Know exactly what I want..is distance buying a good idea?

butterfly72

So, after extensive research and a test drive I know exactly the make and model that I want, what spec, budget etc. My problem is, there aren't too many of them for sale in my area and most of the better value cars that meet my criteria seem to be miles away.


I have read on here, that some people will travel miles to test drive and check over a potential purchase, but I just don't have the time for this (or a car to get there!). I'm wondering if buying unseen and getting a car delivered is a good idea.


The car I'm currently looking at is a Ford Direct car, so presumably comes with some quality assurance? (being sold by a company who sell nationwide from their base in the north (Jennings)).


Any thoughts on distance buying please?!


TIA

parking_question_chap

Yea, dont tell the seller how far you have travelled.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Ford direct means exactly that.

Your local dealer should be able to source the car you want and get it delivered to their showroom so you can buy normally, go and speak to them first.

People who travel long distance are usually looking for an unusual make or model, the sensible ones know about cars and examine it thoroughly before buying and maje their judgement, these cases usually work out well.

Many who know next to nothing about cars think they can save shedloads of cash by doing the same, threads of woe follow when their purchase turns out to be a pile of dung and they have to have the car transported hundreds of miles when it fails to the selling dealer (who knows they can fob them off), or they go off on rambles about threatening legal action :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Hopefully being Ford Direct this won't be the case if your car proved to be a pup, in theory any Ford dealer should be able to fix it, but how willing they are going to be to help when you bought elsewhere is open to question.

Jimmithecat

I would highly recommend Jennings.
I was after a specific model Ford and there were none available locally. I found the one I wanted at Jennings Sunderland which was a good price. They sent me a large number of photos and when I mentioned my concern that it may not be as it is when it arrives (I live 300 miles away) they said it would not be worth their while to send you a car with problems as you do not have to accept it if it is not what you were expecting and they would have to bear the cost for this. They were not negotiable in price - although it was a very fair price and they threw in the delivery charge. The chap who drove it down was lovely - explained everything I needed to know and said how he worked solidly for Jennings delivering cars from north to south 5 days a week.
This is 18 months ago. The car is doing well and has been recalled by ford once for some issue and the local garage picks that up.
Without doubt I will go back to Jennings Sunderland when I am after another ford - so yes I would recommend them!

Iceweasel

Ford Direct shouldn't be a problem.

http://www.ford.co.uk/Approved-used-cars

It shouldn't make the slightest bit of difference where the car is situayed in the UK.