Importing a Toyota Prius Hybris to Canada – WA State Dealer

Check out comment #33 here.  Wilson Motors (Bellingham, WA), where I bought my ‘07 Prius, is in business again…  If at first you don’t succeed, call them again, until you find a salesperson to deal with.  Try calling at the end of the month/quarter, when they are under pressure to move inventory no matter what.

— Oren

Importing a Prius Hybrid to Canada – Toyota Dealers

As you can see from this email I had received from one of this blog’s readers, you can still find Toyota dealers in the US who’ll sell to Canadians:

Here’s what I got from a dealer in WA state. Honest, this is legit:

“Thank-you for your inquiry!

I receive many requests like your’s everyday, and I have helped many folks save $$$ by buying from me. Here is the basic information you need to get started.

I can produce the paperwork and letters that Customs wants when you bring your new vehicle across the border. You need to do all of the interaction with the government agencies involved.

Payment must be made in full via wire transfer or Cashier’s Check before the vehicle is released to you. I cannot help with any financing.

Some vehicles require the addition of daytime running lights which can be done at a Toyota dealer, or more inexpensively at Canadian Tire.

Generally it doesn’t make sense to trade-in your current car to me as the costs of exporting it will reduce it’s value considerably.

The Highlander comes equipped several different ways and the way it is equipped will effect the cost and the availability. The colors you prefer will factor in as well. Lastly, knowing when you expect to take delivery will help me present the right vehicle.

The Toyota network is a powerful tool which gives me access to about eight-weeks worth of supply for the region. Often my client’s put deposits on vehicles that have yet to be built. This is nice because it moves through the distribution system with your name on it and strangers are not allowed to test-drive or otherwise demonstrate such a vehicle.

All of my sales that are not registered in the US will not be required to pay sales taxes upon furnishing me with two pieces of ID that show the same Canadian residence address. All non-US vehicles are sold at MSRP, plus any costs to secure the vehicle and bring it here. In addition there is a $50 document fee and a $30.50 fee for a trip permit which is required to drive the vehicle up to the border.

The Toyota factory warranty is good for all of N America.

Thanks for this opportunity, I look forward to meeting you when you come to pick-up your new Toyota.”

Don’t despair – call each and every Toyota dealer in your vicinity. Call them more than once (you’ll get different salespersons). Eventually you’ll find one that is eager enough to sell you the car you want.

— Oren

One Laptop Per Child – OLPC – Production Unit

While attending AfricaCom in Cape Town last week I was fortunate to play with a production OLPC (One Laptop Per Child).  What an amazing machine.  Price, features, innovation – This <$200 laptop outshines my Sony VAIO.

I consider the OLPC to be a more revolutionary, and more socially significant device than the iPhone.  Here are a couple of images (apologies for low quality – used my BlackBerry’s camera).