Approved for $40,000 L/C - tough choice to make now...

[Canadian Coupe]

Coming down to the States in Early September to buy my car now that I've been approved for my line of credit. With the Canadian dollar at par and vehicles setting us back often $10,000 or more than our counterparts down in the states it just doesn't make sense to buy up here. Paying $42,000 for a A/C up here is insane as that's bordering on entry level luxury territory if not more.

I can get an 09 down in the USA for around $30,000 and I'm definitely going to do that as soon as they hit the market.. but... my friends and family have told me to go for the G37 when I go down. A loaded sport G37 costs around $55,000 up here so I figure an 09 down in the States will probably set me back around $45,000 to $47,000... from the business I definitely have most of that extra money lying around.

The problem is I already have invested almost $3000 in mods for the A/C... Borla Exhaust, links, intake.. ect. ect. I don't want to have made those purchases for naught.

Living in Canada I'm not driving the car during our winters, so the RWD handling in the winter and snow doesn't concern me.. the extra horsepower, luxury is enticing but I just don't know.

Don't know what to do anymore... I love both cars and I'd love em both, but that's not happening.

[spockrock]

your choice but here is something you should know, first I have heard dealerships in the US will not sell to Canadians. Second if you do get one there is the problem of warranty, dealerships here do not have to honour your warrenty, and Nissan Canada will not honour your warrenty.

From my understanding when a dealership does anything under warrenty, they pass that charge back to Nissan Canada. Now if Nissan Canada says no we wont pay that VIN is a US car, that means the Dealership pays out of the pocket. Everything I have learned about the dealership is they do not want to give you anything for free.

I heavily considered doing what you are doing, getting a G37 from the states. I know that Nissans Quality is great but there could be the off chance that the transmission/engine I an the unfortunate 1% and a few people here had their CVTs replaced. This is why I also decided to not to get a used G or Z as well.

If you care about having a warranty I say bite the bullet and buy in Canada. I know it sucks having to pay 40K for an A/C and you could buy a G37 in the US for the same amount.

[LongBeachCoupe]

cash is king... they wont let it off the lot without insurance i dont think.. but you can always give a friend here in the us (me hehehe) $1k and they will buy it and sell it to you for $1.

I go to the g37 meets locally and theres loads of stuff out for them... its a different level of car IMHO... but all those guys say they would trade theirs for a 335 bmw

[spockrock]

cash is king... they wont let it off the lot without insurance i dont think.. but you can always give a friend here in the us (me hehehe) $1k and they will buy it and sell it to you for $1.

I go to the g37 meets locally and theres loads of stuff out for them... its a different level of car IMHO... but all those guys say they would trade theirs for a 335 bmw

That maybe the case however if Nissan takes away their franchise/license that means they cannot be an authorized Nissan dealer. That could mean loosing money in the long run. Also the car has to be insured in the US for 1 yr before its brought up to Canada to keep your warrenty. I had friends and family who were willing to take my money buy the car and then 'sell' it back to me.

[LongBeachCoupe]

well.. its paying that 10k for a warranty... idk...

[spockrock]

well.. its paying that 10k for a warranty... idk...

Well no....but but if he buys the 3.5se for 30K US, he may have to pay for duties (if the car is made in the US or Canada), 6% tax GST, then there maybe Provincial charges taxes and charges for licensing. Then there are charges if the car has AC, if it weight more then 2000KG etc etc. You may only save a couple grand, which is then off set by the cost of warranty. Granted I have heard people saving them selves 5 grand doing this. Granted you need to find a good deal in the US, to really save yourself some money.

[LongBeachCoupe]

VPP... i can probably get you a dealer to do it here on LI...

[Canadian Coupe]

I have an Aunt who's an attorney in Boston, Mass. I'm going to talk to her and we're going to figure something out.

[spockrock]

I have an Aunt who's an attorney in Boston, Mass. I'm going to talk to her and we're going to figure something out.

Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you. If you dont want to spend 40k get the A/C if you do get the G37.....

