Bargaining with English Dealer

racso1975

Hi i saw a 2008 mondeo 1.8Tdci with 56000miles on the clock. The dealer is asking 7950 sterling. I think i read here before that you more or less end up paying the price thats advertised. Is this still the case or could i get a few hundred knocked of the price?

Gophur

How are other people supposed to answer this, in fairness?


Try, yourself, and you'll find out.

cadaliac

I'd say you will get £50 off over the phone, but after that I doubt you would get much off.

racso1975

Gophur wrote: »

How are other people supposed to answer this, in fairness?


Try, yourself, and you'll find out.

Just looking for people opions and experience before i ring up and insult the guy etc :rolleyes:

n97 mini

You will get a bit off, but not much. e.g. £100. Competition is better in the UK so they're not as inclined to take the piss in the first place.

yop

Bought a good few cars in NI and UK and there is fek all off the price. You might get a 50 quid tank of fuel but thats about it. The prices are real unlike the prices you see here which are dependent on the which way the wind blows

Anan1

racso1975 wrote: »

Just looking for people opions and experience before i ring up and insult the guy etc :rolleyes:

If that's your outlook then just pay the asking price - you'll get nothing off anyway.:)

darragh o meara

as per above, Uk dealers dont tend to give much off, I would try for 100 quid off but only when dealing face to face. Ive bought a good few cars from dealers in the uk and thats what I usually aim for and in fairness I usually get it too

Gophur

A dealer selling such a car will have factored the cost of a warranty into his price, i.e. up to £500. Given you will be unlikely to be claiming from such a warranty, if you aim for £100, you're not aiming for much.

The discount will be reflective of your negotiating skills.

Henry Ford III

Never ever try or even entertain negotiating over the phone.

1/. Arrange a few cars to go and see. Make an appointment with dealers.

2/. Check cars fully. Test drive. Take every precaution - HPI, service history etc.

3/. Select the car you want. Say to dealer "If we can agree on a price I'll buy this one today. It's advertised at £7950, but what will you take on a straight cash deal today?........" Dealer might say "£7850". Offer £7500 or £7600. Wave some folding If he plays hardball mention the next best car that you've yet to see that's cheaper. Be nice and friendly but control the negotiation.

You'll end up in or around £7700.

Anan1

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Never ever try or even entertain negotiating over the phone.

While I agree that negotiation is best done face to face, in this case the dealer's in the UK and the OP's (presumably) here.

Henry Ford III

Anan1 wrote: »

While I agree that negotiation is best done face to face, in this case the dealer's in the UK and the OP's (presumably) here.

I know but it makes no difference imho. OP needs to get over there, shortlist and test drive maybe 3 cars and only then begin to negotiate.

Harcrid

It's not quite the same when buying a car in UK. Dealers especially don't seem to want to knock much off the price. There is usually a little more room for negotiation with private sellers.

I have bought a few cars in the UK and what I tend to do is give them a call first and get as much information about the car so that I am happy that it is worth pursuing. I then arrange a vehicle inspection and after speaking to the guy who inspected the car and then reading the report thoroughly I get back in touch with the seller if I am happy with it.

I then use any negative points on the inspection report help with my bargaining. It's usually only small things wrong otherwise I would not be going ahead with the purchase obviously, but if for example the tyres are running low on thread, or it may need brake pads soon then you cans use these to knock some money off the price. People tend to be more willing to reduce their asking price once you have the inspection report backing you up.

As was said above you can also get a bit more off for letting the seller know that you don't need the warranty or that the they can hold onto the tax and claim a refund once you have taken the car.

All small things but they can help.

I do all of my bargaining before I head over by the way and would offer to pay a token deposit to secure the car for me if I am happy. I just don't like the idea of doing my bargaining on site as the seller knows they have you over a barrel due to where you have travelled from and will be less likely to reduce the price.

Of course some people won't reduce it a penny after all these things but it's then up to you if the car is worth it or not.

Anan1

Henry Ford III wrote: »

I know but it makes no difference imho. OP needs to get over there, shortlist and test drive maybe 3 cars and only then begin to negotiate.

I do it differently myself, i'll only travel when i'm happy that i've found (and agreed a fair price on) the right car for me.

Mr. Presentable

I'd imagine once they realise you have travelled a long way they figure they have you over a barrel and reckon you won't be keen to go home without a purchase.

yop

Anan1 wrote: »

I do it differently myself, i'll only travel when i'm happy that i've found (and agreed a fair price on) the right car for me.

Same as that, always agreed the price, got an RAC/AA check done regardless of private or dealer and only then arranged to buy it.

cadaliac

Mr. Presentable wrote: »

I'd imagine once they realise you have travelled a long way they figure they have you over a barrel and reckon you won't be keen to go home without a purchase.

That depends on the seller and the car. I bought a Passat a few years back and the seller and I came to an agreement on price while on the test drive.
He was looking for £8750, I said "let’s cut the negotiation and I'll give you £8500 here and now".
Deal done.
If the seller wants rid of the car (esp for cash), you are in control. Doesn't matter to him/her where you are from if you won't buy the car.

You should always mention that you have other cars to see while there on your visit, whether you do or not.

Mc Love

As many have said the prices listed in the UK are "real" prices unlike many of the dealers here, plus there is a huge turnover in terms of cars sold.

I called the garage where I bought mine and they said they couldnt offer any money off as it was one of the cheapest online (and to be honest it actually was), plus they said they had lots of interest in it, although that could have been a bluff, but who's to say it wasnt. Slapped deposit on it straight away subject to it passing AA Vehicle test. I would really recommend it if you do plan to get a car in the UK