Does cash still talk?

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice as my 12 year old Ford ka is due to go to car heaven as it is not worth getting done what needs doing to get it through the next MOT. As the hubby and I are looking to start a family in the near future, I am looking tI replace it with a Vauxhall Astra as my dad and sister have them and highly recommenda them.

I have been given a bit of conflicting advice as my mum who is an amazing haggler says that cash still talks and I should take the pound notes and wave in front of their face so to speak. A friend at work says that money doesn't talk any more and I'm not going to get the sort of discounts that my mum said I can expect to get.

Any advice, suggestions (retailers or independent 'family run type of business) things to look for when buying an astra.

Thanks in advance

Spicy_McHaggis

Finance talks, they probably make more selling you finance, gap insurance and any needless add on they can than they do on the actual car.

chrisw

As above with dealers or retailers although a wad of cash will certainly work with private sellers.

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa

Hi, thanks for the quick response. I don't like the idea of finance as I want to own the car outright. I have £7.5-£8k plus my car to part ex. Maybe a little more if I ask the bank of mum as she offered to lend me some if needed.

robatwork

If you're part exchanging then don't expect big discounts - they will factor it in. The cash will only talk if you sell your car separately and buy second hand from a private seller.

Iceweasel

I have a work colleague who says, for the last 2 cars he has bought, he haggled the finance down to a really good deal, then has 'changed his mind' within the cooling-off period and settled up in cash.

Is that really possible?

chrisw

Iceweasel wrote: »

I have a work colleague who says, for the last 2 cars he has bought, he haggled the finance down to a really good deal, then has 'changed his mind' within the cooling-off period and settled up in cash.

Is that really possible?

Not on the same scale, but I have negotiated a discount on a fridge freezer on the basis of buying an extended warranty and then cancelled the warranty.

I would read the small print carefully.

marlot

Iceweasel wrote: »

I have a work colleague who says, for the last 2 cars he has bought, he haggled the finance down to a really good deal, then has 'changed his mind' within the cooling-off period and settled up in cash.

Is that really possible?

Yes, it sure is.

Quentin

Iceweasel wrote: »

I have a work colleague who says, for the last 2 cars he has bought, he haggled the finance down to a really good deal, then has 'changed his mind' within the cooling-off period and settled up in cash.

Is that really possible?

Yes. .

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa

Just to be clear not looking to buy new. 3 years old max.ideally to avoid depreciation. Will use the car until it dies.

Spicy_McHaggis

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa wrote: »

Just to be clear not looking to buy new. 3 years old max.ideally to avoid depreciation. Will use the car until it dies.

Go to a dealer, get the best deal you can on finance, say no to any extras, sort out your own gap if you want it and pay off the finance early.

If mum is over 65 can she not invest your cash in one of these over 65 bonds? It might work out you'll get the same return as finance is costing you and you'll get the money back in three years.