[mcheddadi]

don't worry about warranty, Nissan dealerships make money from the work they do on your cars. if you don't care about the winter, then In a top of the line altima coupe and then in a top of the line g37 an choose then. I went in a top of the line g37 coupe and still choose the altima coupe. (no i'm not crazy lol, I just drove a lot of rwd cars in the snow and I don't feel comfortable driving them in the winter, but a gt-r, NOW we're talking ! lol)

[spockrock]

don't worry about warranty, Nissan dealerships make money from the work they do on your cars. if you don't care about the winter, then In a top of the line altima coupe and then in a top of the line g37 an choose then. I went in a top of the line g37 coupe and still choose the altima coupe. (no i'm not crazy lol, I just drove a lot of rwd cars in the snow and I don't feel comfortable driving them in the winter, but a gt-r, NOW we're talking ! lol)

LOL thats cause the GTR is AWD and can do 50/50 front wheel/rear wheel. I wish our coupes or the G37 coupes came with an AWD option. For some of us crazy enough to drive nice cars in the winter LOL.

[tarek]

That maybe the case however if Nissan takes away their franchise/license that means they cannot be an authorized Nissan dealer. That could mean loosing money in the long run. Also the car has to be insured in the US for 1 yr before its brought up to Canada to keep your warrenty. I had friends and family who were willing to take my money buy the car and then 'sell' it back to me.

I've done a TON of research on this, so I'm just going to correct you on a few things:

1) Nissan/Infiniti has no restrictions on selling to Canadians. Some other companies (Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc) do, but not Nissan. I've talked to a couple of dealerships in Bellingham/Seattle already and they're more than happy to sell me a car and do all the paperwork for me.

2) To keep the factory warranty the car must be registered in the US for at least 6 months (not a year) and the car title can't be transfered to another person (ie can't be sold). However, I phoned Nissan directly (their 1800# on their website) and they told me that it actually only just needs to be registered for ONE day in the US to keep the warranty. Now I'm not sure which one is true, but ultimately I don't think it matters too much because...

3) From talking to other Nissan owners in Canada who've bought their cars from the US and took them to the dealerships, they haven't had any problems from the dealerships. As others have mentioned, the dealerships get money no matter what, so as long as you're nice to them they'll be nice to you too. But just in case you do need the extra protection...

4) Get a third party warranty! You can get these for 1000-1500, so if you go to the US to buy a car and buy the third party warranty you're still coming out way ahead. And here's another point on this, lots of states (such as Washing and NY) allow you to not pay sales tax if you're buying the vehicle for export. So for example I go to Washington state and buy the AC for 30,000. I say I'm exporting it so I don't have to pay sales tax on it. That's a savings of $1950! I can put that into the third party warranty and I'm still up money.

5) Infiniti is all made in Japan I'm pretty sure, but the AC is made in North America, so there's no duties on it. Yay for NAFTA.

6) For the Infiniti G37 Sport, base: US MSRP: $36,965 Canada MSRP: $49,950.00. And remember no matter where you buy it you're paying Canadian taxes on the vehicle, but if you buy from Canada you're paying tax on $13,000 more! You pay the same 'gas guzzler' surcharges, and the same Air condition charges and everything. The only extra charges you really have to consider is duty. So even with that, you're still coming out WAY ahead than buying in Canada.

7) As for insurance, it's easy to get insurance from your local broker, or get a temp. permit from the state you're buying it from....it's really a non issue and costs maybe $20 for a couple of days.

Sorry for the long rant, but this is one of my pet peeves about living here. I've been convincing all my friends to look at cars in the US. It's just stupid expensive here, and so easy to import from the US. My advice to CanadianCoupe, don't bother getting a relative to buy it for you in the US in their name and transferring it to you. You're just going to have to pay the US sales tax, and you'll lose your warranty anyways. Just import it yourself, save the sales tax and put some of the savings into a third party warranty if you want the piece of mind. Most dealerships (from what I hear) will honour the US warranty anyways, but I suppose you never really know what they'll say if it's a big problem.

[spockrock]

I've done a TON of research on this, so I'm just going to correct you on a few things:

1) Nissan/Infiniti has no restrictions on selling to Canadians. Some other companies (Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc) do, but not Nissan. I've talked to a couple of dealerships in Bellingham/Seattle already and they're more than happy to sell me a car and do all the paperwork for me.

2) To keep the factory warranty the car must be registered in the US for at least 6 months (not a year) and the car title can't be transfered to another person (ie can't be sold). However, I phoned Nissan directly (their 1800# on their website) and they told me that it actually only just needs to be registered for ONE day in the US to keep the warranty. Now I'm not sure which one is true, but ultimately I don't think it matters too much because...

