Some urgent buying advice please
Discussion
Evening
Sorry if it's a bit of a noob question but first time buying used and been thrown a bit of a curveball.
Looking for a 350Z. Found one from a dealer nearby, right colour, mileage, spec and condition. It's on their website for £12,000.
Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described. Anybody out there have a ballpark figure as to what they would probably get for the car after auction fees etc? Especially considering the type of car and the time of year. Just I'd like to knock the price down but enough so that it makes it worth their while to hold the car for me. Was thinking of offering £10,500 with 12 months tax and tyres reasonably treaded.
I assume tax and tyres could be an issue if they are putting it to trade disposal, obviously I'd have to account for these in my offer.
Sorry if it's a bit of a noob question but first time buying used and been thrown a bit of a curveball.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Just short of 40,000 miles with factory Shatnav
Sorry if it's a bit of a noob question but first time buying used and been thrown a bit of a curveball.
Looking for a 350Z. Found one from a dealer nearby, right colour, mileage, spec and condition. It's on their website for £12,000.
Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described. Anybody out there have a ballpark figure as to what they would probably get for the car after auction fees etc? Especially considering the type of car and the time of year. Just I'd like to knock the price down but enough so that it makes it worth their while to hold the car for me. Was thinking of offering £10,500 with 12 months tax and tyres reasonably treaded.
I assume tax and tyres could be an issue if they are putting it to trade disposal, obviously I'd have to account for these in my offer.
Sorry if it's a bit of a noob question but first time buying used and been thrown a bit of a curveball.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Just short of 40,000 miles with factory Shatnav
Edited by Aizletree on Sunday 12th December 16:24
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
Have you actually seen this car?
Not wondering why the dealer hasn't managed to get rid of it retail?
My buying advice would be that there are actually plenty of the type of car you want out there, and you're best off finding one you can look over properly, test drive and negotiate the right deal on for you. The proverb 'Sin in haste, repent at leisure' could have been written for impatient car buyers, of which I've been one myself often enough...
eta
Aizletree said:
first time buying used
...then the above advice even more so. If you've never bought a used car before, then blind buying a car on what the dealer will probably try and fob you with as 'trade terms' probably ain't a good idea.Edited by N Dentressangle on Sunday 12th December 16:30
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
If that's the case and they aren't getting anybody biting at £12k then that begs the question why?I'd try your luck at a lower amount, however you've not elaborated on year, what the spec and colour is or service history- therefore it's difficult for anybody to tell you roughly what they'd expect at auction.
Bear in mind though that sending it through auction means they don't have SOGA responsibilities afterwards, which they'd have to factor in if selling to you.
Aizletree said:
Evening
Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described.
This has something of a whiff about it. Sounds like they're tyring to pressue you into this. Why would they put it into a cheap trade disposal if you can't make it to them until say 2pm tomorrow? Why "as described"? Would you not have the chance to get it inspected?Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described.
ETA: If you haven't bought used before and are spending that kind of money get the car inspected first, and make desposit "subject to inspection". Dealers will say no need to inspect as they've already done it and they'll give you a warranty - get it inspected anyway. All IMO of course.
Edited by mikefacel on Sunday 12th December 16:33
N Dentressangle said:
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
Have you actually seen this car?
Not wondering why the dealer hasn't managed to get rid of it retail?
My buying advice would be that there are actually plenty of the type of car you want out there, and you're best off finding one you can look over properly, test drive and negotiate the right deal on for you. The proverb 'Sin in haste, repent at leisure' could have been written for impatient car buyers, of which I've been one myself often enough...
The salesmen said that "because of the time of year for this type of car we are putting it to trade sale". Could be that they haven't had the interest, or its a shed. Also them trying to meet their sales targets by the end of the year is why they are shifting it? I would assume that by looking for trade sale they are expecting to take a greater loss on it rather than hold it on the forecourt?
Sorry for all the questions!
H_Kan said:
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
If that's the case and they aren't getting anybody biting at £12k then that begs the question why?There are no details in the OP whatsoever, how are we to guesstimate a valuation? There's plenty of Z's around, no need to rush on this one. Sounds like the seller is trying to exert some undue pressure on the buyer here.
Apart from 4x4's (due to snow etc), it isn't a great time of year for car sales full stop. Assuming it's a coupe and not drop top, then I don't see why it would be any worse then a normal hatch or saloon with regards to time of year.
I'm thinking it's likely there is something not right with the car which has been putting people off, if it is indeed priced under usual value.
I'm thinking it's likely there is something not right with the car which has been putting people off, if it is indeed priced under usual value.
hornetrider said:
H_Kan said:
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
If that's the case and they aren't getting anybody biting at £12k then that begs the question why?There are no details in the OP whatsoever, how are we to guesstimate a valuation? There's plenty of Z's around, no need to rush on this one. Sounds like the seller is trying to exert some undue pressure on the buyer here.
mikefacel said:
Aizletree said:
Evening
Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described.
This has something of a whiff about it. Sounds like they're tyring to pressue you into this. Why would they put it into a cheap trade disposal if you can't make it to them until say 2pm tomorrow? Why "as described"? Would you not have the chance to get it inspected?Just gave them a call, been told "it's going to a trade disposal sale at midday tomorrow". I need to be on the phone between 8:30-9 with a £250 deposit to hold the car, on condition that I buy it as described.
