Buying during the Covid19 pandemic

michellie · 15-04-2020 7:58am

I know several dealers still open and posting on social media

whippet · 15-04-2020 8:25am

I have a car on order - which was due this month but as the factories in germany have been closed for a few weeks i'm unlikely to see it any time soon - the dealer has an almost identical model in stock and are going to get me a quote for it - I obviously won't be paying sticker price for a 'compromise' spec .. the dealer is confident that i'd be able to get it in the next few weeks and arrangement can be made.

rubberdungeon · 15-04-2020 9:30am

I read this in the Irish Independent this morning, it may be useful to someone here.

Some car dealers have moved quickly to respond to what is being described as a 'surge' in the number of people browsing online for a new or used car during the lockdown.

I can report this week on how two high-profile motoring groups are dealing with strong online interest - some cars have been bought and paid for already.

As an anecdotal aside I can attest to the level of interest in cars from the number of people contacting our Independent Advice Desk.

The Joeduffy.ie digital dealership platform is "open for business" 24/7 across the group - including ZuCar, its used-car supermarket business - according to chief executive Gavin Hydes.

He outlined to 'Independent Motors' how the system is set up for anyone wanting to view, or buy, a new or used car.

You can also get a part-exchange valuation for your car via a special app.

And there's a live chat-line to handle questions.

There is a strong level of enquiry, I'm told.

They say that a number of new and used-car orders have already been placed - with deposits paid.

They are describing it as a fundamental shift in consumer buying behaviour as people are browsing and asking about future purchases, getting finance quotations and valuations etc.

In summary, customers can now take their online viewing a step further and receive a valuation if they are trading in a car, request a finance quotation, pay a deposit and eventually have their car moved to a Joe Duffy location near to them or delivered to home, a spokeswoman said.

The Windsor group says it too is making it possible for customers to buy cars online from home - and to arrange for contactless delivery.

Yes, everything you'd normally do, except from a distance.

Peter Nicholson, managing director at Windsor, says every car dealer is going to have to adapt to online selling and contactless delivery when sales activity resumes in the coming weeks and months.

He says people are spending a lot of time online during the lockdown and there is a 'surge' (there's that word again) in web traffic.

In light of the current conditions we have added a contactless delivery service for our online buyers for when the market reopens, he says.

https://m.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/fundamental-change-in-way-we-buy-cars-as-dealers-react-39129198.html

c montgomery · 15-04-2020 9:39am

whippet wrote: »

201 / 202 makes no odds to me .. plate vanity doesn’t matter.

Why would I want to ‘get out’ of the deal? It’s not like the dealer is forcing me to buy it

The difference between what is on order and what is in stock is the interior and leather colour and I had ordered the premium sound package

Congrats on the new car.
If spending that much you should wait for what you ordered rather than compromising.
Happy driving.

CoBo55 · 15-04-2020 9:42am

rubberdungeon wrote: »

I read this in the Irish Independent this morning, it may be useful to someone here.

Some car dealers have moved quickly to respond to what is being described as a 'surge' in the number of people browsing online for a new or used car during the lockdown.

I can report this week on how two high-profile motoring groups are dealing with strong online interest - some cars have been bought and paid for already.

As an anecdotal aside I can attest to the level of interest in cars from the number of people contacting our Independent Advice Desk.

The Joeduffy.ie digital dealership platform is "open for business" 24/7 across the group - including ZuCar, its used-car supermarket business - according to chief executive Gavin Hydes.

He outlined to 'Independent Motors' how the system is set up for anyone wanting to view, or buy, a new or used car.

You can also get a part-exchange valuation for your car via a special app.

And there's a live chat-line to handle questions.

There is a strong level of enquiry, I'm told.

They say that a number of new and used-car orders have already been placed - with deposits paid.

They are describing it as a fundamental shift in consumer buying behaviour as people are browsing and asking about future purchases, getting finance quotations and valuations etc.

In summary, customers can now take their online viewing a step further and receive a valuation if they are trading in a car, request a finance quotation, pay a deposit and eventually have their car moved to a Joe Duffy location near to them or delivered to home, a spokeswoman said.