3) From talking to other Nissan owners in Canada who've bought their cars from the US and took them to the dealerships, they haven't had any problems from the dealerships. As others have mentioned, the dealerships get money no matter what, so as long as you're nice to them they'll be nice to you too. But just in case you do need the extra protection...

4) Get a third party warranty! You can get these for 1000-1500, so if you go to the US to buy a car and buy the third party warranty you're still coming out way ahead. And here's another point on this, lots of states (such as Washing and NY) allow you to not pay sales tax if you're buying the vehicle for export. So for example I go to Washington state and buy the AC for 30,000. I say I'm exporting it so I don't have to pay sales tax on it. That's a savings of $1950! I can put that into the third party warranty and I'm still up money.

5) Infiniti is all made in Japan I'm pretty sure, but the AC is made in North America, so there's no duties on it. Yay for NAFTA.

6) For the Infiniti G37 Sport, base: US MSRP: $36,965 Canada MSRP: $49,950.00. And remember no matter where you buy it you're paying Canadian taxes on the vehicle, but if you buy from Canada you're paying tax on $13,000 more! You pay the same 'gas guzzler' surcharges, and the same Air condition charges and everything. The only extra charges you really have to consider is duty. So even with that, you're still coming out WAY ahead than buying in Canada.

7) As for insurance, it's easy to get insurance from your local broker, or get a temp. permit from the state you're buying it from....it's really a non issue and costs maybe $20 for a couple of days.

Sorry for the long rant, but this is one of my pet peeves about living here. I've been convincing all my friends to look at cars in the US. It's just stupid expensive here, and so easy to import from the US. My advice to CanadianCoupe, don't bother getting a relative to buy it for you in the US in their name and transferring it to you. You're just going to have to pay the US sales tax, and you'll lose your warranty anyways. Just import it yourself, save the sales tax and put some of the savings into a third party warranty if you want the piece of mind. Most dealerships (from what I hear) will honour the US warranty anyways, but I suppose you never really know what they'll say if it's a big problem.

f*** I wish I spoke to you before I bought the car........

[notaverage]

f***

lol, very sly my friend, very sly...
Modified by notaverage at 5:51 PM 6/5/2008

[MagicM]

I'm sorry but where are you getting this $42,000 price tag CND for a A/C?I live in Calgary and checking the Nissan dealership here the A/c starts as low as 27,798.00*(CND) for a 2008 Altima 2dr C 4 Cly and 32,598.00 for a V6 CVT SE model. 42 Grand you can buy a Brand spanking new Infiniti G sedan.

[Burtonboarder950]

lol, very sly my friend, very sly...

Modified by notaverage at 5:51 PM 6/5/2008

how did you say that word?!!? **** ..you see, its not working for me =/

the g37 is the best car you will get for its price. I love the a/c and its all i can afford, but if I had an extra 20k, I would instantly get a g37 over one. Don't get me wrong, i love the a/c, but c'mon...its not even close to being in the same class as the g37.

[mcheddadi]

how did you say that word?!!? **** ..you see, its not working for me =/

the g37 is the best car you will get for its price. I love the a/c and its all i can afford, but if I had an extra 20k, I would instantly get a g37 over one. Don't get me wrong, i love the a/c, but c'mon...its not even close to being in the same class as the g37.

f***, f***, f***, f***, f***, f*** !

[tarek]

I'm sorry but where are you getting this $42,000 price tag CND for a A/C?I live in Calgary and checking the Nissan dealership here the A/c starts as low as 27,798.00*(CND) for a 2008 Altima 2dr C 4 Cly and 32,598.00 for a V6 CVT SE model. 42 Grand you can buy a Brand spanking new Infiniti G sedan.

According to the nissan.ca site a fully loaded AC 3.5 CVT is $40,998.00, plus taxes. That's w/ the premium and tech packages...compare that to $32,310 for the same configuration in the US

[ReviT]

lol i like that word

[spockrock]

According to the nissan.ca site a fully loaded AC 3.5 CVT is $40,998.00, plus taxes. That's w/ the premium and tech packages...compare that to $32,310 for the same configuration in the US

Well I paid 39, 900 including taxes, freight all that other garabage, plus winter tires and mats. With some negotiating......

[Canadian Coupe]

I'm sorry but where are you getting this $42,000 price tag CND for a A/C?I live in Calgary and checking the Nissan dealership here the A/c starts as low as 27,798.00*(CND) for a 2008 Altima 2dr C 4 Cly and 32,598.00 for a V6 CVT SE model. 42 Grand you can buy a Brand spanking new Infiniti G sedan.

