Buying an Ex Courtesy Car from Dealer

kluivert · 22-11-2007 12:09pm #1

An Opel Dealer in Dublin - DG Opel is having a sale of 07 Opel Astra Sportshatchs 1.4. They are ex courtesy cars.

His price is 2k lower than my local Opel Dealer in Monaghan.

Am not sure whether to go ahead with DG Opel or not.

Am not worried about the year of the car, because I tend to keep my cars for 5yrs +.

I just would like to get peoples views on this.

Thanks.

unkel · 22-11-2007 12:17pm

kluivert wrote: »

His price is 2k lower than my local Opel Dealer in Monaghan

2k lower than a similar condition similar spec '07 car that was not a courtesy car?

In that case it sounds like a pretty good deal. I presume you still get the balance of a manufacturers guarantee with the Opel?

Anan1 · 22-11-2007 12:18pm

As in €2k less than the cash price of a new identical one in January? If so, sounds like too much to me. What's the mileage?

Anan1 · 22-11-2007 12:20pm

unkel wrote: »

2k lower than a similar condition similar spec '07 car that was not a courtesy car?

In that case it sounds like a pretty good deal. I presume you still get the balance of a manufacturers guarantee with the Opel?

I think I misunderstood. If that's the case then i'd agree. Insamuch as an 07 Opel can ever be a good place to put money.;)

crosstownk · 22-11-2007 12:35pm

kluivert wrote: »

They are ex courtesy cars.

How many courtesy cars is the dealer selling? If he's got quite a few, then there is a chance they might be ex-rentals. I've seen the courtesy car twist used before to sell ex rentals.

unkel · 22-11-2007 12:52pm

crosstownk wrote: »

How many courtesy cars is the dealer selling? If he's got quite a few, then there is a chance they might be ex-rentals. I've seen the courtesy car twist used before to sell ex rentals.

That would be very sneaky!

I just checked on their website and they're selling 4 '07 courtesy cars. A Corsa, a Zafira and 2 Astras. Sounds about right for a large Opel dealer

crosstownk · 22-11-2007 12:54pm

unkel wrote: »

That would be very sneaky!

I just checked on their website and they're selling 4 '07 courtesy cars. A Corsa, a Zafira and 2 Astras. Sounds about right for a large Opel dealer

Only 4 - that does sound right for a fleet of dealer courtesy cars.

kluivert · 22-11-2007 1:35pm

Look at their website, they have abuot 10 '07 Opel Astra Sporthatchs for sale.

DG Opel 07 Astra = €20950

McChesney 07 Astra = €22000

Same mileage.

Ok theres only a grand in the difference, sorry.

I went to DG Opel before back in the begining of 2007, they told me then that there sportshatches are ex courtesy cars, I took it that he meant ex rentals because he had so many of them.

Would you advise to stay away with ex-rental, and buy the pre reg car in Monaghan. Am from monaghan by the way.

MercMad · 22-11-2007 1:42pm

Ask them specifically, but I cant see any rental company taking on Sportshatches ?

They are Astra's after all so in a rental fleet I dont think they would attract the premium required !

I could be wrong though..............................it has happened once before !

crosstownk · 22-11-2007 1:43pm

From previous posts, it appears that you are a regular customer of McChesneys. Have you shown the DG deal to the salesman in McChesneys. He might drop a few € as you're a regular customer. From your point of view it might be worth spending a few bob more to buy local, usually it results in better service - I know this isn't the way it should be, but it is the reality in a lot of cases. Ultimately the decision is yours, but I would recommend talking to McChesneys and see how far they will go for you on the price.

kluivert · 22-11-2007 1:55pm

I bought my 99 Astra back in July 2004 from a private buy, have got my car serviced there since. GF is the one who is actually look to trade up. She bought a 01 Opel Corsa from McChesney in Jan 2003, traded in against her current car 03 Astra in June 2005. She gets her car serviced with them as well.

They provide a very good service, always given a car free of charge for the day. Friendly mehanics and sales people. Good choice in stock, just a bit pricey for cars although they re very reasonable with servicing.

Got the timing belt done, service, replace suspension link and a few other bits and bobs - wipers and bulbs for 435e. And a car for the day, which i thought was good for that price.

Neilw · 22-11-2007 2:04pm

I live near a few rental car co's and have seen a fair few astra 3'door hatches around. I wouldn't touch an ex rental, so check if the are ex-hire.

Neil.

sdanseo · 22-11-2007 2:09pm

Whoops...complete fúckup, needs deleting please.

furtzy · 22-11-2007 2:17pm

Would definitely be looking for a lot more of a discount on the "ex courtesy" cars. They are second hand after all and the fact he has 10 sounds like ex rental to me.

