"A lot of people will compare the retail price here and in the U.S. and say, 'I'm saving five grand, let's go to the States.' But there could be a $5,000 rebate on that car in Canada," he said.

"You'd have to drive the car back to the U.S. to get new warranty work done," he said, adding most manufacturers won't honour roadside assistance once you take the car north across the 49th parallel either.

"If the bank wants to use the car as collateral, you can't buy the car until you get the loan and you can't get the loan until you can give them the money. You're in a bit of a catch-22. The banks won't take a bill of sale for a car that's not even legally in the country yet," he said.