[Auto] WOW ---- New and used cars from US up to 30% cheaper - Read post #1

[stock_junkie]

Yeah I know but my Dad called and after pressing "3" he pressed "0" to talk to somebody and that's when he was told that "everything had changed". I tried calling myself but I just get a busy signal now.

Well I called the 716-282-1400 number and the recording still lists the Fax number and says to fax documents 72 hours in advance.

[linekerca]

.......... If you do your homework you should have no problem with importing a vehicle. The process may seem intimidating, but in actuality it went pretty smoothly. Now to find a good deal on winter tires...

two questions about winter tires for Tribeca 2008.
1. Are theay really necessary? I wonder how many Tribeca owners have bought winter tires?
2. If yes, Can we or should we buy the tires in US?

[scouzi]

just ran across this at TTAC,

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/new...ng-incentives/

Do canadians quailify for these incentives? I am not sure what type of incentives these are, if it matters?
Maybe Karl/Zach/Xan can clarify how the $3500 off the tribeca applies, and if any other vehicles in subaru's line-up are getting any of these large incentives?

I got mine on a 2007 Tribeca - it was $2750 at the time.

[dotcalamitie]

At least Audi is going in the right direction. Lower MSRP, stacked with their incentives, is a good starting point. No other main stream brands have done this yet as far as I've seen - just Porsche, but they aren't mainstream. Also, Audi didn't apply this to their R8, which remains at $140,000 CDN and $109,000 US.

I think the question is that it's too little too late for the knowledgable buyer. For the idiots out there, they will buy at these lower rates seeing it as a godsend. But, I don't think most Audi class buyers are stupid. They have more price cutting to do.

Will be nice to see a price leader emerge! Who's next? This is the beginning!!!

[GoogleFish]

I faxed the MCO for my parents Camry to the Queenston-Lewiston U.S. Customs Office on Nov 26th. Today my Dad calls to double check that they received the fax and and the officer told him they are no longer accepting faxes so there's not point in checking for the fax! He said your dealership is responsible for bringing the car over??? What's going on??? I called myself and the instructions to fax the MCO are still there but when I try to talk to someon in person I just get a busy signal! Has anyone exported using the Queenston-Lewiston U.S. Customs office recently?

Mine was faxed on Nov 29. I called on the 30th and left a voicemail with VIN + callback number (as per their recorded message). Despite many others reporting the border was too busy to return those calls, I go a call today saying I could pick it up today (Monday) in the afternoon.

[the Bez]

I have been on here for a while, doing my research and would like to proceed with am import early in the new year. But for me the biggest issue is not the logistics of doing the import itself - the process is straight forward and simple. The biggest issue is finding a dealer that will deal with me ALL THE WHILE giving me the best price possible. I'm looking for a new Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus, exact model yet TBD. Hopefully a 2008 Accord.

For those that have successfully imported new vehicles, did you negotiate the price BEFORE telling them that you were from Canada? OR, did you tell them up front, weed out those dealers who would not sell to Canadians and hope that those that are left would still give you a price close to invoice? I would appreciate your opinions on this matter.

One other issue is that in order to find a dealer willing to sell to me, I realize that I may need to go further south. And many of you have gone to the warmer climates of Arizona, Texas, Florida, etc. for your cars. However, I have heard that cars built and sold for use in warm climates like these may not stand up to the harsh winters in some regions of Canada - especially here in Alberta. In particular I would be concerned about batteries and heaters. However, I don’t know if this is just propaganda from the automakers or the truth. Does anyone know whether there are significant differences between cars made for Canada vs. those made for the southern US? If there are, are these easy fixes once I import the car or would the required mod’s be expensive to have done?

Any help you can give would be much appreciated, thanks.

[Ventrick]

Thanks for the info, saves me alot of headaches, been getting a busy signal for the last hour.

Mine was faxed on Nov 29. I called on the 30th and left a voicemail with VIN + callback number (as per their recorded message). Despite many others reporting the border was too busy to return those calls, I go a call today saying I could pick it up today (Monday) in the afternoon.

[Dreyfus]

mdbuffy:

You make a lot of valid points and appear to share the view that we will never truly have an equal playing field and fair prices in Canada until we tear down all of the barriers that prevent a true free trade of vehicles across our borders. You've touched on a number of known barriers in your posts among many including lack of harmonization, problems getting warranties, recall letters, letters of compliance, willing dealers, etc..., etc...

There are many battles to be fought on each of these fronts but right now we are in the midst of fighting this fire that is raging that has essentially brought trade to a halt regarding the importation of new model-year vehicles into Canada. The proposed amendment to CMVSS114 would not only put this fire out for those who've already purchased these vehicles but for anyone who wishes to purchase these vehicles in the future.

Any attempt to broaden the scope of the proposed amendment is likely to lead to extended consultaion periods that would not serve the public well. You can bet that the OEMs would like nothing more than for this amendment to be shelved in order to consider new proposals. Anything to extend the status quo benefits the OEMs at the detriment of canadian consumers.

