Used Car - Cash Discount

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Tue 3 Feb 2004 16:45
Used Car - Cash Discount - scout1
It's been a while since I bought a used car, so do I still get a good discount for having a wad of hard cash on the forecourt? What should I expect to get off a BMW 320D at 13495 (BMW dealership)?

Since everybody else is talking about pomme frites, what are the benefits of chipping these diesels?



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Tue 3 Feb 2004 17:43
Used Car - Cash Discount - looking4car
Cash is no longer king.

The ideal customer these days has no money, no chance of a bank loan and unable to understand what APR means.
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Tue 3 Feb 2004 18:46
Used Car - Cash Discount - volvoman
Yes, I fear said dealer would much prefer to arrange some lucrative finance to enhance whatever he makes on the car.
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Tue 3 Feb 2004 19:47
Used Car - Cash Discount - Doc
I bought a used car from a main dealer last year and found that cash did not produce any discount.
The best I could achieve was a host of extras including paint protection system.
I suppose it depends on the demand for the particular vehicle.



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Tue 3 Feb 2004 21:45
Used Car - Cash Discount - Andrew-T
I suspect the only way to reduce a dealer's screen-price significantly is to have no trade-in.
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Tue 3 Feb 2004 22:41
Used Car - Cash Discount - spikeyhead {p}
I'd use a debit card rather than cash.
Walk in, check you're happy with the car, that it has a decent service history and then ask what they will accept for the car sold as seen with no warrantee and see what happens.

Be prepared to just shrug your shoulders and walk away nonchalantly if he says something silly, but he's likely to call you back and then the negotiating can start.

Just remember that the first rule of negotiating is to let them do the talking. Let us know how you get on.
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Wed 4 Feb 2004 10:00
Used Car - Cash Discount - scout1
Well, I will have no trade-in and I can also make the full payment with a debit card, so it looks like I may have a shot!

Thanks all.
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Wed 4 Feb 2004 10:17
Used Car - Cash Discount - Andrew-T
scout - I have no experience of the negotiability of BM dealers, but I would try for £500 off at least. Also the 04 plate starts next month IIRC, which may make them more open to offers in Feb?
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Wed 4 Feb 2004 14:46
Used Car - Cash Discount - runboy
Got a credit card that offers cash back? May be a way to get something at least and then pay off before the interest kicks in.

Just be careful with a card buy-even debit cards can attract a 2% surcharge. I was annoyed when my dealer told me I could pay for my car by card, so I juggle money around so I can take some cash back from my CC company, but when I come to pay the dealer says "yes, you can pay with a card, but we will charge you 2%". You could have told me at the time, you slimey devil.


As an aside, if you did buy a car with a credit card then would it offer any better protection i.e. as if you had bought a dodgy TV and the CC company take the case on for you?
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