Pre-loved purchase - AM vs Independent Dealer

[gpb1]

OK so i'm now seriously looking for a car that meets all my (and she who must be obeyed's) requirements. There seems to be more car that fit the bill at independent car dealers at better prices than at the AM dealers.

Obviously the AM dealers offer the 140 point check, warrantee, breakdown cover, but the independent dealers are also offering warrantees etc as well.

What are the opinions/experiences of buying from the dealers vs buying from an independent?

Thanks

[gpb1]

I've looked at McGurks and Nicholas Mee, but have also seen some interesting cars with Marlow Cars.

This is my first AM purchase and a long held dream. I was born in Newport Pagnell and so have always felt an affiliation with Astons (even though the one I'll buy will be from Gaydon)

[gpb1]

BTW I have ordered the Definitive Guide, just waiting for it to arrive

[gpb1]

It will be an early-ish DB9, and I've already built myself a fuse 22 bypass switch.

[gpb1]

F1 NDW said:

For Gods sake watch out for that dodgy Vanquish.
Check the threads I think it's called "Crashed Aston".

Yes I read about that one.

I think I'm erring toward an AM dealer. Already spoke to one who, whether it was deliberate or not, definitely gave me the impression that there were deals to be done on their forecourt prices. He told me he'd offered one car they had marked up at £56k to a customer for £52k.

I was thinking about pushing for the clear rear light conversion as part of the negotiations - when I find the right one.

[gpb1]

It will be a cash purchase and no part-ex as I'm keeping my V6 Golf as a daily runner, and for when I need to transport more then myself and the current Mrs gpb1. Of course as I'm going for the true GT car ;-) there is the option of squeezing someone into the back for very short journeys.

[gpb1]

I'm not a million miles away from McGurk's and will be contacting them. They've got a couple of cars that look close to what I'm after.