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Buy car in Canada or buy car in usa and export, which is better? Pros and cons pls.

coolusa

Star Member
Sep 12, 2018
101
15
I am in a dilemma for purchasing a car.
Option 1: purchase a car (finance), give details during soft landing, payoff the car (after 2 yrs of soft landing) , export car to Canada. Excellent US credit score, will get 0% loan rate
Option: when move permanently to Canada, buy a car (finance) there in canada. Higher loan % due to Canadian credit score.

Please suggest based on your experience.
 

lampbreaker

Champion Member
Apr 7, 2015
1,733
376
Since you are moving to Canada after 2 years, how does it matter? If you want a car now, you buy one now.

I think cars are cheaper in the US and taxes are lower too in most states. So it's better to buy in the US if you have that option.
 

coolusa

Star Member
Sep 12, 2018
101
15
Since you are moving to Canada after 2 years, how does it matter? If you want a car now, you buy one now.

I think cars are cheaper in the US and taxes are lower too in most states. So it's better to buy in the US if you have that option.
The thing is, if I purchase a car now in US (eg: $40k) I need to payoff before going to Canada to export and that amount will be $20k (min 4 yr finance).Plus export process charges. I will get 0% interest car loan in usA
Another option is get a lease car in usa for 2 yrs ( total amount will be $3000 for lease). Then go to canada and buy a car ( finance) from there. But since I won't be having any credit history, interest rates will be higher plus canada tax.
Looking for peoples suggestion
 

Yqing237

Hero Member
Jun 12, 2019
280
102
Do USA credit scores translate to Canadian ones? I’m wondering about the same thing. Otherwise the credit history we tried so hard to build here just goes to toilet.
 

lampbreaker

Champion Member
Apr 7, 2015
1,733
376
Export costs will not be prohibitive since you won't be paying duty. Leases have their own costs too. Some lenders may use your US Credit History as a proxy but it will not be as good as having a long Canadian history. Moreover, credit is not as free flowing in Canada as it is in the US.
 

coolusa

Star Member
Sep 12, 2018
101
15
Export costs will not be prohibitive since you won't be paying duty. Leases have their own costs too. Some lenders may use your US Credit History as a proxy but it will not be as good as having a long Canadian history. Moreover, credit is not as free flowing in Canada as it is in the US.
Thanks... one more quick question...once I export us car to canada, all its its history will be deleted in carfax? I mean I will get a new canada VIN number? I have a good deal for fleet car with lesser mileage. I heard it will be difficult to sell fleet cars in usa, if i want to sell later. If i export to canada, that fleet history will be deleted from carfax?
 

lampbreaker

Champion Member
Apr 7, 2015
1,733
376
Thanks... one more quick question...once I export us car to canada, all its its history will be deleted in carfax? I mean I will get a new canada VIN number? I have a good deal for fleet car with lesser mileage. I heard it will be difficult to sell fleet cars in usa, if i want to sell later. If i export to canada, that fleet history will be deleted from carfax?
No, you will still have the same VIN. It is itched in many places on the car.
 

gisselletdean

Newbie
Mar 6, 2023
9
0
Check out some Facebook groups. There are a lot of people who are selling their cars since they are moving to other cities or leaving Canada for good.
 

Antafinyb

Newbie
Aug 29, 2021
3
0
I totally get the car dilemma – it's a big decision that can impact your finances and daily life. I've heard that the pros of buying a car in the USA and exporting it include potential savings with the 0% loan rate and a wider range of options to choose from. It sounds like you've already weighed the pros and cons of both options, considering your soft landing period and the differences in loan rates based on credit scores. However, another angle to consider is the convenience factor. Don't forget that you can always ship cars, so exploring cars from different dealerships could open up even more possibilities. Plus, the car market can differ between the two countries, so finding the right fit for your needs is key.
 
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