Buying a car without viewing it in person
Discussion
Anyone done this recently? I haven’t bought a new car for over 8 years and things have changed since then, with covid and contactless pick ups, online viewings and dealers offering delivery.
I’ve got my eye on a car but it’s many miles away and I don’t really have the time to spend an entire day travelling there and back.
The dealer seems to have a good reputation and have uploaded a walk around video and many a photo. All looks well I am happy to purchase over the phone / online however they want to do it but I’m just wondering how others have gotten on with the experience of buying cars online without seeing them over the last year or so and is there anything in particular that I should be aware of?
I’ve got my eye on a car but it’s many miles away and I don’t really have the time to spend an entire day travelling there and back.
The dealer seems to have a good reputation and have uploaded a walk around video and many a photo. All looks well I am happy to purchase over the phone / online however they want to do it but I’m just wondering how others have gotten on with the experience of buying cars online without seeing them over the last year or so and is there anything in particular that I should be aware of?
I'd say it depends somewhat on how fussy you are about your cars especially cosmetically.
Trouble with videos and photos is that they simply don't show up the minor flaws.
I have viewed many cars over the years where the photos look fantastic, the owner description equally so only to view in person and, well lets say I just didn't buy it.
I don't think I'd ever buy a car without viewing it unless there is a cast iron no quibble return if you're not happy with it like some are now offering.
If you're not that cosmetically fussy, the risk is lower.
Where is the car in question, maybe some kind local PHer would be happy to cast a quick eye on it for you?
Trouble with videos and photos is that they simply don't show up the minor flaws.
I have viewed many cars over the years where the photos look fantastic, the owner description equally so only to view in person and, well lets say I just didn't buy it.
I don't think I'd ever buy a car without viewing it unless there is a cast iron no quibble return if you're not happy with it like some are now offering.
If you're not that cosmetically fussy, the risk is lower.
Where is the car in question, maybe some kind local PHer would be happy to cast a quick eye on it for you?
I've only done it once, but it was fine (and I can be really picky). Just make sure your expectations are in line with the age/mileage of the car.
You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
Bought a Cayman from an OPC a year ago, fully remote. TBF the dealer principal called me to check I was genuine, because we both knew distance selling regs mean that I could return the car within 14 days for full refund. The car was exactly as described and presented well at delivery.
Lincsls1 said:
I'd say it depends somewhat on how fussy you are about your cars especially cosmetically.
Trouble with videos and photos is that they simply don't show up the minor flaws.
I have viewed many cars over the years where the photos look fantastic, the owner description equally so only to view in person and, well lets say I just didn't buy it.
I don't think I'd ever buy a car without viewing it unless there is a cast iron no quibble return if you're not happy with it like some are now offering.
If you're not that cosmetically fussy, the risk is lower.
Where is the car in question, maybe some kind local PHer would be happy to cast a quick eye on it for you?
I’d agree with this. If the dealer agrees to take it back straightaway if it doesn’t match up then it could be worth it. I’ve viewed too many cars described as ‘mint’ and found all sorts of dings, scratches, bird crap damage etc.Trouble with videos and photos is that they simply don't show up the minor flaws.
I have viewed many cars over the years where the photos look fantastic, the owner description equally so only to view in person and, well lets say I just didn't buy it.
I don't think I'd ever buy a car without viewing it unless there is a cast iron no quibble return if you're not happy with it like some are now offering.
If you're not that cosmetically fussy, the risk is lower.
Where is the car in question, maybe some kind local PHer would be happy to cast a quick eye on it for you?
Even if you do travel cross country to view it make sure you’re not rushed at the dealership, that happened to me a couple of years ago and I missed a few things as a result. The worst trick the dealer pulled was washing the car for the video but when I arrived it was covered in dirt (the dealer is next to a tip). It hid a few cosmetic issues which I noticed when I went back a week later to pick it up and it was freshly washed, and as I only had a one way hire car I felt obliged to reluctantly take it. I eventually got it sorted by my local dealer who got the supplying one to pay for all rectification work but it won’t always end like that.
One of the main benefits of buying a car remotely (or placing a deposit over the phone before collecting) is that it becomes a "distance sale" in the eyes of the law and thereby comes with an added level of protection. The main one being that you can cancel the contract within 14 days of collection without having to give any other reason that you wish to do so.
I wouldn't want to rely on this, but it would certainly give me an added level of confidence if I were buying something where there was a greater risk of the car not being at the expected standard etc.
I have bought most cars in-person, but the last two in 2021 were bought respectively as a "click and collect" and home delivery. My experience with these two deals is that there was little that was unexpected about the cars. I always allow for second hand cars to have some usage-related imperfections and for extra budget to resolve as needed.
I wouldn't want to rely on this, but it would certainly give me an added level of confidence if I were buying something where there was a greater risk of the car not being at the expected standard etc.
