Why might a main dealer have a car for months before selling

[LDN]

The car I've just picked up as an approved used, from a main dealer, is for all intents and purposes; perfect - however looking at the history they seem to have had it since January (serviced by them then) which I find a bit odd - given that the last owner lives 200 miles away.

Why might a main dealer have a car for such a long time, prior to selling?

[tomsugden]

May of been used as a pool car, management vehicle, or customer loan car. Perhaps even a demonstrator?

[triggerh4ppy]

Maybe they were waiting for a part which was required??

[r11co]

There's a thread running on PH about the car finance cycle and theories about the bottom falling out of the business model.

One of the things sustaining the current lease-cycle is that the cars coming back in are being stockpiled and drip-fed back into the used market to prevent a glut and preserve final values.

Just a thought.

[mike74]

Waiting for some gullible mug to pay their stupidly inflated price?... and then you came along.

[Nickp82]

Or they simply couldn't/didn't sell it! Not all dealers have strict 90 day policies. There are some who will put average profit over days in stock and some who represent more niche brands who will hold out for top money on a car as they know it is not easily replaced.

[Mastiff]

Just because they serviced it in January - it doesn't mean it's been in stock that long?

He may only have part exchanged it last week.

As for the fact that he now lives a way away - he might have moved!

[LDN]

Fair points everyone. I just don't trust any dealer and somehow manage to convince myself that every oddity is them pulling a fast one.

[Alucidnation]

Why didn't you buy private if you don't trust dealers?

[HumanDoing]

r11co said:

There's a thread running on PH about the car finance cycle and theories about the bottom falling out of the business model.

One of the things sustaining the current lease-cycle is that the cars coming back in are being stockpiled and drip-fed back into the used market to prevent a glut and preserve final values.

Just a thought.

Makes perfect sense, although conclusive evidence appears elusive.

[WJNB]

Have you assured yourself that it's not:
1. An odd colour proven to be unpopular, such as Varicose Vein Blue, Hearing Aid Beige,Yuk yellow or Loose Bowel Lime Green
2. A very poorly specified version, lots of switch blanks & fabric not leather seats.
3 Minuscule engine capacity. .
4 A diesel.
5. A manual diesel.


All possible reasons over & above those already suggested for it gathering dust on a forecourt

[LDN]

The car was only up for sale for two weeks! But the service was done back in January by the dealer... when the last owner lives 200 miles away; seems odd.

It just suggested to me that they've had it that long / sat on it for some reason... but it was only for sale for two weeks. Even though they seem to have it since January.

It's a Land Rover and so, I'd only buy from a main dealer - so that I have the assurance of a two year European warranty and assistance; so no private purchases for me unfortunately.

[HTP99]

r11co said:

There's a thread running on PH about the car finance cycle and theories about the bottom falling out of the business model.

One of the things sustaining the current lease-cycle is that the cars coming back in are being stockpiled and drip-fed back into the used market to prevent a glut and preserve final values.

Just a thought.

[HTP99]

LDN said:

The car was only up for sale for two weeks! But the service was done back in January by the dealer... when the last owner lives 200 miles away; seems odd.

It just suggested to me that they've had it that long / sat on it for some reason... but it was only for sale for two weeks. Even though they seem to have it since January.

It's a Land Rover and so, I'd only buy from a main dealer - so that I have the assurance of a two year European warranty and assistance; so no private purchases for me unfortunately.

How do you know they've had it since January?

[LDN]

^ because each service was by a dealer 200 miles away and then, this last service was by my dealer back in January.

The mileage recorded at the service (in Jan) has gone up all of about 200 miles since.

You can see why I find it strange. A car that hasn't moved, pretty much, in nine months. And they only just put it up for sale.

[AJB88]

Maybe the owner moved to where the new service has been carried out, then hardly used it?

[Alucidnation]

If you were that worried about it, surely you would have either asked the dealer, or not bought it.

[loose cannon]

What about the ones that sit down the compound for 8 months covered in bird crap
With a bit of mouse chew’d wiring to keep it company,
Don’t worry it gets rectified before you buy it as an ex demo

[LDN]

JulianHJ said:

How many miles has it done since the service in January?

A couple hundred! Hence my confusion. I'm going in next week so will pose the question.

[Monkeylegend]

Probably waiting for the body panels on back order.