Reasonable expectations from dealer?

[Speed Badger]

Hi all, I am likely buying a 2017 car on Friday from a reputable prestige, non-manufacturer associated dealership that is around 270 miles from me.

As this is my first experience buying a car from such a place - mostly I have bought privately, what sort of things should I expect regarding the process in terms of inspecting the car, things that should be sorted, small details, etiquette etc?

They have said their pre-delivery inspection will sort any stonechips, tyres will be replaced with OEM recommended if less than 3mm and any scuffs on alloys will be done.

Am I a knob if I look round the car and do all the 'checks' that you would do when you turn up to look at a private sale, checking dipstick, poking around arches, start from cold etc? Should I ask to test drive it a la Mike Brewer to see how it 'gets down the road', or just assume everything is sorted, steering wheel is straight, doesn't pull to a side etc?

Sorry if this is really blatantly stupid, but as I said I haven't really done the whole dealership experience thing, 'ah Mr Badger here is your car' under a tarpaulin with a complementary cappuccino and biscuits!

[LennyM1984]

Hi, I've never bought from such a dealer but have bought prestige "approved used" and in these instances the salesman has been quite happy to show me round the car, open the bonnet, allow a decent test drive etc... In most cases they even instigated it

[valiant]

You’re buying from far away.

You need to know what the process is regarding claiming on the warranty should you need to as I doubt you’ll be willing to do a 500+ mile round trip to get something sorted and get it in writing.

[Red 4]

Deal with it in exactly the same way as if you were buying privately.

Just because it's a dealer does not mean the car will be 100%.
I've seen some right sheds at fancy dealerships.
Also check the history and paperwork.

Don't sign on the dotted line or part with any cash unless you are happy and the car is right.

You are covered by The Distance Selling Regs if you have paid a deposit.

[Zippee]

I'm doing a similar thing at the moment. I've paid a deposit and will view in a week or so.
The deposit is refundable if the car isn't as described or has things wrong with it. The deposit isn't refundable if I just don't gel with the car on the test drive.
Doesn't matter where the car comes from, do your checks as if you trust no-one. Walk around the car, point out things you see as needing sorting though bear in mind stone chips are possible on any used car, but ask beforehand if theres any you should know about. Check the tyres, oil, brakes, history, electrics etc - everything should work. On a 2017 car you should have a little OEM warranty left though which will help.

[silentbrown]

Red 4 said:

You are covered by The Distance Selling Regs if you have paid a deposit.

Only in terms of getting the deposit back, I think?

Once you've collected it and paid you don't have any of the DSR rights of return/changing your mind.

2017 car may still have manufacturer warranty or "approved used", so you can get warranty issues fixed at any main dealer.

What you won't get fixed by other dealers are cosmetic issues like paint chips, interior damage, wheel refurbs. If it isn't as good as you're expecting, be prepared to walk or negotiate a discount there and then.

I've bought cars from 200 miles away that have been absolutely on the button, but others that have been a world of pain to get sorted!

[Speed Badger]

Thanks all, yes it is a March 2017 car so it has about a month of manufacturer warranty left, so that's ok for any immediate issues. I know the company offer a pick up and delivery service for their cars but I'll check with how it works given the distance.

The salesman over the phone repeatedly assured me it was in excellent condition and said no way would would they want me to come all this way and be disappointed. I know it could be bluster but I did believe him, and given their reputation I don't think they would take in any old heap.

I am feeling quite excited about the whole process but I'll try not to let it cloud my judgement on the day, neither Mrs Badger nor any mates can go with me so I'll be doing the trips all on my lonesome .

Edited by Speed Badger on Saturday 8th February 16:24

[Trevor555]

Zippee said:

I'm doing a similar thing at the moment. I've paid a deposit and will view in a week or so.

The deposit is refundable if the car isn't as described or has things wrong with it.

The deposit isn't refundable if I just don't gel with the car on the test drive.

Is that what the dealer told you?

[anonymous-user]

valiant said:

You’re buying from far away.

You need to know what the process is regarding claiming on the warranty should you need to as I doubt you’ll be willing to do a 500+ mile round trip to get something sorted and get it in writing.

This, you will be better off buying locally, if you are far away from the dealer it is easier to ignore you especially as unlikely to impact their local reputation.