Used Cars in Dealerships for Months; Red Flag?
Discussion
Have been searching for a new car for the last few weeks, and mainly looking at the BMWs, and Audi A4 and VW Golf.
During lockdown, quite a few cars I was looking at have been selling within days, before I got a chance to start arranging viewings etc.
Although there are a few adverts which seem like good deals, but a few things about them seem fishy.
I've found a 1 owner, 2-series with low mileage and not too old, that I'm interested in. Dealer has valued my part-ex within what I'd be satisfied with and I wouldn't mind viewing it, as it seems like a good deal.
The only issue is that it looks like it's been advertised for ~4 months now, which is odd in itself for a low mileage 2-series at a competitive price, but when doing a quick registration check, this website tells me that tax ran out in October (so assume it hasn't been on the road since then?), and last v5 was registered in September 2020? Is this a red flag to stay away, or is it worth probing the dealer a bit more?
The dealership from first impressions doesn't seem dodgy. It's not a car supermarket, seems family owned, and has good reviews on Google, and the dealer himself was honest and not pushy at all.
During lockdown, quite a few cars I was looking at have been selling within days, before I got a chance to start arranging viewings etc.
Although there are a few adverts which seem like good deals, but a few things about them seem fishy.
I've found a 1 owner, 2-series with low mileage and not too old, that I'm interested in. Dealer has valued my part-ex within what I'd be satisfied with and I wouldn't mind viewing it, as it seems like a good deal.
The only issue is that it looks like it's been advertised for ~4 months now, which is odd in itself for a low mileage 2-series at a competitive price, but when doing a quick registration check, this website tells me that tax ran out in October (so assume it hasn't been on the road since then?), and last v5 was registered in September 2020? Is this a red flag to stay away, or is it worth probing the dealer a bit more?
The dealership from first impressions doesn't seem dodgy. It's not a car supermarket, seems family owned, and has good reviews on Google, and the dealer himself was honest and not pushy at all.
Sometimes certain cars just aren't in demand - Perhaps the car is missing what your average person wants in regards to spec, perhaps it's a convertible in winter or a motorway mile-muncher during a national lockdown.
If you're overly worried then take a look at the reviews online for the dealership you're dealing with, you can also take a look at their books on Companies House and, if they're relatively new, check out the director's details on Companies House to see if they have a habit of opening and liquidating car selling companies over the years. If it's an established company that all seems ok then I wouldn't be put off by the car having not sold, so long as it's got sufficient service history, comes with a full MOT and you inspect the car then at least a stable company means that if there are any issues then you should be able to find a resolution with the dealer.
If you're overly worried then take a look at the reviews online for the dealership you're dealing with, you can also take a look at their books on Companies House and, if they're relatively new, check out the director's details on Companies House to see if they have a habit of opening and liquidating car selling companies over the years. If it's an established company that all seems ok then I wouldn't be put off by the car having not sold, so long as it's got sufficient service history, comes with a full MOT and you inspect the car then at least a stable company means that if there are any issues then you should be able to find a resolution with the dealer.
I really wouldnt worry about a car only being for sale for 4 moths just now. Buying a new car will be one of the things most will have cut back on just now. If you are not doing the mileage, is a new car to you worth the expense just now. Just save the cash and the monthly outlay especially if you had and have paid off a finance deal.
The 2 series is hardly BMWs most in demand series. Most people tend to stick to the 3/5 series if they need some space or the 1 series if they don’t need space or have less to spend.
Personally I don’t like the way they look and would just get a 3 series if I were in the market for a BMW.
Is it a standard 2 series or one of those active tourer jobbies? If it’s the latter, I’m not surprised it’s been sitting there months.
Personally I don’t like the way they look and would just get a 3 series if I were in the market for a BMW.
Is it a standard 2 series or one of those active tourer jobbies? If it’s the latter, I’m not surprised it’s been sitting there months.
J1990 said:
Sometimes certain cars just aren't in demand - Perhaps the car is missing what your average person wants in regards to spec, perhaps it's a convertible in winter or a motorway mile-muncher during a national lockdown.
