Buying second hand car - quick question

[Notquitegrownup2]

Maybe silly question but I've found a car from a dealer. And am happy with the price agreed. The only catch is that they will only sell it before the end of the month.

Why would they not allow the sale early next week??? Am away until Monday looking after a sick relative and just want a few days to sort myself out but they are insisting it has to be done by Sunday. Anyone know why they are now rushing this through?

I can't see why (unless perhaps the salesman needs to hit his target this month . . . But then that means it could be done on Monday, he would just prefer it before then and he's not being honest.)

I think it’s exactly that - they have a target to meet . They will often offer you a deal to push it through. Just stand your ground , tell them next week or no deal.

They'll have a lot more leeway in pricing just before target, which may well end on Sunday.

They aren't saying that they won't sell it to you next week, but that the price you've agreed won't be valid then.

It could be various reasons, sales targets may be weekly or 4 - therefore this months target ends before the end of the month.

They may be on holiday and a sale next week would go through a different seller, or they may be leaving the company

Their sales policy with an MoT might have a minimum period, eg if it’s under 6 months then they do a fresh MoT, and the date might be causing a slight crossover

(When I bought my current car and collected the salesman had left the company, so I was dealt with by the manager - he mentioned the fresh MoT as they didn’t normally do them if x months were on it and didn’t know why I had been made to wait another couple of days for its MoT - reading between the lines as to whether it was part of my deal or if the salesman had made a mistake)

Thanks all. V helpful.

I would point blank refuse to be rushed.

Have you read up all about buying secondhand cars from dealers? If not then it's always a good idea. Make sure you have everything in writing. If they are telling you anything about the car make sure it's written down. I'd also insist on paying at least part of it with a credit card so you get the added protection.

Not sure if it's relevant but the next new number plates (74) are issued from 1st September.

Thanks again. Held firm and they've just magically agreed that they can wait till next week after all 😊

If you pay in full and collect next week I'm sure that will be acceptable

#worksinmotortradeformysins

Ooh, thanks, Itza. It's a minefield isn't it? Have just paid the deposit by credit card, and will now get email confirmation of everything else. (Anything particular I should be asking about? It's quite low mileage, 1 previous owner, full service history . . . )

Oops meant to tag you in that last post, @ItsZa

Paying the deposit by credit card is a good start.

Just get them to confirm everything that they have told you about the car. Don't be shy! For example, If they have told you it's got full service history then get them to tell you IN WRITING what that actually amounts to. Is the car still going to be covered by the manufacturers warrenty etc. just buy it with the view that second hand car dealers are cheating scumbags and that you need to get as much evidence as possible for when the car falls apart and you have to either return the car or take them to court. Hopefully you won't have any problems but it's worth putting in a bit of time now just in case things go badly.
If they have a returns policy or a warranty make sure the details are clear and that they are put in writing. I presume you've done the normal checks like checked the MOT history online etc.

There are plenty of guides online.

RAC
moneysavingexpert
Which

I'm sure there are other good ones too.

Good luck.

It’s worthwhile having a look at the MoT history here :

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

That will give you the reasons for any failures and advisories picked up during the test prior to resolving and getting its pass.
Ask about any ‘advisories’ and confirmation of them being resolved or not