Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much money can I save buying a vehicle from the USA?
   Savings will vary, depending on the make, model and price of the vehicle you are purchasing. As a rule of thumb, the more expensive the vehicle, the more you are going to save. Here’s an example: 2004 BMW 325i, 4 door sedan with automatic transmission and 30,000 miles. Located in Seattle, the Dealer Price is US$23,800. Located in Victoria, the Dealer Price is CA$34,400. Even after allowing up to 15% extra for duty, transportation, documentation, conversion, inspection and other expenses associated with importing from the USA, we’ll still save you a BIG $$$ on your next vehicle purchase.
2. Why are vehicles so much less money in the USA?
   In a word: economics. With 10 times the population and 12 times the purchasing power, our friends to the south of the border simply enjoy the benefits of having a larger, more efficient economy. However, because of their ability to afford new vehicles more readily, the falling value of their pre-owned vehicles fall more rapidly. Now, with the Canadian dollar showing historic strength, you can now afford to take advantage of the imbalance in supply by realizing huge savings on your next vehicle purchase.
3. What are the major differences between vehicles sold in the USA and those sold in Canada?
   Due to the very close similarity between Canadian and US motor vehicle safety and environmental standards, there are very few differences between most Canadian and US models. The two most common differences are:
   1. Speedometers on US vehicles emphasize the speed in miles per hour, while Canadian vehicles emphasize kilometers per hour. In most cases, however, both are shown on US vehicles eliminating the need for a very costly speedometer change.
   2. Daytime running lights, required on Canadian vehicles, are not required on US vehicles. Consequently, vehicles imported from the US must be modified to be considered eligible for importation.
   Other than that, there are a few makes and models that do not have the proper bumpers or passenger restraint systems to be eligible for importation. To see what vehicles may be imported go to http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf
4. Why doesn’t everyone buy vehicles from the USA if the deals are so good?
   Many people simply don’t have the time or interest in taking all the steps necessary to realize the savings possible. Now, with our turnkey importation service, they don’t have to take time off work to travel down the US, find the vehicle they want, negotiate a deal, arrange for the paperwork, modifications and so forth in order to save thousands of dollars.
5. What about warranties – are they covered in Canada?
   Yes – Canadian dealers will honour warranties on vehicles purchased in the USA and driven in Canada in the same way that if you buy a vehicle in Canada and take it into the USA and need warranty work, it will be covered. Of course, this presumes that you are following the manufacturers’ guidelines for maintaining and servicing your vehicle. As well, we can usually arrange through our Canadian dealers for you to purchase an extended third-party warranty.
6. What is the better deal – new or pre-owned?
   Results vary, but over the years we have saved numerous people many thousands of dollars on pre-owned vehicles. This is especially true of what we call “Manufacturer Returns” – vehicles that are either repossessed or returned at the end of 1, 2 or 3 year leases. The great thing about a 2 or 3 year old lease return is that you’re getting a relatively recent product with the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty remaining and many years of pleasurable driving still to be enjoyed.
7. What types of vehicles can you find?
   If you want it, we can probably find it. This includes practically all makes and models of vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles.
8. Why wouldn’t I just import a vehicle myself?
   There is nothing illegal about doing things yourself, provided you have the time and experience to do a proper job. This applies whether you’re importing a vehicle or cutting your hair. The only difference is that when buying a vehicle, many people have ended up with a different kind of “haircut” that doesn’t grow back after a few weeks. Consider this:
   
   1. What if hat “fire sale” price could be because the vehicle was, in fact, previously fire, flood or hail damaged? What if it’s a “lemon-law vehicle” or any one of a number of other “declarable” shortcomings such as a former rental vehicle? In fact, depending on the model, it might not even be legal to import into Canada. Who are you gonna call?
   2. What is your time worth? How long are you willing to spend searching for what you want? How are you going to transport the vehicle back? How are you going to deal with insurance? Will they take your cashiers check? What are you going to do for 72 hours?
   3. Are you really getting the best possible deal? Remember, the longer you have to wait for exactly the right car, the better you’ll make out. Also, unless you’re a dealer or broker like us, you certainly won’t be getting the wholesale price.
   Or, you could just let us take care of everything while sitting back and letting us remove all the potential downfalls while passing on the savings to you.
9. How do I know if I need a new car?
   1. You left your car in a “No-Parking Zone” and when you returned found a ticket…. for littering!
   2. On the day it’s your turn to carpool, everyone you ride with suddenly decides to take the bus.
   3. You offer to drive your kids to the store for ice cream, but they tell you they have too much homework.
   4. The day after you take your car in for emissions testing, you get a bill for breaking their equipment.
   5. The fire department calls to see if they can borrow your car for rescue training, promising to return it in the same condition.
   6. The car dealer where you bought your car calls up and asks you to remove their name from the back deck.
   7. When you pull up to the gas station for a fill, Exxon shares jump a quarter.
   8. All the cars on your block get vandalized one night, except for yours.
   9. Your mother-in-law decides to come and visit for a month, and you agree as long as you can borrow her car while she’s here.
   10. You leave your keys in the ignition while shopping in Vancouver, and when you get back find your car is still there!
   These top ten signs are brought to you by Autofinders.ca… “We help level the playing field”