Trucks, not only are the features different, but the prices are all over the board.
The Canadian Market and American Market demand different basic features in their trucks, hence the differences in standard packages and corresponding prices. That’s the company line obviously, whether or not it’s true depends on the truck.
Ford F-150
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | XL | $24,599 | $1400 |
| U.S. | XL | $21,820 | $975 |
| Difference | $425 |
Feel free to check out the standard differences between the American F-150 XL and the Canadian version. If you’re a fan of Mike Rowe, host of dirty jobs and noted F-150 pimp, you’ll love the videos.
Dodge Caravan
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | SE | $27,445 | $1400 |
| U.S. | SE | $23,175 | $820 |
| Difference | $4270 | $580 |
When you’re dealing with a $5000 difference on a Mini-Van made in North America, it’s getting to the point where you can save some cash by importing. You’re not paying duty, and the mileage is decent enough to not kill your pocket book with the green excise tax.
Dodge Ram 1500
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | ST | $26,495 | $1400 |
| U.S. | ST | $24,855 | $900 |
| Difference |
Once again, check out the differences in standard features before making your decision. Here’s the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 ST with the American Package and the 2010 Canadian Dodge Ram ST. Dodge is promoting the 2010 Ram ST with a starting price of $20,245 on their Canadian website. The American website is currently suggesting a $21,510 MSRP. The incentives are different, but the Globe & Mail could’ve been basing their comparison off of old data.
Be wary, however, Dodge’s website is a high-contrast wet-dream. If you ever wanted to know what your vehicle would look like on a dark-street with a single overhead light-source (possibly a police chopper), Dodge will show you.
Ford Escape
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | FWD XLT | $24,499 | $1400 |
| U.S. | FWD XLS | $21,020 | $725 |
| Difference | $3479 | $675 |
Once again, compare features: Canada and United States. While the American site gives you terrific features such as a color-chooser so that you can modify the look of your brand-new escape sitting beside a gorgeous lake, the Canadian website introduces you to a 25-year old man that you’d probably hate if you met each other. His napsac slung around his shoulder, parked in a clearing, with a kayak resting on his Escape — It appears as though Ford’s saying, “Hey, this is Bobby, he bought his escape with drug-money and now uses it to harvest marijuana.”
GMC Sierra 1500
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | SLE | $26,260 | $1350 |
| U.S. | SLE | $27,225 | $995 |
| Difference | -$965 | $355 |
The price different is pretty much a wash between the Canadian and American SLEs. Gotta respect GM for that. The Canadian Price of $26,200 comes with a $7000 Cash Credit, that you can review here.
This is however a bit of a piss-off as the Globe’s quoted the Price of the Sierra WT rather than the Sierra SLE’s MSRP of $30,225 (with the same cash credit)
The American Models of the Sierra get a bit tricky, but the American Sierra has a MSRP starting at $20,850. The SLE Model comes in around what they quoted at $27,345.
Honda CR-V
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | 2WD LX | $26,290 | $1590 |
| U.S. | 2WD EX | $26,810 | $710 |
| Difference | $2445 | $880 |
A bit of a headache: American CR-V vs. Canadian CR-V
Chevrolet Silverado
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | WT | $26,260 | $1350 |
| U.S. | LT | $26,810 | $995 |
| Difference | -$550 | $355 |
Canadian Silverado vs. American Silverado. Lord help me if I can figure out the Globe’s reasoning. The American WT starts at $20,850 while the 2WD LT is correct at $26,810. Again in Canada, you’re looking at between 7000-8000 dollars in Cash Credit. The Silverado LT is $23,225 after Cash Credit, down from $30,225.
Hyundai Santa Fe
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | FWD GL | $25,999 | $1760 |
| U.S. | FWD GLS | $22,995 | $750 |
| Difference | $3004 | $1010 |
The Pattern repeats itself: Canadian Santa Fe versus it’s American Santa Fe Counterpart. Two different vehicles, two different prices. From the looks of it, the prices are right at the point where importing to the US isn’t worth it.
Ford Ranger
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | 2WD XL | $17,799 | $1400 |
| U.S. | 2WD XL | $17,820 | $720 |
| Difference | -$21 | $725 |
It looks like Ford’s done a solid for Canadians, but you can never tell (so check the American Site Too)
Dodge Journey
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | FWD SE | $19,995 | $1400 |
| U.S. | FWD SE | $20,495 | $675 |
| Difference | -$495 | $725 |
Finally, we’ve completed annotating the Globe and Mail’s truck write-up. Thank God.
Dodge has actually lowered prices a bit since the Globe’s Article: $18,745 (canadian website) while the American Price has actually jumped a bit to $21,165 (with a $1500 possible cash allowance)
Price Comparison: The Ten Best Selling Cars In North America
With the Canadian Dollar making a run, it’s time to look at the ten best selling cars in North America. On these popular models, the difference between buying Canadian and Importing American isn’t all that great.
