Buying a new car on the day through bank car finance

RossGunn_

Grumpy_chap said:

RossGunn_ said:

I am potentially buying a car this Saturday and will be flying 1.5 hours roughly on the day. I have not viewed in person or test drove the car but it looks good from pictures and its only 3 years old. The plan if the car does not have any faults would be to buy the car outright there and drive it home which will take around 10 hours. I am paying £4000 of my own money through selling my old car and have been approved a £10000 car finance from bank of Scotland to pay for the rest. The problem is that the bank can only pay the dealership directly and because I haven't test drove the car I don't want to buy it yet. Also because I am going down on a Saturday and would be purchasing after 12pm the £10000 car finance money would not go into the dealerships account until 8am on the Monday, but the £4000 I could pay with debit card they would get straight away. I am ideally not wanting to have to return again to pick up the car just because they wont have the money on the day but will have proof of the transaction from my side, as I'm far away and work through the week. I will phone the dealership tomorrow when I reserve the car but just wondering if anyone has experienced a situation similar and if it just depends on the dealership. Would it be better to transfer the car finance in the days before as a deposit then allow for that money to be returned if there is an issue? The only way I will not buy the car is if there is a notable performance issue.

What on earth is so special about this £14k 3 yo that makes it worth purchasing from 1.5 hours flight / 10 hours drive back away?  It would have to be exceptionally cheap for the purchase price to justify all that time and cost.

Having invested that time and cost to get to the dealership, the practical option for you to reject the car is very limited.

You may be better off if the Dealer can deliver the car to you.  You'd save the time and cost of getting there and back and would have the enhanced consumer rights of a fully remote purchase (14 days to reject).  Obviously, set that against the cost of delivery and return transport (if required).

Well the flight is £30 and £10 train to dealership fuel costs obviously then, if the car is not suitable when viewed then a return flight won't be a hassle. A lot of people travel the distance to get cars just the pain of where i live. I understand what you are saying but it doesn't hurt too much financially and seems drastic but its realistic enough.

RossGunn_

k3lvc said:

It's the Big Motoring Group they are a large chain but all locations are in england anyway and actually the furthest away is easiest to get to flight wise. Delivery could be an option or if they can relocate as you say. I mean two trips is not a disaster just more money for flights etc. 

Please read up a) on Big Motoring World and b) the horror stories of those who've travelled hundreds of miles for that special/bargain car and then realise the mess they're in when things go wrong

If you're convinced by the car you've more rights if you buy remotely and they deliver to you without you having stepped in the showroom. Obviously safer with a main dealer/approved used but if you've a video/pics of the car and asked all the right questions then this'd be bother cheaper than flight/drive and gives you the security that they need to come and collect if it all goes wrong (thought TBH I'm not convinced that 'consumer rights' carry much credence with that particular dealer. 

Yeah that's fair enough there is always that risk when buying a car from anywhere. I just feel viewing the car in person first allows for better judgement rather than having to deal again after purchased if you get me. Will be easily noticeable from test drive and inspection down there. Two trips might be worth it to make sure it's suitable. 

k3lvc

RossGunn_ said:

Grumpy_chap said:

RossGunn_ said:

I am potentially buying a car this Saturday and will be flying 1.5 hours roughly on the day. I have not viewed in person or test drove the car but it looks good from pictures and its only 3 years old. The plan if the car does not have any faults would be to buy the car outright there and drive it home which will take around 10 hours. I am paying £4000 of my own money through selling my old car and have been approved a £10000 car finance from bank of Scotland to pay for the rest. The problem is that the bank can only pay the dealership directly and because I haven't test drove the car I don't want to buy it yet. Also because I am going down on a Saturday and would be purchasing after 12pm the £10000 car finance money would not go into the dealerships account until 8am on the Monday, but the £4000 I could pay with debit card they would get straight away. I am ideally not wanting to have to return again to pick up the car just because they wont have the money on the day but will have proof of the transaction from my side, as I'm far away and work through the week. I will phone the dealership tomorrow when I reserve the car but just wondering if anyone has experienced a situation similar and if it just depends on the dealership. Would it be better to transfer the car finance in the days before as a deposit then allow for that money to be returned if there is an issue? The only way I will not buy the car is if there is a notable performance issue.

What on earth is so special about this £14k 3 yo that makes it worth purchasing from 1.5 hours flight / 10 hours drive back away?  It would have to be exceptionally cheap for the purchase price to justify all that time and cost.

Having invested that time and cost to get to the dealership, the practical option for you to reject the car is very limited.

You may be better off if the Dealer can deliver the car to you.  You'd save the time and cost of getting there and back and would have the enhanced consumer rights of a fully remote purchase (14 days to reject).  Obviously, set that against the cost of delivery and return transport (if required).

Well the flight is £30 and £10 train to dealership fuel costs obviously then, if the car is not suitable when viewed then a return flight won't be a hassle. A lot of people travel the distance to get cars just the pain of where i live. I understand what you are saying but it doesn't hurt too much financially and seems drastic but its realistic enough.

And on day 3 when something's not right and dealer says 'bring it back to us and we'll sort it out' what are you going to do ? Have you the contingency fund/time to transport it back down there and hang around while they fix it ? As per another post in last couple of days many warranties don't cover faults in first xx days expecting the dealer to be responsible for them as they must've been there at the point of sale 

Herzlos

Technically, it's better for you to buy the car completely unseen as you have 14 days to return it for any reason, but you can't expect them to be particularly cooperative.

If you think it's worth the 2 days of travel and any subsequent hassle with it later on to save £2k, then by all means. But as said, if you collect it and anything is wrong then it's on you to return it to them. Driving it 10 hours down south is expensive and boring enough if the car is drivable but if you need to get it trailered to there it's going to cost you more than buying it locally.

Edit: There seem to be plenty of them for about the same price in Scotland (since you're using Bank of Scotland). Like this one in Edinburgh that's going to be cheaper by the time you pay for 3 flights,3 trains, the optional buying fee and so on: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088267773

RossGunn_

k3lvc said:

RossGunn_ said:

Grumpy_chap said:

RossGunn_ said:

I am potentially buying a car this Saturday and will be flying 1.5 hours roughly on the day. I have not viewed in person or test drove the car but it looks good from pictures and its only 3 years old. The plan if the car does not have any faults would be to buy the car outright there and drive it home which will take around 10 hours. I am paying £4000 of my own money through selling my old car and have been approved a £10000 car finance from bank of Scotland to pay for the rest. The problem is that the bank can only pay the dealership directly and because I haven't test drove the car I don't want to buy it yet. Also because I am going down on a Saturday and would be purchasing after 12pm the £10000 car finance money would not go into the dealerships account until 8am on the Monday, but the £4000 I could pay with debit card they would get straight away. I am ideally not wanting to have to return again to pick up the car just because they wont have the money on the day but will have proof of the transaction from my side, as I'm far away and work through the week. I will phone the dealership tomorrow when I reserve the car but just wondering if anyone has experienced a situation similar and if it just depends on the dealership. Would it be better to transfer the car finance in the days before as a deposit then allow for that money to be returned if there is an issue? The only way I will not buy the car is if there is a notable performance issue.

What on earth is so special about this £14k 3 yo that makes it worth purchasing from 1.5 hours flight / 10 hours drive back away?  It would have to be exceptionally cheap for the purchase price to justify all that time and cost.

Having invested that time and cost to get to the dealership, the practical option for you to reject the car is very limited.

You may be better off if the Dealer can deliver the car to you.  You'd save the time and cost of getting there and back and would have the enhanced consumer rights of a fully remote purchase (14 days to reject).  Obviously, set that against the cost of delivery and return transport (if required).

Well the flight is £30 and £10 train to dealership fuel costs obviously then, if the car is not suitable when viewed then a return flight won't be a hassle. A lot of people travel the distance to get cars just the pain of where i live. I understand what you are saying but it doesn't hurt too much financially and seems drastic but its realistic enough.

And on day 3 when something's not right and dealer says 'bring it back to us and we'll sort it out' what are you going to do ? Have you the contingency fund/time to transport it back down there and hang around while they fix it ? As per another post in last couple of days many warranties don't cover faults in first xx days expecting the dealer to be responsible for them as they must've been there at the point of sale 

Living on a lot "ifs" here. If everyone thought this way with a car barely any would get bought. You look at the checks gives it a test drive and you make a decision, 90 day warranty included. Fair enough if it was older car and had a lot of miles you could worry more and I wouldn't be travelling this distance. Not to sound rude and I get the concerns but you can't think like this entirely if there is the slight hint of an issue even visually down there then I can make the decision. 

Herzlos

RossGunn_ said:

Living on a lot "ifs" here. If everyone thought this way with a car barely any would get bought. You look at the checks gives it a test drive and you make a decision, 90 day warranty included. Fair enough if it was older car and had a lot of miles you could worry more and I wouldn't be travelling this distance. Not to sound rude and I get the concerns but you can't think like this entirely if there is the slight hint of an issue even visually down there then I can make the decision. 

We're just going by experience. It is a big if, as most cars will be fine. If you want to take the risk then go for it.

