Forward Auto Gallery

Came in to fix our window that wouldn't go up on our BMW. They did it the same day. Gary took one look and knew exactly what was needed. No diagnostic needed. They called our warranty and got it approved and was very reasonably priced. Definitely recommend.

Gary is the best mechanic in Victoria I know. He will never overcharge you and do exactly what you will ask. I've tried twice to go to official dealers (my bad) workshops but both times spent 2-3 times higher amount of $ more for simple jobs. Any newcomer in our area will ask about good car mechanic - I will send to this place only. Also he is great in troubleshooting - just drive around the block with him and he will tell you exactly what kind of troubles you have.

We've had Gary at Forward as our mechanic since the 80s. Since then he has worked on all of our cars, mostly German but not all.He identifies issues quickly, even obscure ones. The quality of his work is very good and his prices are always fair.We've recommended Gary to our friends and never once had bad feedback.Gary is a straight up good guy who we trust.

Best buying experience to date at a dealership.The best service.They went above and beyond and I truly do recommend Forward Motors. I wish they were located on the mainland.If also wish everyone operated like this. Integrity first!

Could not agree more with Ben Jolleymore's comments. AVOID Dana Rhodes. Don't believe him. Don't trust him. and of course, don't buy his cars. My experience is similar to Ben's. I bought a car, sight unseen. Shipping to Winnipeg MB was included in the purchase price...I paid and he arranged. The car arrived damaged and required a $905 oil leak repair. He has evaded contact with me for 3 months so far...perhaps thinking that I'm far away and will eventually give up. He's buttery Mr Sincerity before he gets your money - I too trusted him. BEWARE, don't make the same mistake as I did.

This review is regarding the DEALERSHIP:In a nutshell, STAY AWAY from this dealer. Do not buy his cars; do not make deals with him. This dealer is not trustworthy.I bought a vehicle, site unseen from Dana and I paid to have the car shipped to me interior. The process at first went fairly smoothly and he seemed to bend over backwards to make the deal happen. I trusted Dana. At the time of sale, Dana assured me that the car was immaculate and had no oil leaks, etc.Issues started showing up within the first week of having the car, including an oil leak and blue smoke from the exhaust. The costs to fix these issues were quoted at $8k-10k, plus there was significant other work looming (~$5k).Dana dodged my phone calls for three months and only responded when I made a complaint with the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA), at which point we made a deal that if I returned the car to him in Victoria he would reimburse all my costs to-date. After I returned the car to Dana, he backed out of the deal, stating that he disagreed with my mechanic’s diagnosis and claimed he had fixed the problem another way. Dana stated there was no more blue smoke.Unfortunately the VSA was unable to provide any help in this situation due to technicality. Defeated, I had to fly to Victoria and take the car back at my cost. During the trip home, I noticed the car puffing the same blue smoke I had seen all along. Dana had not fixed the problem at all and appears to have lied to both myself and the VSA. I tried to talk with Dana via phone and text and his only reply was a contemptuous “You chose to deal with the MVSA”.Ever since issues first appeared, Dana has lied and played games that resulted in significant stress, lost time and lost money. I tried to keep a long story short in this review – there is much more I could have shared – but hopefully it is enough of a warning to other potential victims.

Gary has been here forever, and 100% trustworthy beyond question. Works on all luxury makes and models, of every vintage, gives straight-up advice and fast repairs with no gimmicks. Solid guy, fantastic reputation.

Dana Rhodes made the process of buying a new car with him as easy as making a new friend. I couldn't be happier with how it went

Purchased a used vehicle from Forward Auto and had a great experience. I would recommend Forward Auto in a heart beat!In particular Dana was very friendly, knowledgable and honest in our interactions. Being a first time purchaser, and not terribly familiar with cars, I was nervous at first but was quickly put at ease when Dana and his team proved to be both trustworthy and reliable. When a couple minor issues cropped up post-purchase he quickly and efficiently ensured they were fixed and that I was satisfied with the vehicle.

If you are looking for an honest shop to take your beloved vehicle, look no further.I have been using Forward Automotive for years now, having been to many of the shops in town that work on BMWs with mixed results.Gary at Forward has always treated me fairly. The lot is always crammed with cars and in a state of organized chaos, because many people feel the same way and are loyal customers.I thank you Gary, as does my aging Bimmer.P.S.Tio (other reviewer) something does not ring true here. You need to call Gary and get the whole story. Gary is one of the best mechanics in this city and an honest business person.