As for Mc Chesneys......worst shower of eejits I've ever dealt with

kluivert · 22-11-2007 2:49pm

furtzy wrote: »

As for Mc Chesneys......worst shower of eejits I've ever dealt with

Can you enlighten please either by PM'n me or here.

furtzy · 22-11-2007 3:25pm

kluivert wrote: »

Can you enlighten please either by PM'n me or here.

PM sent

MercMad · 22-11-2007 4:25pm

Are all Astra 3dr cars called Sportshatches ??

kluivert · 22-11-2007 4:55pm

MercMad wrote: »

Are all Astra 3dr cars called Sportshatches ??

All the new models are yes. The Mk 4 3dr where known as Sport.

My GF has a 1.2 3dr Astra Sport. Anyone get the joke there.

Right decision made, not going to buy from DG Opel, on the basis, that people trash rentals and courtesy cars.

bazz26 · 22-11-2007 5:29pm

Sound like ex-hires to me. There seems to be alot of ex-hires still on forecourts this year. Generally they are sold by late September or early October.

PS Buying an ex-rental is hit and miss just like any second hand car. I have bought them before and never had a moment's bother with them and you get the balance of the manufacturer's warranty with them. I have seen some though that were obviously abused. Private owners can abuse their cars too.

Golferx · 22-11-2007 5:35pm

Enterprise Car Rentals run loads of Sportshatch Astras.

I don't see why there is such big opposition to rental cars. Only a small few are hopped off ditches or rev-limiters and one can usually see the signs on those that are. If there is a three year manufacturer's warranty with the car then you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

The Astra is a nice design but hopelessly under-powered. Definitely all dressed but nowhere to go!

furtzy · 22-11-2007 9:36pm

Wasn't there an offer from Opel to get a weekend long drive test drive in the Astra. These were hire cars that the garage would simple hire out for the test drives. Could be the sale of these as there seems to be a lot of 07 reg Astra's for sale in opel dealers at the moment.

TychoCaine · 22-11-2007 9:46pm

Am I the only one who doesn't think 2k is much of a discount on a car that'll be a year old in a few weeks?

He's trying to off-load them fast before they get hit with the "last year's model" stigma/depreciation.

kluivert · 22-11-2007 9:53pm

TychoCaine wrote: »

Am I the only one who doesn't think 2k is much of a discount on a car that'll be a year old in a few weeks? He's trying to off-load them fast before they get hit with the "last year's model" stigma/depreciation.

Your probably right there.

bbability · 22-11-2007 11:38pm

I wouldn't go near DodGy opel. A mate of mine had a very bad experience with them this year. They forgot to re connect the fuel filter correctly while servicing his diesel motor. He filled his tank after leaving the garage not knowing there was diesel pissing all over the engine. The AA told my mate as I did that he was lucky it wasn't a petrol car otherwise it would have gone on fire. They towed it back to the garage a day later, yes a day and about 4 calls later. Would you believe they had the cheek to tell him to drive it back to them:rolleyes: Turned me off Opel for life!

zzantara · 30-11-2007 5:20pm

Rentals are generally considered to be cars that you see in Airports etc,rented mainly to tourists that tend to give them a harder time as they are in a strange country and trying to "do" the cliffs of Moher/Giants Cause Way/Ring of Kerry in three days with lots of bodies/luggage in the car???
Courtesy Cars are cars that are used mainly by Irish poeple that needed a replacement car while theirs were off the road for repair for instance ?some Insurance companies include a car as part of their policy ,these cars are sometimes just driven as far as the drivers office and parked outside for the day,generally they are in much better condition than Rental Cars,I would always rate a Dublin car a better bet than a Monaghan Car,no offence intended but those Monaghan back roads can really give a car some stick!

craichoe · 30-11-2007 5:26pm

zzantara wrote: »

Rentals are generally considered to be cars that you see in Airports etc,rented mainly to tourists that tend to give them a harder time as they are in a strange country and trying to "do" the cliffs of Moher/Giants Cause Way/Ring of Kerry in three days with lots of bodies/luggage in the car???
Courtesy Cars are cars that are used mainly by Irish poeple that needed a replacement car while theirs were off the road for repair for instance ?some Insurance companies include a car as part of their policy ,these cars are sometimes just driven as far as the drivers office and parked outside for the day,generally they are in much better condition than Rental Cars,I would always rate a Dublin car a better bet than a Monaghan Car,no offence intended but those Monaghan back roads can really give a car some stick!

Uggh .. i dunno about that, friend of mine had a Temporary replacement on his Insurance and he drove the arse off it. His attitude was .. its not mine so who cares ! ..

