Do you enjoy buying cars?
Discussion
I quite enjoy buying from private sellers - on the whole you meet nice interesting people. Car supermarkets are fun.as the choice often throws in a curveball of another make. Many people hate Car Giant, but I love it. Minimal prep allows you to see the true state of the cars. The cars with a lot of cosmetic damage end up being Managers Specials. I bought my Mum a 3 year old ex-Motability Nissan Note with 8k for £2k cheaper than a main dealer and couldn't find a single blemish on it.
Glass palace car dealers I hate. The pantomime and charades with the Sales Manager. The hard hard upsell of GAP (in the past), Tyre Insurance, Paint Protection, Extended Warranty. It's almost as though selling a car is incidental to these products.
Glass palace car dealers I hate. The pantomime and charades with the Sales Manager. The hard hard upsell of GAP (in the past), Tyre Insurance, Paint Protection, Extended Warranty. It's almost as though selling a car is incidental to these products.
I like browsing on classifieds and looking / thinking about next car to buy. But generally I hate the overall process. I like the honeymoon period of a new to me car, but I also have "abandonment issues" with the cars during the honeymoon period. What if I've bought a lemon? What if something catastrophic is to go in it? What if it doesn't match my expectations?
I guess all that anxiety might be subdued if I bought on a higher end of the market, but I generally buy on the cheaper end (most expensive car I've bought is £7k). One of the first things I always do is drive it to my trusted mechanic for a quick once over.
I think I have a massive issue about letting go of old cars too. A part for my first 2 cars, I don't think I've really sold a car through 100% choice. 2 were written off when others drove into them, 1 was driven to death by me, 1 was just getting on so much that it was needing a massive chunk of work needing done. Luckily at that time a family member worked in the trade and had a decent trade in for me. Meant I got a car at trade price and they sent the old one down to auction for me for a nominal fee.
I am meant to swap my daily for something more economical and a bit newer, but I unfortunately I recently ran over a massive badger and there's some repairs required in order to get any sort of decent money for it.
I guess all that anxiety might be subdued if I bought on a higher end of the market, but I generally buy on the cheaper end (most expensive car I've bought is £7k). One of the first things I always do is drive it to my trusted mechanic for a quick once over.
I think I have a massive issue about letting go of old cars too. A part for my first 2 cars, I don't think I've really sold a car through 100% choice. 2 were written off when others drove into them, 1 was driven to death by me, 1 was just getting on so much that it was needing a massive chunk of work needing done. Luckily at that time a family member worked in the trade and had a decent trade in for me. Meant I got a car at trade price and they sent the old one down to auction for me for a nominal fee.
I am meant to swap my daily for something more economical and a bit newer, but I unfortunately I recently ran over a massive badger and there's some repairs required in order to get any sort of decent money for it.
It's interesting how dealers earn a living from selling cars yet they make the process so painful.
I'm not sure if there's any other item where buying is such an awful experience.
I go to buy a bike and the people in the bike shop are professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
I go to the butcher, the guy is trying to sell his wares by promoting what he's offering, not pretending to be my best friend whilst shafting me with some deal I'm not interested in.
I was reading another thread where a poster made reference to staff at Screwfix in a negative manner which made me think and realise, I've never had a bad experience in Screwfix.
So generally, no, I don't enjoy buying cars, in fact, I'm put off even viewing many.
The best car buying experiences have been private sales or auctions but the cars I want aren't always available that way.
I'm not sure if there's any other item where buying is such an awful experience.
I go to buy a bike and the people in the bike shop are professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
I go to the butcher, the guy is trying to sell his wares by promoting what he's offering, not pretending to be my best friend whilst shafting me with some deal I'm not interested in.
I was reading another thread where a poster made reference to staff at Screwfix in a negative manner which made me think and realise, I've never had a bad experience in Screwfix.
So generally, no, I don't enjoy buying cars, in fact, I'm put off even viewing many.
The best car buying experiences have been private sales or auctions but the cars I want aren't always available that way.
Pistom said:
It's interesting how dealers earn a living from selling cars yet they make the process so painful....