If you're overly worried then take a look at the reviews online for the dealership you're dealing with, you can also take a look at their books on Companies House and, if they're relatively new, check out the director's details on Companies House to see if they have a habit of opening and liquidating car selling companies over the years. If it's an established company that all seems ok then I wouldn't be put off by the car having not sold, so long as it's got sufficient service history, comes with a full MOT and you inspect the car then at least a stable company means that if there are any issues then you should be able to find a resolution with the dealer.
Seems that they've been around for 30 years, although I couldn't find then on Companies House. If you're overly worried then take a look at the reviews online for the dealership you're dealing with, you can also take a look at their books on Companies House and, if they're relatively new, check out the director's details on Companies House to see if they have a habit of opening and liquidating car selling companies over the years. If it's an established company that all seems ok then I wouldn't be put off by the car having not sold, so long as it's got sufficient service history, comes with a full MOT and you inspect the car then at least a stable company means that if there are any issues then you should be able to find a resolution with the dealer.
Wagonwheel555 said:
The 2 series is hardly BMWs most in demand series. Most people tend to stick to the 3/5 series if they need some space or the 1 series if they don’t need space or have less to spend.
Personally I don’t like the way they look and would just get a 3 series if I were in the market for a BMW.
Is it a standard 2 series or one of those active tourer jobbies? If it’s the latter, I’m not surprised it’s been sitting there months.
You make some valid points, and I'm reconsidering if a 1 series might be the better option. I just preffered the looks with the coupe rear compared to a hatchback, and thought it may be a bit easier with parking etc. In comparison to a 3 series. Personally I don’t like the way they look and would just get a 3 series if I were in the market for a BMW.
Is it a standard 2 series or one of those active tourer jobbies? If it’s the latter, I’m not surprised it’s been sitting there months.
It's definitely not the MPV type of 2 series, no way I'd go near that haha.
DaSam21 said:
tax ran out in October (so assume it hasn't been on the road since then?), and last v5 was registered in September 2020? Is this a red flag to stay away, or is it worth probing the dealer a bit more?.
Last V5 is probably the DVLA recieving the yellow slip to say the car has been traded in & hence the tax running out the month after.Richard-390a0 said:
Last V5 is probably the DVLA recieving the yellow slip to say the car has been traded in & hence the tax running out the month after.
Good to know, thanks. Have seen it on a few cars recently, although another one Registered 2 weeks ago was due to the previous owner taking their private plate. I own a 2 series as I wanted a coupe but I know a lot of people buy the 1 for the practicality.
That aside I wouldn't worry about 4 months as it's perfectly possible it was traded in a a dealer who decided to send it to auction rather than resale it, so it sits with them waiting for transport to auction or the dealer being bothered to build up enough stock to send at once. It could then sit in the Auctions lot waiting for an appropriate auction day to come up.
The buying dealer then waits for it to be transported to them for sale.
All that and throw in a lockdown too and it's not hard to see how the time can pass.
That aside I wouldn't worry about 4 months as it's perfectly possible it was traded in a a dealer who decided to send it to auction rather than resale it, so it sits with them waiting for transport to auction or the dealer being bothered to build up enough stock to send at once. It could then sit in the Auctions lot waiting for an appropriate auction day to come up.
The buying dealer then waits for it to be transported to them for sale.
All that and throw in a lockdown too and it's not hard to see how the time can pass.
Super_G said:
Probably nothing new but I’ve noticed some dealers leave ads up longer for desired models as bait. You call and it was sold months ago. Why is the ad still there then? Click bait.
This one is definitely available, had a call with him. Have had that trick happen when buying a house though. Call up, house advertised is sold, but he can keep your details in their database to sell you something else...
My 218d M Sport in estoril blue is due back in July.
Loved having it but it's not practical now with a toddler, ordered it whilst on holiday where the mrs got pregnant. Bloody strawberry daiquiris and Caribbean storms
There was a decent deal on and low stock but may be worth holding on for a few months as there should be a few returned and with the last year the mileage should be decent.
I've covered 22k in mine, if it wasn't for the kid I'd look to purchase it as it does make you smile whilst driving it.
Loved having it but it's not practical now with a toddler, ordered it whilst on holiday where the mrs got pregnant. Bloody strawberry daiquiris and Caribbean storms
There was a decent deal on and low stock but may be worth holding on for a few months as there should be a few returned and with the last year the mileage should be decent.
I've covered 22k in mine, if it wasn't for the kid I'd look to purchase it as it does make you smile whilst driving it.
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