This series of posts outlines how we saved over $9300 buying a 2011 Subaru Outback Limited in the United States as a vehicle import. The following is the background of our purchase.
It was time for a new car. We own a beautiful 3 yr old giant breed dog (not depicted). Our 2002 4 door Hyundai Accent meant our 100+ lb dog took the (entire) back seat and our 300 litre trunk had to accommodate the rest of our storage. Our hunt started in Dec 2009. We almost bought a used 2006 Ford Focus wagon via private sale. Decided against that and started looking at new cars. I asked around on RFD in the Automotive forum. I analyzed quite a few wagons and CUVs. We came close to paying for a 2WD CR-V EX (for about $32,000), and then I decided to read the19,000 + post thread on importing cars from the United States - as suggested by some people who posted in my CUV thread. The prospect of buying a loaded US Outback for about the same price as a base Canadian Outback is a hoping to become financially savvy Canadian’s dream.
We wanted an Outback, but the base model at our local dealership was going to cost us ~$32,000. The Limited was a whopping $42,000. Given we live in a smaller centre there was little room to negotiate even though I had obtained the Canadian invoice price. I do hate the freight + delivery here in Canada - total dealership cash grab as far as I am concerned. Yes, I paid delivery in the US, but it was about 50% of what we would have to pay in Canada.
We wanted the Limited model. We didn't want a moon roof or NAV. Those cost about $1658 in the US as options. In Canada they are included in the Limited and the buyer has no choice in the matter. The standard front under guard, wood trim, and leather are nice but we didn't care about them much. The Harmon Karmon stereo is vastly superior to the stock stereo on other models. We also wanted the power passenger side seats, which are not available w/ the Premium or Base models. Most importantly, we wanted the dual zone temperature/climate feature as Mrs. Sustainable PF and I differ when it comes to heat and air conditioning temperatures. We also orders mud flaps, rear bumper protector and the rear cargo net.
I emailed Karl @ VanBortel a slew of times. He was great. I highly recommend working your deal via Karl @ VanBortel if you can get to NW NY State to buy your car (in Victor which is pretty much the midpoint between Syracuse and Buffalo). Also, they sell for invoice – always - and they clearly state the difference between the invoice price you will get versus the manufacturer MSRP. You might be able to get a lower rate from Van Bortel, but I was content with invoice (on the car and accessories).
I started doing the math. I figured I could get this car for $31,000 if I got my CDN-USD foreign exchange at par. We didn't get it at par, we paid a bit more, but we did pick the right time as the Loonie was stronger when we purchased then it ended up being for the following months.
We were slated to get a 2010 Outback, but those got increasingly difficult to order (our first request was not met for the May 1 delivery). Karl suggested we get a 2011 instead. Might have to wait a bit longer, but it's a newer vehicle. Our order was placed when Subaru of America announced the production start date (mid June I think). We then learned our order had been filled. Karl also honoured the 2010 quote he gave me on both the car and accessories. The 2011 is about $300 more. He also gave me accessories at the Premium price, not Limited prices as for some reason they differ.
