2010 Prius – Price analysis – Canada v US pricing

With the Canadian pricing finally announced, here’s a quick price comparison between Canada and US models.

Since it is almost impossible to compare packages, I’ve only done this for the most basic configuration.

I’m using a 1.12 USD to CAD exchange rate, and my province of reference is BC.

(a) Canadian pricing (incl. delivery, taxes, tax credit, no options): $30,535 CAD.

(b) US pricing: base price in USD: $22750 = $25480 CAD

6.1% duty: $1554 CAD 5%

GST: $1274 CAD 7% PST: $1783 CAD

PST rebate: -$1783 CAD

Import fees and misc: ~$500 CAD

Total Canadian cost of importing a Package II from the US: $28,808 CAD.

Price difference (@ 1.12 exchage rate): $1726 CAD.

If exchange rate goes to par, price difference = $4760 CAD.

My 2 cents: at a 1.12 exchange rate, it probably makes more sense to purchase the vehicle in Canada.   However, once you cross $3,000 CAD in savings, it makes sense to import the vehicle.

— Oren

Gen III Prius – 2010 – now added to Transport Canada’s Import list

While I haven’t yet seen the official Canadian pricing for the new 2010 Gen III Prius, one can expect it to be much (much!) higher than the US$ pricing.
Good news though – the new Gen II Prius has been added to Transport Canada’s list of vehicles one can import to Canada:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/SafeVehicles/Importation/Usa/VAFUS/list/TOYOTA_LEXUS.htm

With the current exchange rate hovering at around 1.1 CAD per USD, it makes sense to import the new Prius from the US (MSRP of $22,000 USD).

I’ll post a complete cost comparison once Canadian prices are published (with all the extra fees, etc.).

— Oren

Issues with importing 2008 Toyota Prius to Canada

A few readers have recently raised the issue of new restrictions on 2008 Prius (vehicles manufactured after Sep ‘07).

As per RIV instructions, Prius ‘08 model IS admissible, BUT you must verify that it meets requirements concerning the immobilizer.

For more information, please consult the latest RIV list – www.riv.com.  Be sure to read the “explanations” section.

Here is a comprehensive discussion of the Prius import issue: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/40858-cant-import-2008-prius-into-canada-why-2.html

— Oren

The Latest on the Prius v. Hummer Issue

A year after a faulty marketing report fueled an automotive face-off, the Pacific Institute, armed with newly released Consumer Reports’ data, returns to the Hummer versus Prius debate and finds the Prius is (still) more energy efficient over its lifetime than the Hummer.

Last March, a marketing research report turned some heads when it produced the startling conclusion that large SUVs like the Hummer are more energy efficient over their entire lifetime than small cars and even hybrids, like the Toyota Prius.

The Pacific Institute’s Integrity of Science program did a reanalysis and found the automotive industry consultant’s report relied on faulty analysis and misleading assumptions. When corrected, it turns out that, as previously believed, smaller cars are more energy efficient throughout their lifetimes than larger ones.

Newly released data further support that conclusion: Revisiting the lifetime energy costs of vehicles, the Institute’s recently released “Hummer vs. Prius 2008 Redux,” utilizes data from the new Consumer Reports’ “2008 Annual Auto Issue,” and finds the Institute’s original analysis holds stronger than ever: the Hummer and other large SUVs are far bigger energy hogs than the Prius and other smaller cars.

For more information, visit http://www.pacinst.org/

— Oren

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

Buying a Toyota in the US – Finding a Dealer

I’m being repeatedly asked where I bought my Prius.  I got mine at Wilson Toyota in Bellingham, WA.  I don’t know if they still sell Toyota cars to Canadians.

A colleague of mine is currently in the process of importing a vehicle, working with a dealer near Olympia, WA.  I know of another person who bought his Prius from Ron Tonkin’s Toyota in Portland OR.

