wisdomous.com

Overall Canadian vehicle sales for June 08 declined 5.7 percent to 159,500 vehicles as compared to June 07  (there was a 0.5 percent drop in May 08)

GM down 23.8 percent as compared with June 07, trucks down 35.3%, cars down 11.5%

GM Trucks volume: 14,243 Cars: 18,122

Ford   sold 22,001 vehicles in June 08, a decline of 13.7 percent from 25,485 a year earlier. Truck sales decreased 17.7 percent, while car sales fell 2.9 percent.

Honda and Acura total of 16,518 vehicles, down 2% from June 07

BMW up 6.3% 2,943 vehicles, Mini 621 vehicles (50% up) 

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/28/c6093.html

the story can be read at the link above.

I am glad someone has finally sued Mercedes Benz. They are totally defrauding people out of their hard earned money. They require unneeded modifications done to Mercedes cars brought to Canada from USA. Those modifications can only be performed by a MB retailer, who charges $120-up per hour.

I bought a Mercedes-Benz E-class in the USA.  I was told that vehicle would need a Canadian bumper in order to pass the federal inspection. The bumper had to be purchased new, and be installed at a Mercedes dealership. In total i paid over $1300 to have this done. Here is the kicker> After I had the bumper installed unpainted and passed the inspection, I decided to have it painted. Upon removal of the Canadian bumper i compared the part numbers to the American bumper. And, guess what… they were identical. They made me buy a bumper i did not need. Awesome!! After that I never bought another Mercedes-Benz car.

On top of all of this, when I asked the dealership who installed the bumper, for the old american bumper.  I was told that it was discarded. Well, I replied then you owe me at least $500 for a used bumper. Upon hearing that, the service rep said: maybe it is still in the back. Of course it was. They wanted to keep it for themselves.

I have already contacted the lawyers handling this lawsuit to see if i can be included. I hope Mercedes will learn something from this lawsuit.

BMW is another manufacturer that since November 2007 made it difficult to  bring their cars in into Canada. You now require to obtain a letter from a BMW dealership that states that the car is admissible to Canada. Cost of this letter is $350. Ridiculous!! If the car is admissible BMW requires a provincial inspection and get this: a BMW inspection! Cost: $250. Of course daytime running lights have to be added and only by a BMW store. Cost: $125. If everything goes well and no other items are needed to pass the inspection you will require a recall letter from BMW. Cost: $500. Double ridiculous!! Before November 2007 this letter was FREE!! I can not believe they sank that low.

The maintenance light started flashing on my 2002 Honda Accord Coupe. So it was time to do some basic maintenance and reset the light.

I put in a washable K&N style air filter which I also sell on eBay for $25.95 + $11 for s/h. (link to the auction)
From a local Canadian Tire store I picked up a FRAM oil filter, Castrol sythetic engine oil, and bosch platnium spark plugs. It took me about 1 hour to get everything done including set up and clean up. The air filter seems to have made a big difference. The car growls now under acceleration and breathes much easier. I also like the Castrol oil, the car seems to idle smoother now.

To reset the maintenance light i followed these steps:

1) put the key into the ignition
2) press and hold the trip reset button on the instrument cluster
3) turn on the ignition (turn the key 2 clicks, till the lights come on on the instrument panel)
4) hold the trip reset button for about 15 seconds

Maintenance light is off now and the car runs better.

1) Choosing a vehicle

2) Buying

a) private deals

b) dealership

3) Border

a) US border

Fax: Bill of sale, Title, export worksheet

b) Canadian border

Payable: Duty, GST, PST, A/C tax, RIV fee

4) In Canada

a) Inspections

i) Provincial

ii) Federal