Buying used cars from Victoria (Vancouver Island) going from Mainland Vancouver
 

Does anyone have experience purchasing a used vehicle from Victoria on Vancouver Island ?

I saw from Auto trader that the Jim Pattison Lexus in Victoria has a used car in stock that I'd like to take the look at. Asking price of similar type of this car is around $1000 lower than that of ones on the Mainland. Other than that, another option is buying a similar used car from a private owner in Mainland Vancouver after a bit of research.

Any comments on if it is worth the trip? Ferry would be around $60 per car and $15 per person (I will probably bring along two other people)

I've bought a car from the island. That was several years ago, and I had to take it through aircare before I could insure it here. However, aircare is a thing of the past :)
The only downside is that unless you plan on taking two trips to Victoria, you almost have to buy the car on the spot.
And if the car turns out to be a lemon, you probably wasted a full day and a few dollars.

Once you bring those two people it becomes a deal breaker.

I though buying from a Jim Pattison Lexus there would be slightly more trustworthy than buying from a private owner or dealership. I might enjoy the scenery while I'm there ....
How did your car turn out?

Plan it out as a day trip, where you're also going to check out a car.

If you buy it great, if not, nbd.

It's about $78 for car and driver each way plus if you buy the car you have to pay to bring it back. That's over $225 right there plus your buddies, food and gas. You might be better off walking on and taking a cab to the dealership. Maybe call the dealer and see if they can meet you at the ferry with the car?

check it out the first time on your own dime.. if it checks out, factor in ferry costs as part of the deal ;)

Personally I'd buy one privately before I'd ever go to a dealer. If you can work it around other things you'd like to do in Vic it's not bad, but if you're just going for the car you're realistically spending a good chunk of what you're hoping to save + 3 peoples time to get the car.

FYI, they're doing a water main project right in front of the dealership, so factor in 30-60 minutes of being stuck in traffic.

GF and I got stuck in it last weekend on the way to the hotel (date night).

I always prefer to speak directly to the person who was actually driving and maintaining the car.

When I bought mine, I asked if the owner could meet me at the ferry terminal. So I went over to the island as a foot passenger, inspected the car at the terminal, drove to the next autoplan and came back with the car. If it hadn't worked out, it would have been a nice ferry trip, not much money lost.

You could plan an independent mechanical inspection beforehand to ensure the vehicle is worthy of your trip but then you're out $100 or whatevs for that. But if you wanna see the car first then plan a day trip like ice boy mentioned. Then, if it doesn't work out, at least you had a nice trip to the island. Personally I'd only want to make one trip. Perhaps the dealer could facilitate taking the vehicle to the shop of your choice then you can negotiate after the inspection is completed.

im pretty sure the dealership will pay for your ferry BOTH ways if you end up buying the car, make sure to call and talk to a salesman before u head to vic and double check.

^ worth asking. My cousin is a service advisor there. My dad just bought an 04 RX330 from them as well. No complaints.

The dealership will go over the car so just ask to see the inspection. Or get your own inspection from another shop. Searles Auto is a couple blocks away (I've gone to them for years) or plenty of options nearby like Cdn Tire, Midas etc.

I bought a Mazda3 from Willie Dodge in Victoria a few years ago. The car was apparently in mint condition and we finalized a price over the phone. I went across as a walk-on passenger and the salesman agreed to drive out to the ferry terminal and pick me up and bring me back to the dealership. The car was everything they promised so I bought it and brought it back. It was probably one of the best car buying experiences I've ever had (and I've bought over 20 cars in my life).

I bought my car from Nanaimo. Really straightforward process. I emailed the sales requesting all carproof and whatever, checked out so I told him im from out of town.

They tell me that if we were to buy the car at asking price they would cover the costs of getting there whether it be ferry or even float plane! Was interesting but ended up lowballing a bit through email and getting an overall deal you would not be able to find in the lower mainland. Maybe put a refundable deposit if its a really good deal. Ask if they take personal cheques some do some dont, we ended up having to get one last minute.

what type of car is it OP?

I personally would buy locally

Ive bought cars from Victoria its best to pick them up and drive them back on the ferry. But these days I find the best deals are cars from up north in BC.
Check kijiji for cars up north in BC you'll find out what im saying it true fairly quickly

it is an '09 A4

it's Victoria B.C. not Victoria city Hong Kong.

:rofl: