Discussion
Gutted. I was hoping to be able to introduce myself today as the proud owner of another BMW. Tuesday I travelled 300+ miles to pick up a 2004 approved used BMW. Given the distance involved I had placed the deposit without actually viewing the vehicle because being an AUC car I assumed it would be one of the best examples. I have done this on two other occasions with BMW dealers with no problems. I had specifically asked that any marks or scratches were photographed and I was told the car was in fantastic condition with only minor stone chips to the front and a couple of marks on the drivers seat.
Imagine my surprise when I got to the dealer and found corrosion to the drivers sill that needed immediate correction, similar signs of corrosion on the other sill and a very corroded wing mirror post. There were also some stone chips on the rear wings which I could have lived with although two of them were clearly developing into rust. The interior did indeed have a couple of scuffs on the drivers seat however, the whole interior was covered in small marks (maybe the previous owner had a dog?). I had been told that the front discs were worn but OK and I guarantee that had I taken that car for a service the very next day the service manager would have told me I needed new discs. The wheels also needed refurbishing. So I asked for my deposit back and went home without the car. This left me considerably out of pocket.
I was always under the impression that AUC cars would have all these issues corrected. The sales guy just kept saying it was commensurate with age (although clearly I had bought a car that was not as described so age is kind of irrelevant).
I’m not going to say which dealer or car was involved as I am awaiting return of my deposit but am I being too picky? The car is only seven years old and while I expect the odd stone chip I essentially expect an approved car to not need any remedial work for at least a year. Otherwise what’s the point of buying an approved car. I may as well go private and save the money for any repairs it needs doing.
Imagine my surprise when I got to the dealer and found corrosion to the drivers sill that needed immediate correction, similar signs of corrosion on the other sill and a very corroded wing mirror post. There were also some stone chips on the rear wings which I could have lived with although two of them were clearly developing into rust. The interior did indeed have a couple of scuffs on the drivers seat however, the whole interior was covered in small marks (maybe the previous owner had a dog?). I had been told that the front discs were worn but OK and I guarantee that had I taken that car for a service the very next day the service manager would have told me I needed new discs. The wheels also needed refurbishing. So I asked for my deposit back and went home without the car. This left me considerably out of pocket.
I was always under the impression that AUC cars would have all these issues corrected. The sales guy just kept saying it was commensurate with age (although clearly I had bought a car that was not as described so age is kind of irrelevant).
I’m not going to say which dealer or car was involved as I am awaiting return of my deposit but am I being too picky? The car is only seven years old and while I expect the odd stone chip I essentially expect an approved car to not need any remedial work for at least a year. Otherwise what’s the point of buying an approved car. I may as well go private and save the money for any repairs it needs doing.
That is a right PITA and complete waste of your time - especially as you'd asked for full disclosure.
Not the normal rules of engagement at all.
Two things occur to me:
1. Is it worth pointing out to the sales manager/dealer principal that you'd asked for the photos and travelled on the basis of what they described and showed so they should entertain a reasonable claim for your time and costs; and
2. There must be plenty of rotation of AUC stock about the country - next time (if you choose this route) would it be an option to get the car delivered to a local dealer?
What were you going for, out of interest?
Not the normal rules of engagement at all.
Two things occur to me:
1. Is it worth pointing out to the sales manager/dealer principal that you'd asked for the photos and travelled on the basis of what they described and showed so they should entertain a reasonable claim for your time and costs; and
2. There must be plenty of rotation of AUC stock about the country - next time (if you choose this route) would it be an option to get the car delivered to a local dealer?
What were you going for, out of interest?
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