I'm always a bit bias when it comes to the broker v dealer thing but i'll try and remain impartial.
Sometimes, BUT NOT ALWAYS, the reason
www.uk.cheap.dot.broker.discount.whatever.dot.com can get you a car earlier is because they lie. A proper broker will source it's cars through a main dealer. I personally used to supply one of the biggest brokers in the country so I know the score. They knock a few months off delivery to get the business. Once the dealer has your deposit, you're screwed.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE ALERT!!!!!!!!
How do car brokers work?I personally supplied a major broker almost 120 cars and am happy to explain exactly how the whole thing works.
Customer goes onto brokers website and sees car for 10% discount. Gives credit card num,ber to broker and says yes please. Broker then emails his dealer and passes on the customers details and credit card number. Dealer then phones customer and runs through vehicle requirements. Confirm the spec and then take deposit from credit card. When car has arrived, call customer and arrange a day for our driver to deliver car. Once car is delivered and cleared funds are in dealers bank, we pay broker another 1.5% commision for setting the deal up. This is the only time the broker gets any money. This is why brokers don't mind bending the truth with delivery times because all they need to do is to get you to commit with dealer to buy.
I still stand by my previous comments that buying a car this way is fine, If price is more important than service. I couldn;t give a toss about broker customers (in the nicest possible way) because i'll never meet them and I don't make any money out of them. You will not get the aftercare that a proper customer will get. it all depends on what is the most important thing for you.
I'm in a right strop tonight so I apologise if this is a bit ranty
