Community Forums

RAPPAR · 08-28-2018, 07:56 AM

I purchased my 2005 Newmar Dutch Star new from RVWarehouse here in Ontario and drove it until 2008 when I had to sell it. Well, if you remember that year I gave it away rather that sell it for anywhere near its worth.

Fast forward a few years and I am now in the process of getting my Z endorsement and upgrading to a 'D' license again to make me legal here in Ontario.

I have been looking at used so someone else can take the hit of the first year or so of depreciation. There are some in Canada/Ontario but a whole lot more in the US with a dealer in Texas seeming to have a good selection.

I want to stick with either Newmar or Tiffin. I would also prefer Spartan and Cummins if possible. I have imported two Little Guy teardrops but this would be the first diesel pusher so am wondering what is involved. I know the trailers had to go to Canadian Tire to be 'inspected' for $250 that was a joke. What is involved with a motorhome?

My present 2016 truck needs DEF, what year did that come to the motorhome community?

I am also aware the exchange will be there as will the 13% tax we have in Ontario.

Thanks for any input.

Ron

Brob · 08-28-2018, 07:59 AM

Don't know about the legality of the sale, but the DEF systems came into the motorhome world in 2008.

Unplanned Tourist · 08-28-2018, 08:16 AM

From what I am seeing, you will do better buying in Canada dollar-wise. With the $1.30+ exchange rate, almost every rig I have looked at (apples to apples) is cheaper in Canada! A big change from 2009-12!
Check it out and you will be surprised. I bought 2 years ago and saved $10-15K by buying in Canada. And that was on a lowly gas rig!

Happy Glamping.

Quincy · 08-28-2018, 08:24 AM

13% is pretty high and the inspection fee also. Seems all considered it would be cheaper in the US.

netjam · 08-28-2018, 08:34 AM

Not sure about exchange today. Bought a new motorhome in 2017 in the US and imported to Canada. Used a broker and actually saved a small amount vs buying the same in Canada. It was however a real hassle doing the paperwork (even with the broker) and in addition to the crappy tire inspection had to present the motor home to the registry (was in AB) so they could “look at it”. Would I import again......not a chance.......saved a small$ but too much work.

cvbdsl · 08-28-2018, 09:22 AM

I've looked several times over the years at buying in the US. A few years ago it did seem to save several thousand dollars, even taking into account the exchange rate and 13% tax here.

Right now I think you would loose with the banks charging 30% plus. You have to convert the US price to CAD and add the 13% tax to that. So a $100K USD MH would come to $146,900 CAD or more depending on the exchange rate that day (I used 30%). Then there are additional fees/inspections etc.

The only reason to shop in the US now is the vast choice of MHs. Last year I spent several months trying to find a rig like what I have now. Even though the dealer played games on price and was a total jerk all the way through I bought it because there was nothing else on the market with the same features.

In fact the dealer I bought from regularly flips MHs to the US because his profit margin is greater. The had two going over the day I bought mine.

So if I won the lottery I would do it, but for now the $$ don't work out.

Chris