1 PGH 1

Pricing in the newest issue of Panorama for the 997TT cab - U.S. $136,500, add 10% exchange = Cdn $150,000, even 15% to hedge a larger shift in exchange rates = $157,000. So let's charge those silly canucks, oh wait I know, how about .... $190,000! .... a real sweet, call it 25% overcharge for PCNA and dealers. Then we'll threaten them with no warranty if they buy in the U.S. - nice!

Christien

I noticed that too. What blows me away is that they have the nerve to print the two prices right there next to each other. It's as if they WANT people to notice the ridiculous disparity. But ask Pfaff the reason, and they'll tell you that the CDN car is worth more. Oh, sure, it's made by the exact same Otto and Hans that make the US ones, on the same assembly line, with the same bolts, panels, paint, etc. but because it's sold here, there's a special aura about it that's worth over 30 large.

Jamie140

Easy solution guys. Vote with your wallets.

Christien

Lots of people are. I made a sticky on the Pelican Canada forum about importing cars from the states, and I can't count the # of people that have either posted replies or pm'd/emailed me saying how it's helped them import Porsches (and other makes), both new and old, from the states.

Oh, and to anyone who still believes that BS line about CDN cars being worth more, just try your hand in the used Porsche market. I fetched full CDN price for my 99 boxster when I sold it, meanwhile Pfaff runs the same car in the Auto Trader week after week...

Inrev

So I take it some of you will buy their turbo cab in the US and bring it over here? I thought Porsche changed their mind about honoring warranty on US cars in Canada?

Christien

Personally, no - I'd never buy a new car, Porsche or otherwise. The depreciation hit is just way too much, and, at least with Porsches, I'm much more interested in the older ones. And of course I don't have $150K to spend on a car!

cleanme

Our car is from Georgia and the money saved seems like a joke as in, how could the CDN price be so much higher.

The mark-up on a 996 Turbo was $25,000+ (I believe). On a Cab., probably $30,000+. That's insanely huge. And a LOT of the money is made in the options because how many base 911 Turbos will you find....none. If you follow 'typical' markup and extrapolate the data from a $45,000 car the markup on a $190,000 SHOULD be around $16,000.

Blah blah blah, in short, Canadians are getting ripped. Unfortunately, a lot of buyers aren't the enthusiasts we are and don't realise this.

I believe in 2006 or 2005, Canadian Porsche dealers lost a *known* 600+ sales to people importing. So actual is probably over 1,000? There are 12 Porsche dealers in Canada so say each dealer loses a 100 sales at say markup of $10,000-that's a $1,000,000 lost and potentially these customers going to a private garage for service instead. So as Jamie said, vote with your wallett.

adelaide

count me in. just crossed the border with my 2006 997S on Monday.

993TTmike

Christien, Great write up on importing a car to Canada from the U.S.

Any tips on how to find a quality used Porsche? I am in the market for Boxster S (preferably 2001-2002).

Cheers,
Mike

Christien

The best places to look would be the Rennlist classifieds, PCA National classifieds and maybe the Pelican classifieds. Auto Trader will have tons as well, but a lot of dealer sales. There's always ebay, but usually there's not time to get a PPI done then get a bid in if the results are good, and there are tons of scheisters and crappy cars on ebay.

The biggest thing to remember when shopping in the US is absolutely have a PPI done by a shop that doesn't know the seller or car. Search here and on Pelican for the places to avoid (Victory Motorcars, Motormeister, etc.) but the PPI is more valuable than anything. Find local guys through here or Pelican to maybe have an initial look or drive of the car if it's questionable, before spending money on a PPI. Most guys are pretty happy to take an hour out of their day to drive a cool car

Good luck!

pongobaz

+1. that's what I did with my car and yesterday I did it again for a helmet. I'd love to support our Canadian retailers, but at 30-40% more plus taxes?!...Uh, no thanks!

Zookie

mmm i like my overpriced CND car...

pongobaz

Yeah but it's an awesome "overpriced CDN car"!

99three

So who here actually has a Canadian version P car?

YYC930

I am flying down to the US again tomorrow.....buying cars that are presold to clients.

FWIW....the correct way to calculate this situation is as follows.....forex (7.50 for me today)....duty at 6.1 %......freight at around $2,500......about $1,000 of misc RIV and ac tax fees and stuff like detailing, gas, DRL's, etc.....cost and use of money next......