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

[yeti]

The independent dealers warranty isn't worth squat.

However, get the car inspected by a third party specialist and that should flag anything bad. If clutch, discs, tyres and paintwork are OK, that seems to be the list of common stuff that costs money.

I the car has been recently serviced by Aston or an Aston specialist it would have had the 140 point check (3hrs worth) already. You can ask to se that report. If it hasn't been serviced by main dealer or specialist... it had better be REALLY cheap or you like a bit of risk

[897sma]

I bought mine from John McGurk, independant Aston Specialist. He knew what he was talking about had a good selection and didn't have any of the ego/attitude that I encountered at Main Dealers.

Nice & easy to deal with.

[yeti]

Ah, deopends whether we're talking about independent Aston dealers/specialists or random car dealers with Astons on their forecourts! Aston specialist dealers like McGurk or Nicholas Mee know how to prepare a car for sale. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from such a place.

However, some dealership with a Vantage parked between a Reanult Megane and a Fiat Multipla would be less likely to get my money...

[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

[yeti]

What are you after, an elegant, refined, powerful accomplished DB9 or an 'ickle baby Vantage? I suppose I am asking if you are a man or a child?

Runnymede and Chiltern are also both very good with good workshops.

McGurk has the advantge of being close to Bamford Rose, so you can collect your car, drive in and drive out again with 40bhp more

[gpb1]

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

[yeti]

gpb1 said:

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

Good choice

[F1 NDW]

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

[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.

[Calculator]

Do the 140 point check reports give a view on the condition of clutch and discs?

[v8woollie]

F1 NDW said:

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

Always a deal to be done. A part ex helps too as there are more numbers to massage. I got £3-4K discount via that route on a one owner 14,000 mile sold and serviced by the same dealer car.

Admittedly I went for a visceral exciting V8V as I don't have a pipe and slippers for entry to the DB9 club

[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.

[DB9Mark]

If you're looking in the Bucks area, I have to say my experience with Runnymede is VERY bad. I'm sure others have had better dealings, but for me I would NOT reccomend or go back to them

[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.

[Jockman]

Calculator said:

Do the 140 point check reports give a view on the condition of clutch and discs?

Clutch - points 54, 63 and 102.

Discs are specific to the separate Vehicle Health Check undertaken at service time but various parts of the braking system are examined in the 140 point check - points 53, 65, 66, 107, 119, 128, 129, 130 and 131.

[Calculator]

Great, thanks.

I am not sure whether it is just because i have started looking seriously but it feels like there are fewer Vantages coming to market thank 6 months ago.

Having made the decision to buy, I now find myself desperately hitting refresh on the Classifieds all day.

If anyone knows of an MY07 V8V in Onyx and sub 30k miles, please let me know!

Apologies for going OT....

[Jockman]

Calculator said:

...I am not sure whether it is just because i have started looking seriously but it feels like there are fewer Vantages coming to market thank 6 months ago.....

It's possible that there is the same volume but that it is selling quicker.

People tend not to buy towards the Winter time so deals and discounts abound. People - like you and I - tend to buy now so they can enjoy their new toy on the light nights and long days - especially soft tops - so the turnover is quicker.

It is daft but you see this beviour in the stock markets too - whenever prices drop or there is as seasonal adjustment, most people run for the hills. Yet if Next were to announce a half price sale tomorrow there would be queues forming at 4.00am

[huggy1]

Personally, if I bought again I'd be happy to buy independant or even private. All I'd require is a 140 point check and an AM warranty.If you have an issue a few weeks down the line the dealer will just refer you to the warranty anyway. I'm sure most private sellers will be able to negotiate on any issues that arrise during the checks. You'll save a good few grand to boot.