Ontario wannabe Delica owner - buy in BC and drive East?

[ezzy]

It seems like most Ontario Delica owners are people who have (reluctantly) moved (back) to Ontario from out West and brought their Delicas along. But how about people who went out West for the specific purpose of purchasing your Delica? From a couple of posts, it sounds like this has generally been a good experience for people. I'm still debating which way to go. Anyone care to offer stories, advice, pros, cons, ideas, recommendations, etc. Has anyone shipped one by train? Has anyone bought one from a dealer in Ontario? (RightDrive, Bonsai Rides, etc.) Is that a better way to go? Any stories would be appreciated.

The debate:

- definitely more options for vans in BC
- more experienced dealers in BC (who do nice maintenance packages before selling)
- cheaper Delicas
- less rust

But then you've got shipping costs/road trip costs, flight costs. And what about plates/insurance for the drive back?

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Aaron

[dlibbey]

Hi Aaron,

I purchased an L400 from Right Drive in April this year. Rob and Mike were awesome. 1 yr powertrain warranty included. Our beast has been alot of fun.

Good luck in your search.

[Mr. Pistachio]

You should buy my beautiful L400 LWB in Ottawa even if you prefer L300

For me the experience of driving back east was nice! Choice is an important factor! Yes there's a cost to fly and so but the roadtrip itself is just amazing! You get to see your on beautiful country on a 5000km journey! WOW!

Also, the Delica gurus are in Vancouver and that is a huge advantage when it comes to getting your own. Having it properly serviced before you come to Ontario will save you money and a lot of headache. I personally don't know how the vans are serviced here in Ontario but unless the mechanic was working with Butch or Glenn you won't find any better!

These guys work on Delica everyday so they know their vans and therefore advise you on mechanical issue. Also, they know the common problems of the L300 and L400 and repair it before you it the road!

Let's say you buy in Ontario, your van will cost you about 1 500$ more then BC. It's the cost of your road trip!

Real question is? Do you have a week to spare?

Insurance? I would call MTO and asked them what option exist when it come to Temporary plates.

Before making the move, make sure you can get insurance for this RHD. You don't want to be stuck with a car you can't plate!

Cheers Mate

[roadie]

If you are willing to drive out to BC to buy your dream truck, why not import one yourself?? A temp plate can be purchased at any drivers' insurance place in BC and away you go....

[salmostrom]

I got mine in Alberta, flew out and got it no problem. Alberta has a 7 day temp plate for like 30 bucks. Plenty of time to drive east!
Salmo

[alti2d]

I bought mine just across the border in BC, got temp plates, handed the old ones back and drove back to Calgary. If memory serves, temp plates were available at a different rate depending on the length of time needed. I went straight to the out of province inspection, so only needed one day. Worked out well.

[delicioso!]

depends on how much time you have and if you know you've got the right rig out west! slim pickins in ontario. there's a low roof l300 in guelph, a couple at rightdrive, and mr. pistachio's nice l400 lwb.

btw, i've done both, flew out and drove my 1st jdm back to ontario and had our l400 shipped from mardy. i woulda done the drive but timing didn't work...plus it would have costed more to fly, fuel, and accomodations (even if it's tenting at prov. park, which is what i did before). a lil more convenient to ship but it's a blind sale, so you just need to be well informed and take the risk accordingly. g'luck!

[Feds]

I'll just echo everyone else's comments: You won't save money driving back from BC. If you want to buy from BC, your cheapest and safest option is to have the seller load it on a train and send it out. Get lots of pictures before hand, and/or see if you can cajole one of the board members out there to take a look at it/drive it for you before you buy.

After much hemming, hawing, and overthinking, I decided to use an Ontario dealer as a broker. It's still a blind sale, but my analysis went like this (using similar mileage/condition Delicas):

1: Buy in BC. $12,500 for a landed (in BC), serviced van. I didn't add any value for a warranty, as most of them want the van back in their shop. ~$1,000 for shipping to Ontario, plus something ($2-500) to get it towed to a mechanic for safety/etest. Will need taxes, appraisal on top of that. So: 14-15k on the road, no warranty, no help with insurance.

2: Big Ontario Dealer: $14,500 (plus tax, minus negotiations) on the road. Some help with insurance, 1 year powertrain warranty, but less initial service (only what's needed for safety). Can drive and inspect before buying, or use as portal. Local after-sales support. This is the easiest/lowest risk option, but also the most expensive.

3: Little Ontario Dealer: $10-12k on the road, some help with insurance, no warranty, service is only what's needed for safety. Has the odd in-stock delica, or can use as portal.

4: Ontario Private sale: See deli trader for price, no insurance help, no warranty, can inspect before purchase. I haven't seen the right deli at the right price in Ontario to justify buying privately. (Personal opinion).

I decided on the 3rd option, based on the fact that the $2-4k savings either lets me do my own initial service, or sits in my pocket to replace whatever major component explodes (making the savings my 1 year powertrain warranty). Factor into this that I am handy, have a garage, a full set of tools, and don't need the Delica to be perfect right away, as I already have 2 cars, and can car pool in a pinch.

[ezzy]

Thanks to everyone for the info. The search continues...

Aaron

[Mr. Pistachio]

Mine is still for sale in Ottawa

http://tinyurl.com/4x4mxmr

[Luisito]

Hello!

I have an L300 (http://virilesoulcreations.weebly.com/moon-unit.html) and am seriously considering a move to Ottawa. I'm wondering how it has worked out for you in terms of insurance, mechanics, etc. I'd hate to drive out there only to be gouged on the insurance (assuming you can even do it - apparently in Quebec RHD is verbotten!) and not have someone who can service the rig. Any info is appreciated!

L