Originally Posted by twistybits,Feb 12 2006, 09:22 AM

Just a thought, you may want to look state side. Prices are much cheaper, supply is 10X that in Canada and there are no issues with bringing in a used S2K north of the 49th. You will need to consider the following when pricing one out.

Import fees are 7% GST, 6% duty (born in Japan tax), $100 Air Tax, $209 Registration Import Fee. Depending on if you pick it up or have it delivered, you might add Transport approx. $2500 CDN from US to Calgary (will depend on the location in the US) and brokers fees $99 CDN, out of province inspection at Canadian Tire approx. $180.

Can it be done? You bet and you will save a handsome sum.

I'll give you an example.The local dealer is blowing his showroom '05 out the door (52K list less 4K Honda rebate) at $1500 over cost for $45,500 CDN, add 7% GST that works out to $48,600 and change. Since, the dealer had registered the vehicle in August '05 the warranty clock is ticking ... bet the dealer is kicking themselves for that one. The black book on an '05 is 37K, the minute you hit the street you lose 11K ... ouch no wonder the sales manager is so friendly.

I purchased the same car in the US (on e-bay motors) for 26K USD and had it delivered to my door. Since, it has 2300 miles on the clock it's used but retains the balance of the factory warranty (it just happens it was registered in August same as my local dealers car). Total cost delivered to the door was 37K CDN. It's not hard to do the math.

You need to use due diligence when buying this way and I recommend dealing with a dealership. E-Bay automatically carries fraud insurance on the purchase up to 20K USD.

It may be worth a look, depends on how comfortable you are dealing this way. I have a friend who just picked up an '02 Vet the same way. He flew down and drove back with a big smile on his face, the only complaint he had was the uncomfortable ride he had on the return trip due to the wad of cash that he had left in his wallet.

Happy shopping.

Originally Posted by FormerH22a4,Feb 12 2006, 02:12 PM

i heard that the warrantee no longer applies if it is an American originated car. In my opinion too much hassle to import one without warrantee. It would be a good option for those with more time and risk tolerance.

btw: I had my tranny fixed and now have a new engine, hmm wonder how much that would be if warrantee didn't cover it? $13000??

Originally Posted by LUV2REV,Feb 12 2006, 10:13 AM

You are right, you can save a bunch of money importing any car from the U.S.A as our dollar continues to be weighty against the American greenback. One thing however, I have heard that newer U.S. federalized vehicles can be very difficult to re-sell up here as Canadian's tend to have a negative stigma (perhaps not knowing the history or thinking it was written off then imported) about U.S. imports for whatever reason and will often opt for a "Canadian" car. A friend of mine in the leasing business told me this has been his experience.

Originally Posted by FormerH22a4,Feb 12 2006, 12:12 PM

i heard that the warrantee no longer applies if it is an American originated car. In my opinion too much hassle to import one without warrantee. It would be a good option for those with more time and risk tolerance.

btw: I had my tranny fixed and now have a new engine, hmm wonder how much that would be if warrantee didn't cover it? $13000??

Originally Posted by tachyon,Feb 12 2006, 03:12 PM

Re-check black book value....don't be confused between Red or Gold book values.

I just checked on an S2000 - 2002 - 27, 500 Kms - $25,250 to $27,100.....

The Black book is a reference only - -
The dealers buy or allow trade values based on a reference value from the Black book--- I'd be shocked if a dealer would allow you more than the above values on a 4 year old to 5 year old model. They always try to buy or allow a trade allowance well below black book value.


Remember - Dealers make a large per centage of their dealers' income ( or net revenue) on the difference between trade-in values ( wholesale value) and resale values ( retail value) on used cars or trucks.

An associate picked up a BMW M3 in the states.....he saw a tremendous amount of savings. Just remember you must give Canada customs ( port of entry) a minimum of 3 business days to process the paper work. Sitting at the Montana border for 3 to 4 days could be boring.....

Cheers!

Originally Posted by twistybits,Feb 12 2006, 03:44 PM

I have never seen a new car warranty that states it is only good in the country in which you purchased the car. If that were the case you were lucky that the transmission didn't go out on a fun trip to Montana.

Originally Posted by kenny,Feb 12 2006, 04:18 PM

Subaru is the only manufacturer I know that will honor an out of country warranty. Honda Canada will not honor a American Honda warranty.

Originally Posted by tachyon,Feb 12 2006, 03:12 PM

Re-check black book value....don't be confused between Red or Gold book values.

I just checked on an S2000 - 2002 - 27, 500 Kms - $25,250 to $27,100.....

The Black book is a reference only - -
The dealers buy or allow trade values based on a reference value from the Black book--- I'd be shocked if a dealer would allow you more than the above values on a 4 year old to 5 year old model. They always try to buy or allow a trade allowance well below black book value.


Remember - Dealers make a large per centage of their dealers' income ( or net revenue) on the difference between trade-in values ( wholesale value) and resale values ( retail value) on used cars or trucks.

An associate picked up a BMW M3 in the states.....he saw a tremendous amount of savings. Just remember you must give Canada customs ( port of entry) a minimum of 3 business days to process the paper work. Sitting at the Montana border for 3 to 4 days could be boring.....

Cheers!