First time buying a brand new car this week. What should I check before I buy? What should I know?

JackieChang

Buying on PCP or whatever it's called.

What should I check and double check before signing the papers and paying the deposit?

Can I return the car if I don't like it after the first week? Like a "cooling off period". And will I get my deposit back? Yes I took a test drive.

Now about servicing - from my understanding, the warranty will remain intact even if I service it at Jimmy O'Flaherty's auto shack down the road. Or does it have to be an "approved" list of mechanics? How can I make sure my warranty remains intact while getting it serviced at a local mechanic?

Check up on CCPC for a quick look, very helpfull

Bought a new car 2 times before and my advice is make sure you really want it and can afford it.

First off... congratulations/ enjoy.

I'd be VERY wary of bringing a new motor to " o flaherty's".... cars are so advanced nowdays not to mention exact tools ( & diagnostic malarky) needed..... I'd be bringing her to main dealer for first 2/ 3 Serrvices. ...like the first 20,000kms. PCP IS NOT a road I'd be going down, I'm olde skool but to each their own

DriveSkill

Generally speaking there is no "cooling off" period when buying a new car. There are a few exceptions where the whole process is done online but as you say you've taken a test drive I assume that is not the case here. Even with the online case there are strict limitations put on when you can hand it back and expect to get your money back e.g. put less than 100km or whatever on it. So if you are not 100% sure you want the car then dont buy it - once you drive it off the forecourt you've taken at least a 10-20% hit on its value (OK, todays market is a bit messed up but this generally applies).

As for the servicing I would echo other comments, strongly recommend sticking with the main dealer or at very least a trusted independent brand specialist for at least the first 1 or 2 services - it helps a lot should something outside of the warranty happen to fail as you will have some goodwill from the dealer. Maybe ask about service plan/pack - you pay up front or in some cases can negotiate into the deal and it covers your services for usually first 3 years.

If you dont understand PCP - please read up on it before signing up, there is a separate thread on it here I think. It has advantages and disadvantages but you need to understand what the rules are and what your options are in 3 years time. Personally I've used it before and very happy with it but also not used it on the latest car as preferred to go different option.

bazz26

It's a bit worrying that someone would commit to buying an expensive purchase such as a brand new car yet not understand how they are going to pay for it.

Wildly Boaring

You'll not be handing back a new car if you don't like it. Get an extended test drive if worried.

I'd stick to main dealer service for the duration of the warrantee. I'd not give manufacturer an easy out if something goes drastically wrong. Most manufacturers have a service pack for the duration and doesn't work out too expensive

colm_mcm

Isn’t it a condition of PCP that it’s serviced in the main dealer?

bazz26

Yeah I think it is a term of the PCP contract. Most of the main dealers these days offer a 3 year service plan for an additional cost on the PCP monthly repayments too which works out cheaper than paying for each service individually.

wildwillow

You must have been waiting for a new car so I'm surprised you don't understand PCP completely. Many people have regretted getting it as a loan plan.

You will suffer a devaluation as soon as you leave the forecourt so be sure you want to proceed.

With the scarcity of new cars the garage will have no problem reselling it.

But if you are happy, remember to follow the rules about servicing and mileage limits in your contract.

I love getting a new car, so enjoy the experience.