Us old grumpy gits tend to just mitigate the risks as much as we can by buying vaguely locally, maybe within about 2 hours.

And as I said, best option is to pay a deposit online, call them to pay for the car and give it a good inspection on collection. If it's not suitable, reject the car and get the train home and get the money refunded.

k3lvc

RossGunn_ said:

k3lvc said:

RossGunn_ said:

Grumpy_chap said:

RossGunn_ said:

I am potentially buying a car this Saturday and will be flying 1.5 hours roughly on the day. I have not viewed in person or test drove the car but it looks good from pictures and its only 3 years old. The plan if the car does not have any faults would be to buy the car outright there and drive it home which will take around 10 hours. I am paying £4000 of my own money through selling my old car and have been approved a £10000 car finance from bank of Scotland to pay for the rest. The problem is that the bank can only pay the dealership directly and because I haven't test drove the car I don't want to buy it yet. Also because I am going down on a Saturday and would be purchasing after 12pm the £10000 car finance money would not go into the dealerships account until 8am on the Monday, but the £4000 I could pay with debit card they would get straight away. I am ideally not wanting to have to return again to pick up the car just because they wont have the money on the day but will have proof of the transaction from my side, as I'm far away and work through the week. I will phone the dealership tomorrow when I reserve the car but just wondering if anyone has experienced a situation similar and if it just depends on the dealership. Would it be better to transfer the car finance in the days before as a deposit then allow for that money to be returned if there is an issue? The only way I will not buy the car is if there is a notable performance issue.

What on earth is so special about this £14k 3 yo that makes it worth purchasing from 1.5 hours flight / 10 hours drive back away?  It would have to be exceptionally cheap for the purchase price to justify all that time and cost.

Having invested that time and cost to get to the dealership, the practical option for you to reject the car is very limited.

You may be better off if the Dealer can deliver the car to you.  You'd save the time and cost of getting there and back and would have the enhanced consumer rights of a fully remote purchase (14 days to reject).  Obviously, set that against the cost of delivery and return transport (if required).

Well the flight is £30 and £10 train to dealership fuel costs obviously then, if the car is not suitable when viewed then a return flight won't be a hassle. A lot of people travel the distance to get cars just the pain of where i live. I understand what you are saying but it doesn't hurt too much financially and seems drastic but its realistic enough.

And on day 3 when something's not right and dealer says 'bring it back to us and we'll sort it out' what are you going to do ? Have you the contingency fund/time to transport it back down there and hang around while they fix it ? As per another post in last couple of days many warranties don't cover faults in first xx days expecting the dealer to be responsible for them as they must've been there at the point of sale 

Living on a lot "ifs" here. If everyone thought this way with a car barely any would get bought. You look at the checks gives it a test drive and you make a decision, 90 day warranty included. Fair enough if it was older car and had a lot of miles you could worry more and I wouldn't be travelling this distance. Not to sound rude and I get the concerns but you can't think like this entirely if there is the slight hint of an issue even visually down there then I can make the decision. 

Indeed a whole load of 'ifs' but then the motoring board is full of people asking how to get a far away dealer to take responsibility for a faulty car - especially with a dealer who has previous for bad behaviour (the fact they only include 90 days warranty doesn't say a lot for their confidence) 

I've done it myself but only ever on Manufacturer Approved Used stuff and even then almost got caught out when the dealer changed ownership a couple of days after collection and I had to involve Jaguar HO 

RossGunn_

Herzlos said:

RossGunn_ said:

Living on a lot "ifs" here. If everyone thought this way with a car barely any would get bought. You look at the checks gives it a test drive and you make a decision, 90 day warranty included. Fair enough if it was older car and had a lot of miles you could worry more and I wouldn't be travelling this distance. Not to sound rude and I get the concerns but you can't think like this entirely if there is the slight hint of an issue even visually down there then I can make the decision. 

We're just going by experience. It is a big if, as most cars will be fine. If you want to take the risk then go for it.

Us old grumpy gits tend to just mitigate the risks as much as we can by buying vaguely locally, maybe within about 2 hours.

And as I said, best option is to pay a deposit online, call them to pay for the car and give it a good inspection on collection. If it's not suitable, reject the car and get the train home and get the money refunded.

Yeah I do understand and typically after me saying this what I'm saying won't happen, will happen. Yeah the deposit is probably best thing. Problem is if i don't take it after paying them the bank said i have to wait 30 days to reapply. Nothing is easy but the car has good reviews and checks inspection on the actual car are good. 

