New car turns out to be an ex display model ...

yoni_one

I purchased a new Nissan n-tec just over 2 weeks ago. Shortly after I was told the car was ready early and asked to go in and complete the paperwork which I did. I was due to go on holiday the next day and agreed with the salesperson I would collect it after my jollies (today).

During the negotiations we had requested a discount for the display model and was told that they would not yet sell the display model because it would just need replacing with a new model and that would reduce the price on two cars instead of just the one.

I went to collect the car today but they did not expect me to until tomorrow and my car was still waiting to be cleaned. I was shown my 'new car' and the marks on the windows made it clear that it was an ex display model, the salesperson confirmed this but said it is the same as new as it only has about 5 miles on the clock.

I am really unhappy that my new car is an ex display model and have now lost confidence in the dealer.

Do I have to accept the car? Will I lose the deposit (£250) if I refuse? I do still want the new car that I ordered, what are my rights in insisting I get what I was promised?

This is the first time I have ever bought a brand new, I have been giddy with excitement all throughout my hols looking forward to this big moment and I am so disappointed this has happened.

Any info or feedback is welcome please.

Thanks

Mr_Lahey

You put a deposit down on a brand new car - You are being offered a brand new car. However, the car you are being offered will have had the general public looking into it, sitting in it, messing about with doors, gadgets etc and so technically whilst it is mechanically brand new the interior won't be.

I don't see how you would lose your deposit or how they could legally withhold it from you.

I would go see the manager and explain that unless you are offered a suitable discount or an alternative car (i.e brand new one) you will cancel and should your deposit be refused you will take legal action to get it back.
It might be worth thinking of what you want, maybe a years free tax, insurance or actual cash wiped off.

bb69

Hello

When you asked for a discount from the display model, if they had given it would you then have bought the car?

Its difficult to know whether they were intending to sell you that car all along. What registration number did they give you? The same one as this car or a different one?

darich

On one hand it's really petty to reject it but on the other hand it's quite correct.
I agree with Mr Lahey - while the engine/bodywork may be new, the interior will have had people sitting in it, playing with windows, switches, opening and closing glovebox etc.
You agreed to buy a brand new, out of the packet car. If it's been on a forecourt with joe public sitting/sneezing/coughing inside it, then it's not brand new.

I'd reject it unless some incentive was thrown in to compensate.

yoni_one

bb69 wrote: »

Hello

When you asked for a discount from the display model, if they had given it would you then have bought the car?

Its difficult to know whether they were intending to sell you that car all along. What registration number did they give you? The same one as this car or a different one?

Thanks for asking this question, I now remember that I had already signed for a new car when my friend turned up and started asking questions about a possible reduction on the display model, it was at this point we were told that they wouldn't sell the display model at this time so I didn't really give it any further consideration. That said, I think I would have considered a display model at a reduced price.

With regards to reg number, I was very clear that I wanted to choose my own reg. number and told I would be able to choose from a limited selection when I signed for the credit and left the deposit however when I went to sign the next lot of papers I noticed that the reg. number was already written on the front of the file. I reminded them that I wanted to choose and was told that there were only two to choose from and the salesguy thought this was by far the better one. Normally I would go bonkers at this kind of thing but I was a day from going on my jollies and I did quite like the reg number chosen so I let it pass with just a few words about being unhappy that they made a decision on my behalf without my permission.

So, the reg they gave me is the same as the one on this car but I don't really know what that means in the bigger picture re the car that has been assigned to me.

bb69

Hi

Some dealerships are very tricky aren't they? Gosh you need to be like Columbo at times

I am no real expert but would agree with asking for a reduction in price if you do consider accepting the display model, with a thorough check of the interior of the car and a full valet (not a quick wipe down with a cloth) and also consider what else you would be happy with . Either money off or extras such as tax (as mentioned) maybe parking sensors? for free/reduced price if not on your model etc

In terms of rejecting the car, you could state that the fact that it was a display model was not explained to you when you signed the paper work. They always intended to sell you this car it seems and should have told you this rather than bluffing about the fact that they could not sell you the display model.

Also consider how long it would take to get a new car if you reject this car

Good luck! and I hope you get something sorted out

yoni_one

Mr_Lahey wrote: »

You put a deposit down on a brand new car - You are being offered a brand new car. However, the car you are being offered will have had the general public looking into it, sitting in it, messing about with doors, gadgets etc and so technically whilst it is mechanically brand new the interior won't be.

I don't see how you would lose your deposit or how they could legally withhold it from you.

I would go see the manager and explain that unless you are offered a suitable discount or an alternative car (i.e brand new one) you will cancel and should your deposit be refused you will take legal action to get it back.
It might be worth thinking of what you want, maybe a years free tax, insurance or actual cash wiped off.

Thank you for verbalising something I had been unable to adequately communicate with the salesperson when I went to pick up the car today. I began to question if I was being unreasonable due to the mechanics being brand new and it seemed petty to reject it on the grounds that public bums had sat in it, but yes, I don't want to pay full price for a car that has been fiddled with, nor should I be expected to. I'm also really miffed that had I picked the car up on the day they expected me to then it is highly likely they would have passed it off as brand new when it wasn't. Of course I may have been none the wiser but that isn't the point, and after reading this article http://www.motor-trade-insider.com/index.php/2010/03/car-dealership-customer-service-stinks/ it makes me doubly concerned about what may have happened to / in the car by another naffed off customer!

yoni_one

The car already comes with 1 year tax and 3 years RAC membership. Is it reasonable to ask for sensors and if so what are they??

I was thinking of asking for money off the selling price but might this be a problem now the finance is sorted? - I'm very jetlagged and upset that my giddy heights of holiday and new car have turned to disappointment which hopefully I will overcome once the car has been spruced up. Seeing it looking so mingin' today did not help matters at all but maybe after a sleep I can approach it with less negative emotion.

bb69

Parking sensors you can get them for the back or front or even both Depends on the make but they can retail at £300 + Depends on whether they are something that interest you? They beep when you are a certain distance from objects.

I neogotiated parking sensors at a discounted price when I recently bought my used car. (The visibility at the back isnt great so thought I might need them, they have proved to be very handy actually).

Aim for free parking sensors (supply and fit) if you feel they would be useful to you.

In my book - If you don't ask you don't get.. How much you would want off the price? I am sure it will all get sorted out soon enough, but it's fine to feel disappointed, people trying to pull the wool over isn't good.

I am sure with a good clean she/or he lol will look the business. Think how many cars are bought used and look pretty much like new. It will be fine.

Did you get any mats? that might be something - Have a look on the Nissan website for accessories etc

only_mee

Parking sensors, mats, full tank of fuel.

darich

parking sensors are sensors fitted to the bumper (normally on the back but sometimes front too). They sense how close you are to objects and let out a beep as you get closer. the closer you get to solid object, the quicker they beep. When you get to a distance of typically around 300mm (1foot) they stop beeping and let out a continuous sound. you know to either stop now, or continue and prepare to buy a new bumper when you hit the solid object!

If finance is sorted then something like 1, maybe 2 year's tax. free mot and/or servicing for as long as you own the car. What about something like an annual valet ( a full valet shampoo seats etc)?
If the dealer is not forthcoming with something that suits you ( and that's the important bit - it must suit you, but be reasonable) then you could walk away and threaten legal action to get deposit returned if dealer doesn't play ball.