We buy your car companies - any experience?

[Lons]

My almost 90 year old MIL has finally acepted that she should give up her car and we've ordered her a mobility scooter so we need to sell the car on her behalf quickly before she changes her mind - again!

We can definitely get more selling privately but it's a hassle as a 50 mile round trip for me and 130 for her son. Had a couple of valuations and probably going to take for inspection next Monday but I've read horror stories about what they quote online and then offer on inspection knowing you've spent the time and effort to get there. Has anyone had experience of these companies?

The car is an 8 year old Honda Jazz, bought new, fully serviced and has a genuine 25000 miles on the clock. It's had a few scratches most of which have been repired but in decent nick and excellent spec. Similar models but with 3 times the mileage are advertised at between £2900 and £3500 and on line quote was £2500 which would be fine to move it quickly but I'd be annoyed to get there and be offered a grand less.

Any opinions would be welcomed.

Bob

 

[flh801978]

Well from what Ive heard if theres anything wrong with it that you havent mentioned then the online quote will change but if you have been honest on the online form the quote will stand however the appraiser will be picky if theres anything to pick up on he will (small scratches dings stonechips etc) if you hadnt mentioned them

Ian

 

[Phil Pascoe]

They will find the smallest excuse to revise their quote downwards.

 

[RogerP]

I've had no dealings with that business but I did spend many years in the motor/garage trade. Cars bought in (not part exchanged) would have to be something rather special to fetch more that two thirds of their retail value. Many of the lower value vehicles on the forecourt would have cost about half their windscreen price.

 

[woodpig]

They will find the smallest excuse to revise their quote downwards.

Is what I've heard as well.

I've just traded my car in for a new one (of the same make and model) and got £500 more than the book price and it's got a couple of dents on it. It is below mileage for its year though.

 

[paulm]

I "tested" a couple of them when getting rid of swmbo's old car a couple of years ago and the valuations offered online were laughable, way below even the worst condition trade price in the valuation guides, and that was before the next stage where they then ratchet the offer down for whatever reason takes their fancy !

Had a similar problem with my old dad's car when he was taken poorly so I took it to my place and advertised it and sold it from here rather than his home which was too far away. Any reason why you or the son can't take it away and do similar, making sure you are covered for insurance of course ?

 

[MrDavidRoberts]

Sent you a PM! I was looking for an upgrade for my Old jazz.

 

[Lons]

Sent you a PM! I was looking for an upgrade for my Old jazz.

I've replied to your pm David but the car is located North of Newcastle so a long way from you. I did sell me van to a forum member from the deep South a few years ago however and he seemed very happy with the deal.

cheers
Bob

 

[Lons]

Thanks for the replies chaps, much appreciated.
We've been honest with everything including condition and I accept and expect them to push the valuation down but I'm going on Monday with BIL and if the deal isn't right we'll walk away. I know the director of another company and spoke with him today to confirm his interest so we have options, additionally, the car currently has private plates which have been valued at £400 to £500 so that's a bargaining chip as I could decide to take the reg off and sell seperately if necessary. Whilst we want the car sold asap it's no problem really to shove it on my drive and sell privately, there aren't too many 8 year old cars around with 25000 miles on the clock.

MIL wanted a brand new class 3 mobility scooter and I was shocked at how misleading the retail price is compared to what you can buy one for. Price of this one is almost £3000 and a bit of hard bargaining got that down to £1650. Those are ex VAT which is not payable for qualifying buyers.

cheers
Bob

 

[Lons]

I've just traded my car in for a new one (of the same make and model) and got £500 more than the book price and it's got a couple of dents on it. It is below mileage for its year though.

I did the same a couple of months ago when I traded my A4 avant quatro for similar spec A6 avant quatro and managed an incredible deal though I was buying a 4 month old demo and my 2 year old A4 was unmarked with only 13000 on the clock.
The A6 list was £45k, I got it for £34k and got £21k for my A4 which was £2400 over top book. Thought that was amazing until they put my old car up for sale at £24k and sold it in a week.
They have to make money and of course will have taken in a part ex but proves that keeping a car in immaculate condition pays benefits - my excuse anyway :wink: They did ask me not to come back for another deal for a while as they couldn't afford it, I believe that of course. :lol:

Bob

 

[marcros]

what happens with the tax now, if you want to bring it back to your place? I havent bought or sold a car since it changed methods.

 

[Lons]

what happens with the tax now, if you want to bring it back to your place? I havent bought or sold a car since it changed methods.

Car tax stays on the car and is valid until it's sold Marcros but you can't transfer it to the new owner any more. When the car is sold, the DVLA refunds remaining full months of tax to the seller.
change of ownership takes a little while so in practice if you buy a car from someone and drive it home the car is still registered as taxed and you won't be pulled over.

Both parties still need to send in the relevant parts of the V5 (logbook).

What has changed is the method of taking a private plate off a vehicle which can now be done on line and put on retention in minutes though still have to wait about a week for the new V5 showing replacement number which is usually the original or an appropriate one for the year of the car.

Bob