Car supermarkets

mannie

Hi

I want to buy a new or nearly new car. I've been looking at the car supermarkets on line but don't know how reliable they are compared to main dealers. Does anyone have any info on these.

Thanks

Mannie

Jnelhams

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4353899.stm

Says it all....

Pink.

Hi mannie,

You may get more replies on the Motoring board, so I hope that you don't mind if I move your thread over there.

Pink

gizmoleeds

Wherever you get the car from get an autotrader (or use their website) so you can get a good idea of what is a reasonable price. The website also includes a "new" section - of pre-registered and imported cars with big discounts.

Also, if you are getting a new car from a main dealer check out https://www.whatcar.co.uk - they have a "what car target price" for every new car on sale. This is the lowest price dealers are known to be selling the car for - print it off and insist your dealer matches it. If they won't What Car have a number you can ring and they will put you in touch with a genuine dealer who will match it.

frizz_head

I can recommend Trade Sales (www.trade-sales.co.uk) in Slough, Berkshire. I am on my 3rd car from them.

michaels

Also bought from Trade-sales. When picking up the car I told them I was going to get a full inspection and reclaim from them any faults. they verbally agreed to this. Only fault was 30 quid suspension bush, they sent cheque for this amount when I sent letter plus bill, they were a bit narky about ti but I guess for 30 quid it wasn't worth their while arguing. Price was excellent.

Vic_980

Some car supermarkets are best avoided - the main examples I can think of are Carcraft and Yes, who will rip you off blind. However they are not all bad. I bought my last car from a supermarket in Winsford, their prices are excellent and you can browse freely without being chased by salespeople. I am about to buy my next car there shortly.

Some car supermarkets operate a 'no haggling' policy - however you will generally get more bargains from these, as the vehicles are more realistically priced.

You will generally get a few extras by going to a franchised dealer, for example a better warranty. But you will pay more money for the privilege.

Most people in the trade use Parkers for car pricing (https://www.parkers.co.uk). You can value any car on here for free, as well as obtain full reviews on any make and model. You can even adjust for mileage, and this will give you accurate pricing for private, independent, and franchised dealers.

The best way to get a bargain is to know exactly what you want and what it is worth - armed with this info, you can't go wrong. Take your time and don't rush into any purchase.

Viz_2

I would also avoid Carland. Not sure about now, but most or all of their cars used to be damaged then repaired cars. Prices are also inflated.

mannie

Thanks for your replies. I've decided to go for a new car. I'm going to test drive them at the main dealers and see what best price I can get. I've bought "what car" which gives lots of tips to watch out for.

bb_forrest

Motor Provider in Sheffield.

Car came with 1 mile on the clock, saved £4,000 on list price. Would buy from again with no problems, avoid Carcraft like the plague.

May I suggest that you look at Exchange and Mart's website (don't have address to hand but you should be able to search for it).

If you put a search in for new cars it will give you prices.

blue_haddock

Vic_980 wrote:

Most people in the trade use Parkers for car pricing (https://www.parkers.co.uk). You can value any car on here for free, as well as obtain full reviews on any make and model. You can even adjust for mileage, and this will give you accurate pricing for private, independent, and franchised dealers.

Going to have to disagree with you here - the two trade price guides are CAP and Glass's and pretty much every trader out there uses these guides. Parkers figures bear no relation to the figures within these guides.