Distance buying from franchise..

[Spacewagon52]

One happy dog!

[Chris111]

3 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

My delivery would have been £180, a fair amount to loose if I wasn't happy!

I agree. I would have lost £150 but as I said if you have to travel yourself you may incur costs. I bought my last GS from a dealer just outside Exeter and, as I live in (what I am told is) the most north westerly town in England, that was not a journey that would have been easily done in one day so an over night stay was needed.

[Spacewagon52]

Just now, Chris111 said:

I agree. I would have lost £150 but as I said if you have to travel yourself you may incur costs. I bought my last GS from a dealer just outside Exeter and, as I live in (what I am told is) the most north westerly town in England, that was not a journey that would have been easily done in one day so an over night stay was needed.

To get the "right" Lexus you want, you will almost certainly have to travel. For me, Southampton, Ipswich, Northampton and Bristol!

[Chris111]

1 minute ago, Spacewagon52 said:

To get the "right" Lexus you want, you will almost certainly have to travel. For me, Southampton, Ipswich, Northampton and Bristol!

To get the "right" Lexus I want I know I do have to travel. My last GS was the right colour and trim spec so I had to travel to get it. Delivery options weren't even mentioned! I have, unfortunately, found that most of the (mainly Lexus) cars I would be interested purchasing in are in the south of the UK so I would still have to travel if I want to purchase one. This is were I think that dealers bringing the car to you is a good thing.

[Phil xxkr]

48 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

Yes, a 2015 CR-V.  I tried the 2 litre petrol one locally and it was absolutely gutless, so a friend drove me up to Burton on Trent this morning and I bought the 2.2 diesel, so much more power.  I really enjoyed the drive home, it's top spec with leather and all the toys.  Just as importantly, plenty of headroom for a tall Greyhound!

By coincidence I live 5 miles fron Bot 😎

[-Error-]

I'll throw my story from last year. A relative looking for the next Lexus - found the exact model she wanted in Bristol, spoke to the dealership and everything sounded right so I nudged her to book a visit and a test drive. The sales person was very helpful with sorting out the paperwork, the process of part-exchange and a good deal on the new car. We also got told about the only previous owner on this approved dealer vehicle (Lexus Bristol is ran by Motorline) and were assured that it is in great condition as the owner upgraded to a new model. Turns out that the guy has not inspected the car itself - it has gone through the Lexus 100-odd point check and passed with flying colours. 

When we arrived and I took a look around the car I started spotting a few undisclosed surprised - there was a deep scratch running through the rear door&fender - it was polished out but still very clear to see, the armrest leather was worn out to the point of tearing - the guy promised to order a replacement free of charge. Then I noticed the front bumper was slightly misaligned with the DRLs, upon our test drive the steering did not feel 100% accurate so I decided to take a look under the bonnet - noticed the crash bar styrofoam was slightly chipped, a sign that the bumper was removed and not replaced properly(or worse, has suffered other types of damage). Something that a trained apprentice could have avoided. The bonnet then sprang back open whilst on our way back to the dealership. These were some obvious signs of damage to the front end of the vehicle that even the dealer had not noticed during handover or disclosed. When challenged, the salesman used a few cover arguments and tried to convince us that no body panel is ever perfectly aligned and there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

It's fair to say that we didn't end up buying this lemon and have not been back to Bristol since.

I vote for personal inspection prior to purchase - or delivery if you are not worried about timescales of handing the vehicle back and having to cancel the purchase and waiting for the funds to be returned.

[-Error-]

10 minutes ago, Chris111 said:

To get the "right" Lexus I want I know I do have to travel. My last GS was the right colour and trim spec so I had to travel to get it. Delivery options weren't even mentioned! I have, unfortunately, found that most of the (mainly Lexus) cars I would be interested purchasing in are in the south of the UK so I would still have to travel if I want to purchase one. This is were I think that dealers bringing the car to you is a good thing.

I find it ironic that whilst living in South Wales majority of the Lexus' we owned in the family have been purchased up north. Last two came from Bolton and Blyth.

[The-Acre]

48 minutes ago, Phil xxkr said:

By coincidence I live 5 miles fron Bot 😎

You could have bought me coffee!

[serbarry]

4 hours ago, PJD69 said:

Thanks John, it might be best if I put a deposit down (which I'm on the brink of doing) before disclosing the link..

I've missed two opportunities doing this before!

Please let us know which model it is after the purchase.

