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AIBU?

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Original poster

Buying used vehicle cash

47 replies

HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 13:41

We are in the market for a second vehicle (work), my husband has already privately sold his last van. We are cash buyers. Found an ideal replacement 200 miles from home from what looks like a reputable used commercial trader/showroom. They will deliver, all good. My issue is that they won't accept deposit by credit card, will only take debit card or bank transfer. The balance to be paid before van is released for delivery will also be bank transfer.

Is this usual practice? Aibu to be concerned that we won't have section 75 protection? Do we have any recourse if something was to go wrong? We need the van ASAP.

OP posts:
tanstaafl · 27/03/2022 13:47

Walk away

bloodywhitecat · 27/03/2022 13:49

I thought it was fairly standard practice with car dealerships, we bought recently deposit was taken from our debit card and balance had to be paid by bank transfer before we could collect.

OneTC · 27/03/2022 13:51

You were gonna pay with cash but don't want to proceed now because you can't pay with a credit card?

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 13:51

@tanstaafl

Walk away
@tanstaafl that's my gut feeling!

I would like to know if this is normal practice, wondering if we are going to keep coming up against the same?

OP posts:
Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 13:53

@OneTC

You were gonna pay with cash but don't want to proceed now because you can't pay with a credit card?
I want to put the deposit on credit card and pay the remainder cash to get section 75 protection.
OP posts:
Footballsundays6777 · 27/03/2022 13:53

Is the company on TrustPilot? Search for it on social media too.

MarieG10 · 27/03/2022 13:53

Most reputable car dealers will allow the deposit to be paid by credit card which then enables full s75 protection for the whole transaction. Most won't accept credit card for the remainder though

A dealer that won't...I would walk away from

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 13:54

@Footballsundays6777

Is the company on TrustPilot? Search for it on social media too.
Yes both, looks (?) reputable
OP posts:
Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 13:55

@MarieG10

Most reputable car dealers will allow the deposit to be paid by credit card which then enables full s75 protection for the whole transaction. Most won't accept credit card for the remainder though

A dealer that won't...I would walk away from

This is exactly what I wanted to do...which has now unsettled me
OP posts:
EveryCloudIsGrey · 27/03/2022 14:01

I wouldn't. If they have a showroom it's weird if they won't accept a credit card.

What sort of price is the car?

Even though it's from a dealer have they said if they are putting it through as a private sale.

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 14:02

@EveryCloudIsGrey

I wouldn't. If they have a showroom it's weird if they won't accept a credit card.

What sort of price is the car?

Even though it's from a dealer have they said if they are putting it through as a private sale.

£30 k, no vat.
OP posts:
Dizzyhedgehog · 27/03/2022 14:28

We've just bought a "new" (used) car yesterday. I'm paying by bank transfer but I could have done the deposit by card.
We've been to see the car and have done a test drive, though. They don't deliver it, so we'll pick it up. As long as they've got full payment by then, they weren't too fussed. They just didn't want cash because it causes more hassle.
Have they given you a reason for not accepting card?

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 14:35

@Dizzyhedgehog

We've just bought a "new" (used) car yesterday. I'm paying by bank transfer but I could have done the deposit by card. We've been to see the car and have done a test drive, though. They don't deliver it, so we'll pick it up. As long as they've got full payment by then, they weren't too fussed. They just didn't want cash because it causes more hassle. Have they given you a reason for not accepting card?
They will accept debit card for the deposit but not credit card. Final balance is via bank transfer. No reason given and to be fair it states debit card or bank transfer only for deposit on their website. I want the section 75 protection that you only get with cc , uneasy about handing over £30k and not receiving it.
OP posts:
R00K · 27/03/2022 14:39

I'd walk away amd loom for something a lot closer to home. Also, as its a b2b/trade transaction, distance selling regs don't apply either.

R00K · 27/03/2022 14:40

And look*

bellac11 · 27/03/2022 14:42

We popped on a train to collect a car from a long distance, we bought return tickets and were prepared to come back by train if we didnt want it

Doesnt he want to test drive and look it over?

Mind you, we only buy cars worth around 5k!!!! I pay on my debit card, havent got a credit card.

bridgetreilly · 27/03/2022 14:50

I’m afraid it is becoming normal and not necessarily a sign of anything dodgy.

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 14:53

@bridgetreilly

I’m afraid it is becoming normal and not necessarily a sign of anything dodgy.
Seems to be as have contacted many dealers to be told the same. One told us bank transfer was the safest method- we said for you maybe!
OP posts:
Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/03/2022 14:55

For that kind of money I'd only do this if it was a main agent with some sort of organisation behind them

I've always found Trust Pilot pretty reliable, but forget social media and their own website ... too much potential for fak, bought reviews

Meredusoleil · 27/03/2022 14:58

When I bought my current used car last year, it was the same. The reason I was given for not accepting credit card payments is because they incur charges to process the transaction.

Dizzyhedgehog · 27/03/2022 15:01

Is there no way for you to go and have a look at it? The car we've bought wasn't that expensive but we did drive 2 hours to look at it. Not sure I'd want to buy one unless I've actually seen it.
I mean, the dealers around here that offer delivery usually have a 30 day return policy.

Chasingsquirrels · 27/03/2022 15:01

No VAT on a £30k purchase??

Original poster
HappyGoDucky · 27/03/2022 15:10

@Dizzyhedgehog

Is there no way for you to go and have a look at it? The car we've bought wasn't that expensive but we did drive 2 hours to look at it. Not sure I'd want to buy one unless I've actually seen it. I mean, the dealers around here that offer delivery usually have a 30 day return policy.
This might be our only option, it's a 7 hrs round trip and not easily accessed via the train!
OP posts:
bellac11 · 27/03/2022 15:20

Is it an unusual car or will one likely pop up a bit nearer to you

DDouble2BubbleNot · 27/03/2022 15:26

There are a huge amount of car, van, motorhome, bike scammers around.
Eg
I've seen the same vehicle on various sites
With slightly different info

Always view the vehicle in person

A friend paid in full & vehicle was never delivered & it was reported to the police

You can look up the MOTS online

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