Do car dealers check your house value?

[Ollie123]

This may sound cynical so apologies in advance.

I am shopping for a new car at the moment with a cash budget of £45k, but before arranging an appointment most car dealers want your name, full address, email and phone number (which is fair enough I suppose).

Do you think they ever check your house value on Zoopla to gauge your potential as a legitimate buyer?

The reason I ask is obviously £45k is not an inconsiderate sum in most peoples books, but my house is only worth £130k (I live up north).

It suits my needs and I have no interest in being mortgaged to the hills, but I do wonder if some salesman would check and think how can someone in a cheap home afford this car, and thus not take you seriously.

[Ghost91]

Ollie123 said:

This may sound cynical so apologies in advance.

I am shopping for a new car at the moment with a cash budget of £45k, but before arranging an appointment most car dealers want your name, full address, email and phone number (which is fair enough I suppose).

Do you think they ever check your house value on Zoopla to gauge your potential as a legitimate buyer?

The reason I ask is obviously £45k is not an inconsiderate sum in most peoples books, but my house is only worth £130k (I live up north).

It suits my needs and I have no interest in being mortgaged to the hills, but I do wonder if some salesman would check and think how can someone in a cheap home afford this car, and thus not take you seriously.

I very much doubt it - besides it's got fk all to do with them how much your house is or isn't worth....

If they don't take you seriously then take your money else where to a garage that gives better service!

[Ollie123]

Well I agree as I'm sure they have better things to do, but maybe some car salesman will clarify.

[E92Dan]

I wouldn't buy a car that's worth 1/3 of the value of my house, but it's your money.

[750turbo]

Never, in my experience - Finance Houses do the relevant financial checking.

Saying that, if I was a nosey salesman

I am not

[anonymous-user]

Perhaps if they are very bored.

[750turbo]

E92Dan said:

I wouldn't buy a car that's worth 1/3 of the value of my house, but it's your money.

WTF?

Are you real?

[Ollie123]

E92Dan said:

I wouldn't buy a car that's worth 1/3 of the value of my house, but it's your money.

Why not?

Do you think I need a more expensive house to justify an expensive car? Does the house need to be bigger or just more expensive?

What if it was the same house but in London and worth £2 million pounds, then would it be ok to spend £45k on a car?

Serious question.

One last thing, does it matter if the house is mortgaged or not?

[9mm]

As a private buyer I'm interested in the postcode of the seller. I don't know, but I suspect it might be one of the qualifying methods used by salespeople. No doubt a few supercar buyers live in social housing but I think good salespeople are pretty good at playing the odds.

[E92Dan]

Yep

[msport123]

I would assume the salesman will be registering you on the system and more importantly to him/her as their customer for commission purposes...

[HTP99]

We most certainly don't; but then the most expensive thing that we would sell would be about £25k, I can't talk for prestige or sports brands, however a colleague went for a job at a Porsche main dealer and was lead to believe that they credit check their new customers before agreeing test drives, not sure to what extent though.

I will take address and contact details from anyone who wants to make an appointment to discuss a purchase, so that they are logged in my diary.

Edited by HTP99 on Thursday 27th August 20:08

[E92Dan]

I just wouldn't if it was my money, but like I said it's your money so do what you like.

[msport123]

I would assume the salesman will be registering you on the system and more importantly to him/her as their customer for commission purposes...

[RobinBanks]

E92Dan said:

I wouldn't buy a car that's worth 1/3 of the value of my house, but it's your money.

I can't see a problem with living in a cheap area but having a high level of income.

I'd imagine it's particularly common for young, single and successful people.

[Ollie123]

E92Dan said:

I just wouldn't if it was my money, but like I said it's your money so do what you like.

But why not? Not trying to be funny but I'm interested in your thinking as I may have missed something.

RobinBanks said:

E92Dan said:

I wouldn't buy a car that's worth 1/3 of the value of my house, but it's your money.

I can't see a problem with living in a cheap area but having a high level of income.

I'd imagine it's particularly common for young, single and successful people.

This is me, I'm still a bit off 30 and my NET income is more than my budget posted above.

[Thermobaric]

It depends where you live. Some places you can get a 4 bed semi for £130K. How many bedrooms do you need before you can plonk £45K down on a car? If you're happy living somewhere where property is cheap, why not get a nice car.

[daytona365]

Car's worth a third of the house ? I think someone's priorities are amiss. I'm a handy man living in London and I'd never spend more than say 5% of property worth...so around 50k tops.

Edited by daytona365 on Thursday 27th August 20:47

Edited by daytona365 on Thursday 27th August 20:50

[Ollie123]

daytona365 said:

Car's worth half the house ? I think someone's priorities are amiss.

Why? Please see the questions I pointed to E92Dan.

I'd actually really like an answer, a new perspective is everything.

[tumble dryer]

What the feck have the two got to do with each other; house value v car value?

It's your money, spend it as you like and enjoy every minute.

You seem eminently sensible, and lucky enough to have a passion outwith work life.

Enjoy.