buying a brand new car

[Michael Chare]

What annoys me about VW is that often the quoted discounts are based on the assumption that you will use HP.

[bert]

One of the worst examples of an online function must be the configurators so loved by car manufacturers. I think they must all use the same one.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I think you need to be clear from the outset on the type of purchase you want. If you do know this. If you tell them it will be a cash deal )with or without trade in) they likely won't bother trying to sell you a lease or HP etc deal. Any salesman will be out to maximise his commission. But not spend time on doing things he knows he can't sell to you.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Unless your trade in is desirable - like say a recent model and lowish mileage that the dealership might sell in its own showroom, you'll generally do better on a private sale. If you don't mind the extra work and hassle.

But if that were the case, you're being very uneconomical with your motoring.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I've bought very few used cars from a dealer. Excepting the last two. One from a main dealer, the other from a one make specialist, recently. Both a very pleasant experience.

I did have fun and games some years ago with an Arfa Daily type. The car was actually OK - but he seemed determined to pull a fast one.

However, dealing with the motor trade in terms of repairs and servicing can be a very frustrating experience. Not with all of them - but far too many.

[Dave W]

+1 I recommend this website for everybody to laugh or scoff at. Sounds like she's doing the singing as well.

[tabbypurr]

You'll normally get a far better deal buying privately. Of course it means knowing what you're doing or taking someone that does.

NT

[Capitol]

In the UK, I always buy nearly new. The last one had done 900 miles.

[alan_m]

[Quote] "It is a site voted one of the Top 100 sites in the worId by FHM magazine."

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Hmm. These days so many used cars are sold privately via Ebay etc, and sellers seem to think it's ok to lie through their teeth. As that's what they've seen others do on Ebay.

If it's a common car I'd rather buy from a reputable auction. They can't really make claims which are false. And you should get it at the lower end price wise.

Buying any used car is a bit of a minefield, though.

[bert]

My last one was ex-demonstrator, never been out the showroom and 10 miles on the clock. - Land Rover Defender in a Birmingham dealership!!

[Vir Campestris]

Funny that, I've never bought a new car. My wife's is the only one we've ever bought new. In 1999... and still going, not bad for a cheap shopping trolley thingy! My current car is 15 years old and just on

130,000 miles. Bought 2nd hand a year old for just over half list price. And nice enough I am willing to spend more than it is worth to keep it running well.

Andy

[tabbypurr]

Of course. So what?

Not much possibility to check it out.

Like anything in life it's a gamble. Accept it upfront and maximise your odds. That does not mean going to a used car garage :)

NT

[Dave Plowman (News)]

You choose any car you may want to look at by the description. And if that is very misleading, you've wasted your time going to look at it. It seems to be far more common to lie about such things now than was once the case.

Plenty - short of driving it. You can check it being driven into the ring. And any major faults have usually got to be disclosed. The much lower price should allow for any minor niggles to be sorted.

That may give you a wide range of the sort of car you want. And be able to get rid of the old one in one go. Depending on where you live, of course.

[harry]

Some people buy a new car every year.

[tim...]

"Discount"! They are discussing discounts without you asking?

tim

[tim...]

No it's not

you go to Comparethemarket.com (other websites available)

and 100s of "bottom line prices" will be offered to you

tim

[tim...]

Why is there a different price based upon annual mileage?

This deal does not include servicing so none of the costs are mileage based, so all that the mileage affects is the resale price, which is normally solved by charging an "over mileage fee" at the end.

this has to be better for everyone as you don't have to guess how many miles you might do

tim

[tim...]

Oh I do so hate those web pages that insist you read an online leaflet like it is a book

tim

[tim...]

you were lucky

whenever I have looked at nearly new cars the sticker price is only slightly below new price, with less negotiation over a discount available

I guess that this is a regional thing

tim