What Credit Crunch!!!!!!

kitchpoo

The market has picked up slightly this month surprisingly, from what I have seen in a few dealerships I have been to in the last two weeks. Just before Christmas I was able to find 33% off a list price on an unregistered petrol Zafira, lately I was down to 20% best offer. These are percentages off the Manufacturer's Recommended Price (MRP), so weigh up the actual true 'worth' of the vehicle in the discount you are given - you cannot say that a 30% discount on a £20k Vauxhall is the same as a 30% discount on a £20k (insert make of your choice here) because of the arbitary use of the MRP.

And not just on small vehicles but the family cars are starting to sell again. Remember that for the dealers, nothing has changed - the piece of metal outside cost them the same from the manufacturer to the dealership. The only margin you have is within the dealer's profit. If you can find a struggling dealership needing to release capital, and therefore sell below the trade cost of the vehicle, they will probably not survive the next year.

There is more scope in pre-registered vehicles as so much can be written off against tax and the manufacturer is not in control on budget.

SandC

I must say that I have noticed the forecourt prices of used cars in my area is just ridiculous. This is North Staffs and for some reason most garages have always had their cars on for far too much and continue to do so even now.

vansboy

If you follow the advice, earlier, of checking Brokers & on line companies, you'll soon get an idea, of 'real' selling prices.

Also if you check http://www.honestjohn.co.uk he's a This Weeks Deals section & in addition to this, daily, there are some substantial savings featured - but they DO run out, fast, sometimes.

So your best bet, is do your homework & find a dealer with what you want (be flexible on colour) & has the car as a stock, or readily available vehicle, you'll be able to negotiate.

Ask him for a factory build, or one at another dealer, the other end of the country & you'll not save quite as much!!

VB

Lemonade_Pockets

, how do you know what i did in the showrooms i.e never even tried to negotiate when they refused to budge from " book prices " just moved on to next dealer, all i'm saying is instead of bleating on about how no-ones buying cars and the car industry is pleading poverty then do somethng more than just offer book price deals if you want to sell!!

I'm assuming by book price you are referring to the RRP? Or do you mean book price for your part ex?
If your wanting more than book for your part ex i'd give up now, it'll save you a lot of wasted afternoons.

Regarding the price of new cars, there are deals to be had out there but you need to do your homework and be a lot more assertive when you go into dealers. If you make it clear your in buying mode and are offering a sensible amount which u know from research on the internet is achievable then job will be easy for everyone concerned.

Most companies inventories are pretty low and they are scaling back production left right and centre so there is not much point selling cars at losses. Germany is having a whale of a time on New cars at the moment due to a new government incentive so i think some Manufacturers are just hanging fire to see if britain follows suit.
Also lot of imported stuff has gone up in price because the £ is low. Ford is a prime example.

Do your homework, play the game at the dealership (walking in asking if they are knocking loads of money of then walking out again when the say no aint gonna cut it) and you'll get a good deal.

Hotspur

I've just ordered a new VW Golf Mk6 from a main dealer and got a deal, very close to what the brokers are offering. Initially they quoted the list price but when I quoted a named brokers price they went away, thought about it, and came back with a reasonable price. Offered a good price for my PX as well, close to what I would get on a private sale (taking into account I would have to have it serviced and MOT'd etc.). Considering the Mk6 has only just been launched, and VW don't stockpile cars and discount like Ford and Vauxhall, I'm happy.

Deals are out there if you do the research first. The Focus is available at 24% off fairly readily and you can get really good deals on the old model Golf. With all manufacturers cutting back on production the gap between supply and demand should close and prices could firm.

p1tse

for me cost of depreciation out weighs any new car offers