Quality of used cars at franchised dealerships
Discussion
I'm in the market for a newish daily driver. Not after anything special. Just runaround daily driver that's no more than a few years old. Looking at getting from a franchised dealership and I'm amazed at what some are putting on the forecourt. Encounters from the current round of purchasing + last time I went shopping so far have included:
-Car hasn't even been properly cleaned before advertising on the website. Interior clearly hasn't been vacuumed and dust everywhere. Wheels caked in brake dust.
-No evidence of any service history except for one carried out a few months ago.
-A separate car advertised with FSH. Upon inspection, missing services so no idea if it's been done or not. So clearly not FSH.
-One car absolutely covered in chips around various panel edges, I have no idea how it got in that state. Almost looks like someone tried to prise half the panel off with a knife.
-One had clearly had an accident repair with overspray all over the window seal.
It really makes me wonder, if no effort is being put into checking the car properly for the bits the average customer will notice, how much care goes on with the bits we can't see? I'd expect a load of rubbish from "Daves Carz" or something like that, but I would have thought franchised dealers at the very least would check these things over reasonably well before popping it out the front. Ultimately, they do have an image to uphold. I'm conscious the average customer probably can't distinguish an engine from a gearbox but it's a bit of a s***show from the dealers. Is it just a case of 4 wheels and a steering wheel appear to be attached, slap a price on it and pop it on the forecourt?
Fortunately, I'm mechanically minded enough to know what I'm looking at and spend time checking everything is in order including paperwork, but it annoys me travelling to look at something that turns up to not be quite as expected and wasting an afternoon.
-Car hasn't even been properly cleaned before advertising on the website. Interior clearly hasn't been vacuumed and dust everywhere. Wheels caked in brake dust.
-No evidence of any service history except for one carried out a few months ago.
-A separate car advertised with FSH. Upon inspection, missing services so no idea if it's been done or not. So clearly not FSH.
-One car absolutely covered in chips around various panel edges, I have no idea how it got in that state. Almost looks like someone tried to prise half the panel off with a knife.
-One had clearly had an accident repair with overspray all over the window seal.
It really makes me wonder, if no effort is being put into checking the car properly for the bits the average customer will notice, how much care goes on with the bits we can't see? I'd expect a load of rubbish from "Daves Carz" or something like that, but I would have thought franchised dealers at the very least would check these things over reasonably well before popping it out the front. Ultimately, they do have an image to uphold. I'm conscious the average customer probably can't distinguish an engine from a gearbox but it's a bit of a s***show from the dealers. Is it just a case of 4 wheels and a steering wheel appear to be attached, slap a price on it and pop it on the forecourt?
Fortunately, I'm mechanically minded enough to know what I'm looking at and spend time checking everything is in order including paperwork, but it annoys me travelling to look at something that turns up to not be quite as expected and wasting an afternoon.
It seems to be the latest thing from some main dealers to stick cars on the forecourt then address issues after and almost use them as part of the sales tactic (okay we'll refurb the wheels, sort that scratch etc - as if they're doing you a favour) or just desperation to get the thing listed and online without getting it prepped.
Advertising cars used by staff who clearly don't give a toss about cleanliness before the public are shovelled in its direction and given a set of keys with a fluffy bunny on it and told to have a look around.
Our Lexus / Toyota dealers stick the car waiting prep thing on it long after its been advertised and still sat there with a fat seagull on the roof crapping all over it looking like its been rallied over nearby fields but 'its awaiting prep' and thats ok.
Advertising cars used by staff who clearly don't give a toss about cleanliness before the public are shovelled in its direction and given a set of keys with a fluffy bunny on it and told to have a look around.
Our Lexus / Toyota dealers stick the car waiting prep thing on it long after its been advertised and still sat there with a fat seagull on the roof crapping all over it looking like its been rallied over nearby fields but 'its awaiting prep' and thats ok.
Interesting suggestion about the doing a favour. I'll expect some people will be really away happy that they've got something a little extra or knocked a few quid off. The one I mentioned covered in stone chips though was a state and would have almost certainly been a full respray job. I didn't even take it for a test drive as I knew I was wasting my time.
I think not cleaning properly before listing though sets a terrible first impression. You'd think if you want to get the best price for it, you'll present it in the best possible light, unless the filth is hiding something of course...
