BMW Dealers - 2nd hand cars

M

MrEarl

Registered User
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3,042
Hello,

I've been looking at secondhand BMWs recently, and have seen a few cars that I have wanted to test drive.

Every authorised dealer that I have phoned, has tried what I consider to be hard sell tactics - by rattling off the spec. of the car, then the list price, and then trying their best to get me to pay a deposit over the phone, to "reserve" the car, for viewing.

When I ask on what terms the deposit ("reserve") is refundable, they say its refundable on inspection, if the car isn't as advertised.

However, when pressed, it seems that they are actually trying to lock you into the list price for the car, before you even see it, not alone try to negotiate on the price.

What's more, on the official BMW used cars website, the online option seeks a reserve deposit of €199, but on the phone, dealers are asking for between €400 - €1,000.

Is it just me, or is this very sharp practice, by BMW ?
 
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MrEarl said:
Is it just me, or is this very sharp practice?
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It is not just you, you are being asked to hand over money over the phone to a stranger without a contract. I would not do it.

I recently bought a 2nd hand car (not a BMW) from a dealer, and on their website they offer the opportunity to "reserve" the car for an online payment. The terms there were unconditional - it goes towards the purchase price, or is otherwise "fully refundable". I didn't bother with that, and the sales person didn't even ask about it when I phoned up.

Have the dealers you've contacted refused see you unless you pay a deposit? Tell them you're not interested in a car sight unseen enough to fork out €400, but will happily invest the time to travel to their forecourt for a look, and if favourably impressed, a test drive.
 
No, they don't refuse the appointment to test drive the cars, they just try to frighten you that it'll be gone - sold to someone else.

Suffice to say, I haven't fallen for their trap, but think it's pretty shady from what should be a reputable brand.
 
MrEarl said:
Suffice to say, I haven't fallen for their trap, but think it's pretty shady from what should be a reputable brand.
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you will get better service from the newer brands, customer service has disappeared as far as BMW and Audi are concerned as far as i can see. Their products are now over priced and not competitive as well.
 
Trying to create a sense of scarcity, when it's very clear that there's plenty of options available, but simply looking at their website, is just stupid.

However, what's happening here is going further than that, imho.

It seems to be a strategy that's being implemented by a few unconnected dealerships, so it may ultimately be coming from the main distributor, rather than just one dealer.
 
MrEarl said:
It seems to be a strategy that's being implemented by a few unconnected dealerships, so it may ultimately be coming from the main distributor, rather than just one dealer.
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BMW have really tightened the strings on their dealers continuously over the last decade. Dealers are now at the stage they can't cough if it isn't in the playbook. Time was when most of the monitoring was focussed on delivery, servicing and repairs. Now it extends to every facet of the dealer operation, sales tactics and hard selling financing (PCP crap) included.
 
Sarah Ryan said:
However on a more serious note, I would laugh down the phone with those tactics. If they want my money the sale goes through on my terms.
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I wonder are they fed up of people with no real intention of buying requesting test drives for a bit of entertainment?
 
Leo said:
I wonder are they fed up of people with no real intention of buying requesting test drives for a bit of entertainment?
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My uncle was a divil for being fascinated by the latest new gadgetry and when EVs first started showing up he went down to his local dealer and asked for a test drive. Except he never drove in his life and didn't have a license. He just wanted to have a go in one. The guy at the dealership drove him around for a bit to give him a spin in one which was very obliging of him.
 
Leo said:
I wonder are they fed up of people with no real intention of buying requesting test drives for a bit of entertainment?
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Perhaps but after driving an E39 M5 I said I would never drive a car again that I couldn't afford to buy, so I get my kicks elsewhere lol!
 
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mathepac said:
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, mines 2008!
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Oh look at you with your fancy modern car!!!! I bet you even have air con!!!

I could have air con if I got it regassed but... the car would probably explode or something so I am good I will just use the window..... oh no wait that's broken too lol
 
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