Oh no...another rant on Canadian vs US pricing...

Ok Folks.

For those of you who don't know, GM Canada has finally published the G8 on its website.

I went to the "Build & Price" section --> Fully loaded GT: 41k CAD...vs. 32k USD...

Umm...no thanks.:mad:

If this is going to happen to the Camaro GM will a) lose customers b) kill the dealerships as I suspect a large number of buyers are going to import their Camaro.

I am sorry, but for that money (or a little bit more) I can get into a BMW, Acura, or something with substantially better quality, and certainly long-term reliability.

If I am way off base, please let me know, I am just do freakin' mad.

I know how you feel. We always get screwed here in Canada with car prices. If it is going to play out that way. I think im going to go with plan B and pick up a low mileage STI.

I imagine there's a 'price adjustment' deal (sigh), bet you get something around 3-4k back. So 37-38K vs 32k, still a rip off.

Doesn't mean much really, since the dealers here all sell above sticker anyhow. But yea.. pretty much a rip. Especially since there is only a 3 cent different in out currency. so they can not claim that crap anymore.

Why are cars more expensive in Canada? Is there any logical reason or is it simply because they like the way your bums feel after they've ridden'em?

I have a feeling it is dependant upon where the cars are coming from. I am not sure where the G8 is produced, but the canadian government may have an inport tax on the cars which are passed to the buyers.

I have a feeling it is dependant upon where the cars are coming from. I am not sure where the G8 is produced, but the canadian government may have an inport tax on the cars which are passed to the buyers.built in australia.

built in australia.

Probably government import taxes then I bet.

Probably government import taxes then I bet.

Someone posted the NAFTA rules before...but I think there is no extra tax or duty as we are importing them form the US...so if I am wrong in my analogy with the G8, can we expect the Camaro pricing to be near parity (as it will be built here)?

Why are cars more expensive in Canada? Is there any logical reason or is it simply because they like the way your bums feel after they've ridden'em?

I know you are being humorous but you are not far off the mark...Canadians are an apathetic bunch, we bitch and moan in quiet whispers but we really don't do anything...the GM workers in Oshawa are the most active, vocal group in Canada since, oh I don't know when.

Someone posted the NAFTA rules before...but I think there is no extra tax or duty as we are importing them form the US...so if I am wrong in my analogy with the G8, can we expect the Camaro pricing to be near parity (as it will be built here)?

I suppose that is possible that it could do that. We will have to wait and see whats up. I am not exactly sure how that Nafta goes. Personally I think it was the Biggest bunch of BS in on the planet.. from a US standing anyhow heh.

Well, G.M. Canada just lost my sale..... I'm still getting my new ride, it's just going to come from my friends down south :usa:....

As I said in previous threads, this will work in my favor. I will pick up a coupe in early 2009, drive for the year... I'll sell it locally (probably make a few bucks ), and then get myself that convertible that I really wanted !!


G.M CANADA :nuts:

Well, G.M. Canada just lost my sale..... I'm still getting my new ride, it's just going to come from my friends down south :usa:....

As I said in previous threads, this will work in my favor. I will pick up a coupe in early 2009, drive for the year... I'll sell it locally (probably make a few bucks ), and then get myself that convertible that I really wanted !!


G.M CANADA :nuts:just hope it's importable.;)

It won't be. The Camaro is along the same lines as the G8, which is currently restricted, as is the Corvette:
"2008 Pontiac G8. 2008 AND 2009 Corvette models Coupe, Convertible, and Z06. The vehicle cannot be modified to meet CMVSS 215 (bumpers). 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Targa and ZR1"

Source: http://www.riv.ca/

Direct link to PDF outlining lists of importable cars:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

I wonder if GM is specifically flagging these cars as being 'unmodifiable' so we can't import them from the US. Pre 2007 it was possible on the Vette to replace the bumpers to make it legal for import, now they just outright say you can't replace the bumpers.

It won't be. The Camaro is along the same lines as the G8, which is currently restricted, as is the Corvette:
"2008 Pontiac G8. 2008 AND 2009 Corvette models Coupe, Convertible, and Z06. The vehicle cannot be modified to meet CMVSS 215 (bumpers). 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Targa and ZR1"

Source: http://www.riv.ca/

Direct link to PDF outlining lists of importable cars:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

I wonder if GM is specifically flagging these cars as being 'unmodifiable' so we can't import them from the US. Pre 2007 it was possible on the Vette to replace the bumpers to make it legal for import, now they just outright say you can't replace the bumpers.

