buying advice needed GTI mk7 PP - urgent

[candywhite12]

Found this mk7 DSG, PP, 5-door, 56K miles, 1 owner, includes all extras I want (sunroof, xenons, leather etc).  Dealer (not VW) asks for 17500.   

As you probably can see from my address I am looking to export this car to Cyprus and 17500 is right about my price range.  A couple of questions as this is the first time I am looking to buy used from the UK.

1. Does the price sound right and can it drop further through negotiation?  Any purchase will be paid in full via bank transfer so dealer gets all his money instantly.  Any tips on how to achieve a lower price if possible?

2. Also, more importantly, even though dealer claims car is immaculate and has provided me with its history, what can i do before i potentially buy it to ensure that it doesn't give me failure after failure upon returning with it to Cyprus? (warranty not transferable overseas).  Any particular checks?  What's the most dependable way to check the car given that I'm not a local?  (e.g. Could I take it to a VW-approved garage?  Are there independent car checking companies?).

thanks in advance

[Arnold_Lane]

56,000 miles in a 7.5 DSG that only became available in mid 2017? That's some going!!

[candywhite12]

56,000 miles in a 7.5 DSG that only became available in mid 2017? That's some going!!

my bad, mk7  even though potentially 56K in 6 months is doable because this feels so f***ing good to drive 

[CocoPops]

RAC/AA will do used car inspections.

Alternatively, get a forum member to view the car as they'll pick out stuff that isn't "wear and tear".
For example an AA/RAC inspection would look at brake pad wear, but a member would highlight brake dust build up/staining on the caliper etc that an inspection would say is normal.

[Watts]

What year and plate is it? As for things going wrong, well that can happen to a new car let alone second hand, can you purchase a good warranty in Cyprus? As above, get it inspected professionally and a condition check by a fastidious forum member, along with a warranty and I think you'd have done all you can.

[candywhite12]

What year and plate is it? As for things going wrong, well that can happen to a new car let alone second hand, can you purchase a good warranty in Cyprus? As above, get it inspected professionally and a condition check by a fastidious forum member, along with a warranty and I think you'd have done all you can.

it's 2014, 64 plate.

[Watts]

Spotted it on Autotrader, had a read through and a look at the pictures and made a couple of notes. Tyres, General Altimax? Not one I've come across before and to me suggests an owner who was less than fastidious as they would've picked one of the better tyre brands - I'd check what life they have left too, possible bargaining point. The ad states Discovery nav but the headunit is not a nav unit (top right button should be the nav button but says setup) - another possible bargaining point whether you are bothered or not. It also says it includes a warranty, if that is no good to you then get that off the screen price too. Sounds like you are hindered a bit by the specific spec you want as without it I'd say there are better deals to be had.

[candywhite12]

Spotted it on Autotrader, had a read through and a look at the pictures and made a couple of notes. Tyres, General Altimax? Not one I've come across before and to me suggests an owner who was less than fastidious as they would've picked one of the better tyre brands - I'd check what life they have left too, possible bargaining point. The ad states Discovery nav but the headunit is not a nav unit (top right button should be the nav button but says setup) - another possible bargaining point whether you are bothered or not. It also says it includes a warranty, if that is no good to you then get that off the screen price too. Sounds like you are hindered a bit by the specific spec you want as without it I'd say there are better deals to be had.

thanks for this Watts.  Tires, he said they are fairly new, i'd change them anyway.  From what i was told, it was a family car with school-age kids so probably not a young driver so maybe pzeros or pilots were not his first worry Discovery probably won't work down here but you are right, i;ll look into that.  As for the specs, yes you are right, i am hindered a lot, but cannot do without them so that's a one way street for me.

[Little Lofty]

A dealers idea of immaculate is usually far far removed from my idea of immaculate. The slightest mark on the bodywork or alloys and there's a sharp intake of breath when your selling, when your buying its 'normal wear and tear', or 'we haven't had a chance to prep it yet' even though it's been in stock for three months. 99% of salesmen will tell you anything to get a sale, and with you being from Cyprus they pretty much know they have got you by the balls once you make the effort to get over here. If at all possible it would be ideal if a local forum member could view it for you, where is the dealer based?

[candywhite12]

A dealers idea of immaculate is usually far far removed from my idea of immaculate. The slightest mark on the bodywork or alloys and there's a sharp intake of breath when your selling, when your buying its 'normal wear and tear', or 'we haven't had a chance to prep it yet' even though it's been in stock for three months. 99% of salesmen will tell you anything to get a sale, and with you being from Cyprus they pretty much know they have got you by the balls once you make the effort to get over here. If at all possible it would be ideal if a local forum member could view it for you, where is the dealer based?

Bicester.  So you are saying i should be expecting the dealer to fix any paintwork etc and also to have the car in tiptop condition engine-wise?  Because the way i see it, a lot of people sell a car 'as is', and any mechanical or other issues with it are reflected as price reductions.  Having said that, i'd expect it to be in tiptop condition otherwise i wouldn't be making such a trip.  I already posted elsewhere in the forum asking for members' help in checking it out