Hey guys,

I figure that this is the right sub-thread for this question.
I live in Alberta and am going to be purchasing a car from Ontario (homeland) because the price difference is ridiculous (ppl tell me it's because we don't use salt in Alberta)! Can anyone tell me whether not I'll have to pay Ontario's 13% tax rate ( (or is it different for used cars??, or has is Ontario's rate different, I can't keep up with the changes) or can I just pay Alberta's 5% GST since I'm an out of province buyer. 8% difference is quite a bit when purchasing something as big as a car, it would be nice to throw that in there after the dealer and I have settled on a price. I remember when Ontario was 15%, god that sucked. Those who know, chime in. Thx


EDIT:
Just looked this up on Wikipedia, another reason to love Alberta!

* Alberta:......................0 + 5% = 5%
* British Columbia:..........7% + 5% = 12%
* Manitoba:....................7% + 5% = 12%
* Ontario:.......................8% + 5% = 13%
* Prince Edward Island:..10% + 5% = 15.5% (PST applied to price + GST)
* Quebec:..................... 7.5% + 5% = 12.875% (PST applied to price + GST)
* Saskatchewan:............5% + 5% = 10%

 

I don't think you have to pay any tax if you are buying used from a private party in ON and registering in AB. The GST has already been taken off the vehicle when it was first purchased and AB has no PST. If you are buying from a dealership, you shouldn't have to pay the PST - but that is up to the dealer...I would be surprised if you have any recourse against the dealer if he wants to charge you PST so you maybe stuck. GST is a given if you are buying from a dealer (used or new).

Salt is definitely a consideration - but I'm guessing it has to do more with supply and demand - the larger population centres will generally have more dealer choices and lower vehicle prices. For example, I went all the way to Chicago (I'm in Edmonton) to buy my '07 Honda Odyssey, pricing south of AB wasn't even close to the deal I got in Chicago. My '03 G35 Coupe is from California).

Just curious....how much do you think you'll save from buying from ON? There seems to be some very good used vehicle prices in AB. There are also a lot of used dealers here in AB (well at least in Edmonton) that will bring one in from the US for you. You could also get a car broker - I've been told the broker fee is about $1200 - this is on top of shipping, RIV, Duty, GST, OPI, DRLs, etc...PITA but still worth it! (I personally wouldn't bother with a broker as the process is not as complicated as it may appear)