Can I trust the main dealers when buying a used car?

gilbert_and_sullivan

fantasyvn wrote: »

Thank you so much for your sensible opinions. However, I'm still confused.

So, to put it another way, is a main dealer better than a car supermarket like Cargiant?

In what way better?

They could be selling the same car, or rather they might well be selling an otherwise identical pair of cars.

A car supermarket might be slightly cheaper, it might not, they might have their own cast iron guarantee (hope it wasn't written by a bloke called Dave), but chances are the warranty will be an aftermarket insurance jobbie only fit for spare bog roll....i have no idea what sort of warranty Car Giant offer, you'd have to ask them, but it won't be approved used that's for certain.

If you buy an identical car from a reputable main dealer with ''approved used'' warranty, that guarantee is usually as good as a new car warranty, the car may be more expensive but increasingly it would appear not.
Note, if its not 'approved used', then it might well be another worthless aftermarket guarantee.

Either car could be totally reliable, or either could fail expensively in 6 months time.
The car with an approved used warranty will usually (exceptions) be fixed under guarantee.
The car with the aftermarket warranty will more than likely have a fault that's not covered.

The only difference in the two cars is the way they've been looked after by their previous owners, and that's pot luck, how are you to know once the valeters have done their work.

fantasyvn

Great answer, although now I'm more concerned. Thanks a lot for your kindness.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Depending on your budget and what car you are after, you won't go far wrong with a used Kia with the balance of its 7 year makers 100k max warranty (check carefully, Ceeds had 7 years straight off, other models followed later)...or with a used Toyota, which if its new enough say 2010 will have the balance of 5 years 100k makers warranty.

If older then a Toyota approved used is about as safe a bet as you'll find...BUT avoid Toyota's MMT automated manual box, its as bad as all the others and they are all bad, even Toyota can't get that piece of junk right.

Nodding_Donkey

Approved Used doesn't always cut the mustard though. I know from personal experience that Mazda class an engine failure as 'fair wear and tear' putting the engine in the same category as brake pads, wipers etc.

The answer is to do your research. If there is a common problem on a particular model you can almost guarantee that they will have found a way not to pay out.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

Approved Used doesn't always cut the mustard though. I know from personal experience that Mazda class an engine failure as 'fair wear and tear' putting the engine in the same category as brake pads, wipers etc.

The answer is to do your research. If there is a common problem on a particular model you can almost guarantee that they will have found a way not to pay out.

That's certainly a valid point where certain makers are concerned, if what i read about their frequent Diesel engine failures due to sumps filling with Diesel fuel is true.

Toyota on the other hand do not behave in this way, if anything when they discover a problem of their design or making they increase the warranty to suit...there are many cases of new engines being fitted for free up to 110k miles and 7 years old when failures are down to Toyotas admitted and well publicised faults...this obviously depends on the car being reasonably well cared for but going outside Toyota dealers for servicing isn't the goodbye kiss it would be with other makers.

I've had first hand experience of this (engine not needed though) and the work was completed willingly.

You does your research first, pays your money, and takes your choice.

burlington6

Nobody is more dishonest than the general public.

UncleZen

Ive bought used approved cars from Kia and Honda and both have been very good, Honda replaced scored rear disks and worn front tyres that were bald on the inside that I didnt notice on the test drive. No quibble.
The Kia has a 7 yr warranty and everything I've claimed for has been honoured.

DYOR and dont let the salemesman get the upper hand, be prepared to walk away if unhappy.

I understand and expect Toyota to be similar to the Honda experience.

ukjoel

A decent sized dealership will turn over anything from 20 to hundreds of used cars a week. The salesman will not have a clue about the car and is unlikely to have opened the door of it before you have asked him to.

If you buy privately you get to look at the owner as well as the car and for me thats worth a lot more.

Happychappy

fantasyvn wrote: »

I intend to buy a used car at one of the main dealers - I have not decided whether it is Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc.

My question is: Is it better in terms of car checking and repair service when you buy a used car from a main dealer?

I understand that the price may not be cheap. But can you always trust that they will check the car carefully before selling it to you? And if the car has a problem, the repair service would be quick and smooth?

Thank you

Don't trust anyone, the big dealer salespeople will lie and scam you the same as any other dealer will

Their only intention, which isn't earth shattering, is to make a sale and earn commission, simple,:T

Just like any other business, sales are what make their world go round, so don't expect them to tell you anything which may put you off, everything will be sweetness and light

So believe nothing and get everything written down and signed, if your happy with the deal, thats fine, but get everything written and recorded

Look at the lies Audi have been caught out with over the NCAP testing of some of their range of cars.

force_ten

just had a quick flit over this thread and read a few of the points

can you trust a Main dealer?

I would say no you cant really trust any more or any less than any other car dealer, they will more than likely be commission based and your sale will add to their commission target so they may gloss over things that could be important to you

can you trust a car supermarket ?

same as above really i wouldnt trust or mistrust one over the other, again they will be commission based and can be more interested in selling you overpriced extras rather than getting you in the right car

just a few thoughts from me, if i was buying a nearly new car then i would prefer it to be main dealer supplied with balance of manufactures warranty or a years approved used warranty

if i could get a better deal on the car i wanted from motorpoint or one of the other big car supermarkets then i would go with that if it was nearly new and came with at least twelve months balance of manufactures warranty, i wouldnt be interested if the car came with an after market warranty supplied by the car supermarket

the one important thing to remember is Stay in control of the deal by that i mean dont let the salesman take control and sell you what he wants you to have rather than what you want

do you homework, work out what you are happy to pay, check out the same cars at local car supermarkets and if prices are lower than at the dealers then ask for a discount or a price match they can only say no, at the end of the day they need your business so like i say Stay in control of the deal at all times