This proposed amendment is intentionally targeted to put out this one fire. Let's support it and mobilize for the next battle. Remember that wars are won a single battle at a time ...

netdog

Here is an opportunity for an ambitious politician like Jim Flaherty or Jack Layton to stage a video op on the border surrounded by happy importers standing on the back of an "I saved $11,324 pickup" shouting "take down this wall Mr Harper". Quebecers have taken opportunity of importing in below average numbers, Mr Duceppe could make a very nationalistic speech on the border along the lines of "when we are maitre chez nous we will put an end to this rip off immediately". And furthermore the QNA will invade if Quebecers are refused service by US auto dealers. He will say all this in french so the Americans will be oblivious to the radicalism on their north eastern frontier.

All this was prompted by your title which reminded me of Regans "tear down these walls Mr Gorbachev". on camera before the Berlin Wall.

[warpdryv]

two questions about winter tires for Tribeca 2008.
1. Are theay really necessary? I wonder how many Tribeca owners have bought winter tires?
2. If yes, Can we or should we buy the tires in US?

1 - They are worth the $ certainly. Once you try them you'll never go back. You will replace your tires in a few years anyway, so you're not actually spending more, you're just spending it a little earlier. and you can look at snows as a form of cheap insurance - the first time they save you from an accident they've paid for themselves.

2 - sure. check out tirerack.com and have them shipped to the dealer. you still declare them at the border of course (some ppl here have just said they were included with the car), and then enjoy.

[Dreyfus]

well researched, mdbuffy.. right on.

do you have names, rank and serial numbers for the relevant (still anonymous and safe) bureaucrats over the timeline who participated in the TC academic non action on the non harmonizing view of "we're special"? Such cockroachery can't stand the light of public exposure for long, so that would help also. Also, TC is an entrenched and old bureaucracy, full of tube radios and a particular 20th century view of things. If you back off at all, they will slither back to the status quo, and you will have gained little. There has to be enough pressure over a long enough stretch to force a changing of the guard at the top..

The politicians are firmly in charge of the bureaucrats. Deputy Ministers (top dog bureaucrats) are appointed by the Prime Minister . Deputy Ministers report directly to the Minister and can be reassigned without notice by the Prime Minister on his own volition or by the Prime Minister on advice of the Minister, Privy Council or powerful lobbyist. I can tell you first hand that Deputy Ministers quake in their boots lest they offend their political lords and masters. Been there seen it. It would be a mistake to think that bureaucrats do anything except what the Minister wants and Ministers being political animals want what a majority of the electorate wants. Lobbyists and campaign contributions do play a role.

[scouzi]

Here is an opportunity for an ambitious politician like Jim Flaherty or Jack Layton to stage a video op on the border surrounded by happy importers standing on the back of an "I saved $11,324 pickup" shouting "take down this wall Mr Harper". Quebecers have taken opportunity of importing in below average numbers, Mr Duceppe could make a very nationalistic speech on the border along the lines of "when we are maitre chez nous we will put an end to this rip off immediately". And furthermore the QNA will invade if Quebecers are refused service by US auto dealers. He will say all this in french so the Americans will be oblivious to the radicalism on their north eastern frontier.

All this was prompted by your title which reminded me of Regans "tear down these walls Mr Gorbachev". on camera before the Berlin Wall.

Jim Flaherty or Jack Layton?

Jim Flaherty represents Whitby-Oshawa riding and Jack Layton's stronghold are the car workers. None of these guys would do this. It would be political suicide.

[scouzi]

1 - They are worth the $ certainly. Once you try them you'll never go back. You will replace your tires in a few years anyway, so you're not actually spending more, you're just spending it a little earlier. and you can look at snows as a form of cheap insurance - the first time they save you from an accident they've paid for themselves.

2 - sure. check out tirerack.com and have them shipped to the dealer. you still declare them at the border of course (some ppl here have just said they were included with the car), and then enjoy.

Got my wheels and tires at Tirerack for $1600 all taxes, duty and shipping in.

In Canada, decent Tribeca winter tires 255s are hard to find under $400.

If you do order, make sure to throw in winter wipers as well. I can't seem to find any in Canada for the Tribeca. Even the dealer doesn't have any.

[georgetoy]

Mine was faxed on Nov 29. I called on the 30th and left a voicemail with VIN + callback number (as per their recorded message). Despite many others reporting the border was too busy to return those calls, I go a call today saying I could pick it up today (Monday) in the afternoon.

My dealer confirmed that his Canadian customer crossed the Lewiston border today (Monday) with the COO fax done last week.

I will be picking up a second Sonata this week and crossing Lewiston too.

[elmst200]

December 3, 2007

Audi lowers most prices to reflect Canadian/U.S. dollar parity

Toronto, Ontario - Audi Canada has announced that, for the first time in the company's history, its vehicle MSRPs have been reduced on nearly all models to reflect the Canadian dollar's parity with the U.S. currency.

Effective immediately, most 2008 Audi models and remaining 2007 models will see price reductions of up to $5,000. This includes all A3 models, all A6 and S6 models, all A8 and S8 models, all TT models, all Q7s and all A4 and S4 cabriolets.

