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

teep wrote: ↑ Teep, have you contacted Zach at Eastside Subaru? He'll be able to help you out and provide you with the service you expect. Good luck with your Subie purchase!

diigii wrote: ↑Monsieurmaggot, add me to ever-growing list of RFD members who have successfully bought and imported a car here in Canada!!!

I came back this morning from my 9-day long vacation in Frederick, MD and Alexandria, VA area. Not only did I picked up my car at Herb Gordon Nissan in Silver Spring, MD, but I also got to drive my car in and around the DC area especially in the picturesque George Washington Parkway!! What a way to enjoy my car's first drive. I came back today having put 820 miles already, 400 short of the break-in period. Before I left for Maryland, I arranged for the dealership to have a Maryland temporary tag, certificate of title. The recall clearance letter was drafted when I went there.

Here was my purchasing experience which may not have proceeded as pleasantly as I would liked it to be. We arrived in Frederick, MD on Sunday afternoon (Aug 26) to relatives I haven't seen in a long time. That's also a bonus on this trip. I got to see 5 families/relatives I haven't seen in almost 20 years.

Anyway Aug 27, we went to the dealer with the bank draft. It was endorsed the same day. I was confident before I left TO that the draft clearing won't be a hassle since I was assured by my friend who worked at TD Bank that it won't be a problem as long as the dealer's bank asked for a draft fax verification tha the funds are good and clear. Little did I know that Wells Fargo would be a factor in the draft's clearing period. In short, I wasn't able to pick up my car on Aug 27 or 28 as I have expected but on Aug 31!!! I had to wait for 5 days for the bank draft to clear! The dealership was gracious though in giving me a loaner so I can returned my rental car and won't incur more expenses. I was loaned a 2006 Altima 2.5S that I drove around DC from Aug 28-30.

The following is my vehicle export process experience at Lewiston-Queenston Bridge Crossing.

9:05am : Arrived at the US Customs Vehicle Export office. Customs guy who felt like not working that morning took my certificate of title and asked which date it was faxed. Not sure what date the dealership faxed it so I said either Aug 27, 28 or 29. He gave all 3 date files and looked for myself. I found it on the Aug 28 file. Five minutes later, after my certificate of title was red-stamped and hole-punched with date, petite US Customs lady went out with me and physically matched VIN on dash and compliance label on door jam with the original title. We were sent off to Canada after she spent 20 seconds matching everything. Some guy was waiting outside for his brand new Porsche Carrera to be checked as well!!!!! Time between arriving inside office to actual verification was wasted on chit-chat between all three US Customs personnel. It was about some co-worker's attitude!!

9:35am : Stopped at Canada Customs crossing and declared to Customs lady that I am importing car I'm driving. She asked how much I paid and was actually interested in how I got the best deal. She even said they are cheaper down there. After asking about car's price, she asked if we had anymore to declare. I declared $200 worth of personal effects. Afterwards, I was sent off to Canada Customs office to pay RIV and GST.

9:45am : Filled out Form 1. US purchase price was converted to CAD value using 1.0564 exchange rate. Paid GST and Excise taxes. Waived RIV payment choice and chose to pay at RIV office myself.

11:22am : Arrived at RIV office at 405 The West Mall. Form 1, title and recall clearance letter were checked and returned. Paid $206.70 via debit card. Seated for about 5 mins; used their phone to call my dearly beloved!

11:30am : Form 2 was given and left RIV office. Headed home to rest since I drove all night from Maryland.

So there ya go for you folks still doubting if you can do it!!!!

So when is our get-together?! Summer weather is disappearing fast!

teep wrote: ↑Ok - thanks - contacted that one now - other dealer has died I think.

whampoa wrote: ↑Diigii,

Congrats, and welcome to the ever growing exclusive super saver club.

I see you manage to spent up to nine days in MD and Virginia area. How did you ever manage to stay for so long?

I spend about four days in Alexandria, driving my imported Subaru Outback. And let me tell you, I'm bored to death.

Nothing really to see except for the museums, capitol hill and monuments.

The only good parts is the driving back and spent a day tax-free shopping at Grove City, PA.

Leesburg Corner, VA doesn't do it for me, I heard Potomac Mills, VA is way better for outlet shopping in the DC and Alexandria areas.

sheriffabc wrote: ↑A job well done. I too was in Md during that time and couldnt get a Toyota dealer to sell to me - guess I should go for an Altima.

Can you please give me an idea of price and how cooperative was the dealer and whom did you specifically deal with. I out of frustration almost picked an Subaru Outback - as that dealer was cooperative but my wife did not like the vehicle. I returned tonite (Sept 4) alas empty handed - but can go again - love to see my grandson again

What do you estimate the savings?

TIA

Bob

fulrach wrote: ↑Congrats on your purchase! Can I ask which car you ended up purchasing? Thanks

st7860 wrote: ↑i dont understand - how can you gain weight eating a lot of shrimp?

eastsidesubaru wrote: ↑Congrats diigii! monsiuer.. have you ever tried adding up all the money you've saved RFD'rs??? bet it tops $1million
teep.. pm'd you.

diigii wrote: ↑Thanks!!! It's a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. Good luck finding the same car loaded with the Sport Package that US-spec cars come with here from Canadian dealers at CAD$25,554 here in Canada! I was tempted to drop by a Scarborough-area dealer just to piss them off but I backed off.

overboost wrote: ↑Quick question...

My father plans to import a car and all the paperwork will be under his name.

Is it possible for me, his son, to drive the car from the USA into Canada on his behalf? All the paperwork is under my father's name...I will be the one driving the car to the border. Does anyone know if this is OK? I have not found anything that states the rules on who can actually import the car.