If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a used vehicle on Vancouver Island, you’re not alone—and you’re probably not feeling too confident about it either.
According to a new report from Vancouver-based Autozen, a whopping 60% of residents on Vancouver Island are concerned about the rising cost of the used car industry, as economic uncertainty and global trade tensions continue to throw a wrench into vehicle affordability.
The report, The Road Ahead: BC Auto Resale Market Pulse, highlights that more than 8 in 10 British Columbians expect used car prices to go up even more over the next year, and more than a third think they’ll rise significantly.
For folks here on Vancouver Island—where having a reliable vehicle is often essential, especially outside of city centres—that’s creating a lot of anxiety and hesitation.
Whether it’s the back-and-forth ferry commute, the long drives up-island, or just everyday life in places with limited public transit, cars are a must-have.
But now? They’re starting to feel out of reach. Tariffs and trade wars are a big part of the problem.
The report found that 65% of British Columbians are worried about how these economic pressures are pushing up prices—and 30% have even held off on a big purchase, like a car or a home, because of all the political uncertainty. That number jumps to 41% in northern regions of the province, including northern parts of Vancouver Island.
Even when people want to sell their vehicle, many are hitting pause. Nearly 20% say they’re holding off because of trade issues, and 73% aren’t planning to sell at all within the next year.
And when it comes to actually making a sale, many are steering away from traditional online marketplaces. With 61% of British Columbians expressing concerns about fraud on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, a growing number would rather take a safer route—even if it means making less money.
Autozen’s CEO, Sean Mactavish, says that uncertainty is something they’re hearing from customers every day.
“British Columbians are seriously concerned about the ongoing impact of tariffs on finding reasonable prices and options in the used car sector,” said Mactavish.
“That’s why we’re focused on creating a smoother, stress-free way for people to sell their vehicles—helping them navigate an uncertain market where prices fluctuate, options feel limited, and the traditional selling process can often be time-consuming and frustrating.”
Vancouver Islanders appear to be weighing those frustrations carefully.
According to the report, 38% would still choose to sell through a dealership rather than risk dealing with strangers online—even if it means a lower payout. Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents said they found selling through a dealership to be downright frustrating.
So what does this all mean for those on Vancouver Island trying to make a smart move in the used car market? In short: tread carefully. The market is shifting, prices are on the rise, and trust is becoming more valuable than ever.
If you’re planning to sell, research your options. And if you’re planning to buy—well, now might be the time to act before prices climb even higher.
