Used Car Expert recently investigated several Lookers Used Direct & Trade Centres and here is what we found:
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Condition
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We found all their cars to be of a very high standard in terms of preparation and condition. The Bodywork had no dents and few marks while interiors have no tears, holes or heavy scuffs. Whereas other supermarket cars will have bodywork damage, show signs of heavy interior wear, that is not the case with Lookers Used Direct cars.
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Mileage
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The mileages of cars we checked varied from around our "average" guide mileage to above average.
See our price guide to find out this car's average mileage.
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Mechanical inspection
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All Lookers cars have a full service history, which should mean they will be more relaible over the rest of their life. The cars are also given a mechanical inspection.
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Service & service-free period
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There is nothing in the preparation and mechanical inspection procedure, that we could see, to stop a car being near a major service, or needing a major wear item replaced in the near future.
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Warranties & guarantees
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All cars are data checked checked against theft, insurance write-offs or outstanding finance databases.
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Ways to pay
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Lookers offer extra discount on some cars when you take out finance through Lookers. At the time of checking, their interest rates were better by as much as 6% compared to many other main dealers, including some big dealer groups.
But there are much better deals available from banks and online financial websites depending on your credit score and the amount you want to borrow.
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Prices
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In a sample of 25 cars, we found that the car prices vary from our BEST price to TOP price*.
Cars over 5 years old, or of a rare specification often come out around our TOP price. Cars of common specification that are under 4 years old are often around our LOW and FAIR, with some at our BEST price.
See our price guide to find the low, fair and top prices to pay nationwide.
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What else do I need to know?
Lookers have over 100 dealers around the UK which provide the stock to their Used Direct and Trade sites. This means, compared to other Supermarkets, they rely less on ex-fleet adn ex-rental cars. Instead they have lots of cars who have been serviced and maintained for customers around the country in Lookers' main dealers.
Whereas a standard main dealer may sell 30-60 cars per month, Lookers Used Direct and Trade sites sell more like 350 cars per month. This volume means they can take a smaller margin per car and pass the saving onto the customer.
*Price check
We have picked the cars above based on the specification you want, your budget and location.
But do check each car's price and mileage against our price guide!
Our prices are calculated based on checking the average the retail prices of 2.5 million cars a year. We cacluate four levels of price for you:
- The top price is what we expect good quality dealers to charge. You can haggle a small discount from this price.
- The best price is the lowest a savvy and reputable seller (who is not in a rush) would expect to sell for.**
- Anything between our low and fair prices is a good deal for both sides.
**Best price is available online, but only to magazine readers.