[Phil xxkr]

10 hours ago, The-Acre said:

You could have bought me coffee!

As long as you bought the lunch 😎

[Steve67]

15 hours ago, PJD69 said:

I have seen the car of my dreams..

Due to health problems the 3+ hours drive is beyond me.

It is from an approved Lexus franchise not a main dealer. I'm assured a Lexus (not 3rd party) 12 month warranty will be applied (so I can take it to a nearer dealership for any warranty issues) and it would have a new MOT done, a full service (major), and the 150 point checks etc. It would be driven to my home. Under distance selling rules, I could return the car if there was a problem with it. I'm guessing I'd need to involve a third party should that happen, but the option is there.

I'll be asking for certain details that were agreed over the phone to be confirmed in writing (email).

Has anybody got experience doing this?

How risky is it?

PS I have searched for months for such an example within a fair radius locally without success, hence ....

We bought a Focus during lockdown in January.. from Trustford.. the car was at up north and was trailer transported down to Tamworth Trustford our nearest dealership.. we basically did a deal over the phone  all pending viewing the car.. and drove it away within the hour..it had the 14 day return policy( money back guarantee) if we didn't like it.. we had no issues...alot of dealers are doing similar..

[Steve67]

To add to this my son in law bought a Lexus recently.. the garage gave 30 day warranty.. the wheel bearing is now humming.. he is within the 30 day period but the garage says a wheel bearing only needs replacement when the wheel will not rotate...he wants the dealer to pay the £580 for the repair as he loves the car,but they are only offering a refund, which is ok but since purchase he's had 4 brand new tyres fitted.. ...

[royoftherovers]

48 minutes ago, Steve67 said:

To add to this my son in law bought a Lexus recently.. the garage gave 30 day warranty.. the wheel bearing is now humming.. he is within the 30 day period but the garage says a wheel bearing only needs replacement when the wheel will not rotate...he wants the dealer to pay the £580 for the repair as he loves the car,but they are only offering a refund, which is ok but since purchase he's had 4 brand new tyres fitted.. ...

Tell the crooked Dealer that he has to repair under the Statutory Warranty and if he refuses you`ll involve Trading Standards.

As a last resort get the money back plus a sum for the tyres, don`t deal with him again and give him a lousy and honest  review on his website and Social Media too.

[Steve67]

2 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Tell the crooked Dealer that he has to repair under the Statutory Warranty and if he refuses you`ll involve Trading Standards.

As a last resort get the money back plus a sum for the tyres, don`t deal with him again and give him a lousy and honest  review on his website and Social Media too.

To say a wheel bearing only needs replacement when a wheel will not rotate is a laugh and sums the dealer up... agree with your comments.. 

[steve2006]

2 hours ago, Phil xxkr said:

As long as you bought the lunch 😎

Could have gone on the brewery tour as well.......maybe not though😀

[PJD69]

What a nice forum.

Lot's of very helpful and interesting comments!

15 hours ago, Chris111 said:

I appreciate that not all dealers operate the same but this is not my experience. I bought my current car this way. Put a refundable £500.00 deposit down and the dealer brought the car to my house. It was only after a check over and test drive to confirm I was happy with the purchase that I then paid for it. If I found it was not for me they would have taken the car away and refunded my deposit. The only thing I would have been out of pocket from if the delivery charge but the way I see it if you have to travel a distance to see a car you will incur costs yourself.

Would love to be able to do the trade this way.

I doubt the salesman would though - would show confidence in the vehicle if he did mind.

13 hours ago, -Error- said:

I'll throw my story from last year. A relative looking for the next Lexus - found the exact model she wanted in Bristol, spoke to the dealership and everything sounded right so I nudged her to book a visit and a test drive. <..>

When we arrived and I took a look around the car I started spotting a few undisclosed surprised <..> I noticed the front bumper was slightly misaligned with the DRLs, upon our test drive the steering did not feel 100% accurate <..>

I vote for personal inspection prior to purchase - or delivery if you are not worried about timescales of handing the vehicle back and having to cancel the purchase and waiting for the funds to be returned.

Loving the positive experiences it's giving confidence, but have to consider possible outcomes.

A local engineer doing a pre-sales inspection would give another layer of protection. Just so happens there is a renowned Lexus specialist in the same town. (So that narrows down which dealership it is!)

Is it likely Lexus would be agreeable to this?

I will reveal what the car is, but honestly it's not something most Lexus fans would get excited about.

