AM Dealer or independent?

[whazzinit]

Hi all

Im looking to upgrade from a tvr to a v8v. Ive been looking at a number of cars for the last couple of months and recently came across a 56 plate (07 model) v8v with an AM dealer. It has about 45k miles, and is in the exact spec im looking for, black, piano dash etc. Just under £40k.

The dealer has been really helpful providing video and pics, however the condition of the vehicle was described as mint, but the recent photos clearly show there are a number of issues, such as stone chips, scratches, paint peeling from the wing mirror stalks, etc.

Im suprised an AM dealer would offer the car for sale as in showroom condition when in fact, its probably more like average condition for age and in my opinion not worth the price tag compared to other cars with independent dealers with similar.

Whilst the dealer has suggested they would 'polish out' the stone chips and scratches, i think i'll hang on until i see something in better condition.

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience when considering buying from an AM dealer and on arrival the car is not as originally described? Also, as a newbie looking for my first v8v, are there any benefits, other than maybe warranty, when buying from an AM dealer?

[F1 NDW]

My friend recently bought an 06 manual V8V. It was perfect and had been really well looked after. He bought it out of AUTOTRADER privately. He could tell when he went to see it that the owner had loved the car. You'll never get that with a dealer. It's just a car!

[ds2000]

If the dealer will sort the flaws and its the spec you want, pull the trigger. Make sure its 100% perfect for you before hand. There are plenty of 4.3's out there if it isn't!