Should I still buy this? **Sorted**

[Shelley181146]

I have been looking for a vehicle to purchase second hand and finally came across an Xtrail which I viewed on Saturday. As it was close to their closing time I just discussed the financial aspect of things as I am currently in the transition of changing circumstances and therefore documentation is sparce until August. They were going to discuss my circumstances with the finace company on Monday and let me know.

 

I heard from the finance company on Monday that all was well and als=most immediately received a call from the dealer with their usual salesman patter, "ther eis someone else looking at the vehicle and it will be a first come, first served basis" and I naturally replied, I don't surcumb to pressure, if they want it, they can have it because I don't buy a car without having test drove it. He wasn't too pleased about it.

 

I went over on Tuesday with my son to drive it and he heard a noise from the rear which was highlighted and discussed with the Manager of the site. He assured me that the vehicle will go through a 160 point check and will put 12 months MOT on it as the current one expires in August.

 

Based on his assurances, I paid £100 deposit for the vehicle to be taken off sale and signed the Sales Order, finance agreement etc. We agreed that I would pay the balance of the deposit (£400) on 25th June over the phone, and collect the vehicle on Friday 26th June because they said they were unable to carry out the MOT until the balance of the deposit had been paid. I have paid additional monies within the agreement for 12 months warranty but I am not sure who that is with.

 

However, having discussed my excitement with friends, one of them has highlighted some poor reviews on the dealership and I am wondering if I have let myself in for some trouble next week? I know reviews are hit and miss as with all things but as my funds are extremely limited, I would appreciate your thoughts on whether I have been stupid in my process to purchase this vehicle and suggestions on how to proceed under the circumstances please.

 

I note from their website they still have the vehicle for sale and have reduced the price by £100

 

Shelley

[JoeyJoeC]

Well the idea of paying deposits is to reserve the vehicle and protect the dealer in case you change your mind.

 

Ignore that they still have the car on the website, they do this and reduce the price to get other people interested in the car and come down, only to be told that the car has just sold, and to have a look at other cars while they are there. It's just a tactic.

 

You said about the noise from the rear, and that the dealer will do a 160 point check, does this include fixing any issues? Or is it just a check? They will likely stick a full MOT on there despite any problems as they won't make money selling cars if they fail their own MOT's.

 

You can either lose your deposits and turn the vehicle down, since you've already paid the depositrs, or go ahead with the purchase, but get it checked independently as soon as possible, even though it would have a full MOT on it.

[Shelley181146]

I understand about the tactics, typical sales patter, Okay.

 

I have only paid part deposit at the moment and the remainder of the deposit is due next week, which is why I wondered have the dealers got a claim on me if I decide not to go ahead with the sale?

I am not in a position to pay for an independent inspection which I appreciate goes against the grain in these circumstances, but I maybe able to get a knowledgable friend to have a look if they have time?

[snowdragon]

Tbh it seems you are already having doubts and ask yourself if you would be happy with the car? Ask around maybe a bit more,

[Conniff]

How many miles was your test drive, did you do the driving and who was in the car with you ??

 

You say you have signed the finance agreement, is that right ?

Is the finance Hire Purchase or Car Loan ?

[Shelley181146]

How many miles was your test drive, did you do the driving and who was in the car with you ?? Approx 6 mile circuit consisting of village conditions and then opened her up to 50 mph where possible. My son was in the back seat.

 

You say you have signed the finance agreement, is that right ? Yes

Is the finance Hire Purchase or Car Loan ?

Hire Purchase

[scaniaman]

Firstly, if you bought an insurance based warranty, they are not worth the paper they are written on in the majority of cases.

Secondly, it may have been wiser to have had your "Knowledgeable Friend" to check car before parting with the hard earned stuff.

IMHO, had I been in your circumstances, I would have gone for a cheaper car and used the money saved to pay for a proper inspection.

If your not entirely happy with the car, then get out now, as £100 loss may be the least of your worries in time to come.

What was noise in rear?? did salesman give any indication??

[Shelley181146]

UPDATE:

I visited the dealer again on Saturday to request a further test drive to satisfy myself on the knocking noise my son heard and to clarify a few points, i.e the warranty etc. The vehicle wasn't on site, apparently, they had moved it to the 'work shop' to prevent damage. I asked for template and details of the warranty and I could of produced this leaflet myself. There is no name, address, tel number, email or website address. Just what's covered and what isn't.

I had heard and read enough. I left the dealer thinking all was ok and I have spoken with the finance company to check the status of the agreement. Thankfully, it has NOT been executed and I can WITHDRAW from the WHOLE agreement WITHOUT penalty. So the dealer has to refund my deposit. If I have to lose this, so be it but I will be checking with my bank to see of they are members of the 'chargeback scheme' and may get something back from them that way.

 

They are a sleek operator and gave no information on the noise or what the vehicle is like - they show you any documents the previous owner may have left with the vehicle for you to make your own mind up.

 

I know they won't be very pleased but it is a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. A very big lesson learned and I will be doing my research first in future!

 

I know I have had a close call here and hindsight is a wonderful thing, but having recently lost my husband I wasn't thinking clearly and should of walked away to sleep on it first - I will be in future. Thank you all.

 

Shelley

[Conniff]

It's not your bank that are members of chargeback. That is operated by Visa and Mastercard but you go to your bank to get it done.

[scaniaman]

Good on you girl---think you probably did the right thing.

Can you now say who the dealer is???? If not, does their name rhyme with Shark???

[Conniff]

Don't all car sales rhyme with shark !!

[Shelley181146]

Apologies for the delay in responding to your posts. I wanted to wait to ensure I had 'WON' this matter before jinxing the final outcome.

 

Wwll, the dealer's were Country Car, Barford, Nr Warwick. They advertise as selling prestige vehicles but the google reviews are worth a read.

 

So, bearing in mind my post #8 I sent a letter recorded delivery to them advising I was withdrawing from the sale and that my deposit was to be refunded within 7 days. They signed for the letter the next day and drafted a cheque up the same day - posted it second class and it has cleared today in my bank

 

I appreciate all your comments and Scaniaman, you are probably right. However, it appears that I will be coming into some funds in August so I am currently hiring a vehicle at week-ends and walking in the week until the funds arrive. Then I shall get RAC/AA to inspect any vehicle I maybe considering buying BEFORE I leave any deposits etc.

 

Think I had a lucky escape there and I am so glad I had my CAG family watching my back. THANK YOU ALL