Where To Buy
You don’t have to go to a franchised (or main) dealer to buy a new car, although that’s usually the easiest option. Here are the most common methods of buying new, along with their pros and cons.
Dealers:
Dealers in general are usually not 'Arthur Dalys' with the back street image they used to have. These days they need to comply with complex and detailed legislation designed to protect the consumer. To find out more about the laws applied to motor traders, click on the links below (they will open a new window):
The Trades Descriptions Act 1968 The Consumer Credit Act 1974 The Sale of Goods Act 1979 The Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 The Road Traffic Acts The Data Protection Act 1998 Distance Selling Regulations Price Marking OrdersUnfair Contract Terms
Franchised (or main) dealer:
These are appointed by the manufacturer and represent the most relaxed way to buy. Just look them up on the ‘net or in the phone book and go along for a chat. They usually have plenty of models to test drive and considerable expertise in the marque. They will also undertake servicing and repairs.
Pros: Ease of use. Test drives available. Knowledge of the make.
Cons: Because they have high overheads and tightly controlled targets, they are not usually the cheapest. Although, you can sometimes get better deals when they are approaching the end of the month or financial year and have to meet sales targets.
Car supermarkets:
Pretty much the same principle as food supermarkets - less personal service but, because they have lower overheads than main dealers, they're able to offer keener prices.
Pros: Usually the price you see is the price you pay. They have no room for bargaining so it makes negotiating the price easier.
Cons: Less expertise on particular models. May be tricky to find particular colours and extras within the price. Little room for negotiation.
Online:
Very much on the increase over the last few years. There’s no doubt it’s worth looking online to see what cars are available and at what price - and so easy from your armchair.
Pros: Simple. Rights are just the same as when buying from a dealer. Usually very keenly priced and it’s possible to haggle by phoning them. You can use internet prices as a basis for negotiation at a main dealer.
Cons: You can’t test drive. If things don’t go according to plan, it can be difficult to establish personal contact.
Importing:
Not as attractive as it used to be. Prices in the UK have become much keener over the past few years.
Pros: Sometimes it’s possible to find a good price.
Cons: Negotiating and doing paperwork in a foreign language; you may have to collect the car yourself; the car may not be to UK spec.
Broker:
It’s possible to use a broker to take the hassle out of importing a car. The broker earns by charging a fee so the car may not be as cheap as importing it yourself, but it will probably be cheaper than using a main dealer. Beware, you may still have to collect the car yourself.
Pros: May be cheaper than a main dealer.
Cons: You may still have to travel to collect the car.
