Would you buy your A4 from a non-Audi dealer?

[vwawudi]

As above, would you buy from a non-Audi (main/franchised) dealer?

If you could give reasons, that would be nice.

Would have loved to put up a poll but dunno how.

[Mr Sheen]

Yes I would and have.

My main reason was that it is significantly cheaper to buy private.

You may well get warranties with dealers, but in my past experience it is not difficult for them to find a reason not to cover it under their warranty.

The car I have just bought is still under manufacturer's warranty and therefore if anything major goes wrong with it I am able to take it up with Audi anyway.

Thats my thoughts anyway and I'm sure there will be others!

[vwawudi]

Thanks Mr Sheen.

I think I'm being unnecessarily wary/fidgety about non Audi dealers. The 'approved used' thingy is tantalising.

Non-Audi dealers are also not as willing to give big discounts I've found. I assumed that they would but so far, they're not.

I guess one could always service the car immediately after purchase in order to give peace of mind...

[Mr Sheen]

What age of car are you thinking of buying?

And if its not from a Franchised Dealer, is it from an Indi, Supermarket, Non Franchise Chain?

I guess really you just need to be comfortable with what you are buying. Looking for the usual things when buying any used car is a must, and if it has Audi Service History this can be verified by and Audi Service Desk.

I am collecting mine on Saturday and really cant wait, but I was sceptical at the beginning, but it has come with an Audi Long Life service just 4000 miles ago.

[vwawudi]

about a year old. Other manufacturer dealer.
not been serviced yet, due a service in a couple thousand miles.
not sure if it'll be a hassle...

[Mr Sheen]

As a dealer they will be required to do a number of checks before putting it on sale.

You could insist that the car is serviced before purchasing it and include this in the price. Bear in mind that as they are not Audi dealers they would have to replace parts with genuine VAG parts in order not to invalidate any warranty. They may not be willing to do this.

You could have an independant inspection carried out on the car. RAC and similar provide these at various costs but could lead to peace of mind.

You could buy as is, take the 'risk, but for a 12 month old car I cant see there being many risks involved and as it hasnt been touched will still have the manufacturer's warranty.

You could buy as is and as you say get it serviced straight away at Audi dealer.

You could walk away - although I wouldnt recommend that!

What type of milage are we talking about and is it petrol or diesel? - it cant be that high if it is not yet due its first service, which generally is only a check and fluid change anyway.

[Kojak]

Hi,
You could make a genuine saving on the car full stop.

My recent experience on cars (not just Audi) that are under 5 years old have been this:-

1) BMW 3series 20K mls 4 years old.
Bought Private from the first owner and got a low milage great deal. Many 2 to 3 owner cars were out there of equal or lesser spec and more miles on the clock + averagely £1800 on top at that time. Going to the sellers house was comforting when he rolled it out of the garage in showroom condition. Cardboard on the floor of the garage to protect it (yes the floor). A range of quality care products on a shelf behind the car, full dealer service history with all documents stored in a dedicated area in his house. A 200 mile round trip.
Thats the kind of pre owned car I was after!!

2) BMW X3 30K mls 3 years old
Searched the country (literally) for this one. Found it 256 miles away from a dealer sounded extremely thorough when discussing a possible part ex, right down to headlight lens condition and that of the tyre side walls. Again full dealer history etc.
I thought it was worth the trip and I bought it.
Now, although this wasn't a bad car and I managed good resale value on it I would not do this again!
Do not travel further than you are prepared to return to if a problem arises. It's hard work. I then over time decided there were a few niggling reasons this was in a smaller non BMW dealership. Being the person I am, these things eat away at me and I had to move it on before I was ready to for peace of mind. I don't like seeing cars of more than £12k on smaller forecourts ever since. I get uneasy. Plus within a month or so equally good cars came up locally.

3) Bought from an A4 TDI SE avant from an Audi dealer locally 8k mls 1.5 years old
Have got a great service from them so far. Excellent no quibble high value trade in Yes I know some of it was in the screen price of the new car. But they upped fords offer against a new car by a considerable margin.
They are very close, should I have an issue (god forbid), I can strike while the iron is hot. I saw the car as it came in pre prep'd, spoke with the previous owner before putting a deposit down. A feel good factor has returned 'knowing a fair bit about your cars history' goes a long way.

[Eshrules]

I've usually gone to an independent dealer, but after my experiences if I'm looking to spend more than a few grand, I will always go to a main dealer.

You cannot, imho, beat the service, the warranty or the peace of mind offered.

A couple of long reads for you :

Legal Help with dodgy motor?/Dace Motor Company/Carlyle Finance - My Story (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6044)

BX02KZW - A Car with a hidden history? (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=79363)



With the first link being perhaps the worst story of both.

The anger I met when both my brother and I had issues with our cars was unreal, to the point I was refused entry onsite.

Will I ever use a NW independent again? Unlikely and if I do - it'll be after a very thorough inspection

[vwawudi]

I've usually gone to an independent dealer, but after my experiences if I'm looking to spend more than a few grand, I will always go to a main dealer.

You cannot, imho, beat the service, the warranty or the peace of mind offered.

A couple of long reads for you :

Legal Help with dodgy motor?/Dace Motor Company/Carlyle Finance - My Story (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6044)

BX02KZW - A Car with a hidden history? (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=79363)



With the first link being perhaps the worst story of both.

The anger I met when both my brother and I had issues with our cars was unreal, to the point I was refused entry onsite.

Will I ever use a NW independent again? Unlikely and if I do - it'll be after a very thorough inspection

What does the "nw independent" bit mean?

[Mr Sheen]

I'm guessing it's a north west independent.

[vwawudi]

Any views on private purchases?

Would anyone conisder spending £17K on a private sale? Madness?

[Mr Sheen]

Is it?

I've just spent a similar sort of figure privately and its been worth every penny.

No hitches and no glitches and she is driving like a dream!

[vwawudi]

Is it?

I've just spent a similar sort of figure privately and its been worth every penny.

No hitches and no glitches and she is driving like a dream!

Wow! After my last experience with a franchised dealer (switching finance deals without telling me) I'm exploring all options.

Seen something I like but the thought of buying privately is scaring me no end! I am just bricking it here. I've made contact but having second thoughts!

Any tips? Gratefully received.

[vwawudi]

Thanks to all! Sorted myself out now. Your advice was invaluable and I think I got a good deal.
Danke!