(hopefully) Buying a car from a dealership, but.....

WolverineSW11

I have 3 queries, that the dealership has avoided answering.

They are:

1.) They are requesting my NI number, they say they need it to check that there are no points or a ban on my driving license. Sorry but I am sure I only need to give my NI number to a new employer or the HMRC when contacting them. They are a different department from DVLA.

2.) I paid a £99 fee to 'reserve' the car so I can have a test drive before anyone else. When I asked about that fee coming off the car price, I was told that I would have to claim that back (it was paid online). I have a sneaky suspicion that they will try to keep it as I have bought the car after test driving it.

3.) I was told that there would be a fee of £99 for them selling me the car. Surely that should be within the price of the car? The confirmation email (which I printed) states a 'Vehicle On The Road Price' which is the car price as advertised.

Could anyone provide useful links to guide me to where I can find out about how I can either found out if these 3 points are correct. or how I can get my money back?

jimjames

1) I've never heard that before. You can get a code from DVLA to share your licence details and that's not your NI number
2) I wouldn't pay that unless it's something very special
3) I'd pay the price listed on the car

Walk away if you're not happy with their answers. By asking about money back does that mean you've already paid & agreed for the car? 

marlot

You don't have to share your NI number.  And it's naughty/illegal of the dealer to ask for it.  Instead go here and generate a check code.
https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

The dealer then enters the code here: https://www.gov.uk/check-driving-information

But you can do this on the day if you're happy with the car and want to test drive it.

I'd only pay a reservation fee if the car was particularly well priced, rare, or I was travelling some distance.  Otherwise, just take a chance!

You're right that all compulsory charges should be included in the on-the-road price.  I hate dealers who do this underhand tactic. 

lemondrops69

If the price of the car, including the £99 is good then you've really not paid over the odds, although I agree it doesn't feel good you've had to pay a £99 admin fee but if overall you're 'up' it should be less of an issue 

flashg67

Personally, I'd tell them to do one, cancel and do a charge back for the £99 fee, then never go there again. Evans Halshaw by any chance?

tacpot12

They probably want your NI number to give to someone so they can claim Universal Credit fraudulently. Run a mile from this dealer. 

AdrianC

NI numbers aren't a state secret, like US social security numbers are.

But, yes, there are other ways to give them the licence information - the check code is the right way.

As far as the £99 fees go, just regard them as part of the price. If you're happy paying that price (£198 higher than the headline), then go for it. Otherwise tell them you'll have the car, but are paying £198 less than the headline price (or whatever price you think is fair)... If they won't come to a price you like, don't buy it.

Herzlos

If you press them on it, then the £99 fee is optional and they should waive it.

I'm not sure they need to prove you have a clean license unless it's part of a lease condition? I've never been asked about driving eligibility when buying cars. If they really need to know, then give them the DVLA access code.

WolverineSW11

jimjames said:

1) I've never heard that before. You can get a code from DVLA to share your licence details and that's not your NI number
2) I wouldn't pay that unless it's something very special
3) I'd pay the price listed on the car

Walk away if you're not happy with their answers. By asking about money back does that mean you've already paid & agreed for the car? 

I've only paid the £99 reservation fee, that ensure no-one else can either test drive it or buy it before me.

WolverineSW11

marlot said:

You don't have to share your NI number.  And it's naughty/illegal of the dealer to ask for it.  Instead go here and generate a check code.




But you can do this on the day if you're happy with the car and want to test drive it.

I'd only pay a reservation fee if the car was particularly well priced, rare, or I was travelling some distance.  Otherwise, just take a chance!

You're right that all compulsory charges should be included in the on-the-road price.  I hate dealers who do this underhand tactic. 

The car is priced at just under £6,000 for a 66 plate with just under 30,000 miles on the clock. The nearest I've been able to see with the same specs (any make) is another £2,000 more. So if I buy it, it was worth reserving it.

WolverineSW11

flashg67 said:

Personally, I'd tell them to do one, cancel and do a charge back for the £99 fee, then never go there again. Evans Halshaw by any chance?

No, it is a main dealership of a car manufacturer, not naming them though.