Every car I have had has been a compromise, not quite exactly what I want but near enough. This time I'm wanting to pay for something that I have no half regrets and can just enjoy fully. Right a Maranello Bravo 150 T jet Sport it is then...errr...or not as there are currently only 2 on the approved used dealers list in the whole of the country and the nearest is a 6 hour round trip :doh:

So it looks as though I need to buy blind if I dont want to compromise, anyone done this? I would never buy from an indy in this way but as an approved used car would it be safe to say it should be ok?

Only things I can think of is that I wouldnt be able to check consumables such as tyres, brakes wear, steering wheel issues which could add up to a lot worse case scenario but is this the only way to get the car I really want?

What do people think?

Get it brought to you, pay a minimal deposit of say £50, have a good good test drive when it is here, and if it is a total dog, walk away. No real loss. I'd tell the dealer that if the car is not as you want it when it arrives, he must be prepared to do any necessary work before you think about paying anymore.

I'd check up on the laws and rules about your comeback if something does fail though when buying blind...I am aware if you do not view a car when buying on FleaBay, you have little-to-no comeback. Obviously it is totally different on an auction site to the world of dealers, but I would triple check you have the same amount of fallback.

ascott92 said:

Get it brought to you, pay a minimal deposit of say £50, have a good good test drive when it is here, and if it is a total dog, walk away.

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Dealers aren't just going to ship cars about.

Tbh I'd call said dealer, ask to speak to sales and ask every single question you can think of, they'll happily answer, then if you want, pay a deposit and go and view it.

If it's then not as described get deposit back and you've just had a big day out, not real losses.

Tbh I'm going to have a similar issue when I start looking for a Dualogic Bravo.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Dealers aren't just going to ship cars about.

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Provided they have another branch local and pay a deposit for them to see you're interested enough, they will. Arnold Clark were happy enough to bring a low mileage Panda half way up the country just because my ex liked the colour more than any other, so long as a deposit was paid.

It would only be from a Fiat dealer that I would be buying it from as the prices aren't much difference yet you get a better service including a better warranty, although I've heard that even this isn't worth much.

Im under the impression that dealer network cars are obliged to sell decent cars unlike most indys that I have bought from that have just been awful.

ascott92 said:

Provided they have another branch local and pay a deposit for them to see you're interested enough, they will. Arnold Clark were happy enough to bring a low mileage Panda half way up the country just because my ex liked the colour more than any other, so long as a deposit was paid.

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But that's within group, doesn't sound like this one is.

iTalian Jet said:

Im under the impression that dealer network cars are obliged to sell decent cars unlike most indys that I have bought from that have just been awful.

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Can sell what they want tbh. Define decent. Lol.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

But that's within group, doesn't sound like this one is.

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Yeah, re-read the post, my bad

Yes, if it is as described what's the risk
If it is not you can negotiate, this is what a deposit is for

Im looking to buy from the Fiat dealership network.

I guess deposits are there incase you dont agree with the condition want a reduction and get told to hop it but thanks for £100 or whatever.

iTalian Jet said:

Im looking to buy from the Fiat dealership network.

I guess deposits are there incase you dont agree with the condition want a reduction and get told to hop it but thanks for £100 or whatever.

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If you are buying from fiat what's the problem?

Well I dont know hence me asking. So there is nothing to worry about then? What about issues such dents, scratches, worn tyres, worn brake discs, pads that you cant see but could cost a small fortune in sorting out. I didnt know if there were any obligations for the dealers to be 100% honest about them or if once the price has been agreed whether there was room for additional negotiations with 'wear and tear' items.

If I bought one from a dealership miles away would the nearest dealer be just as forthcoming in sorting out any dealership warranty work (outside of Fiat UK warranty)? Didnt know how the warranties work, I thought that when a dealership has to claim on work done under warranty they get penalised with high premiums.

iTalian Jet said:

Well I dont know hence me asking. So there is nothing to worry about then? What about issues such dents, scratches, worn tyres, worn brake discs, pads that you cant see but could cost a small fortune in sorting out. I didnt know if there were any obligations for the dealers to be 100% honest about them or if once the price has been agreed whether there was room for additional negotiations with 'wear and tear' items.

If I bought one from a dealership miles away would the nearest dealer be just as forthcoming in sorting out any dealership warranty work (outside of Fiat UK warranty)? Didnt know how the warranties work, I thought that when a dealership has to claim on work done under warranty they get penalised with high premiums.

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It will be good if it's from fiat main dealer

i bought my last 2 cars without looking, 1 was a rover 200 vi which went like a stabbed rat and never let me down, the other was a mg zt 190 v6 which also never let me down and went like a stabbed rat with a V1 up its arse, i went and had a good luck at my bravo, test drove it and everything, and its been back 3 times now........................ITS ALL ABOUT LUCK!!!

Thanks guys, what about the negotiation stages, do you go to the nearest dealer and say that you want one thats elsewhere but for a better price or do you need to negotiate with the dealer that has it?
Also can you ask them about discs, tyre wear etc and expect an accurate opinion?

iTalian Jet said:

Thanks guys, what about the negotiation stages, do you go to the nearest dealer and say that you want one thats elsewhere but for a better price or do you need to negotiate with the dealer that has it?
Also can you ask them about discs, tyre wear etc and expect an accurate opinion?

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All depends if it's in 'group' stock as to if you negotiate with the dealer it's at or your local one.

As I've said called the dealer with the car and fire away with your questions

What is meant by group stock?

iTalian Jet said:

What is meant by group stock?

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Dealer franchise stock.

An approved used Fiat will be owned by a franchise, not Fiat UK, so you'll only be able to possibly negotiate with your dealer about another dealers car if they're both in the same franchise.

How would you know whether they are the same franchise or not or is it a case of just asking them?

If they are not the same franchise will they be able to get it and part exchange it for what I have at the moment?

iTalian Jet said:

How would you know whether they are the same franchise or not or is it a case of just asking them?

If they are not the same franchise will they be able to get it and part exchange it for what I have at the moment?

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You'll be able to tell by their name normally. For example, most of east Anglia is covered by 'Desira' Fiat. So all Desira garages are part of the same franchise and group stock is the stock held within the Desira group of garages

If they are not part of the same franchise then they probably won't as essentially they're different businesses, the only thing they have in common is selling and servicing Fiats.