What did you get thrown in on your deal?

[Robbie_FRS]

Hi everyone.

This is just a quick post to see what you got out of your dealer when buying approved used.

I had a private sale of a V8 vantage fall through last year, but am starting the ball rolling again on the search for another.

I have kind of decided that I am going to buy via an approved dealer. (I know they won't pull out on me the day before the sale).

But, when the private sale fell through I tried to buy from a few main dealers but all on offer was above the budget I had arranged and negotiation on price was minimal. Cardiff even told me that they do not negotiate at all on the asking price. Is this normal? And if so, what other things can you bring in on the deal? Extended warranty? Servicing? Etc...

I like to feel like I've had a good deal, and call me a tight arse, I can't just walk in and pay the full asking price... If I can help it.

Any main dealer experiences appreciated and particularly any experiences with the Cardiff dealership.

Cheers.

[South tdf]

Have never had any dealings with Stratstone Aston Martin in Cardiff however all dealerships owned by Pendragon Group have a no negotiation price on used cars as they try to set them to be competitive in the market place.

It is also worth checking the car is an "Aston Martin Approved car" with Aston Martin warranty rather than a "Stratstone Approved car" with a non Aston Martin in house warranty.

[bogie]

Back in 2007 when I got mine from a main dealer, no movement on price, but got a day at Millbrook proving ground driving Astons, a few goodies like hats/key rings/t-shirts, and the next service thrown in

[cayman-black]

I tell you what , just dont buy from Stratstones!

Edited by cayman-black on Thursday 31st December 14:15

[mblade123]

When mine was in for servicing at JCT 600 Leeds I rang and asked to buy an Aston Umbrella.
5 mins later I got a call back saying the sales manager has put one in the boot for you free of charge.

I didn't buy mine from JCT600 but they have always serviced my Astons. I have to say they have always been exceptional every time.

[divetheworld]

I've bought from Strats and have had a great experience. Never been disappointed. The "won't negotiate the price" is a misnomer. There are plenty of other ways to negotiate.
Trade in price, optional extras and service are all on the table and well worth tackling in earnest.
Wheel swap, glass buttons, extra year warranty, upgrade warranty from plus to premium, paint protection film, carbon facia, discounted service costs (parts and labour) and lots and lots of goodwill in the service dept. are all things I've had over the years over different cars.
Not just the cost of the bits, the labour to make all the alterations all adds up to thousands of £'s on each car.

[bogie]

cayman-black said:

I tell you what , just dont buy from Stratones!

Thats where I got mine from, Stratstone Amersham dealer

they do have lots of branches though, and no doubt change over time ...

[Robbie_FRS]

South tdf said:

Have never had any dealings with Stratstone Aston Martin in Cardiff however all dealerships owned by Pendragon Group have a no negotiation price on used cars as they try to set them to be competitive in the market place.

It is also worth checking the car is an "Aston Martin Approved car" with Aston Martin warranty rather than a "Stratstone Approved car" with a non Aston Martin in house warranty.

That's a nice little bit of advice.

Cheers.

[GingerMunky]

divetheworld said:

I've bought from Strats and have had a great experience. Never been disappointed. The "won't negotiate the price" is a misnomer. There are plenty of other ways to negotiate.
Trade in price, optional extras and service are all on the table and well worth tackling in earnest.
Wheel swap, glass buttons, extra year warranty, upgrade warranty from plus to premium, paint protection film, carbon facia, discounted service costs (parts and labour) and lots and lots of goodwill in the service dept. are all things I've had over the years over different cars.
Not just the cost of the bits, the labour to make all the alterations all adds up to thousands of £'s on each car.

This ^^^ I would add that Stratstone Cardiff were pretty accommodating with some changes I wanted to the car before, then a few years later very helpful when I wanted a cosmetic respray.

[Robbie_FRS]

cayman-black said:

I tell you what , just dont buy from Stratstones!

Edited by cayman-black on Thursday 31st December 14:15

Where would you recommend?

[bentley01]

Robbie_FRS said:

Where would you recommend?

I have just found Aston Martin Works a pleasure to deal with. If they have a car you like send me a message and I will give you further details of who I dealt with.

[t0s]

Second the JCT600 recommendation. Worked a bit with the prices of an approved used car, and fixed all the small but important items ( replaced stereo screen, refinished door sills to brand new looking, cleaned up front carbon fibre dam). Threw in an ECU pouch (£90!). Also did the whole unveiling production ( sadly no scantily or otherwise clad women ) even though it was a used car .

[cayman-black]

Robbie_FRS said:

Where would you recommend?

I bought privately, but from all i read on here Stratstones seem to have the worst feed back.
Grange Brentwood and works seem to fare better.
But like you when told there is nothing off the asking price just seems like a bad deal straight away, even if they said we can do something it would feel better.

[bogie]

I cant imagine that every customer that goes to all of Stratstones dealerships has a bad experience, otherwise they wouldn't still be in business

A lot is down to the individual and a bit of luck with getting a hassle free car in the first place

I was living in Brentwood, had been poking my noise in for a few years before I went in to buy a Vantage. The sales guy didn't seem to take me seriously so the following week I viewed at Stratstone, test drove and ordered a car from them.

Grange were always very good for servicing for the next couple of years until I moved back up North. My car has been out of the dealer network since

[V8V Pete]

Don't get hung up on the fact they won't move on asking price. As Brent says, just maximise what you get back on extras etc. I would add full geometry check & adjustment to the list that is already building up. I would also reiterate that the amount of good will that my local Stratstone service department has shown me over the last couple of years has been worth a lot in my book too.

[Quarterly]

I got a key ring.

Edited by Quarterly on Saturday 16th January 18:51

[tonyhall38]

My recent purchase from HWM was nothing short of fantastic.....had a few problems on delivery..all of which were sorted out no fuss at all.....had a complete new set of tyres all round , a second glass key , had a usb stick for my music....the next service half price....plus my trade in was very fair plus I got a few quid off my car....everyone happy...esp me....cannot recommend them high enough....and you all know what a fussy git I can be.....

[Robbie_FRS]

JCT600. I dismissed them as I thought they were just a back street dealer sort of thing.

And who are HWM? Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Lol

[cayman-black]

Robbie_FRS said:

JCT600. I dismissed them as I thought they were just a back street dealer sort of thing.

And who are HWM? Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Lol

Both main dealers.
http://www.hwmastonmartin.co.uk/

[Mr Ed]

I have just bought a V8 from Stratstones, fantastic experience (it was in Derby). I negotiated a much better trade in price on my M3 from their initial offer. The car came fully serviced, new discs and pads front and rear, 4 new tyres, 12 months MOT, 12 months European breakdown cover and a 12 month Aston Martin warranty.

Can't really ask much more than that to be fair