Companies are almost forced to keep these cars similar in price, or risk Canadians finally cluing into the fact that “Canadian Cars cost more because of lesser demand, but greater distribution” is complete and utter bull-shit.
Honda Civic
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | DX Sedan | $15,990 | $1395 |
| U.S. | DX Sedan | $15,455 | $710 |
| Difference | $535 | $685 |
Depending on the credits and discounts you’re able to get in the States, the Civic probably isn’t the best deal out there. Used vehicles may be a different story, depending on your dealer. In most cases however, the price gap just isn’t large enough to warrant cross-border shopping and the occasional headaches it brings with it.
Mazda3 Sedan
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | GX Sedan | $15,995 | $1395 |
| U.S. | i SV | $15,295 | $750 |
| Difference | $700 | $645 |
Not much news here, the Mazda 3′s a great car.
Toyota Corolla
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | CE Sedan | $15,460 | $1320 |
| U.S. | Sedan | $15,450 | $750 |
| Difference | $10 | $570 |
Toyota will price their cars as competitively as anyone as long as you’re purchasing a popular model. You may even be able to snag a deal where the Canadian price is…breathe….cheaper.
Hyundai Elantra
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | L Sedan | $15,849 | $1495 |
| U.S. | GLS Sedan | $16,895 | $720 |
| Difference | -$1046 | $775 |
Speaking of which, we’ve entered the “Oh No, you didn’t” zone. Quite a few of these cars where parity is an issue were built outside North America. That means you’re paying an additional 6.1% Duty when you bring it into Canada, making the price gap even greater.
Hyundai Accent
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | L Sedan | $14,299 | $1495 |
| U.S. | GLS Sedan | $13,645 | $720 |
| Difference | $654 | $775 |
This is where things start to get tricky. You’re actually getting more bang for your buck with the U.S. GLS Model. I’m not quite sure why the Globe & Mail rocked like this, but the GLS in Canada starts at $18,999 — a rather large difference from the L’s $14,299 price tag.
Toyota Matrix
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | Base | $16,665 | $1320 |
| U.S. | Base | $16,700 | $750 |
| Difference | -$35 | $570 |
Again with Toyota, there’s not much a difference between the two models.
Ford Focus
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | S Sedan | $14,999 | $1350 |
| U.S. | S Sedan | $16,290 | $725 |
| Difference | -$1291 | $625 |
Ford’s had this little price disparity going on for a while. Thankfully, Canadians finally come out on the winning end. The Focus is a terrific little car and I respect any company willing to bite the bullet on profits in order to sell more units.
Toyota Yaris
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | LE Hatchback | $15,195 | $1280 |
| U.S. | Hatchback | $12,905 | $750 |
| Difference | $2290 | $530 |
On a new Yaris, the price difference disappears like that when you consider the dreaded IMPORT DUTY. I’m thinking that if you tried hard enough, no one would notice you in a Yaris driving across the bridge.
Chevrolet Cobalt
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | LS Sedan | $15,495 | $1450 |
| U.S. | XFE Sedan | $14,900 | $720 |
| Difference | $595 | $730 |
The price difference is negligible and the car’s ugly, you might as well buy Canadian.
Volkswagen Golf
| Model | Base Price | Freight | |
| Canada | Trendline Five-Door | $21,175 | $1365 |
| U.S. | 2.5L Five-Door | $19,335 | $750 |
| Difference | 1840 | 615 |
Made outside of North America = More trouble than it’s worth on anything less than a 3 or 4 grand disparity. Occasionally you can score some pretty terrific deals on VWs in the States, but you’ve gotta really pay attention to warranties and such before importing into Canada.
The price disparity on the VW GOLF is right at the mark where you’d think about importing, but after doing the math, decide it’s not worth your time. Basically, they’re saying, “Bend over, young Canadian. Bend Over”
Globe Article Here.
Will Car Prices Reflect The Recent CDN Dollar Surge
The Globe and Mail published a terrific article earlier today addressing the recent surge in the Canadian Dollar and whether or not we should expect further parity in North American car pricing.
Last week, the muscular Canadian dollar hit par with the U.S. greenback and Porsche Canada blinked.
Porsche cut prices across the board by as much as $9,000 without actually cutting prices permanently. Calling the price reductions “Canadian currency credits,” Porsche moved its Canadian pricing closer in line with prices in the United States.
“Canadian Currency Credits address the cross-border price disparity caused by a strengthening Canadian dollar,” said Joe Lawrence, Porsche Canada’s president and CEO.
Porsche Canada, of course, is being careful to avoid permanently slicing prices. Lawrence was careful to point out that “Canadian Currency Credits act as an effective price adjustment during this time when the Canadian dollar is close to U.S.-dollar parity.” If the loonie goes down, away go the currency credits.
But Lawrence and everyone else in the business of selling cars should get used to parity. If you believe the experts, the economists, the gurus who read the tea leaves of currency markets and economic health, we should all get accustomed to a loonie of equal or better value versus the greenback.
