AM Dealer or Indy?

[maybe someday]

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 :-)

[maybe someday]

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 :-)

[maybe someday]

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]

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?

[maybe someday]

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?

[maybe someday]

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]

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.

[maybe someday]

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]

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 :-)

[maybe someday]

AMDBSVNick said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Everyone who has ever mentioned McGurks always seems to have had an excellent experience, myself included.

They are definitely the Indy that almost comes out first every time and I'm going to keep an eye on their stock :-)

[maybe someday]

Prattking said:

Runnymede Motors at Burnham Beeches nr. Slough are always worth a visit (not the cowboys at old windsor with a similar name). The owner is a member of AMOC and races an Aston himself. You'll always get a cup of coffee too.

Thanks for that, well worth knowing :-)

[maybe someday]

Fantastic responses so far guys and doesn't surprise me how friendly etc the Aston Martin community is. I'm sure you'll all agree that it's not just a badge on a car, it goes far beyond that and I can't wait to become an active part of it :-)

[maybe someday]

bentley01 said:

I bought my first car from Top555 and they were excellent to deal with.

Good to know, thanks.

[maybe someday]

Andrew911 said:

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).

Thanks Andrew, customer service like you received is hard to come by these days!

[maybe someday]

Ken Figenus said:

So many points here...

I failed to buy from the main dealer 2 miles from me (RIP - but God the sales guys were sh!te and Stratstone dont negotiate etc) so bagged one traded in to McLaren dealer. It was younger, higher spec and with lower milage and saved about £4K comparably inc sorting my own far longer 3yr warranty + detailing.

I'm not sure I'd need an independent inspection buying from a reputable Indy - would you really want to pay £££ for an inspection on a McGurk car? That's what they are selling to an extent - their expertise with the cars? I say this being an Aston geek now (not then) mind so have far more knowledge now.

Indy service cost quote was higher than MD this year...

MD finance is not an 'advantage' - sort your own & save.

In summary - it's about the specific car and the specific deal and your feelings about who you are dealing with and how straight they are and what their reputation is. Then you will know I get very good vibes from Bristol MD so if its only a grand or two in it on similar cars then seriously don't let that influence things too much. The Aston premium warranty is excellent - even the best third party ones cant help but sneak in the clauses...

All great feedback and totally agree in that I wouldn't want an inspection on a McGurk Aston, they're prep etc is first class.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Andy

[maybe someday]

Mashwort said:

Had a similar debate with myself, Indy versus main dealer, and ended up going with the main dealer. Combination of the the right car / right spec for me at the main dealer, the approach of the dealer (very friendly, extended test drive, dealt with loads of questions, didn't care that I rocked up in a knackered Kuga with a 5 year old in tow, both in scruff gear - plenty of other dealers I've been to would!) and the overall deal.

Probably about £3k more than similar cars at Indies but I got a 2 year warranty as part of the deal so felt a good balance to me. Also as my first Aston purchase I felt 'safer' going through a main dealer (not entirely logical, not sure buying these type of cars has a lot to do with logic though!).

So far the after sales service has been great although only a couple of niggles needed sorting. Would recommend them based on the experience to date but my overall conclusion is find the right car and go from there.

Good luck,

Sounds like you struck the right balance that's for sure. I suppose at the end of the day it boils down to your comfort zone and any prospective dealer, MD or Indy, how they deal with you and even more so, aftersales customer service.

[maybe someday]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I've heard similar feedback re McGurk being completely non judgemental, unlike many mainstream dealers that I have been in with Mercedes in particular being shocking.

It makes no sense to prejudge anyone these days.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye on their stock when my search starts that's for sure.

[maybe someday]

Manx V8V said:

I had a couple of McGurk early V8V's shortlisted back in March when I was first looking, I discussed the cars with them over the phone but didn't view either of them in the end, mainly because both were meteorite silver and I just couldn't decide for sure if I wanted that particular colour, everything else about them sounded right other than dark coloured wheels on one of them, but I was being drawn towards tungsten silver which is what I ended up buying.

Interestingly though, I looked at their website last night and was surprised to see that both cars are still listed, but have been reduced by a couple of grand each, I know these cars don't get turned over as quickly as an average run of the mill car, but i'm a little puzzled why they would still be sitting there 7 months later.

Has anyone on here been to see them during their searches?

Edited by Manx V8V on Wednesday 18th October 23:21

I have noticed that their stock can sit for a little while, is it maybe as it's set at top book perhaps?

[maybe someday]

Cold said:

Bought mine from an Alfa dealer. Right car, right spec etc and about the right price so I went and had a look. I think they were relieved to have a serious buyer poking around it.
Either I was lucky or it was a good buy.

As you said, right car etc and if you were happy with the deal, then result :-) Did they offer a warranty or did you take one out yourself?

[maybe someday]

northernmedia said:

Bought my 2 yr old V12S from Alexanders near York.
Fantastic to deal with, thoroughly recommended.

Thanks for the feedback and recommendation :-)