Canadian looking to buy Prius in US

[thanasi]

Hello there,

I'm looking at buying a Prius V with ATP package. In Canada the equivalent car does not have LED lights and costs around 38K CDN. It seems ridiculous to pay that much and not get LED lights.

So, I've decided to buy one in the US and import it into Canada. I've been looking at ebay and called various dealers across the border. I know how to import a car through customs but I wanted to get peoples feedback about buying a car from a US dealer and exporting it.

Thanks for all your help in advance,
Thanasi

[jayong]

Sadly Toyota corporate doesn't allow Toyota dealerships in the US to sell to a Canadian. This is to protect Toyota's Canadian dealerships from having to compete across the border on pricing. I live in Vancouver and tried to buy the car in Washington state, and they will absolutely refuse to sell you the car unless you have a US address to title the car with. Fortunately, I have a house in WA too and was able to title it there.

[jayong]

Also, there are other differences besides the LED lights.

Canadian tech package has solar sunroof in addition to Advanced Tech (you can't get the sunroof with AT in the US). But on the Canadian car they took out:

1) LKA
2) Safety Connect
3) 17" wheels and tires

Jay

[thanasi]

Thanks for the response. I find the solar sunroof is useless for canadian owners. Did you try buying ebay?

[jamesktg]

Is it really cheaper to buy the Prius in the US? Has anyone done an actual comparison of the models and different options and the government rebates that are offered in Canada. I am curious and would like to hear from you if you did compare the prices and option as I am debating whether I should get one from down south and not familiar with the process. I just think that Toyota Canada is ripping us off especially with the difference in warranty.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by jamesktg

Is it really cheaper to buy the Prius in the US? Has anyone done an actual comparison of the models and different options and the government rebates that are offered in Canada. I am curious and would like to hear from you if you did compare the prices and option as I am debating whether I should get one from down south and not familiar with the process. I just think that Toyota Canada is ripping us off especially with the difference in warranty.

There's no difference in warranty. There's about a $3k difference in the base price and I believe this year, the base models are identically equipped (Base vs. Prius II). Our Premium Package is better equipped than a Prius III and similarly equipped to the IV (minus leather, heated seats and a few small items).

The bonus is that you can get the solar panels without being tied to the navigation system. Similarly with the Touring Package. You get the LEDs without having to spring for the top package.

We also get a backup camera with all models except the base as well as 3-dr SKS. The US only gets a backup camera with the nav and 3-dr SKS with the IV model.

[jayong]

Originally Posted by thanasi

Thanks for the response. I find the solar sunroof is useless for canadian owners. Did you try buying ebay?

Nope. Didn't try eBay. I generally don't trust eBay for large ticket items (things that cost more than I'm willing to lose if I get scammed).

[jayong]

Originally Posted by jamesktg

Is it really cheaper to buy the Prius in the US? Has anyone done an actual comparison of the models and different options and the government rebates that are offered in Canada. I am curious and would like to hear from you if you did compare the prices and option as I am debating whether I should get one from down south and not familiar with the process. I just think that Toyota Canada is ripping us off especially with the difference in warranty.

The difference between a US Package V with AT and a Canadian Tech package is around $5k (assuming US$1 = CAN$1), US$33,600 vs CAN$38,200. But you're not exactly getting the same car - this thread details the difference, the big ones being that you get the solar sunroof with the CAN car and LKA, LED lights, Safety Connect, and 17" wheels with the US car. Oh, and you get a big tax break in BC on a hybrid car, so the difference may be somewhat less than $5k.

[Tideland Prius]

The Tech Pack is $36,565... where'd you get $38,200?

[jayong]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

The Tech Pack is $36,565... where'd you get $38,200?

Plus freight and delivery and misc. From the Toyota.ca website - also confirmed at a dealership:

VEHICLE PRICE
MSRP
$36,565.00
Colour Package
$220.00
SUBTOTAL for Finance/Cash
$36,785.00

Administration Fee

Included
Documentation Charge
N/C
Freight and Delivery
$1,420.00
Lien Registration Fee
Not Applicable
Battery Levy
$5.00
Federal Excise Tax - Air Conditioning
$100.00
Tire Levy
$25.00
SUBTOTAL for Finance/Cash
$38,335.00