Purchase Feedback on DEL BIG RIG - We bought a 92 Super Exce

[MrsDaisy]

Hello All,

I wanted to post feedback on our transaction with DEL BIG RIG in Japan. We purchased our first Delica from him recently, just prior to it being loaded on the boat. It was a smooth transaction from start to finish, and we would definitely buy from Clayton (his REAL name) again.

He was great with contact - even phoned us to chat one day, from Japan. Emails were promptly answered, all our persnickety questions (poor Clayton) were patiently and clearly answered ( did I mention he is a nice guy?)....(and being from Edmonton, yah gotta like him!).

He personally selects and inspects all the cars he sells, as well as having them serviced prior to sale. This was great for us, because we wanted to buy our Dellie from Japan, but were very apprehensive about the possibility of getting disappointed with an auction purchase. Many many vehicles are sold at the auctions, and most are probably very good - but we couldn't afford to take the chance on getting one with the ODO turned back, etc. I want to be very clear that I am not trying to imply that there is anything wrong with buying from auctions - we just wanted a little extra assurance and a personal touch. I am sure many Forum Members have had great experiences with Auctions! It was just nice-n-comfy for us to have a "good ole Edmontonian" who acted as our Advocate.

Upon agreeing to purchase, we were able to place our deposit in his account at a local Canadian Bank (convenient not to have to do an international wire transfer).

When the boat departed Japan, we were sent a copy of the shipping info & Bill of Lading showing the container info, vehicle info & VIN, etc. Also a Bill of Sale with his company info and specifics about the vehicle. The Shipping Line was more than happy to confirm the contents of the container including vehicle VIN and also to confirm that this was a valid Bill of Lading. Clayton encouraged us to call them just for our peace of mind. We loved the fact that Clayton ships using Containers - no shipping damage to our new Delica...it was safe and snug crossing the ocean, and arrived quickly. He also made sure we knew he could get us any parts we need in future, from Japan - as he is shipping frequently, it is no problem. We were specifically wondering about replacement windshield glass given the nutty winter roads here - but, not a problem - he can easily send a windshield on the next boat, when needed. And, at a good price! We then paid the balance due, via the same local Bank.

We were given the contact numbers for Clayton's Vancouver Representative, who efficiently and competantly cleared customs and arranged for the unstuffing of the container. Ahead of time, he sent us all the specific papers we needed for the temporary operating permit, so that we could arrange for that before picking up. The Vancouver Representative also made sure we had ALL the proper paperwork needed for the Inspection. He had a good understanding of the whole process, which was helpful, to be sure. It felt luxurious to have someone else deal with the whole customs thing, as well as saving us a trip to Vancouver!

The actual Pick-Up was easy-peasy. The Trucking Company was easy to locate, and had the vehicle all ready to go. During this whole time, I had contact numbers for both Clayton and the Vancouver Rep, in case of any difficulties - but there were none! I was so excited when I saw our Delica for the first time - the condition was BETTER than I expected - fantastic! We feel like we were spoiled rotten on this car! It is in such GREAT shape...the carpet and seats look like they've never been used! And the interior is nice and fresh - no odors, no smoke smells etc. Wow, I am still in awe at the condition....if Clayton says a vehicle is in good shape, IT IS! You can believe it!

So, to sum up....if you are thinking of buying a Delica, don't hesitate to look at DEL BIG RIG for your purchase - he's rock solid! If anyone would like additional information about our purchase from Clayton, please email - we are happy to help. And no, this is not a paid endorsement - just a happy customer!
Cheers!
MrsDaisy

[Green1]

Glad you were happy with your purchase There are many dealers out there, a couple I would recommend, but there are others I would never touch... good to hear of another one in the "good" category.

A couple questions to give people more of an idea of what to expect from this dealer:
1) Did Clayton or his representative arrange any of the compliance stuff for you? (E code headlights, DRL, reflectors, etc?)
2) What type of Delica did you get? (Exceed, Super Exceed, Chamonix, etc) and was it a low roof, high roof, or crystal light roof?
3) If you don't mind, and to go with the previous question, how much did the whole adventure cost you, (including all costs to the point of sitting in your driveway registered and licensed)
4) How long did everything take from selecting the vehicle until it was in your driveway?

Again, glad you're happy with your new Delica and enjoy the Deli grin!

[MrsDaisy]

Hi Green1,
thanks for the welcome! Here are the answers to your questions:

1. Re: Arrange Compliance stuff? No, we did not ask Clayton to do that. His price included the shipping via container, and tax and duty paid/port charges/customs cleared, etc. We took over from that point on. Thanks to this lovely Forum, it was pretty straight-forward what was needed for compliance....well, mostly straight-forward! LOL
However, it may be something that he would be willing to do - prospective buyers would have to ask, and get a price for it.

