Can i buy a used car during lockdown?

[TinyTroubleMaker]

Will used car businesses be allowed to stay open?

Not really looking to buy one from a private owner, more a used car lot. My car just failed its MOT 😔

I know showrooms have to shut but I’ve looked at Bristol Street Motors and it says their service departments are open for appointments. It also says they will continue to sell remotely so you can browse online and buy without going in the dealership.

I bought a used (2 yr old ex demo) car last month (shielding so still being super careful). The dealership was really helpful - many phone calls and emails; I chose a potential car and because I didn't want to go to the showroom, the sales chap brought the car out to a remote WW2 aerodrome for me to test drive. Mask wearing and lots of sanitising happened, did the test drive on my own.

All paperwork was done online and car handover also took place at the aerodrome.

I felt confident and happy with the measures that were taken I was calling the shots.

Admittedly, it wasn't during lockdown, but I received an email from the company saying they would be doing as much as they could, including zoom calls to view cars from tomorrow.

Any chance you are in the East Midlands? Would be great to find a business like that on recommendation.

Sadly not...I'm in the remote south west.
But it was a main dealer and definitely worth asking. They can do it!

OP, I have to ask, was it otherwise reliable? My view being better the devil you know etc. What did it fail on and how much to repair? This is moot of course if you're just looking for an excuse to get a newer car.

I decided to get the repairs done in the end and will look for one for next year. Its an old banger, nothing too pretty to look at but yes reliable. Guess that gives me a year to find a new one that's equally reliable.

I understand that main dealers are doing a click and collect service, I have no idea how it works though. In my local city second hand dealers were working on the sly all though the last lockdown.

Yes. You can't go in a showroom but can see the cars, pay online and take it away. You probably won't be able to test drive.