Buying a car during lockdown

gbu_2

I am in the process with my son of looking to buy a new car well a used one anyway tomorrow.

Im based in Central London and will be looking to buy within a 25mile radius, Im a bit concerned with the new restrictions of whether its still permitted to go out and and look at cars as of midnight Friday?

Also if i do see one a put a deposit down tomorrow could future restrictions prevent me from picking it up especially if the garage has to close or doesn't allow customers and how am i left with getting my money back or getting the car?

scrappy_returns

What rules would you be breaking by going to buy a car?

tacpot12

Neither us nor the garage will be able to predict whether they will be forced to close or not, so you will need to negotiate to leave a token deposit rather than the level of deposit they would usually require, and also that if the dealer does have to close, the deposit becomes refundable immediately they reopen. You should aim to complete the sale asap.

You also need to think about how your consumer rights will be affected, e.g. if you need to reject and return the car. I would ask the dealer what they will do to facilitate this, and to agree in writing that you have an extended right to return if any government travel restrictions prevent its prompt return. I would expect that repairs to broken down cars will be regarded as an essential service that can continue through a lockdown, but you need to think whether there are potential faults that would cause you  to reject the car, but would not cause the car to be undrivable. If you go to the dealer with a good idea of what you will find acceptable under all different scenarios, you might be able to agree a contract of sale that meets covers all eventualities. 

 I would spend the time being extra thorough with your inspection, given how difficult it might be to return the car. 

neilmcl

tacpot12 said:

Neither us nor the garage will be able to predict whether they will be forced to close or not

Under the new Tier regulations I think it's pretty clear that garages are not going to be forced to close. Even at the highest tier 3 regulations businesses, other than hospitality and certain "close contact" places such as gyms, hairdressers, will still be able to remain open so I don't see any issues with garages/dealerships.

Of course that all changes if we all end up in a national lockdown again, or even a short "circuit breaker".