Indeed. And manufacturers spending millions on marketing and advertising, but dealerships not welcoming you into the showroom unless you are 'buying today'. When i went to look at an M5 at my local BMW dealer, I wasn't even allowed past the reception desk until someone was available to speak with me, had to sit there like a naughty schoolboy waiting for the headmaster.
I enjoy the hunt/research and the process, although with the latter I have never bought from a main dealer.
I'm a firm believer that the sales process is actually a simple one, however it is always the sales person and sometimes additionally the hoops they have to jump through that ruin the experience for the buyer.
Cheers,
Chris
I'm a firm believer that the sales process is actually a simple one, however it is always the sales person and sometimes additionally the hoops they have to jump through that ruin the experience for the buyer.
Cheers,
Chris
I'm quite specific in what I want and usually find the process pretty painless.
In the last 25 years I've only been given the runaround twice. Once with a sole trader who had an S14 200SX for sale. Shame he neglected to mention that it was an import from Singapore and had a really weird spec inc cloth seats. Complete waste of my time. The other time I went to what I thought was a respectable place off the M3 to look at an E55. The thing was in a right state and the paperwork was "one the way". Yeah right. Dodgy as f
k.
I bought a perfect C43 on the way home from LMS in Chiswick on the way home from that experience. It was exactly as described. Same for the 2nd C43 that I bought privately off an enthusiast. And the two E500s I subsequently bought from traders. The Maundrells experience for the second one was excellent. Loads of tasty stock and staff that knew what they were talking about. Nice day out.
In the last 25 years I've only been given the runaround twice. Once with a sole trader who had an S14 200SX for sale. Shame he neglected to mention that it was an import from Singapore and had a really weird spec inc cloth seats. Complete waste of my time. The other time I went to what I thought was a respectable place off the M3 to look at an E55. The thing was in a right state and the paperwork was "one the way". Yeah right. Dodgy as f
k.I bought a perfect C43 on the way home from LMS in Chiswick on the way home from that experience. It was exactly as described. Same for the 2nd C43 that I bought privately off an enthusiast. And the two E500s I subsequently bought from traders. The Maundrells experience for the second one was excellent. Loads of tasty stock and staff that knew what they were talking about. Nice day out.
Interesting to hear others' experiences. A couple of observations from me, if I may.
Firstly I've found the 'glass palace' main dealers the worst places to buy from, especially sales people who simply don't know their stuff: "Does it have the Performance Pack?" "Yes Sir it does." It didn't, of course. Also the relentless hard sell on GAP, tyre insurance and finance. A tip: if you really don't want the extras they try to sell you, just say "Look, I know your boss looks at feedback and you have to get 5 stars out of 5. I'm happy to do that, but only if you stop, right now, with the sales push on these extras."
That said, I've bought from one or two independent dealers who were honest and a pleasure to deal with.
Secondly my experience with private sellers. You can tell a lot from phone calls and their advert, but you do still meet one or two idiots. However, I've met some charming people when buying privately, have had long chats about car stuff, said hello to the family, tea and biscuits, all that. You also get much more insight into how they've treated the car, which you don't really get from a dealer.
Firstly I've found the 'glass palace' main dealers the worst places to buy from, especially sales people who simply don't know their stuff: "Does it have the Performance Pack?" "Yes Sir it does." It didn't, of course. Also the relentless hard sell on GAP, tyre insurance and finance. A tip: if you really don't want the extras they try to sell you, just say "Look, I know your boss looks at feedback and you have to get 5 stars out of 5. I'm happy to do that, but only if you stop, right now, with the sales push on these extras."
That said, I've bought from one or two independent dealers who were honest and a pleasure to deal with.
Secondly my experience with private sellers. You can tell a lot from phone calls and their advert, but you do still meet one or two idiots. However, I've met some charming people when buying privately, have had long chats about car stuff, said hello to the family, tea and biscuits, all that. You also get much more insight into how they've treated the car, which you don't really get from a dealer.
Usually, but I am trying to buy one at the moment that's overpriced. The guy won't deal with me directly and it's all through his son via FB, they refuse to negotiate on the price and I'm getting to the point where I'm going to give up because it's exhausting.