The Windsor group says it too is making it possible for customers to buy cars online from home - and to arrange for contactless delivery.

Yes, everything you'd normally do, except from a distance.

Peter Nicholson, managing director at Windsor, says every car dealer is going to have to adapt to online selling and contactless delivery when sales activity resumes in the coming weeks and months.

He says people are spending a lot of time online during the lockdown and there is a 'surge' (there's that word again) in web traffic.

In light of the current conditions we have added a contactless delivery service for our online buyers for when the market reopens, he says.

https://m.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/fundamental-change-in-way-we-buy-cars-as-dealers-react-39129198.html

Complete bollox...

whippet · 15-04-2020 9:46am

c montgomery wrote: »

Congrats on the new car.
If spending that much you should wait for what you ordered rather than compromising.
Happy driving.

The interior colour isn't that much of an issue - the sound upgrade .. i'll see what the dealer comes back with regarding pricing - if the saving is enough i'll consider it.

The reality is that i'd be waiting until at least October / November for the new one to be built - and that is being optimistic ...

Del2005 · 15-04-2020 9:53am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

I love the use of the term "contactless delivery", great way to get rid of that turd of a car with the bolloxed engine. Simply polish it up, take a video of it, get paid, put it on lorry and dump it outside the victims customers house!

With distance selling you can return without reason within 14 days of delivery.

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 9:57am

Del2005 wrote: »

With distance selling you can return without reason within 14 days of delivery.

So I can theoretically order a car, get it delivered then on the 13th day return it for a full refund?

I always wanted a new Lexus to sit outside my house for 13 says!

L-M · 15-04-2020 10:02am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

So I can theoretically order a car, get it delivered then on the 13th day return it for a full refund?

I always wanted a new Lexus to sit outside my house for 13 says!

Who are you?

Did a Car Dealership piss in your Cornflakes?

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 10:12am

L-M wrote: »

Who are you?

Did a Car Dealership piss in your Cornflakes?

What are you implying and why?

CoBo55 · 15-04-2020 10:12am

L-M wrote: »

Who are you?

Did a Car Dealership piss in your Cornflakes?

He uses a passport card for a driver's licence....

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 10:14am

CoBo55 wrote: »

He uses a passport card for a driver's licence....

What the heck???

CoBo55 · 15-04-2020 10:31am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

What the heck???

https://www.boards.ie/

whippet · 15-04-2020 10:35am

L-M wrote: »

Who are you?

Did a Car Dealership piss in your Cornflakes?

a real ray of sunshine alright.

Seems to have more than a chip on the shoulder !

whippet · 15-04-2020 10:36am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

I'd wait it out.

Unless you are currently driving a newish car??

fair enough ... but i'd prefer to have the car I want.

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 10:40am

whippet wrote: »

a real ray of sunshine alright.

Seems to have more than a chip on the shoulder !

Is that slur directed towards helpful me or L-M?

whippet · 15-04-2020 10:42am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

Is that slur directed towards helpful me or L-M?

:cool:

begbysback · 15-04-2020 10:46am

This situation is a good example of why the current restrictions are unnecessary, buying a car can be easily done without breaking the rules of social distancing, business should continue where it can.

thelizardking1 · 15-04-2020 10:50am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

Would you not wait until 202 reg now or as it's looking now a 301?

301? I don't think he'll have to wait 10 years!:D

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 10:51am

begbysback wrote: »

This situation is a good example of why the current restrictions are unnecessary, buying a car can be easily done without breaking the rules of social distancing, business should continue where it can.

One could also say that only those over 70 or immuno suppressed should be isolated and everything else operate as normal but practicing social distancing strictly.

It may sound harsh but the cure seems more destructive than the virus.

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 10:54am

thelizardking1 wrote: »

301? I don't think he'll have to wait 10 years!:D

You may laugh now but you never know with this virus!

How stupid will next years number plates look, 211!
That's if any new cars are sold

begbysback · 15-04-2020 10:58am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

One could also say that only those over 70 or immuno suppressed should be isolated and everything else operate as normal but practicing social distancing strictly.