RossGunn_

k3lvc said:

RossGunn_ said:

k3lvc said:

RossGunn_ said:

Grumpy_chap said:

RossGunn_ said:

I am potentially buying a car this Saturday and will be flying 1.5 hours roughly on the day. I have not viewed in person or test drove the car but it looks good from pictures and its only 3 years old. The plan if the car does not have any faults would be to buy the car outright there and drive it home which will take around 10 hours. I am paying £4000 of my own money through selling my old car and have been approved a £10000 car finance from bank of Scotland to pay for the rest. The problem is that the bank can only pay the dealership directly and because I haven't test drove the car I don't want to buy it yet. Also because I am going down on a Saturday and would be purchasing after 12pm the £10000 car finance money would not go into the dealerships account until 8am on the Monday, but the £4000 I could pay with debit card they would get straight away. I am ideally not wanting to have to return again to pick up the car just because they wont have the money on the day but will have proof of the transaction from my side, as I'm far away and work through the week. I will phone the dealership tomorrow when I reserve the car but just wondering if anyone has experienced a situation similar and if it just depends on the dealership. Would it be better to transfer the car finance in the days before as a deposit then allow for that money to be returned if there is an issue? The only way I will not buy the car is if there is a notable performance issue.

What on earth is so special about this £14k 3 yo that makes it worth purchasing from 1.5 hours flight / 10 hours drive back away?  It would have to be exceptionally cheap for the purchase price to justify all that time and cost.

Having invested that time and cost to get to the dealership, the practical option for you to reject the car is very limited.

You may be better off if the Dealer can deliver the car to you.  You'd save the time and cost of getting there and back and would have the enhanced consumer rights of a fully remote purchase (14 days to reject).  Obviously, set that against the cost of delivery and return transport (if required).

Well the flight is £30 and £10 train to dealership fuel costs obviously then, if the car is not suitable when viewed then a return flight won't be a hassle. A lot of people travel the distance to get cars just the pain of where i live. I understand what you are saying but it doesn't hurt too much financially and seems drastic but its realistic enough.

And on day 3 when something's not right and dealer says 'bring it back to us and we'll sort it out' what are you going to do ? Have you the contingency fund/time to transport it back down there and hang around while they fix it ? As per another post in last couple of days many warranties don't cover faults in first xx days expecting the dealer to be responsible for them as they must've been there at the point of sale 

Living on a lot "ifs" here. If everyone thought this way with a car barely any would get bought. You look at the checks gives it a test drive and you make a decision, 90 day warranty included. Fair enough if it was older car and had a lot of miles you could worry more and I wouldn't be travelling this distance. Not to sound rude and I get the concerns but you can't think like this entirely if there is the slight hint of an issue even visually down there then I can make the decision. 

Indeed a whole load of 'ifs' but then the motoring board is full of people asking how to get a far away dealer to take responsibility for a faulty car - especially with a dealer who has previous for bad behaviour (the fact they only include 90 days warranty doesn't say a lot for their confidence) 

I've done it myself but only ever on Manufacturer Approved Used stuff and even then almost got caught out when the dealer changed ownership a couple of days after collection and I had to involve Jaguar HO 

Yeah well i thought 90 day warranty was okay going on cars record its had 1 owner and i think it was a lease car for a company and going on checks and inspection i should know straight away. Also a parent is going to come down so they can't trying and pull the wool of my eyes about anything. Just again there is always the chance with any car 

Grumpy_chap

The OP has not said what is so great about this particular car to make it worth the hassle.  Maybe rarity?  Maybe competitive price?  
It would help us understand the motivation for this approach if these simple points could be answered by the OP.

Anyway, the OP has taken on the responses and still remains keen to proceed.  It is not necessarily something I'd rush into, but if going ahead, the following thoughts may assist the process:

1. AIUI, this particular Dealer does not offer a remote purchase and deliver option.  
2. Negotiating strength once you turn up is zero, so you may be better negotiating and paying for the car before travelling.  That also removes the risk of the car being sold elsewhere while you are travelling.
3. Doing (2) in advance means that the finance can be done ahead of time and avoid the Saturday bank transfer being required.
4. 90 day warranty seems short IMO for a high quality car.
5. Be sure to understand the full price you will need to pay.  Ticket price.  PLUS admin fees.  PLUS warranty cost?  Anything else?  I once saw a car at a car similar type of company and they wanted an extra fee for the SD card to enable the in built sat nav.  
6. What about the costs for optional extras?  GAP insurance, tank of fuel, floor mats, fabric protect, etc.

You mention that your parent will travel with you.  What were their thoughts / advice on he matter?

Whatever you decide to do, good luck and I hope you enjoy the car?