If your in the market for a used car where do you buy from and why ?
Do you feel safer with a main dealer ?
What warranty length makes you happy ?
If there was a car at a main dealer and the same car at a used car outlet how much extra - if any - would you be prepared to pay for buying at a main agent ?
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I buy from a dealer that gives me confidence and makes me feel like a customer they'd like to see again, preferably not from a glass palace, but depending on where you live that can be difficult to avoid.
Warranty depends on the age of the car really, so a car out of manufacturers warranty i'd like a proper eg BMW warranty on it even if the car isn't a BM...does that make sense?
If its older then the warranty from many places isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Your scenario of the identical cars at the 2 dealerships would depend on the type and length of warranty given, the small print being all important and devilish to understand.
I suppose i'd hope to buy cheaply enough from an outlet where i'd researched my chosen car enough to take a calculated risk on it being a good bet, and forgo a dubious warranty.
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My current car and my parents last 5 cars have all been bought from the same BMW dealer. We always get good service, good warranty and decent prices for part ex's. Can't see my parents buying from another dealer ever again actually.
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As an independent trader in a different field I do try to support independents. I try to judge their character of course, not always successfully, but I'd rather try to deal with a straightforward guy who is just trying to make an honest buck than someone who is being controlled by an uber-strategy. With all due respect to the majority of employed sales staff the indy is usually a bit brighter. I find that if you can demonstrate that you are also a non-confrontational but reasonably savvy individual you usually get an amount of respect and courtesy in return. I "deal" with people daily and it can be done with a "win win" objective if both parties are sensible.
With corporate staff it can be more difficult to negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome.
Oddly enough having said all the above, I would and have had no problem buying a new vehicle from a main dealer if the numbers work for me but when it comes to used cars I prefer the indy route. Not all of them will be 100% straight but that's up to me to decide for myself really. The majority of those who have continued to make a living through thick and thin and keep a set of regular customers have not done so by being dishonest.
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Nearly always privately. I like to meet the previous owner so I can judge how it has been treated etc.
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Never had a problem with independent dealer but I check first with Trading Standards...
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I like to go a Local Indie, inc for repairs and servicing. complete confidence all the time.
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Main dealer, bargaining on internet dealer price.
Bought it new at £200 less than the internet price + extras. I would have settled for at least £200 above the internet price. (and been happy)
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Attempts to double up the labour charge on repairs - and incredible quotes.
I`m too smart for that though and don`t let them near it - not even for the second year service, preferring to service it myself and risk the warranty. (gamble payed off)
We tried to buy a Toyota (main dealer) last time but got passed to three people in as many minutes, each time having to repeat what we wanted. The salesman then started a spiel when all we wanted was to look at the car (in the showroom) and in particular at the versatility of the boot.
The boss, had to open it and fumble with the interior herself - as the salesman stood there. She then walked out of the showroom and went and sat in the car (ours) and that was that - as they say.
Edited by oilrag on 10/05/2009 at 22:10
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Of my last four cars, one came from an indie dealer, and three were bought privately.
All four cars were good. Dealer experience was lousy (reneged on verbal promises, delivered the car with a couple of faults which he'd agreed to put right). Private sales hassle free and cars were good. No expectations. Like it or don't, buy it or don't. A nice way to deal.
The appropriate checks minimise the risk to virtually nil, and the big brand aftermarket warranties are better than those offered by many indies anyway.
Bought one car (MX-5) from a main dealer. Lovely experience. Paid over the odds. As you would expect.
Cheers
DP
Edited by DP on 10/05/2009 at 22:20
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