I truly hope you are wrong ! The way I see it, the G8 and Vette are low volume cars primarily built for the US market..... This new Camaro is supposed to be a high volume car for the world..... We shall see.... Funny how FORD has no issues with the Mustang...... G.M. don't let us down, I don't want to end up on the dark side !!!

I had a 99 Z28, bought new in the UK from Chevrolet, that cost me £22k - about US$32 at the time, which was "kind of OK" pricing.

GM have announced that they will build 1,000 right hand drive Camaro coupe's & 1,000 convertibles for the UK and "other markets" - Australia?, but they will be priced in the mid-£30k's for the UK, so with £1 = $1.90 at the moment, they will cost the equivalent of over $60K.

I can get a mustang for around $20K, fully imported and converted to meet UK rules on lights, etc - so although I had intended to wait until 2010 and get a Camaro again, at that price there is no way....

It won't be. The Camaro is along the same lines as the G8, which is currently restricted, as is the Corvette:
"2008 Pontiac G8. 2008 AND 2009 Corvette models Coupe, Convertible, and Z06. The vehicle cannot be modified to meet CMVSS 215 (bumpers). 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Targa and ZR1"
.what about the 2009 G8? cause we don't get the 08 model just 09.

what about the 2009 G8? cause we don't get the 08 model just 09.

Good point !! GM Canada is advertizing the G8 as a 2009 model.... and according to RIV, all 2009 GM/Saturn models except those in the inadmissible column are okay. The G8 in the inadmissible column is the 2008 model.....

Good point !! GM Canada is advertizing the G8 as a 2009 model.... and according to RIV, all 2009 GM/Saturn models except those in the inadmissible column are okay. The G8 in the inadmissible column is the 2008 model.....
thats what i'm saying. might be something to look into. i like the G8 and is a little peeved at the price difference. if it was 34-35k loaded i could understand but 41k is way too much.

There is a V6 in Corinth, MS for sale for a smooth 30K. Dealer said the V8 should be near 34-36K. lol

It's been there for a month and I hope they can't sell the SOB.

Dealer also said "they arent getting a V8...."

thats what i'm saying. might be something to look into. i like the G8 and is a little peeved at the price difference. if it was 34-35k loaded i could understand but 41k is way too much.

Don't bet on it...I think it is entirely possible that GM will screw us Canadian buyers on the 2009 model year G8s as well. The dealers are screaming bloody murder as it is. I see more models going on the inadmissible list, not less.

No...I am not bitter.:no:

I don't believe they update that list daily, I expect the 2009 G8 to end up on there also.

Apparently there is an amendment to the Canadian bumper law that will "harmonize" the cars between the two countries. If passed, we should be hearing about it mid to late summer. There would be no reason for the Vette / G8 / Solstice..... CAMARO not to be admissible at that point. Here's an interesting forum that is all about us Canadians getting the shaft.......

http://www.carswithoutborders.com/http:/www.carswithoutborders.com/forum/reg-215-bumpers/

I imagine there's a 'price adjustment' deal (sigh), bet you get something around 3-4k back. So 37-38K vs 32k, still a rip off.
Well, my 2002 Z28 was $38k, so ..... :shrug:

..... considering this is 6 - 7 model years later, is it really that bad??? :rolleyes: (considering inflation, etc.)

But considering our dollar is at par ($1 : $1) then we should only be paying ~$32k, or whatever it is :mad:.

I know this is a car board, and it is what everyone talks about, but don't you think you are going a little overboard with this? I mean, there are so many things that are more expensive in Canada right now given the exchange rate.

Loaded G8 (which is the size of a 7 Series BMW and you aren't picking that up for 40k)

US 32k
CA 40k (20% more)

Cost of gas in Canada $1.37/L ($5.19/G) (29% more)
Cost of gas in the US $4.00/G

What about books? Cards in stores? I know those still have CA dollars higher printed on them.

What about TV's and gaming systems?
Best Buy has a Wii for CA 279.99. In the US it is 249.99.

GM isn't the only one who has problems here. You could probably look around and find many more smaller items that you use on a monthly basis that are more expensive CA and the cost difference would be more than that car.

So why hate on GM so much for this? Everyone is doing it.

^ ^ Plague! News-flash!!! That isn't a news-flash at all!!! ;)

I/we KNOW that EVERYTHING is inflated. It stems from decades of our dollar trading substantially less than your dollar. However, in a relatively short period of time, the dollars have levelled out. I realize a complete turn-around won't happen overnight, but it still seems like a slap on the face (from every angle) when you see such huge price differentials on the same item(s), Canada vs. US :rolleyes:.

Thing is, with cars, it's a HUGE single purchase, with THOUSANDS of dollars additional. It's not a few bucks.

THAT'S why it's "worth" b!tching about ;).

^ ^ Plague! News-flash!!! That isn't a news-flash at all!!! ;)

I/we KNOW that EVERYTHING is inflated. It stems from decades of our dollar trading substantially less than your dollar. However, in a relatively short period of time, the dollars have levelled out. I realize a complete turn-around won't happen overnight, but it still seems like a slap on the face (from every angle) when you see such huge price differentials on the same item(s), Canada vs. US :rolleyes:.

Thing is, with cars, it's a HUGE single purchase, with THOUSANDS of dollars additional. It's not a few bucks.

THAT'S why it's "worth" b!tching about ;).

Hear hear!

Just because everyone is doing it, doesn't make it right!

Oh and by-the-by, this kind of attitude turns away buyers...maybe not many, but it certainly turned me off GM. I refuse to pay significantly more becuase I live in Toronto and not Detroit or Minneapolis...ESPECIALLY when we are making the goddamn car!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

If I am going to be screwed, I'll at least buy Japanese, that way the cylcle of shame is complete.

Looks like I will be buying the 5th gen in Fargo North Dakota.

Well, it's time to rejoice my Canadian friends...... FINALLY our gouvernment has done something worth while. A law has been passed to remove that stupid bumper regulation..... A new RIV list will be forthcoming, and those Vette's, G8's, Solstice's will be ADMISSIBLE !!! :thumb:

THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING MY 5TH GEN IMPORT NOW !!!!

http://www.carswithoutborders.com/2008/06/25/bumpers-away/

Well, it's time to rejoice my Canadian friends...... FINALLY our gouvernment has done something worth while. A law has been passed to remove that stupid bumper regulation..... A new RIV list will be forthcoming, and those Vette's, G8's, Solstice's will be ADMISSIBLE !!! :thumb:

THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING MY 5TH GEN IMPORT NOW !!!!

http://www.carswithoutborders.com/2008/06/25/bumpers-away/now if that included the 04-06 GTO's.................

now if that included the 04-06 GTO's.................
Wouldn't that just make your day?? ;)

Actually, that would be pretty sweet!! :yes: That was my first thought too :cool: (wonder if it'll be included? :shrug: )

Wouldn't that just make your day?? ;)

Actually, that would be pretty sweet!! :yes: That was my first thought too :cool: (wonder if it'll be included? :shrug: )it would make yours the worst tho as i'd force you to come with me to look/buy one......:D

if you click on one link it says 30 cars are now available...including GTOs!!!!!!!!!!


i think i'll make a few calls next week..........

it would make yours the worst tho as i'd force you to come with me to look/buy one......:D

i think i'll make a few calls next week..........
I'm up for a test drive!!! :D

(and for those of you who think "what's the big deal, it's 'just' a GTO :shrug:" ..... well, maybe it is "just" a GTO, but since we didn't even have the option of going and looking at / buying GTO's in Canada, we've really been limited on what else new/V8/RWD has been available since 2002, that isn't Ford, Dodge, or a crappy import :rolleyes: ).

I'm up for a test drive!!! :D

i'm going to hold you to that.:o:p i'll be calling monday to make sure. i'll let you know whats going on.

The RIV have updated their list, looks like your GTO's are good to go !!! :thumb:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

Now, all we need is a U.S. dealer who is " Canadian friendly " !!!

The RIV have updated their list, looks like your GTO's are good to go !!! :thumb:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

Now, all we need is a U.S. dealer who is " Canadian friendly " !!!WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta pay cash for the import...no lease/finance available...
Now if a Toronto dealership was importing and financing...there is a winner.

Gotta pay cash for the import...no lease/finance available...
Now if a Toronto dealership was importing and financing...there is a winner.


Well, this broker in Toronto is offering financing, you might want to give them a call .....

http://www.usacars2canada.com/

Well, this broker in Toronto is offering financing, you might want to give them a call .....

http://www.usacars2canada.com/

Went there...obviously written by a Chinese programmer...none of the links work...I do not think I would do business with them...site looks really cheap and unprofessional...even their "contact us" gives a 404 error.

Went there...obviously written by a Chinese programmer...none of the links work...I do not think I would do business with them...site looks really cheap and unprofessional...even their "contact us" gives a 404 error.

I think you're right!! ..... There's always a car loan from the bank, or you could get yourself a line of credit... $8000 - $10000 savings is too great to pass up !!!