[mrkent]

All of the things that I mentioned had to be changed (guage cluster, DRL's, etc) DO have to be changed. Before an American vehicle can be registered in Canada, it has to have an "Out of Country" inspection, and the book they have to follow is very strict. Some of the changes are minor and easy to do, others are not so much and are rather expensive. "Out of province" inspections are very strict, and out of contry inspections are even more so, and very expensive too. Usually around 500 to 800 for the inspection alone. Very few places are registered and licensed to do these, so they can charge whatever they want.

It is true that some vehicles can not be brought over the border (as noted, the Tundra is definitley allowed). One guy I know bought an Avalon and saved $8000...except he will never drive it here. The engine immobilizer that is required by the Canadian government to be on the vehicle can not be retrofitted to that spec of vehicle. So he now has a very expensive, very nice vehicle sitting in his garage...that he can't even sell up here.

Can money be saved? Maybe, if done right and with the means upfront. For the average buyer (ie one that finances or leases), the money is better spent up here...in my opinion.