Need help buying a 2008 RTX or RTS Cdn buyer in U.S.

[wonderfred]

I am looking to buy a new 2008 RTX or RTS in Michigan. I prefer the Nimbus grey but can't get it in the RTX. Can anyone advise the following:

- Is it worth my while, price wise, in getting the trailer tow package in the RTS just so I can get it in Nimbus grey?

- I have researched different prices..dealer invoice/MSRP etc. What should I realistically expect to pay for the 2008 RTS...or RTX if I get it in silver or cherry. Taking into account any dealer rebates etc.

- Being a Cdn. buyer in the U.S. market, Honda won't export (so I get zinged for state sales tax)...thus a friend would have to buy it and I eat the sales tax, I buy it from him as a used vehicle and export myself. I have checked into exporting from US and importing into Canada...any other helpful tips would be appreciated.

Thanks a million...Great Website

[CanuckRidge]

Check out RedFlagDeals.com Detailed guide to importing cars from the US. Follow thiese instructions as I did and you will not have to pay US sales tax. Be carefull with Honda as they wll try to block this sale if they know the vehicle is being exported.

[wrenrj1]

Can't help for most of your question, but with regard to the tow package, you need to decide if color or a factory installed tow package (not to mention the dark grey wheels and different grill with the RTX) is more important. Looking at my local Honda dealership's price sheet, it was $512.00 for the tow package to be added to the RL. You can probably find after market prices for less.

I have an RTX, which was luckily in the color I wanted.

[RamzeyRTX]

I had the same issue. Loved and wanted the nimbus grey then realized I couldnt get it in the RTX which is the model I wanted due to all the options and the price savings. I went for the steel blue RTX and am happy. Great color and close to grey....

[Samijo]

You might want to make sure that the 2008 Ridgeline can enter Canada from the USA. The 2008 model I believe is not admissible into Canada because it is missing an anti-theft component required in Canada but not required on USA models. I just checked out www.riv.ca the registrar for imported vehicles into Canada and it is not admissible. It could be a costly surprise once you get it to the border. Hope this helps.

[endura]

make sure you add up all the numbers first. there is a $2000 rebate on 07's in canada, finance/lease is @.9% 4yrs. those can make a significant difference to the bottom line. plus, I assume you're okay with not having a warranty as honda/acura does not honour warranties for us cars imported to canada.

good luck.

[Ridge Man]

Check out Transport Canada website.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm

[wonderfred]

Well I made the plunge and bought the 2007 nimbus grey RTS in Michigan. They threw in a bug deflector, remote start, tow package, fog lights, body molding, and rear splash guards.
They sold it to my buddy who lives in MI and he just signed it over to me. Crossing the border was a breeze. Fortunately it was manufactured prior to Sep. 1st, 2007 so it met the anti theft standards. Warranty is still good if I take it back to the states..only live 45 minutes away..so thats easy as well.
With MI tax it was $28,100.00. Tack on GST and PST and $100 A/C tax, and $200 RIV fee, and $260.00 at Cdn Tire for running lights (yellow side lights and not headlights), safety etc.
Figured I still saved 8-10 grand....

[endura]

how is the warranty still good? you showing a u.s. address for the car?

[PerryLynch]

Originally Posted by Samijo

You might want to make sure that the 2008 Ridgeline can enter Canada from the USA. The 2008 model I believe is not admissible into Canada because it is missing an anti-theft component required in Canada but not required on USA models. I just checked out www.riv.ca the registrar for imported vehicles into Canada and it is not admissible. It could be a costly surprise once you get it to the border. Hope this helps.

I thought the Ridgeline had an engine immobilizer? I know mine does...