Finding the right car and right spec is great fun, and ends up being a main point of conversation with my group of car friends <insert Inbetweeners meme> as we all seem to be on an eternal hunt for the next one.
Finding the right car and right spec is great fun, and ends up being a main point of conversation with my group of car friends <insert Inbetweeners meme> as we all seem to be on an eternal hunt for the next one.
I used to enjoy buying cars when younger as it was always a bit of excitement getting to know the controls, how much more power it had etc. ad then customising it and cleaning it out so that it felt like "yours".
Now whenever I have to change cars, I'm full of trepidation around what may be wrong with it after I've bought it. Sure, you can test drive them, inspect them till your hearts content but its when you have owned them a few days and then suddenly "hidden" faults start appearing or things that you hadn't noticed before handing over the money.
I never used to mind working on my cars years ago to try and fix or do small repairs but now its a total ballache due to commitments with family etc. I just want to get in and drive it without worrying about what warning light is going to pop up next.
Now whenever I have to change cars, I'm full of trepidation around what may be wrong with it after I've bought it. Sure, you can test drive them, inspect them till your hearts content but its when you have owned them a few days and then suddenly "hidden" faults start appearing or things that you hadn't noticed before handing over the money.
I never used to mind working on my cars years ago to try and fix or do small repairs but now its a total ballache due to commitments with family etc. I just want to get in and drive it without worrying about what warning light is going to pop up next.
interstellar said:
I enjoy looking on the net etc and comparing specs but don’t like dealing with the dealers.
This. There are exceptions of course to the buying process but last few cars:Edited by interstellar on Monday 25th March 21:46
- Merc C Class - really good buying experience from a Honda dealership. After sales issues left a little to be desired to put it mildly.
- Mini R53 x2 - bought from a Mini specialist who couldn't have been more accommodating and nicer to deal with. I want another and he's the only person I'll go to.
- Mini Clubman - similar to the above, bought from another (different) Mini specialist and was top notch.
Bought so many cars previous to this where I've felt like I've known far more about the cars I'm buying than the saleperson does which is fine by me. I check the car, make sure its ok, ignore the salepersons bullsh*t and just pay them etc.
I enjoy the process of buying from private sellers. Taking a day off, catching an early train with a one way ticket, making a list of all the things I need to check. Then arriving, ignoring my list and getting excited, overlooking various expensive things and buying it anyway.
But I tend to buy cheapish cars, so it's never too bad to put right.
But I tend to buy cheapish cars, so it's never too bad to put right.
I used to really enjoy buying cars. The whole searching and negotiating experience was fun.
Unfortunately, I've also had some very poor experiences when buying cars About 18 months ago I went to a BMW dealership via a prearranged appointment. And arranged to test drive an X3. When I got there they said there was warning light on the car and it had to go into the workshop Therefore, I couldn't drive the car I wanted to buy, but they had another that I could test drive. However, I could only take it out for 20 minutes. When I asked why.? they couldn't tell me. Just that's what we do..
On my return from the test drive. I agreed that they could give me a valuation on my car. I explained to them that I wasn't interested in GAP, paint protection, tire insurance, etc. The salesperson said they fully understood and they'd be back in a minute with my valuation for part exchange. The salesperson, sat down with me and the sales manager came over and said he needed to demonstrate to her how to use the system (the sales person said she had been with the branch over a year) and he insisted on going through all of the GAP paint protection etc.
I must have told him three times I was not interested. I had no intention of buying those products. And I should have walked away. I was sat there for an hour and a half listening this absolute drivel. in the end I'd had enough and I said I had another appointment and left.
The next day I got a follow up phone call from the salesperson and I told her I wasn't interested in the car and she asked why and I told her it was due to the sales manager pushing the hard sell and she just and grunted and hung up
Unfortunately, I've also had some very poor experiences when buying cars About 18 months ago I went to a BMW dealership via a prearranged appointment. And arranged to test drive an X3. When I got there they said there was warning light on the car and it had to go into the workshop Therefore, I couldn't drive the car I wanted to buy, but they had another that I could test drive. However, I could only take it out for 20 minutes. When I asked why.? they couldn't tell me. Just that's what we do..
