Bargain-hunting consumers crossing the border to find deals on Bombardier snowmobiles are frustrated by a company policy that prevents U.S. dealers from selling to Canadians.

Ron Thompson of Gateway Sports in Grand Forks, N.D., says many Canadians have come in search of deals that reflect the loonie's strength. The all-terrain vehicles in the U.S. are priced at least $3,000 Cdn lower than in Canada. But, Thompson says Quebec-based Bombardier has blocked cross-border sales.

"They just say you can't do this, you can't do that," Thompson said. "There's no explanation why."

Bombardier officials said they are studying the issue carefully, adding that price changes must be implemented carefully.

"It takes time to adjust," said Pierre Pichette, a Bombardier spokesman, in Valcourt, Que. "[We need] to make sure that any adjustments that we will make will not over long time create turbulence."

Canadians finding ways to buy in U.S.

Meanwhile, some determined Canadians are heading deep into the U.S. heartland to find dealers who agree to sell. Others are buying online or recruiting their American friends to make the purchase for them. Thompson said many consumers don't mind that their warranties may not be guaranteed.

"I think if you stood at the border and counted the units, you'd probably have to have a calculator to keep track of them," he said.

But Winnipeg-based Dave Rempel, who had travelled to North Dakota for a snowmobile, said he plans to return home to make his purchase.

"I want the warranty," he said. "That's what keeps my machine going."