Talking down dealer.

motorguy

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

That's kinda what I thought. Especially when I've done a free valuation on What Car website.

The car advertised in the autotrader is sadly no where near where I live. However, I still may use it as an example.

Even IF its a 4 hour drive there, and another four hour drive back, thats £125 per hours effort

Whens the last time you were able to get that for a days work?

I sorted my FIL out with a car and got it for him £1500 cheaper than we could get it locally. It was on a different landmass (we live in NI and the car was in Liverpool) but it was very well worth the effort.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

pgilc1 wrote: »

Even IF its a 4 hour drive there, and another four hour drive back, thats £125 per hours effort

Whens the last time you were able to get that for a days work?

I sorted my FIL out with a car and got it for him £1500 cheaper than we could get it locally. It was on a different landmass (we live in NI and the car was in Liverpool) but it was very well worth the effort.

Problem is: what if you get there & the car isn't exactly as good as what is advertised?

I went to view 2 Corollas at 2 different Franchised dealerships & although the advert was well written, when my OH & I got there, they were both scrap heaps. Neither had been well looked after outside/inside & under the bonnet.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Hintza wrote: »

Spend a grand more and get a brand new Panda 1.2 Eco.

He wants a car, not a bl**dy teddy bear!!!

motorguy

s_b wrote: »

dealer probably gave £4000 for it so dont hold your breath

Even IF he did (and i'd say he has at least £1000 markup) then why is it the O/P's problem if the dealer gave too much for it?

Simply find a dealer with a more realistically priced car.

motorguy

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Problem is: what if you get there & the car isn't exactly as good as what is advertised?

I went to view 2 Corollas at 2 different Franchised dealerships & although the advert was well written, when my OH & I got there, they were both scrap heaps. Neither had been well looked after outside/inside & under the bonnet.

I would use a lot of qualifying questions on the phone, my own HPI check, confirm service history, ask for photographs of specific areas of the car to be emailed, etc to minimise the risk of that.

Jonesya

Don't just think about the price - check the service record and investigate if there are any big services due.

A lot of servicing is mileage based but with some time limit eg. 60k or every 5 years. If the car is now 7 years but has a low mileage there could be a lot of items which need doing and might not have been done - cam-belt, coolant pump, coolant change, brake-fluid change etc.

Weird_Nev

If you show a dealer an ad for a cheaper car he'll just suggest, politely or otherwise, that you go and buy that one.
He's paid a fixed price for the car, he has to maintain premises and pay insurance and rates ,possibly staff. He may provide warranty etc. This costs money which is passed onto the purchasers, and they pay a bit more for the 'security' of buying from a dealer.
Buy one at a price you want to pay, or haggle a bit on that one ,but you're not going to turn a car in the middle of it's price bracket into the cheapest one in the country.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Corolla is a good car but this used price is quite outrageous.

Compare with this car that is every bit as reliable and well made....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hyundai-Sonata-Saloon-CDX-Tip-LEATHER-GREAT-VALUE-/250863770198?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a68a55a56

Kilty_2

Nearly 5 grand for a 7 year old shopping hatchback is shocking.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I live in the north east of england & it seems that used cars are far more expensive than anywhere else in UK. They all seem well over priced around here for some reason.

However, what I have noticed is that not many used cars are actually selling & the same cars are remaining on the forecourt for quite some time.

I appreciate all the advice too. I will certainly check out servicing records ect.