ETA: If you haven't bought used before and are spending that kind of money get the car inspected first, and make desposit "subject to inspection". Dealers will say no need to inspect as they've already done it and they'll give you a warranty - get it inspected anyway. All IMO of course.
Edited by mikefacel on Sunday 12th December 16:33
It is a Nissan main dealer, my Mum bought her car from Ford under the same roof but have had no dealings with the Nissan side.
H_Kan said:
hornetrider said:
H_Kan said:
hornetrider said:
I'd say it's worth at least 15k so give them full asking.
If that's the case and they aren't getting anybody biting at £12k then that begs the question why?There are no details in the OP whatsoever, how are we to guesstimate a valuation? There's plenty of Z's around, no need to rush on this one. Sounds like the seller is trying to exert some undue pressure on the buyer here.
I must say you have all raised a few important things. Mostly so with first time used buying and such a short time scale. I'd be better off taking my time and looking around for another car. I am nearly convinced!
Had a look on Parkers which gave an estimate of £12,600. Price seems reasonable but I can't also understand why it hasn't sold if the car is such good spec and good condition.
I mean if they have had the car a few weeks and haven't sold it through lack of interst. If I put down the £250 on condition of a full inspection on my terms, HPI and a test drive, if all 3 came back OK then it would seem like a bargain as they are trying to balance the books before 2011. I can get myself to the dealership tomorrow morning to have a look myself.
I realise this is against the advice given but does that not sound like a good idea? I'm simply testing this idea, I'm not acting on it.
Of course it may have hidden problems that they know about and not found on inspection and I get landed with a shed. How good are the AA inspections?
Had a look on Parkers which gave an estimate of £12,600. Price seems reasonable but I can't also understand why it hasn't sold if the car is such good spec and good condition.
I mean if they have had the car a few weeks and haven't sold it through lack of interst. If I put down the £250 on condition of a full inspection on my terms, HPI and a test drive, if all 3 came back OK then it would seem like a bargain as they are trying to balance the books before 2011. I can get myself to the dealership tomorrow morning to have a look myself.
I realise this is against the advice given but does that not sound like a good idea? I'm simply testing this idea, I'm not acting on it.
Of course it may have hidden problems that they know about and not found on inspection and I get landed with a shed. How good are the AA inspections?
Never ever put down a deposit without agreeing the deal first. If you say to them over the phone, we deal at 10.5k if it's as described, then fine. Don't put a deposit down, then view the car, then try to haggle.
If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
Not impossible they want/need it off their books before year end.
A combination of accounting practice, VAT liabilities, bonuses, stock rotation policies or just plain old debt servicing or overdraft renewal can often result in logic lacking selling decisions from dealers (and any other non-car business) towards the end of a year or accounting peroid.
A combination of accounting practice, VAT liabilities, bonuses, stock rotation policies or just plain old debt servicing or overdraft renewal can often result in logic lacking selling decisions from dealers (and any other non-car business) towards the end of a year or accounting peroid.
hornetrider said:
Never ever put down a deposit without agreeing the deal first. If you say to them over the phone, we deal at 10.5k if it's as described, then fine. Don't put a deposit down, then view the car, then try to haggle.
If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
I have researched into them quite alot through here, evo buying guide and the Z forum. I would ask all those above questions and agree a price on the phone. I'd note down all the condition statements and take it with me when I have a look and would get a comprehensive AA inspection. I could even run my eyes over it tomorrow morning without parting cash.If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
Thanks for the useful pointers.
It depends if the car has been prepared to retail standard yet.
It will be sold at the auction for trade price and they don't have to do that final prep and there is no warranty so at best they get their money back.
If you want to buy the car as a retail buyer with a warranty and a fully prepared car you can't expect to get it for the auction price as they need to budget for the extra costs of their margin ie
Warranty
Retail prep
Vat on margin
It will be sold at the auction for trade price and they don't have to do that final prep and there is no warranty so at best they get their money back.
If you want to buy the car as a retail buyer with a warranty and a fully prepared car you can't expect to get it for the auction price as they need to budget for the extra costs of their margin ie
Warranty
Retail prep
Vat on margin
Aizletree said:
hornetrider said:
Never ever put down a deposit without agreeing the deal first. If you say to them over the phone, we deal at 10.5k if it's as described, then fine. Don't put a deposit down, then view the car, then try to haggle.
If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
I have researched into them quite alot through here, evo buying guide and the Z forum. I would ask all those above questions and agree a price on the phone. I'd note down all the condition statements and take it with me when I have a look and would get a comprehensive AA inspection. I could even run my eyes over it tomorrow morning without parting cash.If you are agreeing the deal unseen - ask about consumables - tyres, disks, pads - when were these last changed? Has it been serviced according to schedule? If so where and by whom? Ring the dealers to confirm. When is the next service due and which one is it (ie cost). How much tax left?
Also go into great detail on the condition - any kerbing to wheels, scratches, dents, any marks whatsoever. Interior condition etc. Any options on the car (have you researched 350Z's?)
The above are the bare minimum really.
Thanks for the useful pointers.
sounds like they were just trying to pressure sell to you.
Why on earth would they sell the car for £3k under book? My guess is they are trying to get you to buy it quickly so you don't notice something wrong with it.
on the other hand, they are trying to ell it in winter, so are on to a loser there, so it is exactly the right time of year to buy a 350z.
do go and see it, test drive it etc. but I wouldn't even consider putting a deposit down until you've had it checked over by someone that knows whet they are doing.
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