It may sound harsh but the cure seems more destructive than the virus.

Agreed, though they would need to be subsidized by the tax payer, but it’s better than the current situation. I do hope WHO take the initiative here with regards to lifting restrictions, as some of our representatives seem to be only too happy to keep us locked up for the foreseeable future.

But situations like this are a prime example of how things can return to some normality.

Del2005 · 15-04-2020 11:26am

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

So I can theoretically order a car, get it delivered then on the 13th day return it for a full refund?

I always wanted a new Lexus to sit outside my house for 13 says!

Yes and if you have enough cash, you'll be waiting for the refund from the 1st dealer, you can order another one from a different dealer and return it after 14 days. Cheaper than a rental, only pity is that you can't go anywhere.

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 11:46am

Del2005 wrote: »

Yes and if you have enough cash, you'll be waiting for the refund from the 1st dealer, you can order another one from a different dealer and return it after 14 days. Cheaper than a rental, only pity is that you can't go anywhere.

What a great idea!

But we can't go anywhere anyway!

I could gave one of all the Lexus models on my drive way and send them back after the 14 day cooling off distance selling period.

yop · 15-04-2020 12:03pm

As per other thread I'm in the process of buying a new car off a dealer. I have been on email/phone to a number of dealers all whom using various apps, emails, photos etc were able to give me a price on my trade-in.
Then using the brochures etc were able to let me pick the spec and options and get final quotes back.
They can access the various loan companies and get the numbers from there then.

No garage can close the deal as you can't test drive or view the cars and they aren't expecting you to.

The process has worked very well and I've had great response from the various dealers who are "open".
They won't be delivering any cars as their premises are closed until the lock down is lifted.

Your option is to secure with a refundable deposit.

Marcusm · 15-04-2020 1:36pm

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

So I can theoretically order a car, get it delivered then on the 13th day return it for a full refund?

I always wanted a new Lexus to sit outside my house for 13 says!

Provided you return it unused and in the original packaging!

michellie · 15-04-2020 2:20pm

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

Being open online is not the same as being open on site!

I know that. They're taking bookings for viewings /video sales and are on site. Few of them contacting me regularly as they have sold cars and want to know when they can be registered.

Cuir_Cosc_Orm · 15-04-2020 2:34pm

Marcusm wrote: »

Provided you return it unused and in the original packaging!

I was just wondering there if one was to buy a VAG and avail of their "0% finance" (in brackets because the cost of credit is in built in the price of the car) then get it delivered and within 14 days return it under the change of mind distance selling and get a refund by the dealer, would one have 0% credit from VAG bank ?

As contractally VAG bank loans you money to pay the dealer and the dealer then refunds you.

whippet · 15-04-2020 2:43pm

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

I was just wondering there if one was to buy a VAG and avail of their "0% finance" (in brackets because the cost of credit is in built in the price of the car) then get it delivered and within 14 days return it under the change of mind distance selling and get a refund by the dealer, would one have 0% credit from VAG bank ?

As contractally VAG bank loans you money to pay the dealer and the dealer then refunds you.

far too much time on your hands I think

As long as you didn't drive the car maybe - and then what does the terms and conditions of the finance package that you signed say with regards to disposal of the asset that the finance was forwarded upon?

Del2005 · 15-04-2020 4:28pm

Marcusm wrote: »

Provided you return it unused and in the original packaging!

Nothing here saying that. You seem to be confusing change of mind returns, where the retailer can impose any conditions vs distance selling returns.

To cancel the contract, you must inform the trader of the decision to cancel using either the prescribed cancellation form, or some other method, before the cooling-off period expires. There is no requirement to give a reason for cancelling. ...........

Cancellation will not be accepted in certain cases including where:

The provision of services have already begun with your agreement
The price of the goods or services is dependent upon financial market fluctuations that are beyond the trader's control
The goods cannot be returned because they were made according to your specifications or were personalised for you
The goods are liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly
The goods seals have been broken by you and cannot be returned for health protection and hygiene reasons
The goods are audio/video tapes or computer software whose seals have been broken by you
The goods are newspapers or magazines
The goods were purchased at a public auction

L-M · 15-04-2020 4:30pm

Cuir_Cosc_Orm wrote: »

I was just wondering there if one was to buy a VAG and avail of their "0% finance" (in brackets because the cost of credit is in built in the price of the car) then get it delivered and within 14 days return it under the change of mind distance selling and get a refund by the dealer, would one have 0% credit from VAG bank ?