105mph in 4th gear ... ffs ....

zzantara · 30-11-2007 5:47pm

Ever brought a damaged acr back to a rental company ?? get out your credit card,most people won't take a chance and treat the rental car with kid gloves incase they get ridden when they return it !

crosstownk · 30-11-2007 6:03pm

zzantara wrote: »

Ever brought a damaged acr back to a rental company ?? get out your credit card,most people won't take a chance and treat the rental car with kid gloves incase they get ridden when they return it !

True - but not those who purchase sufficient insurance to reduce the excess to zero. We sell hundreds of ex-rentals and practically all of them are in good condition. I'm know there are ex-rentals out there that have been abused but in reality it is very few.

yellow012 · 30-11-2007 11:07pm

zzantara wrote: »

Ever brought a damaged acr back to a rental company ?? get out your credit card,most people won't take a chance and treat the rental car with kid gloves incase they get ridden when they return it !

Yeah I tend to agree, you hear some people bragging on forums about doing 100mph in 3rd in a rental car but I think thats just immature, school yard talk. I believe most people want a hassle free experience and look after the cars and are happy to get them back to the rental company undamaged and unmolested.

edwardh55 · 03-12-2007 8:50pm

Ex rentals are usually a pretty good buy, remember they get alot of attention such as cleaning every couple of days and if there are wheels or tyres damaged they are replaced, once they come back to the dealer they are given pretty big check overs because its in the dealers interest to have a clean car to sell and make the rental company pay for any damage incurred
Plus you have the remainder of your warranty left!

black & white · 03-12-2007 9:24pm

I bought an ex-hire Astra from DG Opel a few years ago, had one very slight problem a couple of months later and rang them, they arranged for me to bring it into my local Opel Dealer - I live in Clare - and it was fixed straight away.

kluivert · 12-12-2007 10:42am

GF has her 03 Astra in for repairs and service.

She was given a 06 Astra life 1.4 with 44k km's, it sounds very rough for the age and mileage of the car. Has made me definitely think twice about buying second hand never mind ex-rent or ex-courtesy cars.

So I think we'll start saving for a new car then. Not so bad will normally last a good 5+ years anyway. At least you know then how it has been driven and serviced etc.

unkel · 12-12-2007 11:31am

Wait till July and buy the 1.3 diesel. €150 to tax for the year and only 16% VRT when buying the car. The lowering of the VRT saves you another €2,500 compared to the current price

If you buy the petrol, they should take your accountancy qualification away

niceirishfella · 12-12-2007 11:45am

zzantara wrote: »

Rentals are generally considered to be cars that you see in Airports etc,rented mainly to tourists that tend to give them a harder time as they are in a strange country and trying to "do" the cliffs of Moher/Giants Cause Way/Ring of Kerry in three days with lots of bodies/luggage in the car???
Courtesy Cars are cars that are used mainly by Irish poeple that needed a replacement car while theirs were off the road for repair for instance ?some Insurance companies include a car as part of their policy ,these cars are sometimes just driven as far as the drivers office and parked outside for the day,generally they are in much better condition than Rental Cars,I would always rate a Dublin car a better bet than a Monaghan Car,no offence intended but those Monaghan back roads can really give a car some stick!

Advice - Avoid buying ex-Courtesy Cars and Ex-rentals.

I worked in the rental car game for a while and these cars are hammered from the day they roll off the delivery truck.
They are seen as fair game to be thrashed within a inch of their life............and trust me, i know - i've hammered shed loads. I remember the time we had to get 3 spankers new puntos to dublin airport from southside dublin.............up the m50, flat out, i'm talking FLAT OUT..........all 3 of us......its was 3am, no one around. Think i got 107mph outta mine till the rev limiter kicked in. My car started to develop smoke inside the cabin..............did i care.............NO. At the light, burning the tyres with the handbrake on.......did i care ....NO.

And this is the mentality of the 20 year old dont give a **** employee and car renter.

I've alos seen cars come of rental or from being a
Courtesy Car as they call it rubbish, covered in vomit inside, maggots from fisherman being careless (the smell never ever leaves, NEVER), cig burns, wee wee stains, Cum stains on the seats, Soiled condoms in the ashtrays - the works - and no amount of valeting gets rid of all of this. Sorry.
But its the mechanical state of the cars that puts me off them. They are serviced, sure, but hammered - and the life can be gone out of a car before its 6 months old. They quickly go from a nice tight new motor to a loose bag of ****e.

