Buying an approved used car remotely
Discussion
Hi
Looking for some guidance / advice on the buying process...
I am just off the phone with a Porsche main dealer about a car they have. They are 200+ miles away.
Spec wise, it ticks pretty much all the boxes (no Bose but not a show stopper).
Service history is full Porsche, but 3rd service was "slightly late" (looks to be 6 months late)
I am comfortable that it fits what I am looking for, and have finance lined up through a broker.
What has got me stumped though, is to be calling them back to make an offer for the car unseen.
If I go to see the car, then make an offer, it is unlikely to be ready that day / finance funds released etc, so would require a 2nd journey to collect.
Has anyone got any advice for offering on a car remotely? Just seems odd to do so after a 10 min chat about the history, condition and owners etc...
Cheers
Looking for some guidance / advice on the buying process...
I am just off the phone with a Porsche main dealer about a car they have. They are 200+ miles away.
Spec wise, it ticks pretty much all the boxes (no Bose but not a show stopper).
Service history is full Porsche, but 3rd service was "slightly late" (looks to be 6 months late)
I am comfortable that it fits what I am looking for, and have finance lined up through a broker.
What has got me stumped though, is to be calling them back to make an offer for the car unseen.
If I go to see the car, then make an offer, it is unlikely to be ready that day / finance funds released etc, so would require a 2nd journey to collect.
Has anyone got any advice for offering on a car remotely? Just seems odd to do so after a 10 min chat about the history, condition and owners etc...
Cheers
I bought a BMW AUC sight unseen.
They sent me a video of it, confirmed details on spec, etc and I knew I wanted it.
To make the deal, I simply called the sales rep and discussed what I was willing to pay and they were willing to accept.
The deal was done very quickly and I transferred the money a few days later, a couple of days before collecting it.
It was very easy. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't an AUC mind, unless it was a very highly reputable Indy.
They sent me a video of it, confirmed details on spec, etc and I knew I wanted it.
To make the deal, I simply called the sales rep and discussed what I was willing to pay and they were willing to accept.
The deal was done very quickly and I transferred the money a few days later, a couple of days before collecting it.
It was very easy. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't an AUC mind, unless it was a very highly reputable Indy.
Get them to send you a full walkaround video of the car, detailing any items to be addressed.
Confirm what warranty etc they are including within the deal.
I've bought 4 cars unseen, including our latest a Discovery Sport, although obviously in a different price bracket.
If you arrange to purchase it and for it to be delivered to you then you are covered by the 14 days distant selling rules.
As long as you are happy with whatever model it is, and you've driven one of that model etc, then you should have no worries.
Just be friendly on the phone with them and tell them you are serious about purchasing it but would like the video etc prior to being able to offer on it.
Good luck!
Confirm what warranty etc they are including within the deal.
I've bought 4 cars unseen, including our latest a Discovery Sport, although obviously in a different price bracket.
If you arrange to purchase it and for it to be delivered to you then you are covered by the 14 days distant selling rules.
As long as you are happy with whatever model it is, and you've driven one of that model etc, then you should have no worries.
Just be friendly on the phone with them and tell them you are serious about purchasing it but would like the video etc prior to being able to offer on it.
Good luck!
Edited by 66HFM on Tuesday 20th May 15:50
I bought a 981 Cayman S unseen, I told Porsche silverstone I wanted xxxx spec in red, a couple of days later the sales guy called me and said another Porsche centre had just taken a car in that had a lot more spec than I wanted and was slightly out of budget and he recommended I put a deposit on it ASAP without any pics etc. I did it.
About a week later the first pics come through, and yep it was exactly what I was after (it was a S but basically with all the GTS stuff on it).
About a week later the first pics come through, and yep it was exactly what I was after (it was a S but basically with all the GTS stuff on it).
First obstacle is, will they sell it sight unseen? Plenty of dealers recognise this is a "distance sale" and as such, you have extra rights - like you can return it without giving a reason up to 14 days after purchase/delivery. So they will shy away from offering it and even taking a deposit before you are physically able to look at the car.
If they do though, you have a massive advantage because the legislation is in your favour.
If they do though, you have a massive advantage because the legislation is in your favour.
I bought my Bentley after 10 mins on the phone and a walk around video. Asked any questions I had, asked for an extra 12 months warranty and delivery thrown in and 3 days later it turned up to my house on a truck. Had a good look round it to make sure I was happy, signed the paperwork and job done.
I wouldn't do this unless it was a manufacturer approved dealer, and I probably wouldn't do it for a cheaper car.
I wouldn't do this unless it was a manufacturer approved dealer, and I probably wouldn't do it for a cheaper car.
paul_c123 said:
First obstacle is, will they sell it sight unseen? Plenty of dealers recognise this is a "distance sale" and as such, you have extra rights - like you can return it without giving a reason up to 14 days after purchase/delivery. So they will shy away from offering it and even taking a deposit before you are physically able to look at the car.
If they do though, you have a massive advantage because the legislation is in your favour.