2. Delica Type: Super Cool, Neat-o-roony Super Exceed, fully loaded and with a Crystal Lite Top....I will NEVER get tired of showing this van off! Heehee!

3. Costs when all was said and done? You gotta wait for that - we are still awaiting the mechanic to do an online version of the BC Inspection so we can keep our Japanese VIN...will post costs when we are alllllll done.

4. Time from purchase to van in our driveway: 27 horrible, depressing, wretched, agonizing days! We reeeeally couldn't wait to get it! It was nice that the container ship was just about ready to leave when we purchased!

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Lisa

[Green1]

27 days? that's got to be a new speed record! you were lucky!

[MrsDaisy]

Hee hee! I know! Like I said, we were spoiled rotten! And, in actuality, we just happened to buy the vehicle as it was being prepped to board the ship. But I get the impression that Clayton ships fairly regularly, so wait-times may not be so bad. AND, going with container shipping is waaaaaay faster than the line-up for "Roll on Roll Off". Personally, I think the benefits are worth the extra cost (container vs RORO).
Cheers!

[Hankster]

Thank's for all the great info MrsDaisy . Sounds like you have a keeper.

[DEL BiG RiG]

First I would like to say I really appreciate the wonderful comments from Mrs.Daisy …and no I didn’t pay her! However, I feel that she is on the verge of putting us on a pedestal so high that future customers are going to expect miracles. Mrs. Daisy was very lucky, she purchased a vehicle that we aquired for a good price, so we could then make repairs and pass it on for a very reasonable amount.

I get a lot of emails from “importers” in Canada explaining to me that they have done all their homework, know the importing game and then tell me what they should be paying for a vehicle. What people have to realize is that the prices people were paying one year ago or even 3 months ago are PAST prices. Quality Delicas are very scarce these days and as such prices have gone through the roof. Canadians trying to save a few bucks going through auction brokers themselves have jacked up the prices here in Japan first before they go to Canada and therefore may be setting themselves up for disappointment.
If you want to take the cheapest route which is buying from the auctions direct through a broker, you will get the best price but you are also taking the biggest gamble. Of course, we offer this service too, but we don’t recommend it. You will either get what you paid for and end up with a “cheap” vehicle or you may be very lucky and get a good one. Put it to you this way, The star wagons that were for sale last week all looked very good on paper; low kms, good grade (note* the grading system is based to a large extent on how low the kms are). After personally going to see these vehicles I was able to put a price in my head after factoring in the repairs they needed. These vehicles went well over twice the price I was willing to pay. Anyone who bought these direct through a broker without looking at them will probably be disappointed somewhat, but I guess the money they saved can be put back into the car once it arrives. What we try to do with most of our vehicles is purchase, inspect, repair and test drive. Sometimes we will just purchase the vehicle and send it as is to Canada. If that’s the case, our price and the review we write will reflect it.
We love Japanese and European cars (especially Delicas…ok and criusers) and try to send quality products. But the more we touch a vehicle, the more expensive it becomes, it’s that simple. If you get a Delica for $5000.00, expect a $5000.00 Delica. If time is more valuable than money and you want a perfect vehicle that is road ready for Canada, expect to pay for it. Because we are exporters and not dealers in Canada, our cars are usually $1000-3000 cheaper than something comparable you would find in Canada. That said many people find it a lot more comforting actually seeing and driving a vehicle before buying and the Canadian dealer has more responsibilities to their customers, so I think the price difference makes sense. As exporters we have to rely on strictly word of mouth and we value that. If there is a problem, we will try to rectify it.

The exporting of cars is a very competitive and difficult business. Especially in Canada where they have this brilliant 15 year old rule. People in Canada seem to only want very low km vehicles and I think that’s crazy, that would not be my first criteria unless quality took a back seat to bragging rights.

Recently, we have partnered up with a local garage that services our cars here in Japan before they go but please keep in mind, 15 year old cars are OLD and therefore you may get one with unforeseen problems. To add to this the buck stops in Canada and the garage you choose to do your out of province inspection has to be trustworthy.

So to sum it up, we try to offer quality products for very reasonable prices. We can do whatever you like, just purchase a car for you and send it as is, give it a full once over before we send it, or you can buy from our personal inventory.

Please feel free to contact us at cars@bdlodge.com

And thanks again Mrs.Daisy… can’t believe the response.

Clayton

[MrsDaisy]

Sorry about the "pedestal", Clayton......but we are just plain ole happy with our Delly! We think you did a great job....there was no exaggeration in my review - I tried very hard not to let my enthusiasm sneak into the keyboard...."just the facts, Ma'am...just the facts!"
Will be sending my friends and family members your way, too....hee hee....so am taking no pity on how busy you must be!
Cheers!