As contractally VAG bank loans you money to pay the dealer and the dealer then refunds you.

With a credit agreement in Ireland you have 10 days to re consider, but unless you opt out of that you have to wait the 10 days until you take the car. You can’t “distance” sign a finance agreement so it won’t work unfortunately.

Try go out and sun bath it sounds like you’re lacking a bit of vitamin D

Rusky rusky · 15-04-2020 8:37pm

L-M wrote: »

With a credit agreement in Ireland you have 10 days to re consider, but unless you opt out of that you have to wait the 10 days until you take the car. You can’t “distance” sign a finance agreement so it won’t work unfortunately.

Try go out and sun bath it sounds like you’re lacking a bit of vitamin D

Yes, for VW PCP you either sign a waiver or wait for 2 weeks.

Marcusm · 16-04-2020 9:08am

Del2005 wrote: »

Nothing here saying that. You seem to be confusing change of mind returns, where the retailer can impose any conditions vs distance selling returns.

Ref 20(6)(b) makes the consumer liable for any finished value as a result of handling them which I would expect includes driving a car. If you’re liable for the reduction in value (evident upon registration and running up miles) then I think it’s a non-runner. The value would likely also reduce merely as a result of registration even if not driven but I don’t think this is recoverable from the consumer.

(6) A consumer who is required to return goods to a trader following the exercise of the right to cancel—

(a) shall take reasonable care of the goods prior to returning them, and

(b) is liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling of the goods beyond that necessary to establish their nature, characteristics and functioning.

billybonkers · 16-04-2020 10:03am

Anyone noticing car prices going down, specifically from 2nd hand dealers? Would think they need to shift stock at the moment to keep business afloat

deandean · 16-04-2020 10:11am

Can't say I have noticed any reduction in used car prices. But I am wondering will there be a big return of company cars to the used car market as a result of loss of employment. I read that one in five companies in the country has laid off all its workforce! Not to be taking advantage of this horrible situation etc.

billybonkers · 16-04-2020 10:12am

deandean wrote: »

Can't say I have noticed any reduction in used car prices. But I am wondering will there be a big return of company cars to the used car market as a result of loss of employment. I read that one in five companies in the country has laid off all its workforce! Not to be taking advantage of this horrible situation etc.

No me either just wondering if anyone has noticed it out of interest.

Feel bad for the smaller dealers who can't operate or having a hard time selling at the moment.

fifth · 16-04-2020 10:26am

I've been looking at a few cars for a while now and have started to see price cuts. Now, I saw a few price cuts in the first two weeks or March but nothing since. I expect they'll drop further the longer this drags out. I'll be maybe looking to buy something come september time. Where I was looking at 181 now I'll be looking at 192 reg for the money.

Marcusm · 16-04-2020 1:11pm

Given that few sales can be put through I’d be surprised at seeing many dealers plump for price cuts until the lockdown finishes.

xboxdad · 16-04-2020 1:16pm

The only thing I noticed is that my dealer just doesn't want to have anything to do with me.
They have the car I want, but took me 2 weeks to get them send me bank details to pay the 500 EUR deposit.
...they didn't even bother sending me a confirmation they received it.
It doesn't seem anybody is putting any effort into anything right now.

youcancallmeal · 16-04-2020 4:25pm

I'm looking at trading in my car for something bigger in May/June(3rd child on the way), I'm worried now that dealers will give me well below it's current value with the excuse that they won't be able to sell it on themselves

Cyrus · 16-04-2020 4:41pm

youcancallmeal wrote: »

I'm looking at trading in my car for something bigger in May/June(3rd child on the way), I'm worried now that dealers will give me well below it's current value with the excuse that they won't be able to sell it on themselves

you should net out the same, worse trade in, better 'deal' on new car.

youcancallmeal · 16-04-2020 4:51pm

Cyrus wrote: »

you should net out the same, worse trade in, better 'deal' on new car.

