Having recently toured some car supermarkets, I thought it was time to do some mystery shopping in a main dealer. The main dealer in question has a used approved programme. Which means the car should be prepared to a better standard than those found in Supermarkets.
The trouble is, it can be very hard to find a dealer who will actually explain that to you. They still rely on “peace of mind” as their main selling point rather than explaining what you get for your money. Here are three cars I would buy at a main dealer:
Vauxhall Vectra
Hugely comfy and safe and great value. Ex fleet and company cars that have seriously depreciated over the last few years make huge sense as a value family buy.
Most economical: 2.0 Dti 47.9 mpg
Best used deal: 1.8 petrol
Why buy at a main dealer? The supermarket versions are largely scruffy, damaged and high mileage. Those that remain at a dealer are immaculate, for not much more.
UsedCarExpert .com fault checks: 10
Used Car Expert price magazine: A 2007 1.8 Vectra with 19,000 average miles will be £7,056 at main dealers and have Network Q warranties.
Lexus IS
High quality compact refined and relatively rare just like 3 series BMWs used to be. Arguably better built than a BMW and prices have recently come down.
Most economical: 2.2 D 45 mpg
Best used deal: 2.2 diesels
Why buy at a main dealer? Apart from private sellers, the only Lexus’ that make it out of the man dealer network are high mileage and poor condition.
UsedCarExpert .com fault checks: 7
Used Car Expert price magazine: A 2007 2.2D with average mileage of 9,800 will be around £14,000.
Mini
Fashionable funky and pricey. Maxi-zed on the road but Mini inside but the performance and character is what attracts buyers and usually keeps prices very high. But they are just stating to drop.
Most economical: 1.4 D 58.9 mpg
Best used deal: 1.4 D
Why buy at a main dealer? The BMW Mini used approved programme is one of the best. Cars at other sellers are not in the same condition and not much cheaper.
UsedCarExpert .com fault checks: 11
Used Car Expert price magazine: A 2007 1.4 D with average mileage of 23,000 miles will be £8,500 - £9,500.