Used car - how long do you have to wait?

jonny_power

We're probably going to buy a used car tomorrow, maybe from a main dealer. I gather you can't just drive it away and obviously we'll have to sort out our insurance, however it would be ideal if we could have it before the end of the week. Is that reasonable? I doubt we'd be asking for any jobs other than it being taxed and some car mats being provided.

Sorry for a very noob question, I've not bought a car before!

[Deleted User]

Will be depend if the car is ready to go or not. Last time I bought a used car from a second hand dealer I put a deposit down on a Wednesday and collected on the Saturday after. This gave them time to MOT, service, and valet it. And me to arrange the insurance.

tim9966

Last car I had to wait a week as they serviced it. My dad bought one a few years ago and got in the same day.

There's a good chance it will be ready for the end of the week.

rev_henry

No reason why you couldn't drive it away there and then if you sort insurance over the phone.

johnnyreggae

As above - for our last car the dealer had an arrangement with Aviva (I think) whereby if I asked them for a quote whilst at the dealer they would offer 7 days free cover to enable me to sort out my own cover or accept their quote - as a result I was able to take the car away effectively immediately

scotsbob

Make it a condition of you buying it that they have it ready for when you want it.

worried_jim

I bought a car form a garage in the morning and they MOT'd it and I picked it up in the afternoon. Tell them you need it today and if they can prep it for you.

mattyprice4004

Use the dealer's phone to change your insurance over, and away you go. Most cars are ready to drive away.

rev_henry

johnnyreggae wrote: »

As above - for our last car the dealer had an arrangement with Aviva (I think) whereby if I asked them for a quote whilst at the dealer they would offer 7 days free cover to enable me to sort out my own cover or accept their quote - as a result I was able to take the car away effectively immediately

Oh yeah, I did that once. You used to be able to get it with an HPI check, so no need for the dealer to be registered if you just paid £20ish for the check. Seems to have changed now, there used to be no age limit either, I did it when I was 18.