I hope this helps,

— Oren

Kids say the darnest things…

My 3 year old was playing with his toy cars yesterday, as I was coming back from work.
“Dad, look at me, I have a hybrid car, look, it’s hybrid!” – (he was holding a tiny 60’s Chevy Impala replica).

“umm… Son, what does ‘hybrid’ mean?”

“It means the car is electric. Look, I have a hybrid car!”

- How cool is that?

We spend the next 15 minutes learning all about hybrid cars and why they’re important.

I think the Prius is rubbing off on us…

— Oren

Importing a Prius Hybrid to Canada – Conclusion

Yesterday I had my new Prius inspected and licensed. Here is the remainder of the process (it’s BC specific, but should apply elsewhere in Canada).

(you can read the entire thread by following these posts: US/Canada Prius price comparison; US Customs forms; Step by step guide)

After coming home with the new car, I scanned and emailed the required documents (which included the Recall Letter AND printouts from Toyota’s recall database (provided by the US dealer) to RIV. About three business days later I called them up, and they emailed me my inspection form.

Just about the only modification required are daytime running lights.

I then got a temporary permit from ICBC for one day, and was off to Canadian Tire – I had them do the Federal & Provincial inspections, as well as installing DRL.

Even though they sell a DRL kit (which turns on ALL lights at 100%), this is NOT what they use when they install DRL themselves. On my (non-HID) Prius they installed DRL that run off the signal lights, not the main lights.

Costs:
Federal exam: free (included in RIV fee)
Provincial (BC) exam: $89.95
DRL parts: $40.93
DRL labor: $133.50
Gov’t inspection decal: $10

Once done with Canadian Tire, it was off to ICBC, and voila – it’s done.

Don’t forget, when you’re done with ICBC, to claim your PST refund. Here are detailed instructions (which were emailed to me by Ministry of Small Business and Revenue):

“To claim a PST refund complete and submit an Application of Refund for Social Service Tax Paid on a Vehicle form (FIN 413MV), which is available on our website at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/ctb/forms/0413MVFILL.pdf. For more information on the refund process, see GEN 008, Refunds of Overpayments of Tax, available on our website at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/ctb/publications/bulletins/gen_008.pdf.

When submitting the form, please remember to attach the relevant documentation including:

a) a copy of this email;

b) a copy of the registration certificate showing the make, model, year, and fuel type of the vehicle.

c) a copy of the bill of sale that indicates the date of purchase;

d) a copy of the ICBC receipt indicating the amount of PST that was paid when the vehicle was registered.

For more information see Bulletin SST 085, Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Alternative Motor Fuel Tax Concessions, available on our website at: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/ctb/publications/bulletins/sst_085.pdf.”

That’s it! I’ll be happy to answer any questions regarding the import process. I highly recommend it.

— Oren

Importing a Prius hybrid to Canada – Step by Step Guide

Just got back a couple of hours ago from WA state with my brand new Prius.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import your Prius, based on my experience:

(a) Find a Toyota dealer who’ll deal with you. This is a lot more difficult than it sounds, since Toyota does not allow its US dealers to sell to Canadians.

(b) Finalize the deal.

(c) Send all the required info to US Customs (see my previous post) at least 72 hours before your pick-up time.

(d) On the day before you pick the car up, get a temporary insurance binder from ICBC (or your provincial authority). This will allow you to drive the car home, provided the dealer set you up with temporary US permits.

(e) Go across the border.

(f) Pick up your car.

(g) Go back to the border crossing. Present your MSO to US Customs. They’ll compare it against the information you had sent them, and then they’ll stamp your MSO. This took about 45 seconds.

(h) Go to Canada customs. They’ll fill out RIV Form 1 for you. You’ll pay $206 RIV fee + duty + GST. All can be put on a credit card.

(i) Go home (don’t collect $200…)

I picked it up from the dealer just in time – they told me that Toyota is applying more and more pressure, and that they (the dealer) have now suspended sales to Canadians. Up until now they were just about the only dealer in WA state to sell to Canadians.

— Oren