Tell us what you were told, after seeking a new car discount
Discussion
atrossity said:
When I purchased my DB12 (which cost me £262,411), I asked for some kind of discount given the number of options I had chosen.
My dealer's response, verbatim: “If I were to try to take money out of a new product at the point of launch, Aston Martin would question not only my ability, but also our dealership's ability to represent them as a retailer… So much so, that they would probably come and take our signs down.”
Sounds a bit dramatic, but I guess he felt he didn't need to budge. I had already paid a deposit and he knew I was keen to get an early build slot (which I did – my car arrived in late December 2023).
I did wrangle a free AM car cover, AM battery conditioner and an AM F1 cap though due to the PDI delays (mainly the first software updates) which meant I didn't get to take the car home until later in January.
My dealer's response, verbatim: “If I were to try to take money out of a new product at the point of launch, Aston Martin would question not only my ability, but also our dealership's ability to represent them as a retailer… So much so, that they would probably come and take our signs down.”
Sounds a bit dramatic, but I guess he felt he didn't need to budge. I had already paid a deposit and he knew I was keen to get an early build slot (which I did – my car arrived in late December 2023).
I did wrangle a free AM car cover, AM battery conditioner and an AM F1 cap though due to the PDI delays (mainly the first software updates) which meant I didn't get to take the car home until later in January.
VantageHead said:
Response from a UK dealer when questioned directly about this - "The trouble with discount is that’s why Aston were in the mess they were. People want discount but don’t want depreciation. It cannot work both ways. The stronger ‘We’ are with pricing the better the cars will hold up which is why DB12’s have had a residual lift in the last couple of months. Hopefully Vantage will see subsequent lifts as we see how they perform in the used market, most likely this time next year."
Has anyone is UK successfully negotiated a worthwhile discount on a new Vantage (e.g. not just a 'free' car cover, battery charger, hat or T-shirt?
Has anyone is UK successfully negotiated a worthwhile discount on a new Vantage (e.g. not just a 'free' car cover, battery charger, hat or T-shirt?
I expect these negotiating replies must be taught on AML Sales Courses, by some hard nosed tutor, who probably willingly gave a discount to secure a sale, when working on the front line.
Have you heard any other ludicrous explanations?
Simpo Two said:
Ah well that's where you went wrong. What you needed was a suitcase with £250,000 cash inside, and slap it on the counter.
Dealers never like cash, they want you to take finance. Though I always pay cash (well, bank transfer but you know what I mean) I avoid letting them know this until the deal is established. Simpo Two said:
atrossity said:
When I purchased my DB12 (which cost me £262,411), I asked for some kind of discount...
Ah well that's where you went wrong. What you needed was a suitcase with £250,000 cash inside, and slap it on the counter.They bought a counting machine
anyoldcardave said:
Couple of years back, a guy did just that for a Ferrari, that exact amount, he wanted from the dealership my son worked at, asking price too. They bought a counting machine
Cash for the asking price makes no sense to me - unless you're a bank robber with lots to get rid of quickly...!Simpo Two said:
anyoldcardave said:
Couple of years back, a guy did just that for a Ferrari, that exact amount, he wanted from the dealership my son worked at, asking price too. They bought a counting machine
Cash for the asking price makes no sense to me - unless you're a bank robber with lots to get rid of quickly...!Hoofy said:
Simpo Two said:
anyoldcardave said:
Couple of years back, a guy did just that for a Ferrari, that exact amount, he wanted from the dealership my son worked at, asking price too. They bought a counting machine
Cash for the asking price makes no sense to me - unless you're a bank robber with lots to get rid of quickly...!All changed now though.
Have you experienced buying a car from a main dealer recently? Talk about rigmarole.
All of which came as awkward surprises, because none of it is explained when you shake hands on the deal.
1. Having been seen driving in to the dealer's premises (following a booked appointment, for a £99 fee), I was not permitted to drive the car of interest, because I do not carry my driving licence (no one has asked to see it for decades).
2. Open an online app account.
Numerous questions and messages are issued.
3. Provide a passport, or photo driving licence.
4. Won't accept AMEX (thought I could get a good dollop of cash back).
Will only accept a couple of thousand Pounds payment by Visa credit card (thought I could get a modest dollop of cash back).
5. I have forgotten the other administrative nonsense that I had to spend time dealing with.
6. When collecting the car, a mysterious 'administration' fee had been added to the agreed price (over £100).
I considered that I had been doing the administration for them.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 31st August 09:23
Personally I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect to be asked to show your Driving Licence before taking a test drive or when you collect a car. Driving to a MD doesn’t mean you have a licence or insurance. I carry mine with me all the time so it’s no big deal really. Nowadays regulation is increasingly impacting many facets of daily life. Banks are paranoid about AML regulations and provenance/source of funds is highly scrutinised regarding any large purchase. So rocking up with a suitcase full of cash is unlikely to be acceptable and will probably land you in a pickle whether it’s genuine or not. I paid for my last four cars in full with a debit card. I suspect that isn’t allowed anymore either. How times have changed. Back on track re the thread, as for discounts I guess you can only ask. I suspect there are good deals available on the remaining unregistered stock of previous gen Vantage and base DBX etc. I can’t see AML being too generous on the new range as it would dilute the LS mantra of high prices/margins. It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next couple of years. BRM.