On my return from the test drive. I agreed that they could give me a valuation on my car. I explained to them that I wasn't interested in GAP, paint protection, tire insurance, etc. The salesperson said they fully understood and they'd be back in a minute with my valuation for part exchange. The salesperson, sat down with me and the sales manager came over and said he needed to demonstrate to her how to use the system (the sales person said she had been with the branch over a year) and he insisted on going through all of the GAP paint protection etc.
I must have told him three times I was not interested. I had no intention of buying those products. And I should have walked away. I was sat there for an hour and a half listening this absolute drivel. in the end I'd had enough and I said I had another appointment and left.
The next day I got a follow up phone call from the salesperson and I told her I wasn't interested in the car and she asked why and I told her it was due to the sales manager pushing the hard sell and she just and grunted and hung up
Depends really. I just bought a new car for me (well a Nov 20 plate that is).
Went for a Volvo S60 Inscription - bit of a dull old mans car in a way, though same engine as in a Focus ST - I have a very fun weekend car and just wanted a relaxing to drive reliable car.
A very enjoyable buying experience, relaxed sale, gave me the key and 150 miles of fuel and said to bring it back when I was ready.
Only other car I was interested in was a BMW 3 series (320i) - sales guy had a preset route, had to come with me, wouldn't entertain any negotiation.
Made my choice very easy TBH.
Went for a Volvo S60 Inscription - bit of a dull old mans car in a way, though same engine as in a Focus ST - I have a very fun weekend car and just wanted a relaxing to drive reliable car.
A very enjoyable buying experience, relaxed sale, gave me the key and 150 miles of fuel and said to bring it back when I was ready.
Only other car I was interested in was a BMW 3 series (320i) - sales guy had a preset route, had to come with me, wouldn't entertain any negotiation.
Made my choice very easy TBH.
Zippee said:
Depends really. I just bought a new car for me (well a Nov 20 plate that is).
Went for a Volvo S60 Inscription - bit of a dull old mans car in a way, though same engine as in a Focus ST - I have a very fun weekend car and just wanted a relaxing to drive reliable car.
A very enjoyable buying experience, relaxed sale, gave me the key and 150 miles of fuel and said to bring it back when I was ready.
Only other car I was interested in was a BMW 3 series (320i) - sales guy had a preset route, had to come with me, wouldn't entertain any negotiation.
Made my choice very easy TBH.
I think BMW and other premium marques need to realise that their products aren’t as exclusive as they think they are…Went for a Volvo S60 Inscription - bit of a dull old mans car in a way, though same engine as in a Focus ST - I have a very fun weekend car and just wanted a relaxing to drive reliable car.
A very enjoyable buying experience, relaxed sale, gave me the key and 150 miles of fuel and said to bring it back when I was ready.
Only other car I was interested in was a BMW 3 series (320i) - sales guy had a preset route, had to come with me, wouldn't entertain any negotiation.
Made my choice very easy TBH.
I've spent most of my recent recuperation time scanning listings on Car and Classic, Ebay and various Facebook pages, and I'm in no position to buy at the moment - but just the thought of it helps me through the day.
I really enjoy buying cars, trucks and bikes... but I've never dealt with a dealer/salesman, never owned anything new.
I've owned over a hundred vehicles, so far, many of which have been a tad unusual. The folk you meet selling these sometimes tend a little to the eccentric.
I spent ages looking for an address on one occasion, only to eventually discover it was a narrowboat on the canal...
Another was an old church entered only through a cemetary, and another a farm in the middle of the moors, one when going to see an obscure British motorcycle, turned out to be an old scout hut surrounded by microcars (Goggomobil etc.) in various states of decay. One chap, into old Brit' sports cars, took me on a tour of his garden to show me not his classic car collection but his prized dope plants... and viewing a custom Morris Minor pick up, we had to follow the seller for about an hour through continually smaller and less well made lanes into the darkest depths of The Forest of Dean - thought we'd never be seen again!
