With the loonie nearly at par with the American greenback, more and more Canadians are buying new and used cars from the U.S.
Buyers say that Canadian autodealers haven't reduced their prices to reflect our strong dollar, so travelling across the border makes sense to those looking to save some money.
"Until the prices on the dealership lots change to reflect the parity in our currencies, there's a window here for car buyers to stretch their dollar," says Zabin Somani, a Vancouver Island resident who bought her car from the U.S. and imported it back to Canada.
Somani says she's been overwhelmed by questions from other Canadians wanting to do the same thing. So, she has set up a to help others.
American dealers confirm they're seeing Canadians more and more.
"We're seeing Canadians here pretty much every day now," says Don Chahley, a car dealer in Bellingham, Washington. "Obviously, the Canadian who comes down here and saves several thousand on a car, when they get home they're going to show it to all their friends and neighbhours," says Chahley.
They then show others: "Look what I bought, look what I paid, they're going to come down here too."
But if you're thinking of going South to buy your next car, . Some dealerships won't sell to Canadians. Toyota, along with a number of other manufacturers such as GM, Audi, and Volkswagen, all have agreements with their dealers not to sell to Canadians. So, if you want their products you have to get them in Canada and you'll likely pay more.
Also, you'll have to pay duties and taxes, and some provinces will require an inspection for your new American-bought car. You will also want to make sure your car's warranty will be honoured in Canada.
But in the end, you'll save money, says Somani. The deals downs south are so good, she says she's already preparing a buyers guide for boats.