Hopefully that's the case, guess I will see in May when I start talking to dealers

mickdw · 16-04-2020 9:07pm

xboxdad wrote: »

The only thing I noticed is that my dealer just doesn't want to have anything to do with me.
They have the car I want, but took me 2 weeks to get them send me bank details to pay the 500 EUR deposit.
...they didn't even bother sending me a confirmation they received it.
It doesn't seem anybody is putting any effort into anything right now.

Feck them then. Let them keep it and sell it for less in a few months.
Id be expecting immediate response to queries at the minute as all that needs is one guy taking emails.

davidfitz22 · 26-04-2020 11:57am

Quick question lads.
My car is absolutely knackered and looking to buy a new one rather than put more money in. I am located in Donegal and I see a couple in Dublin I would be interested in but just wondering with travel restrictions would going to Dublin for a car be essential?

User1998 · 26-04-2020 12:18pm

Possibly if your an essential worker but even at that your really pushing it. Just wait till May 5th

bazz26 · 26-04-2020 1:13pm

davidfitz22 wrote: »

Quick question lads.
My car is absolutely knackered and looking to buy a new one rather than put more money in. I am located in Donegal and I see a couple in Dublin I would be interested in but just wondering with travel restrictions would going to Dublin for a car be essential?

I'd doubt it very much. How would you plan to get to Dublin? Are trains and busses currently running on that route? I don't think they are but they could be for front line workers only? If your thinking of driving then I'd say you would be turned around at the first checkpoint on that route or at least one of them on the route once you leave your county. What happens if your car breaks down on the way?

davidfitz22 · 26-04-2020 3:13pm

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd doubt it very much. How would you plan to get to Dublin? Are trains and busses currently running on that route? I don't think they are but they could be for front line workers only? If your thinking of driving then I'd say you would be turned around at the first checkpoint on that route or at least one of them on the route once you leave your county. What happens if your car breaks down on the way?

Excellent point. I'm not pushed right now as it can wait. The few people I've been chatting to said otherwise and it seems like they are just pushing a sale.

bazz26 · 26-04-2020 4:32pm

If they are the dealers at the other side of the country telling you that and are so certain then let them meet you half or some of the way. I bet they wouldn't because they wouldn't get away with it.

ToxicPaddy · 26-04-2020 5:04pm

Going to start looking for a second car now, new addition to the family due in Oct so need a second car for herself to scoot around in and also take all the usual bulk of items if we are visiting family outside of Dublin in the future.

Looking at an auto estate with reasonable mileage, 2015 - 2018 and have noticed a very slight drop in prices. Nothing huge, but €500 here, €1k there.

As much as I would like a great deal on a new car, I'd really hate to see people losing their jobs and mass closures across the motor industry, it just wouldn't sit well with me, so as tempted as I am to head across the water when the restrictions are lifted, I'll probably stay local.

Anyone have any idea when the forecourts might be opening up again?

scamalert · 26-04-2020 5:31pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Going to start looking for a second car now, new addition to the family due in Oct so need a second car for herself to scoot around in and also take all the usual bulk of items if we are visiting family outside of Dublin in the future.

Looking at an auto estate with reasonable mileage, 2015 - 2018 and have noticed a very slight drop in prices. Nothing huge, but €500 here, €1k there.

As much as I would like a great deal on a new car, I'd really hate to see people losing their jobs and mass closures across the motor industry, it just wouldn't sit well with me, so as tempted as I am to head across the water when the restrictions are lifted, I'll probably stay local.

Anyone have any idea when the forecourts might be opening up again?

the way prices are still quite up from dealers would suggest many would be backed by companies they sell of to tidy them up, so wouldnt be surprised that with billions printed there wouldn't be some stimulus going their way.

as yes lots of stock sitting but seeing little to no price drops - must mean they are kept afloat no ?, as seems little to no panic overall as of yet anyway, but sales for second quarter will see massive tank, if not for overall year going forward.

Buying during the Covid19 pandemic

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