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

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

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

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

— Oren

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

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).

http://www.fivestartoyota.com/, 212 S. Boone Street Aberdeen, WA 98520 About 400 KM away from Vancouver.

360 532 0650

Salesperson name: Russ June.

— Oren

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

“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