Your no-nonsense guide to getting the right car at the right price.
Buying a car can be quite daunting. With so many makes, models and finance options available and other decisions, it can be difficult to find the deal that leaves you 100% happy.
However, the following pointers should help you make an educated decision when buying a new or used car.
Where to buy?
There are number of ways to buy a new or used car – a car dealership isn’t your only option. For example, there are independent dealers, importers, brokers, auction, online, car supermarkets or privately.
Here we weigh up the pros and cons of each of them:
Car and Independent Dealers
Using a dealer to buy your new or used car can be convenient as you can have a test drive and the salesman should be more versed in the car details as compared to say buying a car from a broker, or by buying a car online.
Dealers will offer deals such as free insurance or low-rate finance. January – traditionally a very slow month for car dealers who offer extra specials incentives to try and get your custom – is also a time where you may be able to snap up a bargain.
Most new cars come with a two or three warranty (most with breakdown cover included as well for the same period).
If you have a car to part exchange, the car dealer will normally take it as part of a deposit, which means it is off your hands without the hassle of trying to sell it privately. However, do bear in mind that you will not get full the market value for it.
However, the downside of buying from a car dealership is that their prices can be higher than elsewhere as they need to cover the cost of the showroom and staff.
And, if there aren’t any finance incentives at the dealership, choosing their finance scheme will be, in most cases, expensive.
Importers
If you a buy a car in from Europe, you do stand to save money, though in some cases, UK deals are increasingly competitive. Lower prices over here and exchange rate fluctuations mean imports aren’t quite the outstanding bargains they used to be.
Brokers
A broker is an intermediary who negotiates with a dealer on your behalf to get you a cut-price car. Car brokers use their bulk –buying power to secure discounts which they then pass on to the customer (after they’ve taken their cut of course!)
Auction
You can be sure of snapping up a bargain if you buy at auction, but it is best if you visit a few auctions before taking the plunge. Visit and learn the ropes or take a knowledgeable friend. With Auctions, you will get more legal protection at an auction than buying privately. https://www.hello-epaviste.fr/
Car Supermarkets
Car Supermarkets offer a huge choice at competitive prices. However, there is little room for negotiation and you may get a low bid for your part-exchange and limited pre-sales checks.
Some car supermarkets also charge you extra for a warranty (if the maker’s cover has expired), a history check and road tax.