Tips on buying a new 'NEW' GTD

[MrBinks]

Hi guys,
I've had a quick search around the forum and couldn't quite find what I was after so am creating a new topic. Please go easy - I'm new around here!

I'm soon to be in the market for a Mk7 GTD.

I've never owned a VW before, and I've never purchased NEW before. I've always been told it's pointless and that you should always buy nearly new "bla bla bla". However, I intend to own the car for a long time. I'm not the sort of person that chops and changes ever 2 years. Realistically I see myself buying a car (this time round) to last me 8-10 years. The GTD is so well equipped and ticks so many boxes that I felt it could be the sort of car that could well last me that long.

Anyway, my questions are mostly to those that have experience in buying brand new (although, I'm happy to heed any warnings or advice to the contrary).

1) I've heard that no one ever pays the price on the card in the window. Is this correct? If so, may I ask what sort of prices GTD owners have been getting for their new cars? List price on the VW website for a stock 5dr GTD is currently £26,985. What sort of figure should I realistically be aiming for?

2) I'm looking to buy in Feb next year. I have to scrape a deposit together first. I've been reading around here that there is rather a long lead time on GTDs (as I say, I've never bought new so no idea if this is normal?) Considering I want one early next year, would I be better off ordering at the end of this? If so - what sort of deposit can I stick down, generally speaking. Would it normally be the full whack, or maybe a percentage of the deposit?

Just trying to set some realistic expectations for myself - and of course I will eventually go speak to the dealers, I just wanted to go in educated.

Nice to meet you all.

[peterdoherty]

Biggest tip I'll give you based on location is get to JCB Medway - you will get 10-12% discount - just quote them the Drive the Deal price and they will give you it (or possible better) as they have a lot of DTD customers. You will prob have a 5-6 month lead time with them though as they do quite a volume.  More discount with a few options.

JCB asked for a £1k deposit (was a cash sale) other dealers vary and can be 5%

[monkeyhanger]

If you are prepared to wait until Feb, I’d wait until March for the new plate (you don’t want a 1 month old car looking 6 months old at plate change, and it’ll hold its value a little better being a new plate rather than a late old plate at trade-in time). You probably won’t be in a position to place an order until Sept for March plate though. Pointless ordering nearly new rather than new when you see the used forecourt prices and the discounts you can get. I take it at that RRP quoted you are talking DSG gearbox too? Do you normally drive a DSG? If not, get a comprehensive test drive, it’s not for everyone (me included), although my dad loves his.

[MrBinks]

I shall take a look at JCB, thanks. I've also been looking at a website called carwow which seems to also point towards a 10% discount. 6 month lead time. Wowzers.

[MrBinks]

I take it at that RRP quoted you are talking DSG gearbox too? Do you normally drive a DSG? If not, get a comprehensive test drive, it’s not for everyone (me included), although my dad loves his.

Nope, that was a manual!

re: plate change - quite agree. The difference between Feb/March is negligible.

[monkeyhanger]

Ah, I forget that there's probably been a price rise or 2 since I bought mie and yours may include metallic paint. Due to the residuals, the 5 door premium will all be got back at trade-in if you were only keeping it 3 years - if your financing through VW you'll find a negligible monthly difference between 3 and 5 door.

[peterdoherty]

I shall take a look at JCB, thanks. I've also been looking at a website called carwow which seems to also point towards a 10% discount. 6 month lead time. Wowzers.

Yes there are a number of car broker sites - I would say get the cheapest quote from one of them and JCB Medway (not Ashford) will match/better.

[davyk31]

Carwow is a good site to try, also Orangewheels and as others say use this to negotiate with a local dealer to see what they do. Any discount below 10% isn't really enough, up to 12% seems possible. Usually the bigger discounts mean a longer lead time for order which for you isn't an issue.

Deposit on ordering of £500 to £1000 is pretty normal, any more I would refuse as its a car they can sell easily if you back out.

Going brand new with a GTD does make sense because residuals are strong due to demand and long deliveries. Means the ex demo and used cars often are pretty expensive as dealers seem to price them at nearly new prices to tempt someone wanting a speedy delivery and who maybe isn't aware that they can achieve a decent discount on a new car.

GTD is well specced but its always tempting to add a few little options and toys when ordering new.

[MrBinks]

Due to the residuals, the 5 door premium will all be got back at trade-in if you were only keeping it 3 years - if your financing through VW you'll find a negligible monthly difference between 3 and 5 door.

Has to be 5 doors for me, as we're a family of 4 (2 + a 4 year old and a baby). I'm actually tempted to go with the VW financing as it gives me an option to walk away after X years. Not that I expect to, but you never know what life might throw at you. The plan (at the moment) was to go for the 3 years and then pay the final payment (possibly at the expense of another 3 year loan from a bank). It would probably be cheaper to find the best loan, but over the period I wish to take it, it makes sense to have that back-out option.

[MrBinks]

Carwow is a good site to try, also Orangewheels and as others say use this to negotiate with a local dealer to see what they do. Any discount below 10% isn't really enough, up to 12% seems possible. Usually the bigger discounts mean a longer lead time for order which for you isn't an issue.

Deposit on ordering of £500 to £1000 is pretty normal, any more I would refuse as its a car they can sell easily if you back out.

Going brand new with a GTD does make sense because residuals are strong due to demand and long deliveries. Means the ex demo and used cars often are pretty expensive as dealers seem to price them at nearly new prices to tempt someone wanting a speedy delivery and who maybe isn't aware that they can achieve a decent discount on a new car.

GTD is well specced but its always tempting to add a few little options and toys when ordering new.

Excellent - so it sounds like these broker websites are a good place to start, then walk into a decent dealer and ask them, kindly, to match it.

It also sounds like ordering in August/September may be prudent!