With Canadian prices being what they are, is there anything to be wary of when buying OEM accessories from across the border? Are the cars physically the same, so that there shouldn't be any issues with non-electrical items like nose masks, cargo trays, and rear bumper protection? How about electrical items like USB audio, fog lights, and interior illumination? I imagine the security system is out for a 2009 DX, given the lack of power locks, but whould the others fit without trouble?

The confusing part is that the part numbers even for simple things like the bumper protection are different (08P48-TK6-300 vs 08P48-TK6-100), so I can't check that way. Thanks!

 

exterior dimensions should be relatively the same (width, length)

there might be subtle differences in exact body lines, but the easiest way to tell would be to find the part # for a major body item like fender/bumper and compare to US.

you want the first 8 numbers at a minimum to match with honda parts. the last 3 generally specify a color or market specific difference.

 

Make friends with local Honda dealer. I get my stuff for reduced prices. I made a deal with the dealership I bought my Ridgeline from. I get everything at rock bottom prices. After exchange, duty, brokerage fees, and your time, it really isn't worth it. The only time I get parts from the US is when the part is not available here in Canada.

You live close enough to the border that you can avoid brokerage fees by having the item(s) sent to a US mailing service in Sumas or Blaine and then taking it across the border yourself.

A few places to consider......

Welcome to Letterlock - Shipping & Receiving since 1982

Ship Happens

These two are in Sumas. I use them because I work in Abbotsford. They're like 10 minutes away. Ship Happens charges 4 bucks for their service. Letterlock even has a location in Abbotsford and does the brokerage and stuff for you. You just pick up from their Abbotsford location. This comes in handy for those who don't have passports and cannot go across the border. You get stuff much quicker, too. Phone them to see how much their services cost. There are places in Blaine, but I don't go that way. Perhaps people who go that way can chime in.

If you know this already, sorry.

It might come in handy for other Canadians who, like us, live near the border.

Having stuff shipped to border towns is great, especially if the shipping is free to the contiguous US states.

 

Thanks for the info, cderalow. It seems that other than the splash guards the first 8 numbers do match for anything I might consider getting. Mugen, getting these things locally would be far more convenient, but when the online prices for things like the USB Audio, fog lights, and rear cargo cover are 50-65% of the Canadian MSRP, I don't know how far friendliness would go. Another shipping place to add to your list for people closer to Vancouver is TSB Shipping in Point Roberts, though paying duty and taxes there becomes a better idea since the customs people know exactly why you've gone over.

 

You are absolutely correct. MSRP here for the same parts is way higher in Canada. However........... Here's an example of what I got from my dealer. I purchased an OEM centre console for $220.00. Same thing in the US is $179.00. The exchange rate was not that great when I bought it (It's better now). Shipping, duties (because the part is made in Japan - no free trade), and the hassles made purchasing it here much better.

I can go on, but I don't want to draw attention to the deals I get at my dealership (wholesale cost). Not everybody gets that kind of deal, so I am definitely thanking my lucky stars. Like I mentioned before, when I bought my Ridgeline, part of the deal was I could get any OEM accessory at cost. I held them to that promise.

I didn't get a smokin' deal on the Ridgeline, because I was one of the very first to buy the truck when Honda came out with the model. Best move I made, because the money I saved more than made up for having to pay almost full price. Since then (four years ago), the parts guys and service people are good friends of mine. They definitely held up their end of the bargain.

Part of the reason also is when I bought the Ridgeline, the salesguy knew how much I was into customizing and knew if I got the accessories, it would mean more sales for them. I kept showing everyone and anyone who would listen, what the truck could do. And back then, the Ridgeline was a bit of a mystery. Anyway, I talk too much.