Buying remotely from a small car dealer

quasiboo

Hi Everyone,
Yday I went and test drove a Honda CRV EX 2010 model with a small independent dealer. They have 5 reviews on AutoTrader and as per companies house were incorporated last year. Car drove fine. I also got it independently checked via ClickMechanic this morning and no major issues. So I made an offer and we agreed a price. I then asked if they can drop off the car as I live 20 miles away and am not doing a Part X so getting there is a bit painful to get there. He sent me an invoice and asked for bank transfer ahead of the sale. This made me a bit hesitant. He said paying by credit card (where I would have more protection) incurs a 200 pound admin fee. The question I have is this - is this normal and should I make the payment (7000 gbp) or should I just go up there and do the title transfer + payment in person? 

Thanks

Grumpy_chap

It is reasonable if he is to deliver that he asks for payment before leaving.

It sounds as though you would be more comfortable collecting in person and paying face-to-face.

The credit card fee is probably reasonable, but I think the law changed recently to prohibit charges for using s card.  There may be someone else who can clarify this aspect.

giraffe69

Maybe he will accept a part payment by credit card (£100?) to improve your protection. 

EssexExile

Surely it's illegal to charge extra for credit card payments? Having said that I'd go with the Giraffe's idea if the dealer is happy to do that.

Sandtree

It is illegal to charge more for credit card payments (or to discount all other methods) but it wasn’t fully clear if he was actually charging more or just saying he preferred other methods because of the charges.

mobileron

Im finding that car dealers dont like credit cards,its not the extra charges,its the rights of the buyer is enhanced.
I wanted to buy a car told them to take the deposit on the card,they refused, i noticed they take cards for repairs etc.
So i walked got a call next day saying we will take the card.

AdrianC

mobileron said:

Im finding that car dealers dont like credit cards,its not the extra charges,its the rights of the buyer is enhanced.

They aren't enhanced.

The credit card company simply share responsibility for the rights with the vendor, so may be more willing to act where the vendor is unwilling.

chrisw

20 miles isn't really that far, can you get somebody to give you a lift? Cycle it?

I think you'd feel better being able to go over the car before handing over any money. The car check might not necessarily pick up every scratch or dent or tear which you might or might not be bothered about. The drive home will be a good chance to give it a proper test drive and familiarise yourself with it.

And you can't beat the feeling of driving away from the garage in your new car. (Usually!)

prowla

I'd be inclined to go to the garage and do all the checks before handing over payment; even simple things which are missed can turn into a chore to get put right.

quasiboo

Thanks everyone for all the feedback! Much appreciated. I will go and do the transfer i person just for my peace of mind. 

burlingtonfl6

mobileron said:

Im finding that car dealers dont like credit cards,its not the extra charges,its the rights of the buyer is enhanced.
I wanted to buy a car told them to take the deposit on the card,they refused, i noticed they take cards for repairs etc.
So i walked got a call next day saying we will take the card.

My local BMW dealer refuses to take Credit cards or commercial credit/debit cards......and I don't blame them..