Hybrid Cars in Canada?

Question

Why aren't there more Hybrid cars in Canada? Don't tell me it's because they won't sell here... we WANT them. Especially now that gas could be $1.50/ltr this summer.

I've heard people in BC buying in the USA & illegally driving them in Canada.

What's with our government? They want our money, I know that, but c'mon, if we cannot afford gas, they don't get any money from that tax anyways, and will find a way to tax us elsewhere.

Answer 1

And to hear the rhetoric from the Left, the Canadian system is Much better than the US. If I smuggled one into canada with Yukon sheet metal camoflage, could I be arrested?

How about if we gave the people who come here for medical care, a coupon for a discount on a Prius as a bonus. Would that be illegal?

Maybe Canada wants global warming 'cause it's too bloody cold.

Answer 2

Kalli Girl. It's all in the economics. I figured out the fuel savings verses the extra $5,500 extra US dollars to buy a Toyota Camry and here's what I found. You'd have to drive the car for six years figuring the gas savings just to break even the extra cost of initially buying the car. At the end of five yrs. you'd be looking at a very very expensive battery replacement. I'm talking about $1,300 -$1,500 @ today's costs.

A hybrid car weighs 400 extra pounds. That means it'll eat tires and brakes faster and it takes horsepower to move the extra weight.

Is it worth the agrivation to you? Tell you what hun, I've got at least two trips planned to Canada the summer. If you really have your little warm heart set on a Hybrid Toyota Camry I'll drive it up for you. I live in Up State NY near Watkins Glen.

I had my 04 Toyota Camry inspected this morning and as I wandered through the Toyota dealership new car lot I looked at a white Camry Hybrid.

Here's what I'd do: Go on line @ Toyota.com and scan the Camry models avalable in Canada.

Best wishes and have a nice warm Spring day !! XX

Answer 3

It is up to the individual dealers to import them.  I imagine that a lot of dealerships don't want to upgrade their shops to service them after the sale.  I did see a used Civic Hybrid at a dealership in Calgary.  

It is not illegal to import one yourself but you need to jump through some hoops and pay the aplicable taxes and stuff.

Answer 4

I'll bet the Canadian government doesn't sell cars.  There probably aren't enough citizens in Canada to support the spare parts inventory necessary for hybrids (or any car that will sell a limited number of units).  So the manufacturers aren't offering them.