Car "Supermarkets"-a rip off?

Daveinlincoln

Hi all i just wanted to gauge peoples opinions on these places.

I've been looking for a used car for the last month and so i've been doing the rounds of the car supermarkets in the Midlands and i'm not impressed.

I'm amazed by the number of cars that won't start when i ask to look at them or if they do start they all seem to have some warning light come on.

9 times out of 10 the cars have very high millage and stink to high heaven once you open the door.

The other thing that stands out is how so many of these places have cars on their forecourt that have body damage ranging from serious damage to heavy scratching.They all seem to have a note in the window saying "Awaiting Preparation" and the salesman assures me they will be sorted when i pick up the car if i could only put down a deposit today.

I nearly bought one the other day ,it was up for £6212 a strange price but the salesman said this is because its the lowest possible price for this car anywhere in the country-methinks they are just trying to be cleaver and a quick check on autotrader will yield the same car with less miles for considerably less.

So, are car supermarkets just trying to dupe us with this "Supermarket" tag? are we being conned into buying high millage/damaged cars for a top price?

motorguy

Yes.

I have long been saying dont "assume" they're the cheapest.

As you've found, they often keep high miles, odd spec cars that are rarely prepared. Sometimes the cars look cheaper but its often because they're nowhere near perfect.

On top of that they'll add on "admin fees" and charge you to have it valeted and serviced. All of which a normal dealer will do and can still knock some money off when you haggle.

Yes, often are cheaper, but usually for a reason.

gilbert_and_sullivan

All car supermarket type operations are not the same, some don't actually own the cars and are only an alternative get rid resource (commission based) for tat too poor to feature on normal main dealer frontages.

Some are reasonable operations, nearly all will push their finance packages, and servicing etc as that what makes the sales people big bucks.

Motorpoint seem to enjoy a fair reputation as do Trade Sales and Car Giant.

marlot

Many rely on selling expensive finance to people who can't really afford the cars - hence the very poor condition.

facade

Not conned no, you don't have to buy one.

They are bulk bought ex-fleet cars, so some are knocked about, some aren't.
You can get a high mileage car for a fair price if you choose carefully, and they can be a good buy if you do a low mileage, so the high mileage disappears over the next 3 years.

Watch the hidden "extras" too, like "admin fee"

motorguy

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

All car supermarket type operations are not the same, some don't actually own the cars and are only an alternative get rid resource (commission based) for tat too poor to feature on normal main dealer frontages.

Some are reasonable operations, nearly all will push their finance packages, and servicing etc as that what makes the sales people big bucks.

Motorpoint seem to enjoy a fair reputation as do Trade Sales and Car Giant.

Just did a check there.

2013 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Zetec with NAV.

Motorpoints price = £12999 + Various admin fees.

Evans Halsaw (Ford Main Dealer) = £12197

Bristol Street Motors (Ford Main Dealer) = £12495

Both Ford dealers will knock a few ££s off.

motorguy

marlot wrote: »

Many rely on selling expensive finance to people who can't really afford the cars - hence the very poor condition.

?

That doesnt even make sense?

worried_jim

motorguy wrote: »

Just did a check there.
2013 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Zetec with NAV.
Evans Halsaw (Ford Main Dealer) = £1297

For £1297 I'd bite their hand off!

harveybobbles

Half the cars don't start because of people like the OP who sit in them, start them up, play with all the elctrics, then turn the car off after 2 minutes.

Imagine what this does to the battery after say, 6 people have sat in that car today?

motorguy

worried_jim wrote: »

For £1297 I'd bite their hand off!

Oops!

Edited - its £12197

motorguy

harveybobbles wrote: »

Half the cars don't start because of people like the OP who sit in them, start them up, play with all the elctrics, then turn the car off after 2 minutes.

Imagine what this does to the battery after say, 6 people have sat in that car today?

Then it doesnt sound like a great process if it means your forecourt is full of cars that wont start? :eek:

Hardly gives you the impression the car has been cared for by the dealer....