Edited by Minglar on Saturday 31st August 11:32
Dewi 2 said:
All changed now though.
Have you experienced buying a car from a main dealer recently? Talk about rigmarole.
All of which came as awkward surprises, because none of it is explained when you shake hands on the deal.
1. Having been seen driving in to the dealer's premises (following a booked appointment, for a £99 fee), I was not permitted to drive the car of interest, because I do not carry my driving licence (no one has asked to see it for decades).
2. Open an online app account.
Numerous questions and messages are issued.
3. Provide a passport, or photo driving licence.
4. Won't accept AMEX (thought I could get a good dollop of cash back).
Will only accept a couple of thousand Pounds payment by Visa credit card (thought I could get a modest dollop of cash back).
5. I have forgotten the other administrative nonsense that I had to spend time dealing with.
6. When collecting the car, a mysterious 'administration' fee had been added to the agreed price (over £100).
I considered that I had been doing the administration for them.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 31st August 09:23
Minglar said:
Personally I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect to be asked to show your Driving Licence before taking a test drive or when you collect a car.
Agreed, that can happen even if I have a courtesy car from an ordinary garage. But they should have told you when you made the appointment. Other conditions are unsurprising, but I draw the line at:Dewi 2 said:
2. Open an online app account.
Why? I don't use a smartphone, does that mean I can't buy a car?Dewi 2 said:
6. When collecting the car, a mysterious 'administration' fee had been added to the agreed price (over £100).
Again, that should have been made clear to you before you agreed the deal. If it wasn't I think you should contest it.craigjm said:
Dewi 2 said:
All changed now though.
Have you experienced buying a car from a main dealer recently? Talk about rigmarole.
All of which came as awkward surprises, because none of it is explained when you shake hands on the deal.
1. Having been seen driving in to the dealer's premises (following a booked appointment, for a £99 fee), I was not permitted to drive the car of interest, because I do not carry my driving licence (no one has asked to see it for decades).
2. Open an online app account.
Numerous questions and messages are issued.
3. Provide a passport, or photo driving licence.
4. Won't accept AMEX (thought I could get a good dollop of cash back).
Will only accept a couple of thousand Pounds payment by Visa credit card (thought I could get a modest dollop of cash back).
5. I have forgotten the other administrative nonsense that I had to spend time dealing with.
6. When collecting the car, a mysterious 'administration' fee had been added to the agreed price (over £100).
I considered that I had been doing the administration for them.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 31st August 09:23
Bugger that.
Dewi 2 said:
All changed now though.
Have you experienced buying a car from a main dealer recently? Talk about rigmarole.
All of which came as awkward surprises, because none of it is explained when you shake hands on the deal.
1. Having been seen driving in to the dealer's premises (following a booked appointment, for a £99 fee), I was not permitted to drive the car of interest, because I do not carry my driving licence (no one has asked to see it for decades).
2. Open an online app account.
Numerous questions and messages are issued.
3. Provide a passport, or photo driving licence.
4. Won't accept AMEX (thought I could get a good dollop of cash back).
Will only accept a couple of thousand Pounds payment by Visa credit card (thought I could get a modest dollop of cash back).
5. I have forgotten the other administrative nonsense that I had to spend time dealing with.
6. When collecting the car, a mysterious 'administration' fee had been added to the agreed price (over £100).
I considered that I had been doing the administration for them.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 31st August 09:23
Online garage via web though quite ok with and it’s useful.
Admin fee quite agree it’s irritating but I’ve never not got the money back in other ways.
My DL is in my wallet though so showing it unexpectedly isn’t an issue.
antuk said:
Where did you go that charged you £99 for an appointment?!
Mercedes dealer.
I have also seen it mentioned on here, when wanting to view an AM car advertised for sale.
It seems they want to try to make sure prospective buyers are serious, to hold the car for a few days.
Supposed to be returnable, but four months after purchase, have still not received it back.
alscar said:
Not sure when the last time you previously bought a car was but none of that sounds particularly painful, app aside.
Online garage via web though quite ok with and it’s useful.
Admin fee quite agree it’s irritating but I’ve never not got the money back in other ways.
My DL is in my wallet though so showing it unexpectedly isn’t an issue.
My cars seem to last a very long time, so yes, I posted because of all the changes since my last purchase in 2011.Online garage via web though quite ok with and it’s useful.
Admin fee quite agree it’s irritating but I’ve never not got the money back in other ways.
My DL is in my wallet though so showing it unexpectedly isn’t an issue.
The V8V purchase then, was so easy and straight forward.
Phone requesting viewing (no questions) made appointment; arrive and test drive (no questions); pay deposit with debit card; on collection day, pay remainder by debit card; no added on costs (apart from the promised full tank of petrol, which I foolishly believed was meaning it would be my own V8V tank that was going to be full); drive away.
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