Buying a car unseen

[BongoHunter]

Need a sanity check

I'm looking for a new to me 3 series touring.

Currently got a decent spec 320i saloon that has served me very well for the last 10 years, but it's started getting a few issues over the last 12 months and I think it's time for a change (it's in for a new fuel pump right now in its latest efforts for early retirement).

I'd like to get approved used 320i or 330e (or possibly 340 if I can convince the other half), but everytime one comes up with the spec/year/mileage I want it's usually a very long way from where I live - and I'm time poor at the minute (new baby due very soon so lots to do).

Is it bonkers to buy a car completely unseen in person and get it delivered? Part of me thinks this might be okay as every single used car I've had from BMW has been absolutely spot on (this will be my 4th), and unless things have changed I'll still be warranty covered on an approved used car at any BMW dealer for as long as I keep up the servicing. The sensible part of me thinks spending decent money without even seeing the thing is a recipe for disaster...

Thoughts appreciated!

 

[SpellowHouse]

To me it seems fine. But then every car I've bought has turned out to be a ticking time-bomb. One didn't even make it home before the gearbox fell off.

 

[ICDP]

It’s fine if you are buying used from an approved franchise that is still within original warranty period and with a proven service history.

You also have Consumer Contracts Regulations (old DSR) rules that apply in such scenarios and they give you time to change your mind on any distance sale for whatever reason. (14 days I think). This should not be confused with the consumer rights act 2015 which applies if the car is not as advertised, or has problems that were not disclosed at point of sale.

You may end up out of pocket for return delivery and fair use costs because 14 days right to cancel/return does not means 14 days unfettered use of the dealers car of course. They typically expect you to do a reasonable visual inspection on delivery before finalising the sale (some dealers might insist on full payment before transport). Though the likelihood of getting a lemon, or a car not as advertised is low as long as you stick to mainstream dealerships. As a rule of thumb, if a dealership has a well outlined distance selling process on their website and has a fair use policy outlined etc, then they have done their homework.

What you should avoid is private sales as it might be hard to check if any credit contracts have been paid off. Also be wary of buying from non franchised independent 2nd rate back street dealerships. But again this may not be a significant risk if the car has FSH and is within original manufacture warranty period. You have the Consumer Rights Act to fall back on of course but who needs that low level stress.

Any decent dealership should do the following without being asked. Remember they want to sell you a car and they know it’s in their best interest not to ******** and lie because distance selling is all in the buyers favour. But if they don’t offer you need to be sure to ask and or do the following.

- Make sure you ask for the FSH

- Ask for a detailed walk around video with commentary of the entire vehicle. Not just photos.

- Ask for a list of body work damage and any repairs up front prior to delivery. This avoids the “it was like that when I put it on the flatbed mate” nonsense

- Look for and READ and understand their distance selling returns and fair use policy. If it is not published on their website ask for one.

Other advise/info here from a dealers perspective (I’m not in the trade).

The Ultimate Guide to Distance Selling — Auto Trader Insight

Distance selling is rapidly coming the new normal for many retailers, so we put together a handy guide with everything you need to know about distance selling including the rules and regulations.

www.autotraderinsight-blog.co.uk

 

[Rroff]

There are so many factors to this, but if it is a reputable garage/dealer the recipe for disaster is much less - but any time you buy a car there is a chance something will go disastrously wrong with it which seeing/test driving in person won't necessarily avoid. But there could be factors which would affect your buying choice i.e. if you drove it and the engine just sounded odd or smaller things like a creaking door or cosmetic marks which don't show in photos, etc.

 

[ICDP]

There are so many factors to this, but if it is a reputable garage/dealer the recipe for disaster is much less - but any time you buy a car there is a chance something will go disastrously wrong with it which seeing/test driving in person won't necessarily avoid. But there could be factors which would affect your buying choice i.e. if you drove it and the engine just sounded odd or smaller things like a creaking door or cosmetic marks which don't show in photos, etc.

Yes, that’s why the Consumer Rights Act exists and Consumer Contracts Regulations exist.

As you point out, stick to well known franchise dealerships and the chances of something going wrong is remote.

Contrary to the popular myth a lot of good dealerships are not out to trick you in to buying a lemon. All the cards are in your favour under the Consumer Contracts Regulations and they know this. So any BS on their end causes them a lot of trouble, so being honest and upfront with details is vital to ensure a hassle free sale.

 

[Manbatius]

While I am not a fan of it, I was close to do something like this for the Mustang as I waited a good while for one to come up.

With something that's approved used I'd be less put off to be honest. Especially main dealer. For the above I had worse case scenario of losing my deposit in my head. But I think you have more protection here as posted above.

One thing you should do regardless, perhaps test drive the cars locally even if not the spec you want.
320i, 330e or 340 needs narrowing down before a blind buy!
Dont want to say get the 320i then realise a month in, yep should have got one of the others. Etc

 

[aaronyuri]

Your issue with buying a car unseen is that, whilst there are decent protections in place, you just don't know what you're going to get. Pictures and videos sent over WhatsApp, etc, have loads of compression and show no detail at all. Then there is the hassle of returning the car after you have parted with your money - losing delivery costs and so on.