It's usually pretty near impossible not to make a day of it, as obscure and dodgy motors end up being discussed for many an hour... and turn up at any biker's house on a cold day and before any discussion of buying a vehicle can take place, a coffee and sometimes a spliff, must be consumed.
I've even been fed a plate of chilli and a beer when buying an old chop - and very welcome it was too.
The journey home is often an adventure as well. Recent buys included a sixty year old truck that lost its transmission selector just as I pulled onto the motorway a hundred and fifty miles from home - had to stop on the hardshoulder, force it into top and complete the journey without changing gear. A fifty year old Ford Pinto turned out to have no lights or demister, not ideal in the wintry evening rain. Despite having to bring it home in a snowstorm, I had to go without a heater in my little thirties style roadster as I couldn't work out the random dash switches... All good character building fun and you'll soon work out whether it was a good buy or not!
Now, selling has become a different chore entirely... tho' the folk who actually turn up are usually worth meeting, years later I am still in contact with a few of them.
I really enjoy buying cars, trucks and bikes... but I've never dealt with a dealer/salesman, never owned anything new.
I've owned over a hundred vehicles, so far, many of which have been a tad unusual. The folk you meet selling these sometimes tend a little to the eccentric.
I spent ages looking for an address on one occasion, only to eventually discover it was a narrowboat on the canal...
Another was an old church entered only through a cemetary, and another a farm in the middle of the moors, one when going to see an obscure British motorcycle, turned out to be an old scout hut surrounded by microcars (Goggomobil etc.) in various states of decay. One chap, into old Brit' sports cars, took me on a tour of his garden to show me not his classic car collection but his prized dope plants... and viewing a custom Morris Minor pick up, we had to follow the seller for about an hour through continually smaller and less well made lanes into the darkest depths of The Forest of Dean - thought we'd never be seen again!
It's usually pretty near impossible not to make a day of it, as obscure and dodgy motors end up being discussed for many an hour... and turn up at any biker's house on a cold day and before any discussion of buying a vehicle can take place, a coffee and sometimes a spliff, must be consumed.
I've even been fed a plate of chilli and a beer when buying an old chop - and very welcome it was too.
The journey home is often an adventure as well. Recent buys included a sixty year old truck that lost its transmission selector just as I pulled onto the motorway a hundred and fifty miles from home - had to stop on the hardshoulder, force it into top and complete the journey without changing gear. A fifty year old Ford Pinto turned out to have no lights or demister, not ideal in the wintry evening rain. Despite having to bring it home in a snowstorm, I had to go without a heater in my little thirties style roadster as I couldn't work out the random dash switches... All good character building fun and you'll soon work out whether it was a good buy or not!
Now, selling has become a different chore entirely... tho' the folk who actually turn up are usually worth meeting, years later I am still in contact with a few of them.
Dave200 said:
Recently bought a year old car from an online car supermarket and it couldn't have been easier. We didn't see the car in person and all the finances were taken care of online. The car was delivered a couple of days later. No fuss and no dealing with humans. Perfect.
I assume with the online sellers (cinch etc) that the price is fixed?Short answer , yes.
I’m lucky enough to have bought quite a few new from a variety of marques over the past 20 years or so and thoroughly enjoy the whole experience from research to choosing to speccing to handover etc.
I even enjoy negotiating with sales people.
I’ve also bought a couple of used classic defenders and enjoyed that process too.
My eldest sells Audis for a large dealership so that experience has also been interesting !
I’m lucky enough to have bought quite a few new from a variety of marques over the past 20 years or so and thoroughly enjoy the whole experience from research to choosing to speccing to handover etc.
I even enjoy negotiating with sales people.
I’ve also bought a couple of used classic defenders and enjoyed that process too.
My eldest sells Audis for a large dealership so that experience has also been interesting !
Kuwahara said:
I think BMW and other premium marques need to realise that their products aren’t as exclusive as they think they are…
That and the fact the build quality and solidity of the Volvo compared to the 320 was way superior. Only positive for the 3 series was it was more engaging to driveGassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff