The UK was one of the most competitive markets for the auto industry in 2019, making it ideal for companies to launch new v read more
Buying a car from a dealership
20/11/2019 Nissan X-Trail SUV FWD 1.3 DIG-T 160 Tekna 5Seat DCT Auto7 - £22,905 Save 26.6% - £8,285 off list price
19/11/2019 SEAT Leon Hatch 5Dr 1.5TSI EVO 150 XCELLENCE DSG Auto7 - £19,417 Save 26.6% - £7,023 off list price
18/11/2019 BMW X5 xDrive 30d 265 M Sport Tech 7Seat Auto8 - £56,769 with cash purchase, or £54,769 including deposit contribution with BMW Finance APR 4.9% or 2.9% for registrations by 31 December Save 15.5% - £10,051 off list price
17/11/2019 Kia Sportage SUV 2wd 1.6CRDi 134 GT Line DCT Auto7 - £24,411 with cash purchase, or £21,911 including deposit contribution with Kia Finance APR 5.9% Save 21.3% - £5,939 off list price
Buying a car from a dealership can be the least hassle option, however, it is not without risk.
Typically you are safer with a franchised dealer than an independent, and the larger the dealership group the more chance you have of a satisfactory outcome should you need to complain.
Dealerships will usually take your existing car as part exchange - read our tips on selling your car by part exchange here.
If you are planning to use secured finance e.g. Hire Purchase, Personal Contract Purchase, or Lease Purchase, most lenders will only finance cars bought from a dealership.
Top tips
Before approaching the dealer to negotiate, check the car value through Parkers, CAP, Glass's.
Often dealerships will offer less discount on a new car if they need to factor in a part exchange. This allows them to add more value to the part exchange price. It might be worth discussing the new car price first, before requesting a price for your part exchange. This will give a clearer view on how much you are receiving for your current vehicle.
Dealerships may not let you pick up the car on the same day, for example, if they need to put a new MOT on the car, or do other work to the vehicle. Always check in advance if you need to drive the car away.
Advantages
Usually a quick and simple process.
Most dealerships give you a warranty for three, six or 12 months after purchase.
You have consumer rights should you buy the car and then discover a fault. This allows you to return the car to the dealership if there was a fault with the car on purchase.
If you have finance on your existing vehicle the dealership will usually be able to organise the repayment on your behalf.
Disadvantages
It may be more expansive than buying a car from auction or private sale.
