Buying a car Where should you buy a new car?

With a dizzying range of options it can be difficult to know where to buy...

Buying a car from a local dealer may be the easiest option, but is it the best? We’ve weighed up the pros and cons of the other options open to you when buying a new car to find out.

Buying a car from franchised dealers

Customer service counts for a lot, and many people return to the main dealers they know if they've had good previous experiences.

Pros

Face-to-face service; someone to answer questions
Order the exact specification you want
Wide choice of cars to look at and test-drive
Easy to part exchange your old car
Best comeback if things go wrong

Cons

Expensive – but haggle hard and you can usually get a fair discount
Selling your old car privately usually beats part-exchange values

Buying a car from brokers

Telephone- and can deliver a bargain to your door – if you can make do without the personal service you’ll get from a dealer.

Pros

You can save thousands of pounds on main dealer prices
Most now source cars from other UK dealers, so it’s easy to compare prices and specs
You can usually order the specification you want
One-stop shop for many different makes and models

Cons

No test drives available and limited personal contact
Delivery times and fees can vary – check up front
Not many offer a part-exchange service

Buying a car from car supermarkets

Supermarkets are a growing threat to established car dealers. Their stock is mainly used, though many also sell factory-fresh and pre-registered cars (those already registered but with only delivery mileage).

Pros

Very competitive prices – especially compared with main dealers
Lots of makes and models on one site
Test drives are available – though rarely offered
Most offer finance packages
Drive the car away the same day

Cons

Choice depends on what’s in stock
‘No-frills’ approach to customer service in most cases
New cars may be imports, so check for full UK specification
Clock will already be running on pre-registered cars’ warranties

Buying a car from import agents

You can still save thousands on some cars by buying from dealers in other EU countries. An import agent should make the process easier.

Pros

Can source big discounts from other EU countries
Saves you hassle on paperwork, negotiation and collection
Will usually deliver to your door

Cons

Importing can be time-consuming and delivery times long
Comparing prices is tricky due to currency fluctuations and equipment differences across countries
Agent may want a large deposit before confirming delivery date