“Most scenarios still point for a continued stronger Canadian dollar,” Firas Askari, head of foreign exchange trading at BMO Nesbitt Burns, said in a Reuters report. BMO Nesbitt Burns and Scotiabank are among many who believe the loonie will hover at around par for longer than it did in 2007-2008, when our dollar hit its all-time high of $1.10 in November, 2007.
Moreover, no one thinks the loon will drop anywhere near its all-time low of 61.84 cents (January, 2002) – not in the foreseeable future, not with commodity prices strengthening, Canada’s stable financial sector, relatively low public debt and what now appears to be one of the few solidly growing economies in the developed world.
Unlike in 2007 and 2008, the Canadian dollar is unlikely to experience up-and-down swings in its value for some time to come. And unlike in 2007 and 2008, automobile manufacturers and distributors in Canada are better prepared to manage the stronger loonie.
In the past two years, many of them have lowered prices (to great fanfare and self-congratulation) on a reasonable number of models – particularly the most popular ones sold in Canada.
In those cases where prices have not officially come down, Canadian manufacturers and distributors continue to slap on hefty incentives that effectively lower prices wherever necessary to maintain sales.
That is not to say there are not large and dramatic discrepancies in new-vehicle pricing between the United States and Canada. And vocal critics of car pricing in Canada are quick to point out that in quite a number of cases it remains cheaper to head south and buy a new vehicle in the United States.
For instance, a 2010 BMW 7-Series 750i luxury sedan lists for $105,100 in Canada and $82,000 in the United States, about a $23,000 difference. Or take the Porsche Boxster: with the recent $4,000 currency adjustment, it lists for $55,600 in Canada and $47,600 in the United States.
Critical buyers are right to argue for a greater degree of price parity in those instances where the price gaps are oversized and tough to justify.
However, a Globe Drive analysis of the top 10 best-selling passenger cars and top 10 best-selling light trucks found the pricing gap between the U.S. and Canada exists, but it’s not as wide as many might believe.
On average, the top 10 selling cars in Canada list for $425 more in Canada than in the United States. For light trucks, the gap is wider: light trucks on average are $1,558.60 cheaper in the United States. Overall, the price advantage in favour of U.S. vehicles comes to $991.90.
Of course, vehicles sold in Canada are not equipped, in all cases, exactly as they are sold in the United States. But it’s pretty clear that Canadians on the whole are paying a price premium for shopping in Canada, though the gap is relatively small on average and virtually non-existent on many popular models.
That even though Canada is a more expensive place to sell and distribute vehicles. With a smaller population, greater geographical differences and unique regulatory environment, the cost of doing business in the vehicle sector is higher than in the United States with its much larger population base.
Interestingly, in some cases, Americans actually pay more. Take the Ford Focus. The basic Focus S sedan in the United States lists for $16,290, while in Canada the price is $14,999. So a Canadian buyer is looking at paying $1,291 less than an American. A basic Dodge Journey crossover in the United States lists for about $500 more than its Canadian counterpart.
Fans of Adam Smith and his Wealth of Nations argue that is this is exactly how a market economy works. Prices go up and down based on supply, demand and the “invisible hand” of the marketplace.
In short, manufacturers and their dealers in Canada and the United States price their vehicles based on competitive conditions. During most of the last decade, the Canadian dollar’s volatility presented manufacturers with a situation in which pricing stability was difficult to maintain in light of the dollar’s wild swings.
Car manufacturers and their distributors faced a similar but exactly opposite situation in 2002. The weak dollar at that time gave rise to concerns about the future of Canada’s economy and even its future as a significant economy among the G8.
In the early 2000s, car manufacturers declined to make dramatic price increases to compensate for the weak Canadian currency. Similarly, now those same manufacturers have been careful with their pricing strategies in the wake of an appreciating loonie.
Despite the demands of critics, no one should expect to see Canadian manufacturers and distributors instantly adjust prices either up or down. Obviously the profit motive is at work here, but there is more to the story. Wild adjustments in new-vehicle pricing hold the potential to impact negatively on used-car values, upset the critical leasing market in Canada and anger owners who purchased vehicles at higher prices.
Canadian manufacturers tend to respond to an appreciating loonie by slapping on various incentives, including cash rebates and inexpensive financing and lease offers. They also frequently increase the value of the equipment content on models sold in Canada. The goal is to create something close to price parity on a monthly-payment basis. That keeps new-car shoppers mostly in Canada.
But there is no question that Canadian consumers in many cases retain the option of shopping in the United States, returning with a U.S. imported vehicle. Bringing a new vehicle into Canada is not a complicated process, but it does require a certain attention to detail – and it requires the owner understand and appreciate the implications on a new-vehicle warranty and the like.
In cases where the savings amount to thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars, cross-border shopping can be worth the effort.
