Planning to buy a car in cash

getmore4less

It can help to have other cheaper examples available similar enough to be acceptable and worth the inconvenience if not local.

shaun_from_Africa

I would also look into what sort of discount (or added extras) you can get with finance and make sure that you get a finance deal that can be paid off at any time with little or no penalty.

That way, you will also get "Section 75" protection:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases
provided that the vehicle isn't over £30,000.
If you are buying from a BMW dealership then this probably won't be needed, but otherwise it's always handy to have just in case

gzoom

BMW dealers will vary a lot. When I was looking for a used 335i some dealers wouldn't reduce a single penny, where as the one I bought form gave me 15% off the sticker price.

It partly depends on how desperate they are to shift stock, how long that car has been there for, and how much margin they have in it.

I suspect the best deals will be on larger petrol engines cars, since nearly everyone wants a diesel these days.

You will only really know how much discount your get when you actually sit down with dealers, but I always made it clear on the phone I wanted at least some movement on price, otherwise I didn't want to waste their or my time. But if you make it clear you know what you want, and you have the cash ready to complete that day if needed, I think most dealers would move on price to secure a £25k+ sale.

Good luck!!

AceCobra1

gzoom wrote: »

You will only really know how much discount your get when you actually sit down with dealers, but I always made it clear on the phone I wanted at least some movement on price, otherwise I didn't want to waste their or my time.

Thats a very good point actually :money:

Yeah, not in a hurry to get the car as I am after a bang for my buck.

Would be really good to get a white one but cannot be too picky on my budget so will be waiting around. I certainly wouldn't mind driving a few hundred miles if the right combination is seen too

bod1467

Even if you're a cash buyer, pay a portion of it (even just £1, although there may be a minimum transaction amount) by credit card ... this will give you Section 75* protection should anything go wrong in the future and the seller is reluctant to abide by their statutory obligations.

*S.75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, makes the credit provider jointly liable with the seller for the performance of the contract. There is a minimum spend of £100 for the price of the item, but that doesn't mean the £100 has to be on the credit (albeit putting £100 on a credit card means there'd be no wriggle room from the credit provider). As you're a cash buyer then you'd be able to pay off the credit straight away anyway.

rexel

Would you not try carquake to get lowest price

consumers_revenge

Take a seat my son....