Buying a car local is always good as there's a throat to choke and a motor trader has to give you a 3 month warranty. Never use the aftermarket **** they push. Always tell them to sort it themselves. None of this applies for a private sale, of course.

The question I would be asking myself in your situation is that whilst I may be time poor; will it cause me more time to return the car versus doing the drive to retrieve it myself? That's heavily depenant upon the distance between you and the potential new motor, IMO. Bonus point of going to see the car is that you have the power of walking away. Much better to make the trip, decide it's a lemon/not for you, than reject the car with the dealer, arrange return delivery, blah blah blah.

 

[ICDP]

The OP knows all that, that’s why they asked is it OK. The answer is absolutely, yes it’s OK because buying and keeping (or returning) a car under the Consumer Contracts Regulations act is incredibly simple.

- Find car on web site for a reputable approved used franchise dealer
- Check web site for returns policy
- Ask for details and videos etc
- Agree payment method with dealership
- Car gets delivered
- Inspect the car with the delivery driver for cosmetic imperfections and that it meets the web site description
- If good then finalise the payment/contract (if not done already) and drive the car and be happy
- If not happy tell dealership to arrange collection for return within 14 days, as per your rights
- If you find the car has a mechanical issue then decide if it is worth returning, or just getting repaired under warranty.

Seems to be a lot of misguided assumptions that if something is wrong the customer is screwed if it doesn’t work out. At worst you end up with a delivery bill if you return it “just because”. But if the car is genuinely not as described or faulty after testing, then you may get all your money back including delivery costs. You did read the dealership returns policy terms and conditions right? Right?

But if the car was actually what you wanted and runs perfectly, then you aren’t going to be returning it are you?

Edit: Yes there are risks but that’s the same with any car purchase. We have all read or heard or even experienced the post purchase problems, even for cars you saw and test drove before buying.

 

[Haggisman]

The real answer is "it depends"

Completely down to the car and dealer.

A beaten up old banger from what looks like a guy selling cars from his driveway in Birmingham or Bradford? Absolutely no chance.

A decent looking car from a reputable looking dealer? Absolutely - after making the appropriate checks; video walkaround, HPI, a bit of research online for common faults and checking those aren't present etc.

I bought my previous car (Octavia estate) in the middle of COVID from a dealer over 100 miles away without having seen it, and it was a completely trouble free process, but I skipped over a few similar cars before finding this one, as they just didn't "feel right"

 

[jpaul]

Even with BMW approved used , can you genuinely take it to any BMW dealer (how close is your nearest).

(even with non-blind) I recently purchased, in person a car from a National dealer 'only' 60miles away after not finding anything closer for 4months,
then found a problem with A/C system I hadn't seen during test drive, will have finally made 3 round trips to get this resolved,
since it was a big dealer they have fortunately booked it in at mftr garage for the fix though, which I'm not sure I would have had with a local purchase from smaller local garage,
so swings and roundabouts.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Personally, I wouldn’t.
Even from a main dealer, I’d at least go take a look and drive it before agreeing purchase and then collect it myself.

As an example of what can go wrong, you might want to read an old thread on here about buying a Volvo (about 14 years ago).
I’d spotted what sounded like a good S60. Asked a whole bunch of questions about its condition, and agreed purchase subject to it being as agreed and described.
Had to take a train for 4 hours to get to the dealer. Test drove the car, part way in and the auto-box went “thunk” on changing gear. Most certainly NOT what they normally do.
I was not happy. 4 hours to pickup a knackered car and the dealer just waved me away as though I was wrong about the gearbox. I was so annoyed that I ask for him to pick-up part of my train fair.

The write up went on these forums and the good folks here commented enough that it was the 2nd response to a Google search on Trade Cars Biddulph. They even changed the name of the dealership for a few years, which probably cost them a 100x what the cost of the train fair had been.

 

[weta]

While I understand you're protected, buying a vehicle is a significant investment to most people and I would strongly recommend driving and viewing it before any purchase.
Who needs the hassle of returning a vehicle that doesn't live up to its description or the buyer's expectations.
Good luck with your purchase!

 

[rare]

Depends on the car really. I’ve done it a few times, one was from a specialist who provided a LOT of information upfront, and it was perfect.

One was from a main dealer and it was a decent experience.

Another was from a ‘specialist’ dealer and it was shocking. I refused the car when it arrived and we had an argument about it.

Thing is I am very picky anyway, but there will always be something you are going to not be shown or see until it’s at your door.

 

[D-Ranged]

If you're buying from a dealer of some sort that will also come and collect it, if it's not as described, then I wouldn't be too worried. But, if you are not mechanically inclined, I would take it somewhere and get it on a ramp ASAP to be checked over.

