AM Dealer or Indy?

Author
Discussion

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
Apologies if this has already been covered, but I tried a quick search and didn't find a match.

Looking at a used Vantage at some point in the not too distant future and my gut feeling would be to buy through an Indy, anyone got any views on this? I know some have mentioned don't be afraid to buy private, but do your checks. If an Indy, where would you recommend?

I look forward to reading your replies :-)

V12JDC

190 posts

89 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
I bought mine through an Indy, but if I am honest I would have bought it from anywhere for the right condition

What's more important is that someone who knows cars and preferably Astons looks over it

Where are you?

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
V12JDC said:
I bought mine through an Indy, but if I am honest I would have bought it from anywhere for the right condition

What's more important is that someone who knows cars and preferably Astons looks over it

Where are you?
Totally agree with your first comment there although I can imagine that there are better places to buy. I'm up in sunny Scotland :-)

V12JDC

190 posts

89 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
If you were local I would have offered to look at any Car, but I am Staffordshire

Manx V8V

482 posts

81 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
V12JDC said:
I bought mine through an Indy, but if I am honest I would have bought it from anywhere for the right condition

What's more important is that someone who knows cars and preferably Astons looks over
+ 1

I personally bought from an Indy, the price difference between Indys and main dealers seemed to be around £2k for the same age and spec of car when I was looking, but when you do the sums that is the cost of the AM timeless warranty so it's swings and roundabouts really.

If you go for an Indy though you really should pay for an independent inspection, and also inspect closely the small print of any warranty they offer, including a good old Googling for reviews from people who have tried to claim.

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
V12JDC said:
If you were local I would have offered to look at any Car, but I am Staffordshire
When the time comes I will consider buying from anywhere in the UK as I'm not afraid to travel to find what I'd be looking for and I'm sure you'll agree, it's not a brand that you buy into just anywhere :-)

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
Manx V8V said:
V12JDC said:
I bought mine through an Indy, but if I am honest I would have bought it from anywhere for the right condition

What's more important is that someone who knows cars and preferably Astons looks over
+ 1

I personally bought from an Indy, the price difference between Indys and main dealers seemed to be around £2k for the same age and spec of car when I was looking, but when you do the sums that is the cost of the AM timeless warranty so it's swings and roundabouts really.

If you go for an Indy though you really should pay for an independent inspection, and also inspect closely the small print of any warranty they offer, including a good old Googling for reviews from people who have tried to claim.
I'll be honest and say when the time comes, I'll pay top book for the right car, but just wondered if Indy's were more passionate about the brand?

Manx V8V

482 posts

81 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
From my own experiences over the years, most (But not all) used car dealers, including a lot of supposed 'specialist and performance' dealers, are only passionate about shifting as much metal as they can, for as much money as they can get, and any subsequent dealings tend to be lets say 'difficult'

This means careful vetting of any prospective purchase, and going in with eyes wide open, I think next time I will be paying the extra money and dealing with a main dealer.

Edited by Manx V8V on Sunday 15th October 23:50

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
quotequote all
Manx V8V said:
From my own experiences over the years, most (But not all) used car dealers, including a lot of supposed 'specialist and performance' dealers, are only passionate about shifting as much metal as they can, for as much money as they can get, and any subsequent dealings tend to be lets say 'difficult'

This means careful vetting of any prospective purchase, and going in with eyes wide open, I think next time I will be paying the extra money and dealing with a main dealer.

Edited by Manx V8V on Sunday 15th October 23:50
Interesting viewpoint you've brought up there and one to consider. Would I be right in saying that main dealers include a warranty on used whereas Indy's would provide their own, or add that on to the bonnet price then?

rovcallum

535 posts

142 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
Finding the right car was the biggest problem I faced. I waited ages but it was well worth it.

I looked at dealer and private cars but preferred a private sale. I took a bit of a chance based on the honesty of the seller I was buying from, the history and condition. My background means I can also appraise a car enough to find any serious problems - and I found it in Scotland!
There are companies available in Scotland, probably not far from you, who can assist with inspection of any potential purchase if required. PM me if you like.

If a warranty is supplied, I would always read the small print. I have yet to hear of one which would cover a replacement clutch, which is a potential major cost at any time. It was for that main reason that I didn't crave a warranty or a dealer/indie car.

I ended up with a very good deal and the "gamble" paid off.

I would think an indie dealer would not be able to provide the same support for you that a pucka AM dealer could give regarding major problems but, to be honest, major problems should stand out a mile and are thankfully extremely rare with Aston Martin.

