Collect new car or have it delivered?

[Bubba Nutkin]

I've just had the "car has left the factory" email, so now my thoughts turn to pick up.  My choice is 1) travel to Gillingham, Kent and collect from the dealer [4 - 5 hours by train and £70 ish] or 2) have the car delivered to my home near Southampton [included in the Drive The Deal broker price].  I suppose the sensible option is 2), just wondered what others think and what your experiences of delivery have been.  I mean, how do you know the delivery driver won't drive it like he stole it?  What if the car turns up with some damage?
Bubba.

[kalimon]

If I'm not mistaken. DTD have the cars trailered to your door.
I asked this same question a few years ago when I ordered my Audi and that is what I was told by DTD.
I bought the car locally in the end.
Give them a ring

[peterdoherty]

I think its up to the dealers whether its driven delivered or trailer delivered. I think JCB drive rather than trailer.

I'd pick it up and enjoy the drive home.

[dubber36]

You'll feel less pressured if you intend giving it a full going over with a fine tooth comb at the dealers, than you would at home with Tow Mater tutting and looking at his watch whilst you inspect for defects. Once you've signed the delivery note, you'll have a job on your hands if you find any damage, trying to get any sense from the supplying dealer.

Have a day out and enjoy the drive home.

[Walts]

I'd make the most of the day out, book a cheap hotel and go the day/night before, do the collection the following day all at your own pace.

[AndyG]

I'd definitely go and pick it up in person on the off chance there are any problems.Its easier refusing a car than taking one back.

[dipstick]

I live in Lancaster and collected mine from Gillingham on 1st March - it was a great day out.

If trailer delivery was an option I would probably have gone for that but as JCB didn't offer it, I wanted to drive it myself rather than take the risk of their drivers treating it as I would not - not that they necessarily would have..

[carlt69]

After my recent issues with a used one, they drove it to me to see, but as it was dirty I couldn't see the issues with the paint then I would definitely pick it up and take your time to look over it.

Enjoy 

[Bubba Nutkin]

No offence to anyone who lives in Gillingham, but I'm struck by how many think it'll be a great day out!  Perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised.  Still, seems unanimous, good advice all, thank you.
Bubba.

[Mark V GTD]

I don't think its the notion of visiting Gillingham that makes it a 'great day out' but more the experience of collecting your brand new car and being the first to take it for a proper drive.

Personally I would always collect a car I am buying (I did have my little C1 lease car delivered but there was no other option with that).