Bouquet for Bonsai Rides
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:18 am
Since I am approaching 1,500 kms in my Delica, I figure it’s time to give a Bouquet to Craig at Bonsai Rides.
After considerable (about 2 years) research, planning, and contacting pretty much every JDM importer in the country, I finally made the decision to order through Bonsai based on few factors: First, I’m a pretty good wrench, so I wasn’t too concerned about any of the pre-delivery maintenance that some dealerships do. Second, since I was not buying from dealer stock, I liked Craig’s model for portal orders. No big down payment, you pay as the costs are incurred: when the vehicle is purchased, when it arrives in Canada, and when it is on the road. On the custom order side, he passes his cost straight through then tacks a fixed fee on the top. I’ll come right out and say that this worked out significantly in my favour. I’m sure he didn’t make much money off of my order. Craig also knows people at several of the auctions, so you can get pretty detailed inspection reports before bidding.
The process itself was a little slower than I’d imagined. I wanted a long wheelbase L400, which are less available than the SWB’s. Also, when we were shopping they seemed to be in particularly high demand, with bids going several thousand dollars above historic averages. We spent several nights on the phone reviewing potential Delicas on the block, setting maximum bid prices, and talking about the pre-bid inspections. We also spent several mornings discussing how crazy it was that someone outbid us. Eventually Craig found one on a dealer lot and negotiated the purchase. On port inspection, it looked to have a little rust around the rear bumper, which the dealer did not disclose. Without my asking, Craig immediately offered to put his fee toward having the rust repaired.
When the van showed up, it was actually not as bad as it seemed to be in the pictures. Craig and I gave the van a detailed inspection and I decided that I could repair the rust myself. Craig still waived half of his fee, as he felt the van was not up to his standards. Let me say that the van was exactly what I was expecting being 15 years old. It’s mechanically excellent and the interior is nice. The rust is about what you would find on a typical 2-3 year old Canadian car. Craig just has high standards.
After-service support has been great to, with several followups to see how I am liking the van, and if I am having any issues. He can also arrange parts at a good price, and will get stuff direct from Japan when filling containers.
In conclusion, my experience with Bonsai Rides was great. I recommend anyone in Ontario looking to buy JDM give Craig a call.
After considerable (about 2 years) research, planning, and contacting pretty much every JDM importer in the country, I finally made the decision to order through Bonsai based on few factors: First, I’m a pretty good wrench, so I wasn’t too concerned about any of the pre-delivery maintenance that some dealerships do. Second, since I was not buying from dealer stock, I liked Craig’s model for portal orders. No big down payment, you pay as the costs are incurred: when the vehicle is purchased, when it arrives in Canada, and when it is on the road. On the custom order side, he passes his cost straight through then tacks a fixed fee on the top. I’ll come right out and say that this worked out significantly in my favour. I’m sure he didn’t make much money off of my order. Craig also knows people at several of the auctions, so you can get pretty detailed inspection reports before bidding.
The process itself was a little slower than I’d imagined. I wanted a long wheelbase L400, which are less available than the SWB’s. Also, when we were shopping they seemed to be in particularly high demand, with bids going several thousand dollars above historic averages. We spent several nights on the phone reviewing potential Delicas on the block, setting maximum bid prices, and talking about the pre-bid inspections. We also spent several mornings discussing how crazy it was that someone outbid us. Eventually Craig found one on a dealer lot and negotiated the purchase. On port inspection, it looked to have a little rust around the rear bumper, which the dealer did not disclose. Without my asking, Craig immediately offered to put his fee toward having the rust repaired.
When the van showed up, it was actually not as bad as it seemed to be in the pictures. Craig and I gave the van a detailed inspection and I decided that I could repair the rust myself. Craig still waived half of his fee, as he felt the van was not up to his standards. Let me say that the van was exactly what I was expecting being 15 years old. It’s mechanically excellent and the interior is nice. The rust is about what you would find on a typical 2-3 year old Canadian car. Craig just has high standards.
After-service support has been great to, with several followups to see how I am liking the van, and if I am having any issues. He can also arrange parts at a good price, and will get stuff direct from Japan when filling containers.
In conclusion, my experience with Bonsai Rides was great. I recommend anyone in Ontario looking to buy JDM give Craig a call.