"Audi has been improving its value equation gradually as the Canadian dollar has risen," said Diego Ramos, Executive Vice President, Audi Canada. "Now with our MSRP reductions, cash incentives and competitive leases and finance rates, more Canadians can experience Audi's sophisticated, dynamic and powerful ride."

Audi is also offering competitive lease and finance rates; many models have cash incentives from $2,000 to $12,000 that are in effect during the month of December.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/071203-1.htm

[elmst200]

Dec 02, 2007 18:00 ET
Audi Canada Leads the Way and Lowers Most MSRPs to Reflect Canadian/U.S. Dollar Parity

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 2, 2007) - For Canadian consumers looking for one more good reason to jump into the luxury car market, that search has ended. Audi Canada announced today that for the first time in the company's history, MSRPs have been reduced on nearly all models to reflect the Canadian dollar's parity with the U.S. currency. Effective immediately, most 2008 Audi models (as well as remaining 2007 models) will see price reductions of up to $5,000. These models include all A3 models, all A6 models including S6, all A8 models including S8, all TT models, all Audi Q7s, and all A4 Cabriolets and S4 Cabriolets. Audi Canada is the first manufacturer to reflect Canada's stronger loonie in its prices since parity was achieved in late September.

"Audi has been improving its value equation gradually as the Canadian dollar has risen," said Diego Ramos, Executive Vice President, Audi Canada. "Now with our MSRP reductions, cash incentives, and competitive lease and finance rates, more Canadians can experience Audi's sophisticated, dynamic and powerful ride." Audi began addressing the currency situation with the 2008 model year when it introduced a limited amount of A4 Special Edition which included over $3,000 worth of additional features. This successful vehicle will now be added to the regular offer program.

"At Audi, we listen very carefully to our customers," continued Ramos. "They have been telling us that cash is nice but what they really want is a longer term commitment and MSRP reduction it the right answer."

Audi Canada is also offering competitive lease and finance rates. Many models have cash incentives from $2,000 to $12,000 that are in effect during the month of December.

To promote these excellent values, Audi Canada will run an open letter to Canadian luxury car consumers in ads in newspapers across Canada on Monday, December 3rd.

Full details of the MSRP Adjustments and the cash incentives by model appear below:




-----------------------------------------------------------------
MSRP Cash Adjustment IncentiveCarline Model Year Amount "Stackable"
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A3 2.0T 2007 + 2008 -$1,500
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A3 3.2 2007 + 2008 -$2,000
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A4 2.0T Cabriolet FWD 2007 + 2008 -$2,450 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A4 2.0T Cabriolet quattro 2007 + 2008 -$2,450 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A4 3.2 Cabriolet quattro 2007 + 2008 -$2,850 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
S4 4.2 Cabriolet 2007 + 2008 -$4,600 $4,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS4 2007 + 2008 $0 $12,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A6 3.2 Sedan quattro 2007 + 2008 -$3,700 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A6 4.2 Sedan quattro 2007 + 2008 -$3,700 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
S6 5.2 Sedan quattro 2007 + 2008 -$5,000 $4,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A6 3.2 Avant quattro 2007 + 2008 -$3,700 $2,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A8 4.2 2007 + 2008 -$5,000 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A8L 4.2 2007 + 2008 -$5,000 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A8LW12 2007 + 2008 -$5,000 $4,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
S8 2007 + 2008 -$5,000 $4,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q7 3.6 Premium 2007 + 2008 -$2,000 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q7 4.2 Premium 2007 + 2008 -$2,500 $2,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TT Coupe 2.0T FWD 2007 + 2008 -$3,700 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TT Coupe 3.2 quattro 2007 + 2008 -$4,100 $2,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TT Roadster 2.0T FWD 2007 + 2008 -$3,700 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TT Roadster 3.2 quattro 2007 + 2008 -$4,100 $2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------

About Audi Canada

Audi's history in Canada dates to 1971, when the brand was first introduced on the Canadian market. Today, a network of over 37 Audi retailers nationwide sell and service a range of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 sportback; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the pulse-quickening RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; the V10-powered S6 and sovereign S8 performance sedans; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models and the incredible new R8 mid-engined sports car.

Audi Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario and markets a line of luxury cars built in plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany, Bratislava, Slovakia and Gyr, Hungary. The parent company, AUDI AG, is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany.

December 3, 2007

Audi lowers most prices to reflect Canadian/U.S. dollar parity

Toronto, Ontario - Audi Canada has announced that, for the first time in the company's history, its vehicle MSRPs have been reduced on nearly all models to reflect the Canadian dollar's parity with the U.S. currency.

Effective immediately, most 2008 Audi models and remaining 2007 models will see price reductions of up to $5,000. This includes all A3 models, all A6 and S6 models, all A8 and S8 models, all TT models, all Q7s and all A4 and S4 cabriolets.

"Audi has been improving its value equation gradually as the Canadian dollar has risen," said Diego Ramos, Executive Vice President, Audi Canada. "Now with our MSRP reductions, cash incentives and competitive leases and finance rates, more Canadians can experience Audi's sophisticated, dynamic and powerful ride."

Audi is also offering competitive lease and finance rates; many models have cash incentives from $2,000 to $12,000 that are in effect during the month of December.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/071203-1.htm