@Steve67 I agree with John this could be one for trading standards if the seller doesn't budge, a defective wheel bearing can be dangerous. 

[steve2006]

33 minutes ago, Steve67 said:

To say a wheel bearing only needs replacement when a wheel will not rotate is a laugh and sums the dealer up... agree with your comments.. 

Also it’s worrying that you have had to replace all four tyres so soon after purchase, was this for legal (low tread) or other reasons (mixed makes) ?

[Phil xxkr]

22 minutes ago, steve2006 said:

Could have gone on the brewery tour as well.......maybe not though😀

I know of a lot better places than the tour 🍺

22 minutes ago, steve2006 said:

Could have gone on the brewery tour as well.......maybe not though😀

 

[The-Acre]

59 minutes ago, steve2006 said:

Could have gone on the brewery tour as well.......maybe not though😀

I could certainly smell the brewery!

[The-Acre]

2 hours ago, Steve67 said:

To add to this my son in law bought a Lexus recently.. the garage gave 30 day warranty.. the wheel bearing is now humming.. he is within the 30 day period but the garage says a wheel bearing only needs replacement when the wheel will not rotate...he wants the dealer to pay the £580 for the repair as he loves the car,but they are only offering a refund, which is ok but since purchase he's had 4 brand new tyres fitted.. ...

When bought my GS a few years ago it came with a glossy warranty pack, when I tried to make a claim for a worn ball joint they told me its only covered if it fails!  

[steve2006]

29 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

I could certainly smell the brewery!

You could also have smelt the coffee as you were also 25 miles from me 😀

[Spacewagon52]

15 hours ago, -Error- said:

I'll throw my story from last year. A relative looking for the next Lexus - found the exact model she wanted in Bristol, spoke to the dealership and everything sounded right so I nudged her to book a visit and a test drive. The sales person was very helpful with sorting out the paperwork, the process of part-exchange and a good deal on the new car. We also got told about the only previous owner on this approved dealer vehicle (Lexus Bristol is ran by Motorline) and were assured that it is in great condition as the owner upgraded to a new model. Turns out that the guy has not inspected the car itself - it has gone through the Lexus 100-odd point check and passed with flying colours. 

When we arrived and I took a look around the car I started spotting a few undisclosed surprised - there was a deep scratch running through the rear door&fender - it was polished out but still very clear to see, the armrest leather was worn out to the point of tearing - the guy promised to order a replacement free of charge. Then I noticed the front bumper was slightly misaligned with the DRLs, upon our test drive the steering did not feel 100% accurate so I decided to take a look under the bonnet - noticed the crash bar styrofoam was slightly chipped, a sign that the bumper was removed and not replaced properly(or worse, has suffered other types of damage). Something that a trained apprentice could have avoided. The bonnet then sprang back open whilst on our way back to the dealership. These were some obvious signs of damage to the front end of the vehicle that even the dealer had not noticed during handover or disclosed. When challenged, the salesman used a few cover arguments and tried to convince us that no body panel is ever perfectly aligned and there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

It's fair to say that we didn't end up buying this lemon and have not been back to Bristol since.

I vote for personal inspection prior to purchase - or delivery if you are not worried about timescales of handing the vehicle back and having to cancel the purchase and waiting for the funds to be returned.

That is an interesting story because I spoke to a chap who bought a 450h from Lexus Tonbridge (Motorline) and found damage underneath the front valance. Just because it is from a Lexus dealer do not take it for granted that the car will be well looked after. Caveat Emptor!

[Alan305]

It will always be buyer beware. Our NX from Lexus Stockport was fine, but the front Lexus badge was broken and grill had a small crack. Shame they missed it, but immediately suggested my local Lexus dealer could replace and Stockport cover the cost. All done and now happy.

As Lexus increase sales standards may drop a little but they are still many, many times better than others. My point would be always complain loudly, that’s how we keep levels high.

[Phil xxkr]

2 hours ago, royoftherovers said:

Tell the crooked Dealer that he has to repair under the Statutory Warranty and if he refuses you`ll involve Trading Standards.

As a last resort get the money back plus a sum for the tyres, don`t deal with him again and give him a lousy and honest  review on his website and Social Media too.

How did you pay for the car? Why did you change the tyres? How long is the Mot? 

[Phil xxkr]

1 hour ago, The-Acre said:

I could certainly smell the brewery!

Yes, it's quite a pervasive odour