I'm about to purchase my first 'nearly new' car. Advice need
Discussion
One thing to add to all of the above, if you agree to things being done with the dealer, make sure it's in writing.
If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
EnthusiastOwned said:
topcat1 said:
I've bought second hand from dealers around 4 times recently, expect the dealer to become your best friend very quickly, until a few days after you bought the car when you then become someone they don't want to talk to any more if you have any problems. I'm not that worried as it's part of buying used, but it is a pain when they promise to send you a missing part, new tyres etc and don't bother calling you back or sending the bits.
The simple rules I gather for buying are barter barter barter, and once the price is agreed then try to get them to throw in some extras. They will make out they aren't earning a penny, but you will know from trying to sell a car that it isn't true so don't feel guilty!
I've noticed this trend and it's the main reason why I've held off buying from dealers for so long. I hate salesman with a passion. I may have found a nice one who's approach is a little passive though, fingers crossed. The simple rules I gather for buying are barter barter barter, and once the price is agreed then try to get them to throw in some extras. They will make out they aren't earning a penny, but you will know from trying to sell a car that it isn't true so don't feel guilty!
rallycross said:
Make sure you get a look at the log book to check prev' owners.
Also check history how many stamps in book, has it been serviced according to the warranty requirements (ie if you have to make a warrsanty claim will it be thrown out)
Check for quality matching tyres and no cheap Chinese rubbish tyres
Check both keys present / locking wheel nut etc
It's a 1 owner car and that HQ mini in Doncaster, apparently. Tyres are a big thing on the GP, Kumho track tyres from the factory or high quality all season will be a must. Also check history how many stamps in book, has it been serviced according to the warranty requirements (ie if you have to make a warrsanty claim will it be thrown out)
Check for quality matching tyres and no cheap Chinese rubbish tyres
Check both keys present / locking wheel nut etc
DaveCWK said:
Just be sure to check the log book & google whatever company name is found there. More than once I've been told a car was owned by 'the manufacturer' and therefore was a cherished management car or whatever - It always transpired that the manufacturer buy them back from the Hire car company, or essentially loan them out for a year with a guaranteed buy back & the 'dogs' going to auction - I'm not sure exactly how it works.
In my very recent experience looking for a car for someone else, the vast majority of 1 year old cars at dealerships are ex hire cars.
Not that it's really a bad thing. I found one with not a mark on the bodywork & still on its original tyres.
This is my concern. I'm unsure what the logbook would say if this is the case. Knowing how people treat hire cars and also how dealerships treat their cars is a huge concern, I don't want a car which has been raped for it's first 18 months. In my very recent experience looking for a car for someone else, the vast majority of 1 year old cars at dealerships are ex hire cars.
Not that it's really a bad thing. I found one with not a mark on the bodywork & still on its original tyres.
CallorFold said:
One thing to add to all of the above, if you agree to things being done with the dealer, make sure it's in writing.
If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
Good reminder. If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
kuro said:
As said in my previous post, mine was an ex hire but Ive had zero problems in 15k miles, its on 34k now. On the other hand my car is a diesel motorway hack so probably wouldn't have been hammered all over the place. Whats the mileage on the GP?
it's done 6,000 miles. Bought a nearly new Ford HQ owned car a little while ago myself.
As stated above the dealer made it really nice and easy to purchase the car but didn't really care afterwards. No big deal as I've not had any problems since purchase.
However I'm just wondering with a formerly HQ owned car like OP's and mine would I be the 2nd owner when it comes to selling the car or the 1st?
Obviously ford employees cover alot of miles as my car was only 6 months old at 11,000 miles however being 21 when I bought it just over a year ago I wasn't too worried about it and it's been a fantastic car for my 2nd car.
As stated above the dealer made it really nice and easy to purchase the car but didn't really care afterwards. No big deal as I've not had any problems since purchase.
However I'm just wondering with a formerly HQ owned car like OP's and mine would I be the 2nd owner when it comes to selling the car or the 1st?
Obviously ford employees cover alot of miles as my car was only 6 months old at 11,000 miles however being 21 when I bought it just over a year ago I wasn't too worried about it and it's been a fantastic car for my 2nd car.
I would say the chances of a Mini GP2 being an ex hire car are, while not impossible, slim.
Citroen UK used to change their company cars every 9 months/9k miles and then sell them off through the dealer network. The vast majority were looked after (as the staff were billed for any damage!) and usually serviced before sale as part of the used car prep.
Citroen UK used to change their company cars every 9 months/9k miles and then sell them off through the dealer network. The vast majority were looked after (as the staff were billed for any damage!) and usually serviced before sale as part of the used car prep.
itcaptainslow said:
I would say the chances of a Mini GP2 being an ex hire car are, while not impossible, slim.
Citroen UK used to change their company cars every 9 months/9k miles and then sell them off through the dealer network. The vast majority were looked after (as the staff were billed for any damage!) and usually serviced before sale as part of the used car prep.
This article seems to confirm that. It also suggests that ex fleet/hire cars are in fact a very good buy.Citroen UK used to change their company cars every 9 months/9k miles and then sell them off through the dealer network. The vast majority were looked after (as the staff were billed for any damage!) and usually serviced before sale as part of the used car prep.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/advice/why-you-sho...
I have a friend who is in accounts at fords dunton research facility. He gets 2 new staff cars every 6 to 9 months. He and his wife certainly dont abuse the cars apart from not bothering to wash them.
To the OP, if it were me I would have no hesitation in buying the mini with only 6k on the clock. I wouldn't imagine its been driven on the edge for everyone of those miles.
CallorFold said:
One thing to add to all of the above, if you agree to things being done with the dealer, make sure it's in writing.
If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
Also on this note, make sure that what is written is in as much detail as possible so there can be no misunderstanding. If it's not written down, on paper, in the agreement, they'll likely find a way to avoid doing it.
Not all dealers are like this, but obviously if it's in a written contract, they can't then tell you it wasn't agreed.
eg for one car I confirmed before sale that warranty was 6 months, wanted few bits of paint sorted as proper smart repairs, ie remove rust and paint properly and the next due service done
so paperwork said Warranty, paint and service.
What I got was an oil change, paint done with a touch up kit and a month of arguments with the dealer and car going back to them about 4 times never to be sorted properly, then I found out that the warranty was only 3 months, handily 3 months and 1 week into ownership when it threw a belt. grr
Still its a learning experience to make sure in future I get everything I want written in detail and do not pay for a car until happy with it.
RB Will said:
Still its a learning experience to make sure in future I get everything I want written in detail and do not pay for a car until happy with it.
Yeah there's a lot going on when you buy a car, lots to sort out, lots to remember. When I bought mine I went in with a list and tried to work through each item, one list of checks to do on the car, and one list of checks for things like locking wheel nuts and bits of paperwork etc.
I think it paid off
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