The customer never understands or feels any risk. The franchise agreement is a powerful piece of paper. And even if you find some technical way around the rules violating the spirit of it can get you into a dog house.
That's very true and I blame only the automakers for this cross border shipping phenomenon.
Why should I pay GM 79K in Canada for a truck that sells for 55k in the US (both prices being MSRP), just because I live in Canada? And I'm talking about when the CDN dollar was at par with the USD. Whichever way one looks at this, it's blatant thievery and it's just gouging Canadian consumers. I use GM as the example, because their pricing is by far the worst when comparing Canada to the USA. Chrysler even voids your warranty when you cross border for any reason (including moving), so they will never get my (new vehicle) business.
Why am I able to buy a Lexus or Infinity in the US and bring it across, all by the books with full warranty, while saving a lot of money, but not domestic made automobiles? Because GM/Ford and Chrysler are thieves, and that they have to stoop to such low levels as voiding warranty and tossing out dealers for cross border selling proves that. Many of the imports don't have these restrictions at all. There are always exceptions of course, but more allow it than not, with no penalty.
I'm a huge fan of American cars, don't get me wrong. I'm just not a fan of the way the big three treat their clients and dealers. It's no wonder they can't survive without constant government funding. It's no wonder that America buys imports more and more...just sayin.
That said, when I do want to buy American, I just go get it in the US and ship it here.
GM/ Ford and Chrysler should all remember who exactly pays their bills and stop f_cking their customers. There are always plenty of options for buyers other than domestic choices!
