duties on the car

Hi, I am Canadian citizen living in Alberta. I will go to California with J1 Visa and will stay there at least 2 years. I plan to drive my van (Ford Freestar 2006), but one guy said that when crossing the border, I have to pay the duties to US customs. Is it true?
So, do you think that I have to sell the car here and buy anothere car there?

I declared my Canadian purchased car both going into and out of the states and officers on both cars looked at me like I had lost my mind. In fact, the Canadian guy just say, "Um, nice car".

With the high value of the CDN dollar, are you any better off buying in the states? Could just be more of a hassle.

I've had my Canadian vehicle in the US for 7 months now and did not declare it or anything. I wouldn't sell your car.

Just get an import letter from the manufacturer of the car (Canadian offices of) and that should do. You shouldn't have to pay duties or taxes unless you're importing the car for the purpose of selling it once you cross. If you're only bringing it for personal use, there's no fees.