I have bought most cars in-person, but the last two in 2021 were bought respectively as a "click and collect" and home delivery. My experience with these two deals is that there was little that was unexpected about the cars. I always allow for second hand cars to have some usage-related imperfections and for extra budget to resolve as needed.
resolve10 said:
I've only done it once, but it was fine (and I can be really picky). Just make sure your expectations are in line with the age/mileage of the car.
You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
Good advice You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
A good read this thread as I am considering the same myself and the car I am looking for is very specific and I can't find one locally so far, i've seen a few in other parts of the country but i've been looking at minimum 4.5 hour travel times so far on trains and buses which I really don't want to do.
The flip side though is that it makes it very awkward should there be issues down the line with faults with the vehicle.
The flip side though is that it makes it very awkward should there be issues down the line with faults with the vehicle.
The Cardinal said:
One of the main benefits of buying a car remotely (or placing a deposit over the phone before collecting) is that it becomes a "distance sale" in the eyes of the law and thereby comes with an added level of protection. The main one being that you can cancel the contract within 14 days of collection without having to give any other reason that you wish to do so.
Only if you have never visited the dealership, if you collect it, it is no longer a "distance sale"We went to look at a car recently (3 hour round trip), well presented 6 year old 3l diesel, however the lag on the automatic was horrendous. Dangerous almost if looking to get into a gap at a junction or at least coming across as very aggressive. (I'd be interested to know why it behaved like this, I think that it had been stored for about 3 months and had a quick valet before we came over, so may have been the lack of use?)
If we'd bought online we could always reject it I guess but it's a hassle. It cost us a morning and a bit in the end. Unless I was going for a newer car I wouldn't be thinking about buying on-line.
If we'd bought online we could always reject it I guess but it's a hassle. It cost us a morning and a bit in the end. Unless I was going for a newer car I wouldn't be thinking about buying on-line.
The Rotrex Kid said:
resolve10 said:
I've only done it once, but it was fine (and I can be really picky). Just make sure your expectations are in line with the age/mileage of the car.
You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
Good advice You've taken all the right steps getting as many photos & videos as you can. If you get a good feeling from the salesperson I would say go for it.
Still loving the RS!
Bought a couple of cars without actually viewing Merc SL129 500 miles train ride to collect and Lotus Excel 250 mile train ride to collect.
Both cars were on ebay, both had what would probably be called cosmetic faults undisclosed but nothing serious. (minor interior damage (merc) and mismatched paintwork (lotus). Was happy with both purchases.
have seen a number of vehicles I've thought should I chance it but have bottled it when the price has gone too high to risk.
Both cars were on ebay, both had what would probably be called cosmetic faults undisclosed but nothing serious. (minor interior damage (merc) and mismatched paintwork (lotus). Was happy with both purchases.
have seen a number of vehicles I've thought should I chance it but have bottled it when the price has gone too high to risk.
I did it with a used approved 330d (2.5 years old) from a BMW main dealer and it was perfect.
I bought a 13 year old Twingo 133 unseen on eBay bored during lockdown and eight months later it was scrap. The subframe was severely corroded and it had definitely had a dodgy previous MOT.
Horses for courses.
I bought a 13 year old Twingo 133 unseen on eBay bored during lockdown and eight months later it was scrap. The subframe was severely corroded and it had definitely had a dodgy previous MOT.
Horses for courses.
What about paying for an independent inspection?
I've been stung numerous times. Rarely does a car match the description, but some have been miles off the claimed condition.
Get a copy of the service history before placing a deposit. Dealers claim full service history and often it's not. Some have huge holes in the history.
I've even turned up at a main dealer to pick up a car that was to be prepped and ready to leave. The car was veering all over the road and obviously dangerous. They knew how far I was travelling and promised the car was going to be given additional checks.
I've been stung numerous times. Rarely does a car match the description, but some have been miles off the claimed condition.
Get a copy of the service history before placing a deposit. Dealers claim full service history and often it's not. Some have huge holes in the history.
I've even turned up at a main dealer to pick up a car that was to be prepped and ready to leave. The car was veering all over the road and obviously dangerous. They knew how far I was travelling and promised the car was going to be given additional checks.
Tall_Blk said:
Bought a VW once from a dealer without seeing it or even test driving the model. Had it for 5 years without any issues and only sold it as I needed a bigger car.
Same here when I bought my current Volvo; only had it for 2 years & 35,000 miles far but so far so good. For completeness' sake I should mention that A) it was from a main dealer who might be expected to be a bit more trustworthy than Kev under the arches, B) it was used and so not hugely expensive, and C) I'm not overly fussy about cosmetic stuff. However I'd have no hesitation to buy new without viewing and probably will next time round.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff