Canadian buying car in the US

Hello,
I'm a Canadian who will be going to the US to study for the next 2 years (on a student visa). I was wondering what the regulations are if I want to buy a car in the states and insure it there. I also want to drive the car back across the border into Canada when I come home for holidays and such. Anyone know where I can find info about this? Or any advice?
I heard a horror story about someone in my same situation who bought a US car, had US insurance, US license but a Canadian passport. They were stopped at the border and not allowed entry and accused of trying to sneak and live in the US illegally....
Don't want this to happen to me so hoping someone has some good advice.
Thanks!

If you have a student visa of some sort that allows you to be resident in the US, you shouldn't have a problem going back and forth, as long as the registration for the car is in your name (called the "title" in the US).

You may have a problem getting a loan though, if you need a loan.

Yeah, it doesn't matter until you want to move back, have a look at www.riv.ca

First of all, thank you all for such a great site. I can't imagine what visa/immigration was like before the internet.

I'm a Canadian who recently entered the US under TN status. I will be living and working in California. I have about 3 weeks to figure out my car situation. I've never owned a car in Canada, and I know next to nothing about cars or owning cars, so please excuse my ignorance ^^;

- What do I need to buy/lease a car in California? (Cali DL, SSN, Visa/passport, what else?)
- Can anyone give me advice on whether to buy used or lease? I intend to stay in the US for 3-5 years.
- Do they take your Canadian Liscence away when you apply for Californian Liscence?
- This is my first time living/working in the US, and I have no credit history here; is this a problem?
- My wife is with me here under TD status. Can she apply for a DL?

Any and all help is much appreciated!

arn

Try VW they have a program for foreign professionals in the US...check requirements below..

Requirements
Must provide the following:
•Letter from employer stating applicant's position, hire date, income and length of stay in the United States.

•A copy of the applicant's United States Social Security Card.
If Social Security Card is not yet available, we will accept documentation from the Social Security Administration confirming the applicant's social security number. This can be submitted at the time of application or as part of the Funding package.
•Copy of Visa with expiration date (with picture blacked out).
For applicants who plan to extend their stay beyond the date shown on their Visa, we will accept the length of stay in the U.S. shown on the applicant's employment letter, employment contract, Permanent Resident Card, or I-94 form in order to determine the specific finance terms.
•Monthly payment cannot exceed 25% of gross monthly income.
•Minimum gross income of $45,000 per year.
•Three personal references who reside in the United States.
•Verification of residence and phone number.
•Qualification under this program is subject to verification prior to final approval and funding.

Goodluck