I think not cleaning properly before listing though sets a terrible first impression. You'd think if you want to get the best price for it, you'll present it in the best possible light, unless the filth is hiding something of course...
I am looking for a car for my daughter and have viewed some real horrors privately. Cars with undisclosed bodywork damage, absolute filthy dirty and tired interiors, boots full of water etc.
The sellers always tell me they are inundated with messages and although I walk away they always sell the next day.
I just think most people are not fussy, have no idea what they are buying or will just treat it like crap anyway so assume that is normal.
Price seems to be the only thing that is important, nobody seems to want to pay extra for one that is immaculate so why bother?
The sellers always tell me they are inundated with messages and although I walk away they always sell the next day.
I just think most people are not fussy, have no idea what they are buying or will just treat it like crap anyway so assume that is normal.
Price seems to be the only thing that is important, nobody seems to want to pay extra for one that is immaculate so why bother?
It's been like this at main dealers for years.
'Haven't had a chance to valet it yet'. Right.
I put a deposit on a car at Skoda during Covid and when I asked why the bonnet (long) scratches weren't removed they said pay or take your deposit back.
They then reposted it up for 2k more.
'Haven't had a chance to valet it yet'. Right.
I put a deposit on a car at Skoda during Covid and when I asked why the bonnet (long) scratches weren't removed they said pay or take your deposit back.
They then reposted it up for 2k more.
They DGAF, they havent for a long time, and every single one is the same.
The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
snotrag said:
They DGAF, they havent for a long time, and every single one is the same.
The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
This. Why I often keep a car until it dies. I can't be arsed with the hassle. The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
snotrag said:
They DGAF, they havent for a long time, and every single one is the same.
The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
100% and the worst is when you buy a used car from them and it has a massive dent or scratch and they reply with "Well it is a used car". Yet when you trade your car in with a scratch a tenth of the size they use that as an excuse.The motor industry wants it all, they want us to pay for the privilege of using them for their 'superior' service, backup, warranty etc but time and time again, they actually provide little to zero value over just buying a car from a bloke in the street.
Yes, I am jaded, but I've had the same experience so many times.
Trying to p/x a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I've spotted this 1mm mark on this wheel rim and although these brand new Michelins look great, they are not the approved made-from-unicorn-tears version fitted from factory so I'll be kncking £1500 off the quote we gave you"
Trying to buy a car?
"Oh I'm sorry sir, your are quite correct that all 4 of these wheels look like they have been used in a destruction derby and the tyres are a collection of finest shiny chinese black and rounds, but be assured that this vehicle meets our highest approved used standards. If you want any better than this may I politely suggest you should be remortgaging and buying a new car from us?"
Absolute piss taking jokers. Every single one.
Then they use GDPR as an excuse for not having any service history
Don't get me wrong there are some decent ones out there however far and few between.
DT1975 said:
It seems to be the latest thing from some main dealers to stick cars on the forecourt then address issues after and almost use them as part of the sales tactic (okay we'll refurb the wheels, sort that scratch etc - as if they're doing you a favour) or just desperation to get the thing listed and online without getting it prepped.
Advertising cars used by staff who clearly don't give a toss about cleanliness before the public are shovelled in its direction and given a set of keys with a fluffy bunny on it and told to have a look around.
Our Lexus / Toyota dealers stick the car waiting prep thing on it long after its been advertised and still sat there with a fat seagull on the roof crapping all over it looking like its been rallied over nearby fields but 'its awaiting prep' and thats ok.
I see what happens in the dealerships I sub for. It might be different with other marques, but the ones I deal with are busy every single day. Not making excuses for them but a car comes into stock and they'll go through it before it goes into the workshop for a check. During both inspections, any damage or faults will be noted and addressed before the car is photographed and ends up on the forecourt. In some cases if the car is a clean example they'll photograph it immediately and make it available for sale. If there's interest it then becomes a panic to get any snags done which might be a tiny chip on the windscreen, or a minor scuff on one of the wheels. Advertising cars used by staff who clearly don't give a toss about cleanliness before the public are shovelled in its direction and given a set of keys with a fluffy bunny on it and told to have a look around.
Our Lexus / Toyota dealers stick the car waiting prep thing on it long after its been advertised and still sat there with a fat seagull on the roof crapping all over it looking like its been rallied over nearby fields but 'its awaiting prep' and thats ok.
