Can I buy a Car During the 2nd Lockdown?

It has almost been 3 weeks since the second lockdown started. Can you believe that? We only have 1 week until we can all get out and drive again. Unless you are in Scotland that is. You guys will have to wait until the 11th to get back in your car and go for a drive.

But, what exactly does the second lockdown mean for us? What does it really mean for anyone who wants to drive their car or buy a new one?

As car drivers, you might not have heard of all the restrictions that are placed upon you. Or, if you wish to buy a new car, you may think that you have to wait until the 2nd of December to get done with the purchase, since this is when the lockdown ends. We will clear up any confusion that you have with regards to purchasing or driving a vehicle during this lockdown period.

The current restrictions are, in our opinion, more lenient than the ones we had back in Spring. But, even though we can get out of the house and go to the shops, the government is still taking drastic action, so that it prevents any unnecessary contact between people.

So, as you can imagine, there are also some rules that restrict you from using your car like you used to. More specifically, there are some changes when it comes to maintaining your current car and buying a new one. Let’s take a look at some of these restrictions.

Can I still buy a new car?

The simple answer is yes. You will be able to buy a new car.

Compared to the lockdown back in April, if you live in Britain, you will be able to visit some non-essential retailers. The government decided that it would be okay for some of them to remain open, starting from the 5th of November. But these kinds of retailers will have to adopt a new way of operating. They will have to run a click and collect service.

The same goes for car dealerships. While they are still open, they must operate on a click and collect service. If you don’t wish to get out of your house, though, car dealers can also operate a contactless delivery service. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.

However, you need to remember that you won’t be able to go to car showrooms. While this might be a huge turn off for many of you, car dealers are forced to keep their showrooms closed, in order to prevent overcrowding in them.

Also, you should forget about test driving. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to test drive any cars that you want to buy, because of some restrictions that were set by the government. So, if you want to buy a new car, it will be fairly difficult to decide the best one for you.

Now, if you have already purchased a car, but weren’t able to collect it before the lockdown, the dealer will have to make sure that the entire car is safe for you. This means that they must make sure to sanitise the whole car for you. This also includes the keys to your new car. You can also forget about the dealer demonstrating how the car handles and what you need to look out for. You should, however, expect a few videos to help you learn about your new car.

This was all a result of the campaign that the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) organised. They wanted all British dealerships to be excluded from any heavy restrictions set, if there was to be a second lockdown. And, as the second lockdown came, most dealerships remain open, even though they don’t offer every service they used to.

How can I buy a car during the second lockdown?

We just mentioned that you can buy a car during this second lockdown. But how will you be able to do that? Well, car dealers are open for business, and even though they aren’t operating like they used to, they are still working. So, that should be the first step you need to take to buy a new car.

Unlike the pre-CoVid era, you won’t be able to stroll inside the dealership, pick a car to test drive, and then decide if you want to buy it. All car dealerships and any area that they cover must remain closed. This is enforced by the government, so forget about this option.

But how are the dealerships still working, when their premises aren’t open? Well, if you want to buy a car from a dealership, your only option is to purchase it remotely. The actual deal needs to be made either through a phone call, or online.

And what happens after you make the deal? You will have to make the deposit. After that, you will have two options to choose from when it comes to getting your car. You can either get it delivered to your house (all safety measures will be taken by the dealer), or through the click and collect service.

But, remember that the deal is done online. So, you won’t be able to sign any paperwork, or pay for your car in person. This is hassle free, and an easier process for most people.

Can I go for a drive?

So now you have your brand new car. Even though the “new car smell” is closer to a sanitiser smell, it’s still a new car. Can you take your new car for a drive? I mean, that’s what you needed it for, right?

Well, just like the lockdown in Spring, we would not suggest you take your car for a drive, if it isn’t completely necessary. While there are some exceptions that will let you drive your car (mainly as a means of transport to and from work), you still avoid using your car as much as possible.

However, if you want to get to outdoor spaces in order to exercise, you can use your car to drive there. We know that this sounds weird, but there are many people who don’t like running around their neighbourhood. And there are certainly some neighbourhoods that we wouldn’t run in.

You will also be allowed to drive if you want to go to the supermarket for some essentials. If you have a child, you will be able to use your car for childcare purposes. Lastly, you are allowed to drive in order to take care of some relatives that are in need, or if you need to attend an appointment with your doctor.

Can I visit a garage?

Back in April, the government decided to give out an MOT extension for six months to drivers, so that they would avoid unnecessary driving and overcrowding at garages. This time around, things are different.

Garages are still open. This was probably done because of the huge backlog of MOTs, as a result of the first lockdown. If you wish to use your car during this lockdown, we would suggest visiting your nearest garage, to make sure that your new car is roadworthy.

If you live in Wales, garages are only open if you need something repaired, but you shouldn’t have any issues with your new car. So, you won’t be able to visit a garage in Wales.

Are there any rules around click and collect at a car dealership?

Many have described buying a new car during this time as doing some shopping at Tesco. You will make your order online, input all the details and make the deposit. Then, you will have to go to the dealership to pick up the car. Not too much different to grocery shopping, right?

When it comes to rules being enforced, they are pretty strict. You won’t be able to pick up your new car from the dealership, as they are closed. You won’t even be allowed to collect the car from the forecourt. But, this is fine since you can have it sent to you directly.

Are test drives allowed during the second lockdown?

As we already mentioned above, you won’t be able to test drive the car that you wish to buy. The showrooms and the forecourts have been closed, and the car dealers have mentioned that you won’t be able to test drive your potentially new car.

We also know that you won’t be able to test drive a car, even if the dealer delivers it to your house. So, you won’t be able to try out your potential purchase.

Can I go and look around a car dealership?

You will not be able to take a look around the dealership. Unfortunately, showrooms have been closed due to the second lockdown. So, you will not be able to browse for your new car in person. Everything must be done online.

Conclusion

This was everything you need to know about buying a new car in the second lockdown. We have some of the best new car deals for you. If you are looking for a new car, and you want the best deals, this is the best place for you.

Because of covid, many cars are significantly cheaper than they used to be. Also, there are plenty of discounts available, so you will surely be able to get some juicy new car deals.

We wish that you stay safe during these difficult times!