I was told by BMW that if I was unhappy in any way when I collected the car, they would take the car back and refund me. To them, it wasn't worth the aggro/bad publicity of having an unsatisfied customer. If they do though, you have a massive advantage because the legislation is in your favour.
Now, that could have been sales spiel, but I didn't have cause to doubt it during my purchase experience.
Again, outside of the main dealer network it would be more of a risk but I'd be surprised if an even more premium brand like Porsche had a different policy.
Muzzer79 said:
I bought a BMW AUC sight unseen.
They sent me a video of it, confirmed details on spec, etc and I knew I wanted it.
To make the deal, I simply called the sales rep and discussed what I was willing to pay and they were willing to accept.
The deal was done very quickly and I transferred the money a few days later, a couple of days before collecting it.
It was very easy. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't an AUC mind, unless it was a very highly reputable Indy.
This was almost identical to my experience with a BMW dealer who was 400+ miles away. Was dark when I collected the car so the only time I got to properly inspect the car was back home the next day. Everything matched what I'd been told and shown via video.They sent me a video of it, confirmed details on spec, etc and I knew I wanted it.
To make the deal, I simply called the sales rep and discussed what I was willing to pay and they were willing to accept.
The deal was done very quickly and I transferred the money a few days later, a couple of days before collecting it.
It was very easy. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't an AUC mind, unless it was a very highly reputable Indy.
Deposit paid then balance 48 hours before collection day. All forms signed electronically remotely.
If it was "Star Carz (Bradford) Ltd" trading from an arch I'd not entertain it, but you'll be fine with a Porsche main dealer. As someone else said you've got more protection buying remotely.
I did this with a Volvo; and I would never do it again. There were a few cosmetic niggles that the video didn’t pick up. On top of that, the service light came on within 3 weeks… it was clear this particular car hadn’t really been prepped properly and the after sales resolution was a nightmare given the distance involved.
I’ve since been in the market again for a 3-4 year old car and the standard of vehicles being sold as AUCs between dealers is so variable that my recommendation would be to see the car first before signing on the line.
Once bitten, twice shy etc.
I’ve since been in the market again for a 3-4 year old car and the standard of vehicles being sold as AUCs between dealers is so variable that my recommendation would be to see the car first before signing on the line.
Once bitten, twice shy etc.
I've bought 2 cars over the phone:
A 2 year old Kia, from an independent secondhand dealer. Took my old car in part exchange. Salesman was happy to deliver to my home.
I never set foot in the place.
A 987 Boxster S, from a marque specialist, who sourced the car for me. I did have to go and collect it though.
A 2 year old Kia, from an independent secondhand dealer. Took my old car in part exchange. Salesman was happy to deliver to my home.
I never set foot in the place.
A 987 Boxster S, from a marque specialist, who sourced the car for me. I did have to go and collect it though.
mrobbie said:
Hi
Looking for some guidance / advice on the buying process...
Has anyone got any advice for offering on a car remotely?
Feel free to offer, as you're not fully committed to buying until you lay eyes on the car.Looking for some guidance / advice on the buying process...
Has anyone got any advice for offering on a car remotely?
A few options.
1. Agree to buy the car, give them a deposit over the phone (Credit card best)..
Then, if you visit the dealer, and you don't like the car, say "no thank you" and you'll get your deposit back.
2, Do the whole deal over the phone, get them to deliver it.
Then you are covered by distance selling rules, so have 14 days to change your mind.
Dealer should inform you of the distance selling rules, if they don't the 14 days extends until they do, up to one year.
Most dealers put a mileage limit on for the 14 days right to return, usually 100 miles. Above that you'll generally be asked to pay a charge per mile for usage over their limit.
I've just one question?
You say you've arranged finance through a broker?
I'd recommend using Porsche finance (VWFS) with an OPC, as it'd be easier to sort any serious problems if you have to withdraw, reject, or demand a fix.
Lastly, and very important.
Get email confirmation from the OPC that the late service won't affect any future warranty claims, as I think 6 months may be too long.
Edited by Trevor555 on Tuesday 20th May 20:11
Trevor555 said:
I've just one question?
You say you've arranged finance through a broker?
I'd recommend using Porsche finance (VWFS) with an OPC, as it'd be easier to sort any serious problems if you have to withdraw, reject, or demand a fix.
Lastly, and very important.
Get email confirmation from the OPC that the late service won't affect any future warranty claims, as I think 6 months may be too long.
I’ll ask tomorrow about the late service and warranty. The sales person seemed surprised when I pointed it out, so def worth exploring more. You say you've arranged finance through a broker?
I'd recommend using Porsche finance (VWFS) with an OPC, as it'd be easier to sort any serious problems if you have to withdraw, reject, or demand a fix.
Lastly, and very important.
Get email confirmation from the OPC that the late service won't affect any future warranty claims, as I think 6 months may be too long.
Finance broker is one I’ve used in the past and was happy with. So continuing to use. I’m looking at Lease Purchase, which (so far) Porsche dealers have not spoke on, only HP or PCP. Age of car rules out PCP and price pushed me to something with a balloon.
Edited by mrobbie on Wednesday 21st May 06:37
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