Topic: Canadian customs is understaffed.

[Arhidia]

I was importing my new car on friday at the Queenston-Lewiston border and was talking to the Canadian customs officer. He said that the Canadian customs is understaffed and not set up to deal with all these people importing cars ever since the Canadian and US dollars have become equal. He told me that there used to be about 5 people a day importing cars. Now that number is about 100 a day and that's not including the dealers that are importing. He also told me that he decided that he was going to buy a car from the US too. There were many people importing cars and trucks, at least 90% of the people I saw there. Corvettes, Hummers, you name it, it's coming over the border.

[The Mighty Duck]

No surprises there.  When the dollars were unequal, people didn't really realize how different car pricing was.  But now that we're at par, people are starting to realize how much they can save buying from the States.  If I were in the position to buy a new car, I doubt if I would even consider buying in Canada - the savings from the States are just to high.

Unfortunately, this mad rush for the border is encouraging car companies to try and stop importing (through warranty denial and dealer intimidation), rather than encourage them to price Canadian cars accordingly...  However, with the dollar at par, I think many people might start buying lightly used luxury cars instead of new Canadian cars.  The companies can force their dealers not to sell to Canadians, but you'll always be able to import a used car. 

[sailor723]

No surprises there.  When the dollars were unequal, people didn't really realize how different car pricing was.  But now that we're at par, people are starting to realize how much they can save buying from the States.  If I were in the position to buy a new car, I doubt if I would even consider buying in Canada - the savings from the States are just to high.

Unfortunately, this mad rush for the border is encouraging car companies to try and stop importing (through warranty denial and dealer intimidation), rather than encourage them to price Canadian cars accordingly...  However, with the dollar at par, I think many people might start buying lightly used luxury cars instead of new Canadian cars.  The companies can force their dealers not to sell to Canadians, but you'll always be able to import a used car. 

Good point....Something like a 06 Lexus GX470 with 20-25,000 miles on it is starting to look very interesting

[1TSX]

All of this just makes me want to buy and import a car NOW. 

Oh, and BTW, congrats with your new vehicle.  What car did you import?

[Arhidia]

Another thing the Canadian Customs officer told me was that just about any car can be imported into Canada. There are some companies in the US that refuse to sell to Canadians, but if you know what to do and how to do it, you can bring a car over.



@ 2hondas
Thanks. I got a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door.

[safristi]

Geez maybe i can  umm ...err.... "IMPORT a dozen 40 Pounders in this week_end......

[The Mighty Duck]

Another thing the Canadian Customs officer told me was that just about any car can be imported into Canada. There are some companies in the US that refuse to sell to Canadians, but if you know what to do and how to do it, you can bring a car over.

@ 2hondas
Thanks. I got a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door.

Most models, yes.  There are a couple exceptions (Mitsubishi EVO, VW R32, Scion tC), but by and large, it's importable.

[sailor723]

Another thing the Canadian Customs officer told me was that just about any car can be imported into Canada. There are some companies in the US that refuse to sell to Canadians, but if you know what to do and how to do it, you can bring a car over.



@ 2hondas
Thanks. I got a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door.

Sort of true but not completely so.......There are WAY more US spec cars that can be imported than cannot but ALWAYS make sure you check the listings of admissable cars at www.riv.ca before you buy. Remember,regardless of what anyone else says, the RIV list has the final say.

It would really suck to get your car to the border and have them say "sorry,turn around"

[rsxca]

Another thing the Canadian Customs officer told me was that just about any car can be imported into Canada. There are some companies in the US that refuse to sell to Canadians, but if you know what to do and how to do it, you can bring a car over.



@ 2hondas
Thanks. I got a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door.

Which Dealership did you buy yours at???

[Arhidia]

Which Dealership did you buy yours at???

NORTHTOWN  HYUNDAI / SUBARU  in Buffalo.