Playing Dealers Off Against One Another?

[paddyhasneeds]

As subject really, though I don't mean it as literally as it may sound, but what's the consensus on the most "honest" way to get a good deal when looking for a new vehicle?

My mum has a test drive tomorrow in a new car and whilst she isn't going to commit there and then, if she decides that she wants one I don't think it's reasonable to stick with the dealer you take the test drive with purely because they gave you a test drive - you have to have one somewhere after all.

She and I aren't the sort to go to and fro to try and save every last bean, but once you factor in p/x prices, new car discounts, pre-registered delivery mileage cars (which not all dealers have) there can be quite a bit of variance in "price to change".

My own view is that once she's worked out precisely what she wants on the car spec it's best to speak to two or three dealers in the area and see who can come up with the best overall package.

[jamoor]

try a new car broker and work from their pricing.

[paddyhasneeds]

jamoor said:

try a new car broker and work from their pricing.

Interesting, though I never quite know how reputable brokers are (I know the same can be levelled at dealers but a dealership requires stock/premises rather than a website a phone an an office)?

buyacar.co.uk suggests there are some bloody big discounts to be had - so being cynical/naive if you buy from a broker everyone still makes a profit, so why can't you simply walk into a Honda dealers with some printouts from brokers and ask "Match that"?

[mercfunder]

paddyhasneeds said:

jamoor said:

try a new car broker and work from their pricing.

Interesting, though I never quite know how reputable brokers are (I know the same can be levelled at dealers but a dealership requires stock/premises rather than a website a phone an an office)?

buyacar.co.uk suggests there are some bloody big discounts to be had - so being cynical/naive if you buy from a broker everyone still makes a profit, so why can't you simply walk into a Honda dealers with some printouts from brokers and ask "Match that"?

You can, what's the worst that can happen

[paddyhasneeds]

mercfunder said:

paddyhasneeds said:

jamoor said:

try a new car broker and work from their pricing.

Interesting, though I never quite know how reputable brokers are (I know the same can be levelled at dealers but a dealership requires stock/premises rather than a website a phone an an office)?

buyacar.co.uk suggests there are some bloody big discounts to be had - so being cynical/naive if you buy from a broker everyone still makes a profit, so why can't you simply walk into a Honda dealers with some printouts from brokers and ask "Match that"?

You can, what's the worst that can happen

Sorry, of course you can. I guess what I mean is can someone explain how a broker works as no doubt Mr Honda is likely to have a set of reasons prepared as to why buying cars off the Internet isn't a good idea and the savings aren't real etc.

If I want to buy a TV I know that it's cheaper online that down the high street because I accept that the former has retail premises/staff and the latter has a warehouse piled high with the things, and I also accept customer service may be an issue with the latter - with brokers the implication is that the car comes from a main dealer, has full warranty etc. so I'm trying to work out the catch?

[mercfunder]

paddyhasneeds said:

mercfunder said:

paddyhasneeds said:

jamoor said:

try a new car broker and work from their pricing.

Interesting, though I never quite know how reputable brokers are (I know the same can be levelled at dealers but a dealership requires stock/premises rather than a website a phone an an office)?

buyacar.co.uk suggests there are some bloody big discounts to be had - so being cynical/naive if you buy from a broker everyone still makes a profit, so why can't you simply walk into a Honda dealers with some printouts from brokers and ask "Match that"?

You can, what's the worst that can happen

Sorry, of course you can. I guess what I mean is can someone explain how a broker works as no doubt Mr Honda is likely to have a set of reasons prepared as to why buying cars off the Internet isn't a good idea and the savings aren't real etc.

If I want to buy a TV I know that it's cheaper online that down the high street because I accept that the former has retail premises/staff and the latter has a warehouse piled high with the things, and I also accept customer service may be an issue with the latter - with brokers the implication is that the car comes from a main dealer, has full warranty etc. so I'm trying to work out the catch?

A broker will ship all their business through one dealer for a particular marque, therefore they will be shifting x number of cars per year for that dealer, volumes get you discount, and as long as they are making a margin they will be happy.
The dealer knows he is going to get a certain level of business, so he is happy, it's only what the lease companies and large fleet buyers do.

[Si 330]

When I bought my Golf GTI I contacted a few brokers got there best quote. Then just took that to my local VW dealer, I was straight forward beat that price and I will sign now. He went off came back 10mins later deal was done.

[utm]

(Hello all - lurking for a while and just registered)


Have taken printouts of broker prices to both Honda and Audi dealerships - they grumbled a little but quite quickly agreed to match the prices.

[paddyhasneeds]

Any part-ex's involved in those examples? That's the potential elephant in the room here, finance isn't an issue if the deal makes the cost to change tempting enough.