Should I buy my next car (a wagon) in US or Canada?

I am a US citizen, temporarily living in Calgary, Canada (on a work permit for the next few years at least). I am a postdoc on assignment to the University of Calgary medical school until either 2015 or 2016. After that, I may be kept on longer here in Canada, or move somewhere else on Earth, for a research/faculty position in my field. So I don't know how long I will remain in Canada.

I currently own a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE, and in the past few years it has needed some major repairs (engine intake manifold in 2010, new brake work this year) and it probably needs some more work soon (no cabin heat, and check engine light on). It will eventually have to be replaced before too long, even though I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's even my favourite colour--green!

I have decided my next car needs to be a wagon (of course)--either a Dodge Magnum or a Volvo wagon. I would like to go used (at least within this century) and pay cash for it (no loans, since I have no Canadian credit history and want to avoid car debt anyway).

I have been looking at Calgary Kijiji classified ads for Dodge Magnums and Volvo wagons; going through this avenue would allow me to pay cash (assuming sufficient tax refund in the future) for a wagon, instead of going through a dealership.

Since I live in Canada temporarily, and still have my Bonneville (made and bought in the USA), should I purchase my next car in Canada or wait and get one in the USA? What about getting rid of the existing car I have up here when the time comes?

What do I do?

 

Hya Smith...man...it really depends on how long your here doesnt?

but if your gonna be here a few years?...then I would say buy something here ...then sell it when your headed back...find something new when you get home .

thats my 1 bit

 

Have you changed to an Alberta Drivers license? If so, buy and insure it in Alberta. I'd recommend joining AMA and insuring through them as well.
If you're involved in a collision with a US license and insurance, while residing in Canada, you may end up with issues you don't want.

 

If you think there is much chance of bringing the car back to the US at least get one that is US spec. Our resident Cannucks can comment about the costs of buying up north v. in the US. I suspect more taxes up that way.
Dodge Magnum, really? Have you spent any time with one? Little space in back, terrible visibility, not exactly stellar reliability, lots of suspension issues, and perhaps the world's worst brakes on a modern car. A friend has one that I've spent plenty of time in and driving. Goes like stink in a straight line(Hemi)but that is about the only positive thing I have to say about it.

 

My current car is registered and insured in Alberta, even though my driver's licence is US.

What wagons would you recommend, besides the Dodge Magnum? What about a used Volvo wagon, or a Subaru Outback (the wagon, not the new SUV version), etc? Aren't the foreign ones more expensive to repair/maintain than domestic ones? Since my Pontiac Bonneville is 1998, I am looking for a newer wagon (within the 2000s).

 

If sales taxes and registry are more expensive in Canada, I'd buy the Volvo where it's less expensive.
I used to here that American brands were made better, in Canada and that they were better equipped for the cold, salty climate there

 

It depends on how long you plan to keep the car and whether you plan to take with you back into the U.S. Some Canadian market cars cost a bomb to take south. Mom's 90 Volvo, for instance, would need a new speedometer (NO MPH scale), and what ever it would take to meet the SRS standards. There are certain other cars it is better to buy the Canadian market version. The late 80s Morgans, as an example. Ours burned gas, the American market ones, propane for emissions. Because of our stronger bumper standards, ours had stronger frames than the rest of the world, too.

 

Can you provide a picture of this KMPH only dash with no MPG in Mom's car? Transport Canada.... bla, bla, for X amount of years ....... Car displays both, the only variance was Canadian model highlighted KMPH where US cars highlighted MPH and it's been that way since we went metric. So is your mom's car imported for over sea's? The frame thing also, could you provide proof with a link.....to prove this myth? Mike, not picking a fite but come one............:banghead3: