BMW I3 Discounts and resale values
Discussion
I'm currently on the verge of ordering a new I3. The conversation with the first dealership didn't go well (i.e. calls not returned and information not forthcoming) .... so I have now been talking to a new dealer, who I have recently just purchased a new M4 from so I have some track record of purchases.
With both dealers, when I have asked about discounts, its a flat "no" and I'm being told that the dealerships are just BMW I agents so have no power to discount. However when I look on line I see discounts having been given (especially in the US). So before I take the plunge, has anyone managed to secure any form of discount/benefit in the UK ? The other interesting thing, is that they are apparently not able to offer ex-demontrator models for sale and reading between he lines it sounds like BMW are somewhat manipulating the demand and supply of both used and new. Does of course beg the question of what will happen to used values when BMW do decide to "flood" the market ?
With both dealers, when I have asked about discounts, its a flat "no" and I'm being told that the dealerships are just BMW I agents so have no power to discount. However when I look on line I see discounts having been given (especially in the US). So before I take the plunge, has anyone managed to secure any form of discount/benefit in the UK ? The other interesting thing, is that they are apparently not able to offer ex-demontrator models for sale and reading between he lines it sounds like BMW are somewhat manipulating the demand and supply of both used and new. Does of course beg the question of what will happen to used values when BMW do decide to "flood" the market ?
Dealer was great until I said I would buy cash, then it all went a bit off.......better to lease etc etc, when I said only cash then I got stories of very long waits on orders which never mentioned during the leasing options!
I think BMW want to keep a very tight reign on supply until the secondhand value is stable as up until recently it's been a bit of a grey area with scare stories in the press of EVs having crazy low residue values after three years.
Cannot blame them but it makes for awkward customer relations at the start.
I think BMW want to keep a very tight reign on supply until the secondhand value is stable as up until recently it's been a bit of a grey area with scare stories in the press of EVs having crazy low residue values after three years.
Cannot blame them but it makes for awkward customer relations at the start.
The high lease payments for the value of the car suggest someone thinks there's a risk the residuals will be very weak, but I think they will do OK. I think they are being very cautious because most other EVs have tanked residually. The reluctance for an outright purchase makes me think they want the cars back in the fold for whatever reason.
contractor said:
Why not take the finance and then settle in the first month?
I know its sad but this is getting to be the only way to deal, dealer makes his wad on the finance and then the finance company gets screwed, surely they will wake up to this eventually?Or is it a consumer rights thing that with any finance we can settle within the first month without penalty? Dunno, I usually pay cash and walk, all done, finished..........
Think I would lease a BEV initially. I mean its a bit of an uknown. In 3 years time it could be worth buttons which would leave the lease company on the hook for the money, not you (if they gave a reasonable GFV).
there could be some glaring issue that pops up once the cars have 2 years on them. Charging points may still not be as prevalent etc etc.
there could be some glaring issue that pops up once the cars have 2 years on them. Charging points may still not be as prevalent etc etc.
The i3 was built for the US market where they get tax credits for every one they sell under CARB rules. Thats wht the tank for the REX is so small as the electric range has to be higher than petrol. for europe they could have fitted a 30l tank to get hundreds of miles range on long trips. but they didnt. US dealers are sometimes giving discounts as they korder for stock and dont want them sitting around, uk dealers are agents and only order for customers. Ive also heard US orders ar getting prioritised due to the credits.. some people only wating 2-3 momths vs 6 over here. I ordered back in August but told Feb/Mar delivery. Hmmmn.
Regarding finance just tell them you want to pay cash. Simple. they will try and sell finance but you,dont have to take it. Why would you want to pay interest if you have the money? I want to pay cahsh too as Im buying thru business to get corp tax relief. Get to offset the cost of the car against what I'd pay to HMRC. Saves more than 6k!
Regarding finance just tell them you want to pay cash. Simple. they will try and sell finance but you,dont have to take it. Why would you want to pay interest if you have the money? I want to pay cahsh too as Im buying thru business to get corp tax relief. Get to offset the cost of the car against what I'd pay to HMRC. Saves more than 6k!
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