MrManual said:
100% and the worst is when you buy a used car from them and it has a massive dent or scratch and they reply with "Well it is a used car". Yet when you trade your car in with a scratch a tenth of the size they use that as an excuse.
Would be amusing trading in the same car a couple of years down the line with a scratch that was there at the time of purchase 
Of course the same line would be used, but still...Didn't a fair bit of the don't bother to prep, etc, come in during the pandemic when a lot of places like Cazoo just wanged the car on sale and people bought them / had them delivered without caring. Seems to have continued with some, especially the places selling cars using the usual BCA auction / photoshopped out background mixed in alongside some pics on the forecourt pre prep.
I've been back looking at Abarth Comp's recently and found one today at one of the UK wide dealer networks. This is the one that made me chuckle.
Not sure who at the dealer signed this pic off - the car never came with a spare, that's clearly an addition from the previous owner left in the car - plus it's fairly stupid considering it's not strapped down, leant against the rear seat so a nice missle in a decent impact.
I've been back looking at Abarth Comp's recently and found one today at one of the UK wide dealer networks. This is the one that made me chuckle.
Not sure who at the dealer signed this pic off - the car never came with a spare, that's clearly an addition from the previous owner left in the car - plus it's fairly stupid considering it's not strapped down, leant against the rear seat so a nice missle in a decent impact.
Oh, I've seen it going on since before COVID, but I'm sure if more places figured they can get away with it, they will. I would have thought if someone wanted to get the best price for a car and to sell it as quickly as possible, you'd make sure it was presented in the best possible light.
Actually, interesting comparison... If you look at used motorbikes, they are almost always immaculate from what I've seen. Clearly someone spends a lot of time and care getting them ready. The last bike I bought was 3 years old and really looked as good as new... You could have eaten your dinner off of it. Fully stamped dealer service history. I would imagine though, motorbike owners, for the most part take a lot better care of them.
Actually, interesting comparison... If you look at used motorbikes, they are almost always immaculate from what I've seen. Clearly someone spends a lot of time and care getting them ready. The last bike I bought was 3 years old and really looked as good as new... You could have eaten your dinner off of it. Fully stamped dealer service history. I would imagine though, motorbike owners, for the most part take a lot better care of them.
This has been discussed before and I think this forum and it's demographic represents a very small portion of the general motoring public, most of whom probably don't really care that much about cars do for most, next level prep doesn't really matter as long as it's the tight colour / affordable / can be bought online etc.
The other side is dealer groups will regularly move stock around. So say a dealer takes in a car, the cost of prep is usually on them as the individual site however a lot of time stock will then be moved on / sold via other branches thus said original dealer has spent money on prep but hasn't got the sale, thus many will do the bare minimum until they know it's selling through them. This is mostly bigger dealer groups rather than independents.
Ultimately it's a race to the bottom, if the majority of your customers just want the car for the lowest price, lower than others also on sale... both seller and buyer may in turn be happy to accept compromises in order to keep the costs down be it missed services, paint issues or a lack of aftercare and a quick wash with a brush will suffice.
If you want fine dining, you don't go to McDonalds.
The other side is dealer groups will regularly move stock around. So say a dealer takes in a car, the cost of prep is usually on them as the individual site however a lot of time stock will then be moved on / sold via other branches thus said original dealer has spent money on prep but hasn't got the sale, thus many will do the bare minimum until they know it's selling through them. This is mostly bigger dealer groups rather than independents.
Ultimately it's a race to the bottom, if the majority of your customers just want the car for the lowest price, lower than others also on sale... both seller and buyer may in turn be happy to accept compromises in order to keep the costs down be it missed services, paint issues or a lack of aftercare and a quick wash with a brush will suffice.
If you want fine dining, you don't go to McDonalds.
Glad it's not just me, you expect the best and often get the worst.
We were looking for a 3-5 year old car last year and knew the exact model and spec we wanted.
Left a deposit on a car that looked great, turned up and it had a smashed in rear end from an accident that had been partially repaired but the black trim was still damaged and the respray could be seen on taillights.
Had to go through the bank to get a refund on the deposit.
Viewed 4 more than were in poor condition at various "brand" franchises before I gave up driving to them.