You have been warned - I'd never ever think of buying one.

unkel · 12-12-2007 11:50am

niceirishfella wrote: »

rubbish, covered in vomit inside, maggots from fisherman being careless (the smell never ever leaves, NEVER), cig burns, wee wee stains, Cum stains on the seats, Soiled condoms in the ashtrays

No sh!t?

kluivert · 12-12-2007 1:26pm

Still working on a budget here!

No rentals and courtesy cars are out of the question as of now.

TychoCaine · 12-12-2007 7:14pm

A mate of mine used to work for one of the major hire companies at Shannon airport and he said that at any one time 1/6 of the fleet were off the road being repaired..... :eek:

niceirishfella · 13-12-2007 2:21am

TychoCaine wrote: »

A mate of mine used to work for one of the major hire companies at Shannon airport and he said that at any one time 1/6 of the fleet were off the road being repaired..... :eek:

No Sh*t Unkel.............you would not belive the **** that goes on in rentals. and the things we found left behind in em..........good expensive **** like ~Camera's, umbrella's, nice things etc, and rubbish too, and ooooooohhhh, yeah - one of the young cleaners found a big BIG MOMMA smelly VIBRATOR under a seat.......he was just 15 working on a saturday morning and he thought it was a kids toy! ahhhh, the craic and the laffs. Could write a book. :eek: LOL

And Tycho, your mate's not wrong. The fact is rentals get banged and whalloped all over the place by clients. from small dents to write offs. I worked for one of the countries largest offenders, sorry companies and they would use certain cheap and nasty repair panel beaters that i would'nt get my mountain bike sprayed with..........and the stories, ohhhhh, the stories.

And the clockin.............the clocking of the cars before they go for sale when they finally come off rental. Completely immoral i used to think and still do.

here's one punter story.............this guy arrives at the airport. A yank, lots of dosh. Says "i want a big car with a auto gearbox". We didnt have one, we were all out, it was peak season. so , we talked him in taking a manual mondeo - brand new - just a week old i remember - as i drove it the weekend before. Last thing he said to me leaving the compound was "what was the way to Killarney?" - so i sent him in the direction of the m50.

10 o clock that night i got a call from the AA saying they were towing in a car from ennis, co. clare as the clutch had burnt out and the driver insisted we got a new car to him immediately all the way to Ennis!

The big dumbass yank drove all the way to Ennis with his foot on the clutch and burnt it out. The AA guy said he never say anything like it! We did'nt send a car to ennis till the next day...............and we gave him a micra automatic..........LOL - just for BADNESS!!!

Santa Claus · 13-12-2007 3:31am

I know of one enterprising rental company that use a lot of opels and funnily enough a lot of their branches tend to be very close to opel dealers (sometimes just across the yard from the showroom).

Easy way to tell if a demo car was actually a rental model. Dealers tend to get higher spec and optional extras on their demos to show the model off to it's full potential as they're getting them cheap.
Rental companies go for the bog standard basic model without any bells and whistles ! (And when they do get luxury models like saabs etc, I've heard of them being registered in the branch managers name rather than XYZ rentals or the garage name)

I always go by the old jokes "whats the fastest car in the world ? A rental car" and steer well clear of buying them.

scotia · 13-12-2007 7:18am

I bought an ex-rental 05 yaris 2 years ago with 19000km on it, not an ounce of bother with it and it's just turned over the 100,000km.
I can believe all the stories with reving the nuts of these cars as i used to do it when i was in the trade,young and stupid i suppose.
going by my experience i would have no bother in buying an ex rental again.

Santa Claus · 13-12-2007 9:08pm

furtzy wrote: »

Wasn't there an offer from Opel to get a weekend long drive test drive in the Astra. These were hire cars that the garage would simple hire out for the test drives. Could be the sale of these as there seems to be a lot of 07 reg Astra's for sale in opel dealers at the moment.

The Opel test drive cars were supplied by Enterprise rather than the opel dealers.
I know this because I had one for a bank holiday weekend and when stopped at a checkpoint the garda informed me that there was no roadtax on the car (never even thought of checking it myself). I explained to him the situation and he told me not to drive it again. When I rang the garage on the tuesday to get them to collect it the sales guy explained that enterprise supplied the cars for the "opel 3 day test drive" promotion and he would get onto them to collect it !

Auto Consulting · 13-12-2007 9:45pm

Generally it would be advisable to steer clear of manual transmission ex rentals due to the fact that some tourists are not used to driving manual cars and can damage them as a result, generally the clutch. It is also common for ex rentals to have badly damaged alloys for some reason, people just don't look after rented cars as well as they look after their own. When a garage takes back a fleet of ex rentals there is always a large bill for repairs. However, if you find a good one you can get a very good deal.

Buying an Ex Courtesy Car from Dealer

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