My friend, who has more money than sense, has bought a couple of cars this way, and they were both absolute dogs.
Saying that, he also bought quite a few cars that he went to look at in person, and they were even worse. But his looking at a car is, looking at it for 10 seconds and handing cash over.

Just be sensible and don't fall in love with a car that is going to empty your pockets, especially with a baby on the way!

 

[Bint Box]

Is it bonkers to buy a car completely unseen in person and get it delivered? ....

I must be even more bonkers, I bought a 72 plate Audi SQ5 from British car auctions unseen. The only warranties were indemnities for the usual stuff such as stolen, written off, category classification, no outstanding finance and the fact it was in a "No Quibble" money back "Top Car" auction from BCA.

The car was still within the original manufacturers warranty period, had been serviced at the correct intervals and the BCA inspection reports were all clean apart from a graze on a bumper so I took a punt on it. If BCA had incorrectly described the car it was a money back job.

The car turned out as specified apart from one minor ding that was not listed which cost me £200 to get sorted out by paintless dent repair. I missed this ding when collecting the car as it was pouring down with rain and even though I gave the car a good check over I did not see it with the car covered in rain droplets. The saving compared to a dealers forecourt price was around £5K so the £200 cost of the PDR was just a minor niggle, job done !

There has been some really good advice provided in the replies to your topic, good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[weta]

If you're buying from a dealer of some sort that will also come and collect it, if it's not as described, then I wouldn't be too worried. But, if you are not mechanically inclined, I would take it somewhere and get it on a ramp ASAP to be checked over.

My friend, who has more money than sense, has bought a couple of cars this way, and they were both absolute dogs.
Saying that, he also bought quite a few cars that he went to look at in person, and they were even worse. But his looking at a car is, looking at it for 10 seconds and handing cash over.

Just be sensible and don't fall in love with a car that is going to empty your pockets, especially with a baby on the way!

Your mate sounds like a car dealer's wet dream.

 

[ICDP]

Personally, I wouldn’t.
Even from a main dealer, I’d at least go take a look and drive it before agreeing purchase and then collect it myself.

As an example of what can go wrong, you might want to read an old thread on here about buying a Volvo (about 14 years ago).
I’d spotted what sounded like a good S60. Asked a whole bunch of questions about its condition, and agreed purchase subject to it being as agreed and described.
Had to take a train for 4 hours to get to the dealer. Test drove the car, part way in and the auto-box went “thunk” on changing gear. Most certainly NOT what they normally do.
I was not happy. 4 hours to pickup a knackered car and the dealer just waved me away as though I was wrong about the gearbox. I was so annoyed that I ask for him to pick-up part of my train fair.

The write up went on these forums and the good folks here commented enough that it was the 2nd response to a Google search on Trade Cars Biddulph. They even changed the name of the dealership for a few years, which probably cost them a 100x what the cost of the train fair had been.

Whilst a terrible personal experience, that is not relevant to what the OP is asking. The fact you went and bought the car from an obviously terrible dealer shows that doing it all in person means absolutely nothing at all. If you don’t know cars inside out most of us will take a quick Look and test drive for 20 minutes and think “good enough”.

Buying from reputable dealers and knowing your rights and options is key. This is why consumer laws exist to protect buyers and this applies to both in person and distance sales.

So this mythical idea that you have more rights and options to walk away and reject a deal just because you show up in person is frankly nonsense.

 

[ICDP]

While I understand you're protected, buying a vehicle is a significant investment to most people and I would strongly recommend driving and viewing it before any purchase.
Who needs the hassle of returning a vehicle that doesn't live up to its description or the buyer's expectations.
Good luck with your purchase!

Er, you do get to view it and test drive it under the Consumer Contracts Regulations act. It comes to your house and you have 14 days to test it and inspect it and return it for any reason. The hassle you have to return is an email and a phone call saying “come get your car”.

If you return it “just because” you will be liable for returns and fair use and nobody would dispute this is unfair to the buyer. If it is not as described, or has mechanical issues you can reject it for a full refund including delivery/return costs.

To the OP buying online vs in person is always down to doing your homework. As you already mentioned, stick to approved used franchised dealers and know your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations act and you will most likely be perfectly happy.

I know people who use this method to buy new or approved used from franchise dealers during the pandemic and there are no horror stories involved.

I got two lease cars in 2020 and 2022 during the pandemic and the process was painless. On both occasions I was given the option of having the car delivered to my house, or to the nearest dealership where I had to book a collection slot.

 

[D-Ranged]

Your mate sounds like a car dealer's wet dream.

Oh he really is. He's a lot of people's wet dreams to be honest. He will just spend money, and worry about it later.

Rich parents, handed a job by his now ex girlfriends dad running a branch of his business so paid well. Lives at parents house rent free. No understanding of consequence.

 

[weta]

ICDP: This is probably more about personal preferences, I'm pleased to hear this method clearly works for you (along with many others no doubt) and respect your point of view on this subject.

All the best for the New Year!