Buying Canadian spec car for US driving/ownership?

idyfohu · 03-16-2016, 05:30 PM

A bit random, I know.

Curious if anyone has purchased a Canadian model car, with the intention of owning and driving it in the US?

Thinking, if it's not a huge debacle, with the CAD being pretty weak to the US right now, it might make a lot of sense...of course with some potential headaches and time.

Above all, curious if anyone has had personal experience doing so.

Read through this which covers a lot of info: http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-.../#.VunQPjaANBc

Thanks!

RocketBoots · 03-16-2016, 05:42 PM

Although the CAN $ is weak, they've already accounted for that in the pricing, if I'm not mistaken. The only time anything like this made sense was actually when the CAD $ was strong against the US $, then the reverse would be true. Canadians would buy US cars and take them across the border.

Unless you were trying to import a Canadian Euro spec E36 M3 into the US, back in the day

idyfohu · 03-16-2016, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Although the CAN $ is weak, they've already accounted for that in the pricing, if I'm not mistaken. The only time anything like this made sense was actually when the CAD $ was strong against the US $, then the reverse would be true. Canadians would buy US cars and take them across the border.

Unless you were trying to import a Canadian Euro spec E36 M3 into the US, back in the day

I'm actually looking at purchasing used...so that differential from MSRP pricing isn't as significant.

ItsaGoose · 03-16-2016, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Although the CAN $ is weak, they've already accounted for that in the pricing, if I'm not mistaken. The only time anything like this made sense was actually when the CAD $ was strong against the US $, then the reverse would be true. Canadians would buy US cars and take them across the border.

Unless you were trying to import a Canadian Euro spec E36 M3 into the US, back in the day

Doing a quick search, an M4 from Canada starts at MSRP 76k CAN. Based on a 1.31 CAD to 1.00 USD conversion that's 58k USD.

Standard equipment will vary but it seems like it could pencil.

georgere · 03-16-2016, 08:19 PM

Imagine the hustle you will have to go in order to save a few thousands. Not to mention resale value will be affected as well. I'd rather spend my time and energy finding a deal in US. Unless of course CAN cars are much more better equipped.

CanAutM3 · 03-16-2016, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Although the CAN $ is weak, they've already accounted for that in the pricing, if I'm not mistaken. The only time anything like this made sense was actually when the CAD $ was strong against the US $, then the reverse would be true. Canadians would buy US cars and take them across the border.

Unless you were trying to import a Canadian Euro spec E36 M3 into the US, back in the day

That is not realy the case. The MSRP of the F8X barely increased in Canada compared to when the CAD was at par with the USD 2 years ago.

Today, the MSRP for an M4 is $76,000CAD which includes standard 19" wheels. An equivalent M4 would go for $65,700+$1,200USD in the US, which equates to $90,000CAD. So roughly 20% more.

Further, we also get very cool options and packages such as the MPE with CF tips for $4900 ($3600USD) or the Carbon package (CF diffuser, CF mirror caps, CF spoiler, CF splitters, front lip, side skirts, black kidneys, black gills, Alcantara/CF steering wheel) also for $4900CAD ($3600USD). Both those packages offer excellent value.

idyfohu · 03-16-2016, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsaGoose

Doing a quick search, an M4 from Canada starts at MSRP 76k CAN. Based on a 1.31 CAD to 1.00 USD conversion that's 58k USD.

Standard equipment will vary but it seems like it could pencil.

That's what I'm thinking...trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgere

Imagine the hustle you will have to go in order to save a few thousands. Not to mention resale value will be affected as well. I'd rather spend my time and energy finding a deal in US. Unless of course CAN cars are much more better equipped.

Exactly...I'm guessing it won't make sense, but if it's a some hours and a longer drive to save 10k, well, I might consider it. Just wondering if anyone has personal done it or know anyone who has.

I talked to one Canadian dealership and they said US wholesalers will buy from them, but sounded as if they hadn't dealt with a US private party buy.

CanAutM3 · 03-16-2016, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsaGoose

Doing a quick search, an M4 from Canada starts at MSRP 76k CAN. Based on a 1.31 CAD to 1.00 USD conversion that's 58k USD.

Standard equipment will vary but it seems like it could pencil.

We are actually getting more stuff standard

.

M5essex · 03-16-2016, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

We are actually getting more stuff standard

.

Ain't that the truth...!

RocketBoots · 03-16-2016, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

That is not realy the case. The MSRP of the F8X barely increased in Canada compared to when the CAD was at par with the USD 2 years ago.

Today, the MSRP for an M4 is $76,000CAD which includes standard 19" wheels. An equivalent M4 would go for $65,700+$1,200USD in the US, which equates to $90,000CAD. So roughly 20% more.

Further, we also get very cool options and packages such as the MPE with CF tips for $4900 ($3600USD) or the Carbon package (CF diffuser, CF mirror caps, CF spoiler, CF splitters, front lip, side skirts, black kidneys, black gills, Alcantara/CF steering wheel) also for $4900CAD ($3600USD). Both those packages offer excellent value.

W T F. I should have bought mine in Canada! I know people there!

idyfohu · 03-17-2016, 01:39 AM

...after reading up more and more info, the duty tax (2.5% or so) is imposed on cars that aren't made in the US or Canada (I'm assuming M4s are considered as being made in Germany.

Furthermore, I realized the actual dashboard/speedometer is in KPH, not MPH, would be a headache.

Boo.

03-16-2016, 05:30 PM	#1
idyfohu Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 09 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Utah iTrader: (2)	Buying Canadian spec car for US driving/ownership? A bit random, I know. Curious if anyone has purchased a Canadian model car, with the intention of owning and driving it in the US? Thinking, if it's not a huge debacle, with the CAD being pretty weak to the US right now, it might make a lot of sense...of course with some potential headaches and time. Above all, curious if anyone has had personal experience doing so. Read through this which covers a lot of info: http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-.../#.VunQPjaANBc Thanks!
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03-16-2016, 05:42 PM	#2
RocketBoots Colonel 1878 Rep 2,106 Posts Drives: Horse Drawn Carriage Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (3)	Although the CAN $ is weak, they've already accounted for that in the pricing, if I'm not mistaken. The only time anything like this made sense was actually when the CAD $ was strong against the US $, then the reverse would be true. Canadians would buy US cars and take them across the border. Unless you were trying to import a Canadian Euro spec E36 M3 into the US, back in the day
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03-16-2016, 08:19 PM	#5
georgere Lieutenant Colonel 588 Rep 1,935 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 BSM Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stamford CT iTrader: (1)	Imagine the hustle you will have to go in order to save a few thousands. Not to mention resale value will be affected as well. I'd rather spend my time and energy finding a deal in US. Unless of course CAN cars are much more better equipped. __________________ My 1st love was 2006 BMW 325i Sport + Prem 6MT but I married the 2016 M3 BSM MDCT.
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03-17-2016, 01:39 AM	#11
idyfohu Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 09 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Utah iTrader: (2)	...after reading up more and more info, the duty tax (2.5% or so) is imposed on cars that aren't made in the US or Canada (I'm assuming M4s are considered as being made in Germany. Furthermore, I realized the actual dashboard/speedometer is in KPH, not MPH, would be a headache. Boo.
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