Enjoy the search - it is very enjoyable!

V8V Pete

2,496 posts

125 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
Would I be right in saying that main dealers include a warranty on used whereas Indy's would provide their own, or add that on to the bonnet price then?
All main dealer cars come with minimum of 1 year AM warranty and it is very good. I doubt the warranty offered by many Indys is really worth much and I've no idea whether or not it's included in the advertised price. This is why I've bought from main dealers but am tending towards an Indy for service (and mods). The other thing with the main dealers is that, in my experience, post-sale they will iron out the little things that probably aren't included in any warranty, like squeaks & rattles, and they'll do this for free. They'll also sort out paint "issues" as part of the sale. Having said that, if I found the perfect car privately (or through an Indy) then I would get an expert inspection and buy it without any warranty.

Enjoy your search and car when you find it.

JaseB

854 posts

260 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
Bought mine from 555 in Rutland, would easily recommend them, they've a good knowledge of AM cars and to be loads of others too.

johnnyBv8

2,417 posts

190 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
I would just look for the right car, wherever it happens to turn up. I've always ended up buying privately, and in 7 years of ownership and two Vantages, I dont think there's anything I would've claimed via a warranty. The only other advantage I can see of a dealer is if you need finance. Good luck - you wont regret buying one!

steveway

894 posts

83 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
I bought mine through GC Motors of Harrogate, really good indy, some expensive cars in the showroom, warranty included which replaced a headlamp unit in the first month with no quibbles.

AMDBSVNick

6,990 posts

161 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Everyone who has ever mentioned McGurks always seems to have had an excellent experience, myself included.

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
rovcallum said:
Finding the right car was the biggest problem I faced. I waited ages but it was well worth it.

I looked at dealer and private cars but preferred a private sale. I took a bit of a chance based on the honesty of the seller I was buying from, the history and condition. My background means I can also appraise a car enough to find any serious problems - and I found it in Scotland!
There are companies available in Scotland, probably not far from you, who can assist with inspection of any potential purchase if required. PM me if you like.

If a warranty is supplied, I would always read the small print. I have yet to hear of one which would cover a replacement clutch, which is a potential major cost at any time. It was for that main reason that I didn't crave a warranty or a dealer/indie car.

I ended up with a very good deal and the "gamble" paid off.

I would think an indie dealer would not be able to provide the same support for you that a pucka AM dealer could give regarding major problems but, to be honest, major problems should stand out a mile and are thankfully extremely rare with Aston Martin.

Enjoy the search - it is very enjoyable!
Hi,

I'm pretty certain that there won't be a warranty that would cover the clutch to be honest, but worth it for other niggles etc like failed headlights etc.

Buying private would bot put me off with a proper inspection that's for sure. Thanks for your feedback :-)

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
JaseB said:
Bought mine from 555 in Rutland, would easily recommend them, they've a good knowledge of AM cars and to be loads of others too.
Thanks, they've come up in conversation before so will keep an eye on their stock.

Andrew911

850 posts

108 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
I have bought three Porsche's from Dovehouse in Rushden, Northants. They are a prestige car dealership dealing mainly in Porsche, Ferrari & Aston. I can totally recommend these guys. Sales & service are excellent. i had a problem on a 996 turbo a few months after purchase from them & outside of warranty & they sorted it out (not a cheap problem - £1100 rear spoiler motor).

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
V8V Pete said:
All main dealer cars come with minimum of 1 year AM warranty and it is very good. I doubt the warranty offered by many Indys is really worth much and I've no idea whether or not it's included in the advertised price. This is why I've bought from main dealers but am tending towards an Indy for service (and mods). The other thing with the main dealers is that, in my experience, post-sale they will iron out the little things that probably aren't included in any warranty, like squeaks & rattles, and they'll do this for free. They'll also sort out paint "issues" as part of the sale. Having said that, if I found the perfect car privately (or through an Indy) then I would get an expert inspection and buy it without any warranty.

Enjoy your search and car when you find it.
Thanks for your feedback and from what I'm reading, you are similar to others in that buying from the main dealer for the support and then considering an Indy for servicing etc.

Thanks

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 16th October 2017
quotequote all
steveway said:
I bought mine through GC Motors of Harrogate, really good indy, some expensive cars in the showroom, warranty included which replaced a headlamp unit in the first month with no quibbles.
Thanks, I'm sure a friend of mine from up north bought through them as well :-)