Where are used car prices with the MK8 launch and other worldly troubles?

[monkeyhanger]

There's much less leeway for a used car than a new one.

Depending on whether a dealership group meet their volume sales and customer satisfaction targets, they can get a new car for up to 30% less than list price. They just need to sell it and have the overheads of the dealership, the sales people's time, reception, keeping the Flavia machine and Lotus Biscuits well stocked and a portion of the workshop's time for PDIs etc (and a few other factors I haven't considered). The new car coming in isn't depreciating until it is registered and considered used. If a car comes into stock without someone specifically ordering it, they can put off registering it until someone decides to buy (within reason).

Bring in a used car in p/x for maybe 65-75% of probable sticker price. It needs an MOT, the 2 front tyres are a bit low, needs new ones to appeal to buyer, it's out of warranty - £300+ to give a year inclusive warranty, one of the wheels is badly kerbed, replace it...and it's depreciating at a certain rate a month for all the time it doesn't sell. Plenty of opportunities to make a loss or a poor level of profit if the car hangs around.

You're far more likely to get a decent discount on a new VW than a used one, and a far better finance rate if you need finance. For me, it's not worth buying a nearly new VW for coppers less than you can buy a new one.

There's a fine line between a cheeky offer and an offensive piss-take price.

[monkeyhanger]

I realise getting a good deal is important but the best deal isn't necessarily the lowest price. Surely since this is for a s/h car where there are more variables than buying new, getting the right car is more important?

When you've got a car as well equipped as standard as a Performance Golf, I do think you can afford to be less fussy so as not to seriously limit your options. Condition, colour, age - in that order. If you start adding "must have dynaudio" etc. in the mix, you'll find a very small pool of cars that fit your exacting requirements.

It's a bit more difficult when you must have a manual, seeing as VW are trying to take that option away.

[david25]

I’m with Yusee on this,I thought the average joe could go in and haggle 10%.
With the way things are unfolding,why would that not be unreasonable?
In fact,i’m gonna haggle for more,i’m just doing my research to try and establish the sweet spot between “can you please leave the showroom sir” and “sign here please”.
Whilst we don’t want to get bogged down with the virus on here,it is a massive factor in the discussion.

10% on a 25k car is 2500quid not many dealers will entertain that unless they bought it cheap in the first place

In 3-4-6-12 months things will be closer to normal.

If few dealers stop trading, prices will remain stable-ish.

If lots of dealer stop trading, prices will definitely not remain stable in the subsequent fire sale.

So, can they keep the cash flow running?

[My other womans a vw.]

Barry-or it’s been sat on the forecourt for months.In normal circumstances i’d agree.
Watts-without a doubt you want the right car,but what’s wrong with trying to get a good deal as well?
I see job sheets for rework jobs where I am,it sometimes reveals the original discount given to the customer which we aren’t supposed to see-some of them beggar belief,yet when it comes to wage rises,there’s nothing in the pot,despite hitting targets-we are considered the market leader in what we do.
Our problem is we’re too top heavy,is it the case with these large dealerships?
Timing will be key,when to stick,when to twist once this is over-cars weren’t exactly wheel spinning out the showrooms before the virus were they??

[Toeman]

Had thought of tryin to get rid of mine before the summer but all this talk. Means I will more than likely have to sit on it. It’s just too unpredictable

[My other womans a vw.]

What about this?-I take my current car to a local Vw specialist,who worked there for years before setting up on his own.
I was speaking to the owners Dad about changing the car and he told me to have a word with his son because he has a network of dealers he could talk to.
This has just come to me and I’m frustrated cause I spoke to the owner a few weeks back,I only have his works no and now they’re shut.
Has anybody done anything like this in the past and if so,was it worthwhile?

[barrym381]

What about this?-I take my current car to a local Vw specialist,who worked there for years before setting up on his own.
I was speaking to the owners Dad about changing the car and he told me to have a word with his son because he has a network of dealers he could talk to.
This has just come to me and I’m frustrated cause I spoke to the owner a few weeks back,I only have his works no and now they’re shut.
Has anybody done anything like this in the past and if so,was it worthwhile?

That’s just another way to put money in his sons pocket  :grin

[Watts]

Watts-without a doubt you want the right car,but what’s wrong with trying to get a good deal as well?

Nothing wrong with trying to get a good deal, my point is if you find the right car don't miss it just because the dealer won't budge a couple of hundred pounds. The enjoyment you'll get from having the right car is worth far more. The disappointment from getting the wrong car costs far more.

[My other womans a vw.]

Just got in touch with the vw specialist I mentioned earlier-can’t be arsed with Facebook,but luckily the missus can!
He tells me he still has contacts within vw,plus has access to a buying site,which he didn’t name so I presume is some sort of dealer only,dark web do dah.
He said he’d help me buy a car,so we’ll see what develops.

[Mutley75]

Slightly off-topic but might be of interest...

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-volkswagen-idUSKCN21X2V8