Folks,
A large number of people continue to contact me about buying a Maxima in Canada and bringing it home to the US. I promised to do a quick summary, so here it is…

So why to do this? To save money. The exchange rate is great for us here in the US. Here are a couple examples of selling prices I've seen lately (converted to US dollars and including the duty):
- Maxima SE 6spd, Leather pkg, Meridian pkg, sunroof, Bose, side airbags, HLSD. $23,100. That's $4400 under US dealer invoice.
- Maxima GLE, Meridian pkg, sunroof, side airbags, TCS. $22,700. About $3800 under US dealer invoice.

Here's the answers to the most asked questions:
- Yes, it's perfectly legal as a US resident to buy a new car in Canada.
- Maxima meets all US safety and emissions requirements (California too).
- You will pay some Canadian sales taxes, but they send you a refund after you take the vehicle out of the country.
- The warranty is honored in the US.
- It's identical to the US Maxima, but in Canada they come standard with many of the options we have to pay extra for.
- Speedo is in kph and mph; odo is in km, but can be changed if you prefer.
- We've found dealers willing to sell over the phone at close to invoice, far below list price (Toronto and Vancouver are usually best).
- Get your financing at home first.

Quick summary of the process:
1. Call dealer and make a deal. Get VIN number.
2. Call Nissan and get US emissions and safety compliance letter (will fax if in a hurry).
3. Go to Canada, pay dealer, drive away.
4. Stop at Canadian customs. Get form stamped.
5. Stop at US Customs. Show compliance letter. Pay 2.5% duty.
6. Register vehicle and pay your state's sales tax when home just like normal.
7. Get Canadian sales tax refund check in the mail.

I bought in Canada over a year ago and I know of over sixty others who have also done so since. Sure, there's a little paperwork to do, but it's not bad at all. Many people are surprised how close to Canada they really are. Anyone from Chicago to D.C. is easily within a one days drive home from Toronto. And much of the west coast is close to Vancouver.

I'm glad to help anyone out with questions or good contacts. I have lots more information available. Just email me.

-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com

 

So, with ,ocal sales tax being 9%...not counting TTL and travel...

The canadian SE costs $25756 (cost + duty + tax) versus $29975 (cost + tax) for the US SE....


Hmm.....

 

Jon = the master of buying in Canada. I followed his instructions and was in Toronto yesterday trying to get my car while I was there on work. Unfortunately my bank screwed up the wire transfer and my money was not there . Once I can confirm that my money is at the bank in Toronto I will be heading back to Toronto to get the car.

Stereodude

 

Very very nicely done!

 

well....at least we are good for something other than igloo maufacturers...yay Canada! Man our dollar sucks...but I love living here...Great OPEN SPACE! " O Canada...we stand on guard for thee..."

 

And we got our GOLD medal back where it belong....
CNN news - Gold Medal

 

I bet you're going to have to pay it when you register your car locally....

 

Of course you'll pay your state sales tax. But you won't end up paying any Canadian sales taxes. And you'll still be buying for ~$4000 under US dealer invoice.

 

Canada all the way, baby!! yeah......jkjk

 

Tell the bank they owe you a nice little gift for the new Max. The bank work is ultra easy part. If you go back on Monday you might run into a gal picking up a Pathfinder.
-Jon

 

I'm pretty sure I won't be there until Wed. With Monday being a bank holiday in the US I don't think they'll get the money until Tuesday. I learned my lesson last time and I'm not going anywhere until I can confirm that the money is sitting there at the bank.

Stereodude

 

blame canada, BLAME CANADA!! haha
Quote from south park