[MOAB]

As I type this, the dollar is currently trading at 101.05 so I'm sure we will soon start seeing threads about purchasing U.S. cars again... I'm holding onto my car until the next generation M3 comes out, so for me, the choice at that time will likely be between a new M3, or (assuming we are still close to parity with the U.S. $) a 2 year old U.S. imported 911 C4S. Still a few years away.

[bulldog_yyc]

Originally Posted by MOAB

As I type this, the dollar is currently trading at 101.05 so I'm sure we will soon start seeing threads about purchasing U.S. cars again... I'm holding onto my car until the next generation M3 comes out, so for me, the choice at that time will likely be between a new M3, or (assuming we are still close to parity with the U.S. $) a 2 year old U.S. imported 911 C4S. Still a few years away.

nice - same cars are on my list, + GTR & C63AMG. I also like the perceived challenge of the import process & savings involved vs. CND car market.

[2kaccordocoupe]

I purchased 1k USD this morning and it cost me $990 CDN. Stock up people

[d-burn]

Since we are on the topic, what are the best avenues to purchase an accident-free, good condition US car. I'm someone that doesn't have relatives or anything in the US that I can get to check out cars for me. How does one go about this? Just buy the thing sight unseen and hope for the best?

[BavFan_08]

Originally Posted by d-burn

Since we are on the topic, what are the best avenues to purchase an accident-free, good condition US car. I'm someone that doesn't have relatives or anything in the US that I can get to check out cars for me. How does one go about this? Just buy the thing sight unseen and hope for the best?

Either go Dealer CPO or look up some good third party inspectors...even with third party inspections, I wouldn't import with out seeing the car first...you'll have to factor in the travelling costs to see if the purchase / import process is really worth it....

[goldn]

i'm currently in florida.
the nearest dealer, vista, currently has the most outrageous deals on new cars.
we're getting ripped off.

[BavFan_08]

Originally Posted by goldn

i'm currently in florida.
the nearest dealer, vista, currently has the most outrageous deals on new cars.
we're getting ripped off.

I heard about that...they are desperate...I wonder if you could buy a car through a broker...the broker buys it, then re-sells it to you...then you import it...

[TheRox]

hahhaa, canadian cars are still 20% more expensive than US ones


what a joke. gotta move to the US.

[bulldog_yyc]

Originally Posted by TheRox

hahhaa, canadian cars are still 20% more expensive than US ones


what a joke. gotta move to the US.

+1

our cars are cheaper in the US plus US buyers get a higher standard of service. For example, timely communication of recalls (HPFP, injectors for N54), and a better maintenance program (which we have to pay extra for). This will be my first and last brand new car purchase from BMW Canada.

[DESI4life10]

Love the USA maintenance plan for BMW. Got both my front and rear pads/rotors replaced for free.

[99three]

Originally Posted by goldn

i'm currently in florida.
the nearest dealer, vista, currently has the most outrageous deals on new cars.
we're getting ripped off.

I bought my 335i sedan from Vista in Pompano Beach last May. Speak to Ben, good guy, he would give you a killer deal. Tell him Serf personally recommended you.

[d-burn]

Originally Posted by 99three

I bought my 335i sedan from Vista in Pompano Beach last May. Speak to Ben, good guy, he would give you a killer deal. Tell him Serf personally recommended you.

A new one? Or used? I thought they weren't allowed to sell new cars to Canadians? I'll be shopping for a used 335i in a few months, and if I can save thousands of dollars buying in the US, I will do it in a heartbeat. Hell, i'll fly down to Florida and drive the thing back if I have to.

[99three]

Used of course. Your best alternative is to fly down and drive back with it. They helped me in getting the campaign letter and other documents for the border police. Let me know if you need any help.

[BRAISKI]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I purchased 1k USD this morning and it cost me $990 CDN. Stock up people

I would but I am "trying" to hold up maybe it will reach $1.5!

The US is pumping out tons of cash everyday, which doesn't help the $ value.

After I am done my financing I might get an M3 or the R8

[BavFan_08]

Originally Posted by 99three

I bought my 335i sedan from Vista in Pompano Beach last May. Speak to Ben, good guy, he would give you a killer deal. Tell him Serf personally recommended you.

Does your car have the cold weather package? Do they even offer the cold weather package in Florida

[99three]

Originally Posted by BavFan_08

Does your car have the cold weather package? Do they even offer the cold weather package in Florida

It didn't have it but my whole intention was to flip it when I got back. Very smooth transaction especially the shipping part.
As a side note, they do have cold weather package cars in FL. Albeit you'll need to find it.

[johnwoo19]

how was the importing process? could you please enlighten me as to whether you have to have a CDN bmw dealer change the instrument cluster, or any other things? thanks

[99three]

Make arrangements with the shipping company to pick the car from the US dealer. The dealer is well versed in the importation process so they will have all the pertinent documentation ready for the driver including the title. The shipping company will advise you when it's on the road and the apprx ETA. There is no need to change over the cluster in order to get it registered in Canada. RIV only requires DRL and an inspection from your friendly neighborhood Canadian Tire. Once you receive your 2nd stamp then you can go to MTO and register it. Remember that you can add/modify DRL from the steering wheel column stalk.
If you are serious about doing this I recommend using TFX http://www.tfxinternational.com/. Speak to Adam, he'll take care of you.

[Blackadder]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I purchased 1k USD this morning and it cost me $990 CDN. Stock up people

The best I could do today was buy $1000US for $1017Cdn. Did you buy it through online banking or at the teller?

[Blackadder]

Originally Posted by johnwoo19

how was the importing process? could you please enlighten me as to whether you have to have a CDN bmw dealer change the instrument cluster, or any other things? thanks

There are a couple of really great threads on here about the process. I wish I had read them before bringing my wife's 05 Range Rover HSE in.

You don't have to change anything, just make sure you have DRL, KMH anywhere on the speedo and child restraint hooks. (all BMWs have all these standard). A recall clearence letter is mandatory too!

What I wasnt ready for was the 6.1% Import Tax, the $1500 Green Tax, and the $100 Air Conditioning Levy.

I was only planning on the standard GST at the time

[DimSum]

What are the taxes on buying a car again?
I'll be looking into switching the E90 for something else in a few months!

[Blackadder]

At the Canadian Border

12% HST (in BC)
6.1% Import Tax if the vehicle was manufactored outside of North America
$100 Air conditioning levy
You would have to call or visit your Canadian Border Crossing to find out if there is a Green Tax on the model you want to import.