This thread is a few years old but worth reviving.

I was looking to buy a nearly new Mondeo. I knew the model, spec, etc that I wanted. Checked a few local dealers, and car supermarkets. My trawling round the web threw up Silverdale Cars. I then "Googled" them and found this (old) thread (hence this follow up).

I rang Silverdale and spoke with a guy named Ross. He said that they are not like a normal retailer, don't carry much stock, but will source to requirement from Contract Hire, Lease Hire operators, etc. He said that they had access to such cars which could be pulled out of contract hire before the end of the contract term (maybe it's one way that Ford get vehicles into the market ?)

I mailed him with my required spec, etc. He came back within about 30 minutes with 4 colour options that met that spec. All were 6 -9 months old and had done 8 - 11K miles. He said that these vehicles were still being used by the owners and it would take around a week for the owners to be allocated another car. He said that Silverdale would then check the car over before releasing it. He required no up front payment and said that payment would only be required once I'd inspected and approved the car. Then full payment by bankers draft or cash.

We agreed which colour I wanted. He confirmed by e.mail. He maintained good communications over the next few days with updates on expected availability, etc. The price he quotes is non-negotiable but I did get him to agree to deliver the vehicle to my work place where I would pay the transporter driver (subject to me approving the vehicle). I guess that they might not always be happy to do this ?

Anyway, the car arrived on time. I checked it over. They had given it a good valet, two new front tyres (after 7 months and 10K miles !), no paint or alloys damage. All good.

That was about a month ago since when I driven a further 1000 miles. No problems.

Silverdale may not be for everyone, especially if you need to "trade-in" (which they don't do). It is, to a certain extent, an act of faith but you don't pay a penny until you've inspected the vehicle

So, what's the bottom line. The car cost me £3K less than an identical model (albeit with 7K miles) at a main dealer, and over £1K less than at a leading "car supermarket". Silverdale did everything they promised. I would certainly use them again.