You're thinking of a 2.5 loaded at the 32,000 price point or a base 3.5. A Loaded 3.5 in Canada is 40,000 or more MSRP. The new G sedans and Coupes in Canada are 45,000 base and all above 50,000 with a couple options... loaded they're almost 60,000.

I just built a G37 Coupe Journey on the US Infiniti website; price was almost 47,000 loaded.

http://build.infiniti.com/conf...49610

On the Infiniti Canada website the same car is 57,000 once you select the limited options ;

http://www.infiniti.ca/en/conf...ng=en

Modified by Canadian Coupe at 8:30 AM 6/6/2008
Modified by Canadian Coupe at 8:33 AM 6/6/2008

[tarek]

Well I paid 39, 900 including taxes, freight all that other garabage, plus winter tires and mats. With some negotiating......

I'm just quoting MSRP because you can't compare how much you're able to negotiate it down. But chances are you'd be able to negotiate it down just as much if not more in the US than in Canada since they're a bigger market. But according to edmunds.com a fully loaded 3.5 can be negotiated down to $30,835 before taxes (and from postings I've seen here, some might be able to get it for less I'm sure). $9k less!!!

[spockrock]

I'm just quoting MSRP because you can't compare how much you're able to negotiate it down. But chances are you'd be able to negotiate it down just as much if not more in the US than in Canada since they're a bigger market. But according to edmunds.com a fully loaded 3.5 can be negotiated down to $30,835 before taxes (and from postings I've seen here, some might be able to get it for less I'm sure). $9k less!!!

I feel like I should of bought a g37 sport in the US

[tarek]

lol yeah probably could've gotten a base G37 for about the same price or just a tad more! It just doesn't pay to buy Canadian! It's kind of sad because I'd love to say buy in Canada and support the economy, etc etc, and I even understand paying a small surplus, maybe 1-2k more. But 9k more??? It's absolutely ridiculous. And the AC isn't even that expensive of a car. The price differences get much more when you get to more expensive cars and suvs.

[Canadian Coupe]

Right now I'm about 60 - 40 in favor of the Altima Coupe. I'm planning on getting a GT-R Spec V in three years anyway once I can comfortably afford it without having other aspects of my life affected by the purchase.

I know I'd be satisfied with the Altima Coupe, I've driven the 3.5 and had enough time in and around it to feel like I know what it's all about.. but if I could get dealer down to 43,000 or somewhere around on a 09 G37 sport, I have to go with that option I'm thinking.

All depends I guess. Still have June and July to get things decided.

[MagicM]

I say go to the states, and look on ebay. I see some nice slighty used 08 G37S for mid/upper 30's ranges

[Oreo2008]

You could also try autotrader.com. I have always been a faithful Nissan Canada customer (7 previous vehicles) but I am looking at buying a A/C in the states. The nissan dealers up here in canada don't seem to interested in dealing. With the price difference in the states I could even consider keeping my Xtrail for those snowy days.

Greg

[Canadian Coupe]

That's what I noticed too.

I'm definitely going through the States and still am leaning in the Altima Coupe's direction.

I'm also thinking about checking on a used Testarossa. A seller I've been talking to in Boulder, CO is willing to part with his for $50,000 or thereabouts.

[Oreo2008]

Just to update everyone, I have looked at many vehicles in the States and have even went down for a one on one with a dealer. As far as Nissan is concern there is no issue with purchasing a US vehicle. Honda on the otherhand has told their dealers in the US not to sell to Canadians.

As far as the process goes to import, it isn't too difficult. There are a number of links to explain this:http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety...u.htmh ... ssentially, ensure the vehicle you are interested in is admissable to Canada. Get a letter from the Manufacturer to ensure there are no recalls on the vehicle. Check for modification requirements for Canada (driving lights, immobilizer system, child restraints, bumpers, metric labelling, etc). Check for duty rates if not made in the US. US Customs requires the title documentation 72 hours prior to exporting the vehicle from the US.

There is a $195 +tax application fee, along with modification costs. All modifications must be done 45 days after importing.

From what I can see most dealership prefer to have the money "wired" to them as opposed to a certified cheque or credit card. Also, there is an approximate $10,000 difference for the 3.5 model, and approx. $8,000 difference for the 2.5 model. I have received a couple of quotes from dealerships and in my mind it is well worth the expense and effort.

Greg