Emailed another franchise dealer some drive away who had what I wanted in stock, told them I was fed up at looking rough cars and I will buy it if it's a clean example. Got sent a 5 minute video noting any marks (4-5 door dings and that was it really), bought it and had it delivered and it was immaculate for a used car. It had some paint work on the passenger side which you could tell from close up, but whatever. If was a great experience actually, in one of the emails the salesman who passed me to the "admin" after I bought the car basically said "he knows what he wants so just do the paperwork ASAP", no extra fluff or anything.
The price of all of the cars was insignificant, all cars were in £500 of each other and the one I bought was only £200 more than the one that had been a smashed in but had done 5000 less miles and actually had full service history unlike the rest we viewed.
I would and have in fact paid more money for a "clean" car and all the cars I viewed were top of the price range. Anything significantly under the price ceiling looked rubbish on the pictures so wasn't even worth viewing. But yes I suspect the majority do not care, especially because more than half of them won't own it, all of the cars I deemed rubbish have sold now.
We were looking for a 3-5 year old car last year and knew the exact model and spec we wanted.
Left a deposit on a car that looked great, turned up and it had a smashed in rear end from an accident that had been partially repaired but the black trim was still damaged and the respray could be seen on taillights.
Had to go through the bank to get a refund on the deposit.
Viewed 4 more than were in poor condition at various "brand" franchises before I gave up driving to them.
Emailed another franchise dealer some drive away who had what I wanted in stock, told them I was fed up at looking rough cars and I will buy it if it's a clean example. Got sent a 5 minute video noting any marks (4-5 door dings and that was it really), bought it and had it delivered and it was immaculate for a used car. It had some paint work on the passenger side which you could tell from close up, but whatever. If was a great experience actually, in one of the emails the salesman who passed me to the "admin" after I bought the car basically said "he knows what he wants so just do the paperwork ASAP", no extra fluff or anything.
The price of all of the cars was insignificant, all cars were in £500 of each other and the one I bought was only £200 more than the one that had been a smashed in but had done 5000 less miles and actually had full service history unlike the rest we viewed.
I would and have in fact paid more money for a "clean" car and all the cars I viewed were top of the price range. Anything significantly under the price ceiling looked rubbish on the pictures so wasn't even worth viewing. But yes I suspect the majority do not care, especially because more than half of them won't own it, all of the cars I deemed rubbish have sold now.
Edited by Saudade on Friday 13th September 09:53
MrManual said:
100% and the worst is when you buy a used car from them and it has a massive dent or scratch and they reply with "Well it is a used car". Yet when you trade your car in with a scratch a tenth of the size they use that as an excuse.
Then they use GDPR as an excuse for not having any service history
Don't get me wrong there are some decent ones out there however far and few between.
If you are looking at cars over three years old, the MOT record can you some idea of how its been looked after.Then they use GDPR as an excuse for not having any service history
Don't get me wrong there are some decent ones out there however far and few between.
MrWorldwide said:
Oh, I've seen it going on since before COVID, but I'm sure if more places figured they can get away with it, they will. I would have thought if someone wanted to get the best price for a car and to sell it as quickly as possible, you'd make sure it was presented in the best possible light.
Actually, interesting comparison... If you look at used motorbikes, they are almost always immaculate from what I've seen. Clearly someone spends a lot of time and care getting them ready. The last bike I bought was 3 years old and really looked as good as new... You could have eaten your dinner off of it. Fully stamped dealer service history. I would imagine though, motorbike owners, for the most part take a lot better care of them.
That’s because they can store the bike inside and out of the weather.Actually, interesting comparison... If you look at used motorbikes, they are almost always immaculate from what I've seen. Clearly someone spends a lot of time and care getting them ready. The last bike I bought was 3 years old and really looked as good as new... You could have eaten your dinner off of it. Fully stamped dealer service history. I would imagine though, motorbike owners, for the most part take a lot better care of them.
Davie said:
This has been discussed before and I think this forum and it's demographic represents a very small portion of the general motoring public, most of whom probably don't really care that much about cars do for most, next level prep doesn't really matter as long as it's the tight colour / affordable / can be bought online etc.
Bang on. I would say 85% of the car buying public would rather buy a car with some service history and a few scratches for £7500 than buy one for £8000 in immaculate condition with a full service history. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff