How to Buy Your Next Vehicle from the US - and Save Thousands!

[dsfindlay]

Well I called an insurance company to get a quote yesterday for a used vehicle. I asked about temporary insurance to bring the car over from the states. They pretty much said that

a) I am on my own until the vehicle gets to canada. They suggested getting dealer insurance? that deosnt make any sense to me.
b) My coverage can not be started until I am in posession of the vehicle. I asked him what I'm supposed to do when I get to the border then, just get it towed? He said he didn't know.

This was a bel-air direct rep I spoke to.What he said doesn't make sense. Why can't I insure a vehicle I am purchasing until I have ownership? Was he right or is he on cracK? or am I?

He's on crack.

Generally, any standard auto policy has "newly acquired vehicle" coverage for 30 days so you don't have to pre-arrange coverage for a new vehicle before you buy it.

With my insurer, Royal & SunAlliance, I just called and said I was buying a new car in the United States and wanted proof of coverage. Within 10 minutes, I had a faxed copy of a new insurance pink slip with the VIN number of my soon-to-be car.

I showed that to the dealer when making the transaction, and drove home fully covered.

I think your rep was confused.

[Fox2k]

He's on crack.

Generally, any standard auto policy has "newly acquired vehicle" coverage for 30 days so you don't have to pre-arrange coverage for a new vehicle before you buy it.

With my insurer, Royal & SunAlliance, I just called and said I was buying a new car in the United States and wanted proof of coverage. Within 10 minutes, I had a faxed copy of a new insurance pink slip with the VIN number of my soon-to-be car.

I showed that to the dealer when making the transaction, and drove home fully covered.

I think your rep was confused.

perfect, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

[dancing bear]

Transport canada disallows vehicles with 'no immobilization' according to their dec 17 update..includes most cars and suv. a dealer will sell me a nissan rogue for 10K less. not allowed. all these made in japan for US and canada. they are exact same vehicle. in nissan dealer lot today (boxing day) new ones on side lot all had stickers in front windows saying...basically...'DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF FEDERAL LAW' 0% US/canadian parts, 100% japan parts, assembled in japan, etc etc...then a bit about how nissan creates jobs in US, 63,100 at x number of dealerships etc. "STICKER MUST BE LEFT ON UNTIL RETAIL SALE IS COMPLETE" all US based sticker and language.
lead me to know that US and canadian vehicles are same...come from same place. i called WA dealer to confirm that indeed they tell their US customers these vehicles have immobilization key systems on their stickers..same as sticker on canadian. (of course the 'do not remove' sticker is removed in canada as 'federal law' does not apply cause it means US federal law.
seems the auto companies have fooled transport canada into thinking the immobolization systems do not exist for those vehicles in canada....but toyota and honda also use exact same systems.
can anyone comment on the immobilization issue for most cars built after sept 1 2007 please???
thanks db

[shadilac]

Some Advice on Installing Day Time Running Lights.

Get them done in Canada at a Local mechanic.

I have a customer, he has had some electrical problems with the Day Time Running Lights installed by the US dealership. Ideally in this case you will want to take the car back to the person who originally installed the part to fix the problem. Obviously he is not a position to take the car back to them and get fixed.

If any of you who purchased the 5 Star Warranty from me and are having this problem call me directly 1 800 358 8164 Ext. 238, (do not go through our claims department), and I will help you with the problem. Normally this type of repair is not covered because it is an aftermarket part, and should be covered by the mechanic who installed the part. But if you got it done in Buffalo or Washington State and you live in Canada its gonna be pretty tough.


Shadi Jarjoura
Warranty Specialist

Ensurall
19 East Wilmot Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1A3

905 709 0928 Ext. 238
800 358 8164 Toll Free
905 709 0949 Fax

[alysomji]

Anyone have any suggestions for updates to this guide? I've been "out of the loop" for a little while now. Made a few quick updates today.

[vINCe_Inc]

Can anyone with accurate knowledge clarify the following:

1. Customs Brokers -
a) How much do Customs Broker generally charge

b) What scope of service do they offer, and why we need them ??


2. Shipping Companies
a) I am aware that they handle the paper work, however to what extent ?

b) MAKE SURE YOUR SHIPPING COMPANY HAS INSURANCE ! so warns my broker

c) How long will a dealer allow you to leave your car at the lot (after the purchase is made) ? Say the documents take 72 hrs to clear the US Customs, + 3 days prior to pickup by shipping company, that would mean that the car would sit at the lot for 5 days. How do you negotiate this with the dealer ?

d) Is shipment to a canadian bonded customs wearhouse mandatory ? What additional steps / costs are required to ship to my door ?

[bulgurc]

Like most of you, I am having problems finding Toyota dealers willing to sell to Canadians (Anyone willing to PM their dealer to me?).
I have idea, don't know whether it will work. I carry dual passports (No, one of them is unfortunately is not from US). Can I buy the car with my non-Canadian passport presented at the dealer? Then follow the regular importing steps?
Will this work? Any comments?

[shadilac]

Like most of you, I am having problems finding Toyota dealers willing to sell to Canadians (Anyone willing to PM their dealer to me?).
I have idea, don't know whether it will work. I carry dual passports (No, one of them is unfortunately is not from US). Can I buy the car with my non-Canadian passport presented at the dealer? Then follow the regular importing steps?
Will this work? Any comments?

If you have your heart set on a Toyota, and are having a hard time getting a US Dealer to deal with you, you may want to consider using a Broker. I spoke to one Broker in California who gave me his sales pitch. He claims because he gets cars at fleet pricing from the dealers, he pretty much can sell you a car and ship it to Canada and it will cost the same as if you went to a US dealer yourself. Not sure, but give him a call His Name is Victor Gonzalez 949 680 2929. There is another Broker as well called Fleet Bargains their phone # 877 358 2747

Good Luck

Shadi

_____________________
For a Free Auto Warranty Quote Call 1 800 358 8164 Ext. 238
We Even Cover BRAKES!!!

[bulgurc]

Anybody here used these Brokers before?

[Mike_C]

perfect, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

There could be a difference btw NEW and USED. When I called TD for mine, their first question was whether the car is New or Used. If it is used, their underwriting will need to send someone to examine the car. If it is new, just the bill of sales..

[paulde]

If anyone needs financing, try the 'All Purpose Loan' with PC Financial. It is not an auto loan nor line of credit but a loan with fixed monthly payments. And you can use this loan to buy a car in US or build a house. Rates are not bad, as of today
a 5 year fixed rate was 7.25% and 5 year variable rate was prime + 1%.

[Junesky]

Thank you so much for the very comprehensive and informative guide, alysomji, and all the others who contributed ideas and experience. I am now planning to buy a Toyota from U.S. and would like to use the approaches suggested by alysomji. but I still have some questions if anyone has an answer (do bear with me if my quesitons are naive), thanks in advance:

1) I want to use the address of my friend in the states.
Quote: "I drew up a simple bill of sale between my relative and myself, effective the date of pickup, just for Canadian Customs." What does this bill will look like? should it look like a receipt from a private seller? (it will be great if you could suggest wordings that are acceptable by the Canada Customs?)?

2) I am also not quite clear about "temporarily add your name to their phone or utility bill and use this as your proof of residency and then purchase the vehicle in your name from an out-of-state dealer. Most Toyota dealers will accept a Canadian driver's license when purchasing the vehicle". How that will work? first, what does my friend need to do to have my name on their bills? second, what do you tell your dealer given that the car will be imported to Canada? do you simply tell the dealer that you are temporarily living at this address but will leave soon and would like to buy the Toyota and import it back to Canada where you live permanently?

3) also, whether the car needs to be insured at the time when you pick it up? or the temporary trip permit will be the only thing you need to drive the car to the border?

Thank you for your patience and look forward to any inputs! Thanks!

[bulgurc]

As far as Bill of Sale is concerned, I think it should be something like this (Please correct me if I am wrong)
http://www.dmv.org/bill-of-sale-form.php

[frank53]

Anyone have any experience in purchasing new US Toyota from a local broker? Have received some quotes from an outfit in Oakville called Fournier Auto Brokers and the price appears to be reasonable considering they do all the work and the vehicle is delivered in Oakville. Any other similar outfits that anyone can recommend?

Thanks

[Matty]

Anyone have any experience in purchasing new US Toyota from a local broker? Have received some quotes from an outfit in Oakville called Fournier Auto Brokers and the price appears to be reasonable considering they do all the work and the vehicle is delivered in Oakville. Any other similar outfits that anyone can recommend?

I don't have knowledge of other brokers, but I'd be interested to know what sort of pricing they're coming up with compared to what the US "Build Your Own Toyota" tool gives (if prices mustn't to be posted, you can PM me). I personally am looking for a '08 Highlander. What are you looking to buy? One thing to note is that depending on what zip code the Toyota is ordered from, the options and packages differ wildly (to wit, Detroit vs Buffalo).